November 18, 2024
Best Beach Resorts and Hotels in Abu Dhabi — The Ultimate Escape
Best Beach Resorts and Hotels in Abu Dhabi — The Ultimate Escape
KNOW MORETable of contents
November 2, 2024
The UAE spring is just around the corner – a not-too-hot, not-too-cold time of year where an afternoon spent lounging by a pool is just about the best way to revel in the great outdoors.
If you’re an Abu Dhabi resident or a visitor looking for the perfect spot to get some lengths in and bask in the beautiful weather, you’ll find plenty of options in the capital. From upscale infinity pools with swanky cabanas on Saadiyat Island to laid-back, inner-city retreats, here are the top places to book a day pass and get your splash on.
Saadiyat Island is known to many people as the most beautiful beach destination in the Middle East. But when you’re not after sandy shores and salty waters, where can you find the finest pools on Saadiyat Island?
Saadiyat Beach Club is the island’s premier pool destination and arguably one of the most glamorous in Abu Dhabi. You can spend an entire day swimming and lapping the luxury vibes in the club’s 650-square-metre, temperature-controlled infinity pool.
You’ll even have your pick between private cabanas, sun loungers or plush daybeds, all with views out to the Arabian Gulf. Poolside, you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a few house beverages and bubbly versions at one of the club’s award-winning restaurants or their boho-chic beach bar.
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset
Day pass entry fees:
Tap into the Island rhythm at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’s 400-metre private shoreline. Choose between three stunning outdoor pools and beach access to the azure waters and white sands of Saadiyat Island. Nothing says relaxation like a poolside cocktail, and here you’ll find many swim-up poolside bars serving delicious mocktails, tropical mixed drinks and tasty snacks.
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset
Day pass entry fees:
However, day passes in Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort are subject to availability. So, book early to secure yourself a spot.
Occupying an enviable location on the island’s beachfront, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas boasts a fantastic, larger-than-life outdoor pool. With your arms atop the pool’s edge, you can look out into the sea and possibly catch a glimpse of Hawksbill turtles, dolphins and the occasional dugong, a few of Saadiyat Island’s frequent visitors.
Order your favourite alfresco treats, drinks and light meals and have them delivered right to your sunbed from the Pool Bar, the resort’s casual dining venue. Book your day pass at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee entry.
Hours: From 7 a.m. to sunset
Day pass entry fees:
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is a family-friendly, five-star luxury resort with not one, not two, but five indoor and outdoor heated pools, including adults-only, children and whirlpool facilities.
Bring your little ones along and book a day pass at Nation Riviera Beach Club, the exclusive beachfront venue at St. Regis, featuring lounger- and cabana-lined, temperature-controlled pools, a 200-metre stretch of pearly white sands and a Jacuzzi area.
If you’re on a diet, you’ll especially appreciate the three under 300-calorie menu options available at Cabana Beach Bar and Grill, one of the club’s poolside eateries, that offers a tantalising selection of dishes that’ll still keep that waistline nice and trim.
Hours:
Day pass fees:
If you want to crank up the luxury factor, why not book a day pass to Nurai Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets? This exclusive oasis is just a 10-minute boat ride from the shores of Saadiyat Island. Here, you can take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the island’s turquoise waters.
You can also sign up for water sports activities, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or wakeboarding, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at Nurai Spa.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at the Ginger Mermaid, an Asian-inspired cuisine restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and sushi, or head on over to the Smokin’ Pineapple, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and iconic cocktails with a side of boho-chic, hammock-jungle vibes.
At Nurai Island, there’s also a waterpark for the kiddos, so be sure to bring the whole family along for a day of fun in the sun.
Day pass prices:
Day passes cover access to the pool, beach and waterpark, as well as boat transfers to and from the island.
Island retreats aren’t the only places in the capital where you can cool off in style. If you’re on the hunt for top-notch swimming pools in Abu Dhabi that come with a side of panoramic skyline views, nature-infused settings or holiday vacation vibes, here are some of our favourites:
Did someone say rooftop pool? One of the trendiest venues in the city, The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s pool is an infinity-edge dream with views out over the Al Bateen Marina and the city skyline in the distance. Relax cabana- and sun lounger-side, order delicious gourmet-prepared food and sip on your icy cold cocktails as you listen to chilled-out beats and watch the sun go down.
Hours: Sunday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pool access prices: AED 150 from Sunday to Wednesday and AED 225 from Thursday to Saturday
Another infinity pool hall-of-famer, but this time, edging the capital’s skyscrapers on one side and an expanse of lush greenery on the other, is the Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Melt your stresses away on the umbrella-shaded sunbeds and let your little ones splash around in the separate kids’ pool right by your side.
If you’re in the mood for an adventure, rent a kayak and paddle your way through the surrounding mangroves, or hop on one of their private rhino boats or luxury yacht tours.
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pool day pass experience fees: AED 150 per person (including AED 150 for food and beverage credit)
Streaks of celeste ripple at the base of an Olympic-sized pool whose edges are dotted with mini water fountains. Tall palm trees sway in the breeze, with a view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi Creek peeking out from the horizon.
If this sounds like your version of poolside paradise, then a day pass to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr might just be what you’re looking for. In this a little of the old, a little of the new five-star hotel, you can swim laps in the pool or laze the day away on a sunbed and savour a menu of gourmet burgers, fresh salads and mixed drinks from the swim-up bar, all while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool and Beach Pass fees:
Deep in the heart of the dunes, a mere 50 km from Abu Dhabi lies Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, a cream-coloured, palace-like retreat with Arabesque design accents that add to its allure.
Kick back by the poolside under a sunbathing gazebo and let your eyes drift towards the expansive desertscape. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or two from Panache, a laid-back dining spot with a swim-up bar, or visit Saray Spa for a deep cleansing treatment, traditional Turkish hammam, sauna and steam room session, or a dip in the plunge pools.
Day pass prices: AED 150 per person
One of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned hotels, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, also happens to be home to one of the capital’s most exquisite, sandstone-tiled infinity pools with sleek pavilions and sunbeds overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Khor Al Maqta creek.
Whisk your partner away on a romantic daycation to this fabulous resort and treat them to a couple’s massage at CHI, The Spa and a delectable breakfast from the onsite pool and beach bar.
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Day pass fees:
When all you need is to press pause on the daily grind, escape from routine and indulge in a bit of luxury, Abu Dhabi’s hotels, high-end resorts and private beach clubs are just the ticket. Book your spot now for Saadiyat Island’s pool day pass options or grab exciting offers at Abu Dhabi’s most relaxing venues and prepare to unwind in style.
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