Wine and oysters on the beach
A day at the beach in Dubai doesn’t have to cost a thing, but it is a lot more fun to relax on a comfortable chaise in the shade with a glass of chilled white wine and a dozen oysters. While there are dozens of classy beach clubs to choose from, most clubs are part of the best 5-star hotels and range from comfortable and pricy to luxurious and outrageously expensive.
Royal mirage: One & Only
Not everybody can afford a room at the Royal Mirage, but a day at their beach club is a lot more accessible. The resort consists of 3 hotels built in the style of an Arab fort and decorated with an Arabian Nights theme. The swimming pool and 1 km private beach are free for hotel guests. Spontaneous drop-ins are not permitted, but for 250 dirham (50 euros) you may book a day pass. Please note: day guests are not entitled to use the shower facilities or changing rooms.
Alone in the world in 'Lebanon'
The economic crisis also had an impact on Dubai. Mega project The World, the artificial archipelago of islands in the shape of all the continents, was supposed to be ready in 2008. However, in 2013 only 2 of the 263 islands had been completed – ‘Greenland’ now has a show villa and ‘Lebanon’ features the Royal Island Beach Club. This tropical-themed beach restaurant, complete with swimming pool, has a bright white sandy beach with luxurious beach cabins and chaises on the shore of a blue lagoon. Prices include ferry transfer and a sunset dinner.
Glamorous: Riva Beach Club
In Dubai, only hotel bars and restaurants are usually entitled to a liquor license, but Sheikh Mohammed was willing to make an exception for the Riva. The most glamorous beach club in this desert state is located on the ‘trunk’ of the Palm Jumeirah: lazy sofas, a swimming pool and hundreds of comfortable chaises with a view of the Dubai skyline. The relatively affordable restaurant serves antipasto, salads, pizzas and pasta.
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In the mini state of Dubai, home to 600 hotels of which 65 are 5 stars or higher, it will take a lot more to impress guests than a simple bottle of wine or free Wi-Fi in their room. How about a hot tub with a view of 65,000 bright fish in a subtropical lagoon? Or perhaps a dining table at a ski slope while the outside temperature rises above 40 degrees?
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For the residents of the United Arab Emirates, Friday is like Sunday in the west – a quiet, lazy day of rest. On the first day of the weekend, restaurants try to outdo each other with delectable gourmet brunch buffets. Oysters served on shaved ice, crab, lobster and crispy Peking duck are among just some of the delicacies offered. Decadence is a virtue, as it is after all the most festive meal of the week.
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