Why book White Beach Dubai
Dubai has no shortage of beautiful beach clubs, with new waterfront hangouts opening rapidly and many on the horizon. So when it comes to a fantastic beach day – one with great views and a great strip of sand – sometimes only the classics will do. This is the case for White Beach, Atlantis The Palm’s shiny Mediterranean-inspired beach club, which has reopened for this season with a beautiful new restaurant, promising one of the best pool days in Dubai – in the shadows of the iconic resort, it invites guests into the world its hotel guests experience, with magical city views and ample sunbathing space.
The vibe
Sitting in the grounds of Atlantis The Palm Dubai – one of the city’s most famous resorts – White Beach is a great day out for tourists to the emirate, along with locals needing some sunshine and relaxation. The beach club is located around a curved, lake-like pool and breezy restaurants, emulating the feeling of a Greek island – but with the most iconic views of Dubai. Guests lie in the sunbeds peppered around the swimming pool, hideaway in elegant private cabanas- some fit for hosting dinner parties – and flit in and out to the restaurant, which, following a refurbishment, is a dining destination in itself.
The beds
At White Beach Dubai, guests can choose from a wide range of seating, from sunbeds with shaded umbrellas – fringing the pool and overlooking the iconic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline – to premium seating or a selection of cabanas. Sunbeds (from AED200 for the day) are plush with soft towels, while premium seats are like beautiful sun-soaked day beds in superior positions across the beach club (from AED1,000). The ultimate luxury experience can be had at the private Cabanas, earthy and rustic-luxe, either on the beach (AED3,000) or elevated above the sands on warming wooden decking with private plunge pools. We spend the day at a Panoramic Pool cabana (from AED4,000), perched on the side overlooking the ocean and the ideal spot for catch-ups with groups, lounging and sipping rosé in the shaded curbed seating area. Guests can order from the Mediterranean menu straight to sunbeds or cabanas or pootle across to the restaurant – which has had a chic new makeover. All cabanas offer a percentage of the day price redeemable on food and beverage – a wonderful touch.
The food and drink
New for the season is White Beach’s glamourous expanded restaurant – which is now double the size of its predecessor. The beachfront space evokes feelings of a Greek island – with rustic boho rattan and wicker – and overlooks the waves and Palm Jumeirah. There’s a warm, holiday feeling to the space, encouraged by the army of smiling and extremely on-it staff. The menu matches the beachy Mediterranean aesthetic, all delicious fresh fish, raw dishes, sushi and crispy pizzas, salads and pasta – perfect for days in the sun and typical of the Dubai beach club experience, but with a few innovative plays with flavours. We enjoy a lunch of zaatar yoghurt spread and fresh warm bread (AED45), watermelon and feta Salad (AED85), sautéed gambas tava (AED115) and a soft flaky piece of fresh walnut-crusted sea bass (AED235). Rose
The verdict
White Beach Dubai is still among Dubai’s greatest, thanks to its prime position, ample space and now chic revamped restaurant. There’s something for everyone, from sunbeds to snap up for the day to luxury private cabanas with plunge pools – perfect for a get-together, birthday celebration or even an elevated day out with friends. If you’re looking for a stylish and failsafe pool day in Dubai, book a bed at White Beach or even just pop into the restaurant for a breezy ocean-front lunch.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; Palm Jumeirah; atlantis.com, @whitebeach
