Dubai beach and pool access Archives - Undefined Declarations

My Favorite Dubai Beach Club: Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa

I like to call this golf/beach resort my secret mini getaway destination. Sadly, the secret has already been out in the two older posts that I wrote on this magical beach club. You can check them out again here and here.

Now although I’ve been to most of the five-star Dubai beach clubs, and most recently have checked one out in Abu Dhabi, I must admit that I always find myself coming back to this lovely and secluded beach club: the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.

There’s something about this beach club that is not found at any other location in Dubai. For the most part, its location outside of the city makes it perfect for a mini getaway when you don’t have time for a short or long trip on a jet plane. The atmosphere is unlike any other in Dubai….you feel transformed into a different and classy world. Where comfort, top of the notch facilities, and a chilled vibe are the only existing elements.

Honestly, I could go on and on about this place without getting tired. But let me take you on a journey of how I spent my day at the resort last week.

I started my day by chilling by the infinity pool…the pool is spacious with a shallow area for children. It also has these cool fountains that are fun to play with for the kids, or just lounge under as an adult 🙂

Peacocks are found everywhere at the resort

After lounging by the infinity pool and going for an incredibly refreshing swim, I headed to Captain’s bar for a light lunch. The bar is located by the 800 meter wide beach, and is completely shaded. I had the Arabic mezza plate and a Caprese salad.

Arabic mezza plate at Captain's bar — Arabic mezza plate at Captain’s bar

Caprese salad at Captain's bar — Caprese salad at Captain’s bar

I had booked a treatment at the spa at the beginning of my day, and so I decided to use the spa wet room facilities before my treatment starts.

The spa wet room facilities include a jacuzzi, a steam room and a sauna room. They can be used by anyone who books a treatment at the spa. My favorite part is without a doubt the jacuzzi. I’ve been day-dreaming about soaking in the jacuzzi for a couple of weeks, if not months!

Tip: Don’t miss out on the experience showers available at the spa. These are to be used in between lounging in the steam, sauna or jacuzzi!

Signature Treatments at the Spa:

The spa offers a variety of signature treatments on a daily basis. On Tuesday – the day that I was there – the treatment was for a traditional Hammam and scalp massage!

I’ve only had a Moroccan bath once, but this was my first time to try a traditional Hammam treatment, and I’m so glad that I did!

The treatment left my skin feeling baby soft and tender to touch. It also removed all the dead skin cells and left me feeling lighter, fresh and so rejuvenated. The therapist was also great as she exerted just the right amount of pressure while scrubbing my skin. I also have extremely sensitive skin and the treatment was gentle and didn’t irritate my skin or anything. The spa used Elemis products in all its treatments. In the traditional Hammam, a Moroccan black soap was used in addition to the Elemis products.

The treatment included a highly relaxing and soothing scalp massage. I didn’t want it to end!

After my treatment was over, I made my way to the beach to catch the last sun rays before the sun sets! and if you’ve been following me on my Facebook Page, you would know that I can’t be at the beach and not have an iced latte!

The JA Beach at sunset... — The JA Beach at sunset…

It may be the end of another day at the chic and classy Jebel Ali Beach Club, but I’m certain that I’ll go back there for more relaxation and unwinding by the beautiful and pristine beach…

All I could think of while waiting for the shuttle bus to take us back to the city, was: I want to just live out here and never leave!

I think the energy in that place is just so amazingly positive, that I always leave a much happier, peaceful and relaxed version of my typically sad and depressed self!

Do you want to know what makes this resort unique?

The fact that you have access to a great number of activities all in one single place! You can choose to do any of the following:

Activities for kids.
800 meter wide beach access.
Access to four swimming pools, including one with salt sea water!
Access to a variety of water sports.
Golf club.
High-end spa.
Two hotels; Jebel Ali Beach Hotel and Palm Tree Court.
A number of dining and bar options.
A boat marina!

As you can see the options are endless of how you can choose to spend your day at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. In case I missed anything, have a look at their web site and plan a day out or more for you and your loved ones 🙂

http://www.jaresortshotels.com/Hotels/Home.aspx

A shuttle bus service is also available to transport guests to and from a number of landmark locations in the city!

Since I didn’t get to spend much time on the beach this time, because of my spa treatment. I’m definitely planning another trip to this magical resort soon. Most likely it will be after my summer term at University ends. And I would love to stay at the Palm Tree Court residence for a night or two. I might even try out some water sports while I’m there. And who knows, maybe, I will finally finish reading that book about blogging!

Ending this post with a picture of where I would like to have a romantic dinner date with my potential partner (once I meet him) 😀

Seriously, who could wish for anything better than this? 🙂

Rebellious Diva signing off…

My Unsponsored Beach Day!

So it seems that most of my fans can’t really afford to spend time reading my posts…and I’m honestly getting tired of trying to promote my posts, my Facebook Page or my baby blog. That’s why, I have decided to write short posts (OK mostly because I don’t have the time to write long posts anymore with the University commitments and stuff) and to spare you the agony of having to go through lines and paragraphs of content that you might not even find interesting!

Having said that, if you are someone who just happens to actually read my posts from beginning to end, then speak now or forever hold your peace (or something like that). Oh and do comment on my Facebook Page’s link to the post, as the comments section on the blog’s web site is currently messed up and I haven’t got the time to sort it out (didn’t I tell you I’m short on time these days?!)

I had done a couple of brutally honest beach club reviews before the crazy Dubai summer months began. You can check out my latest one here.

But since I felt like I was melting in the shade while doing that review and since it wasn’t sponsored by any entity and since I developed a small facial skin defect after doing that review, I decided that I had gone too far with my blogging compromises and that it was time to regain some of my sanity before I went out and did another Dubai Beach Club Review.

Fast forward four months later, I find myself back on the beach club review track. This time, joining the Russian, Italian and British tourists at one of JBR’s private stretches of beach: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.

As my blog’s title suggests, my day at the resort wasn’t sponsored in any way. I paid the exact fee for the weekend day pass (350 AED), I took my own photos, I paid for my own lunch at the walk and later the two refreshingly tasty iced coffees that I had!

And I would like to add that I was doing this for the rest of the beach club reviews that I had previously done on this awesome (even if no one agrees!) blog.

Now in staying true to my words in keeping this post short and simple, I present to you: My Unsponsored Beach Day in images 😀

The Rebellious Saudi Diva after a stressful week of blogging and studying

A Failed Attempt to Read my Blog inc. Book

See? didn’t I promise to keep this post short and sweet? That was my lovely beach day in a nutshell…I was delighted to have my intelligent and sweet friend Sarah as my buddy for the day. We always have fun and interesting conversations since we both come from similar backgrounds and cultures (Iran and Saudi)…We basically support and empower one another since our parents always seem to be against what we are doing or even planning 🙂 Yes, it can be tricky and complicated at times….well, more like all the time 😀

I’ll never forget that summer night when me and Sarah were sitting at one of the juice bar cafes at JBR walk (over a year ago) when we first met…we were talking about how our lives are full of struggles and how nothing ever comes easily to us. Then Sarah lifts up her small bottle of water and says: “For us, even this is a struggle.” Referring to the act of drinking bottled water! Yes, it’s a sad reality I know….and I hope that you will sympathize with us by at least following my random and silly posts on my blog’s Facebook Page and maybe commenting on a post or two.

OK, so maybe the post didn’t end up being as short as I had planned it to be…but I guess I still have to practice writing shorter posts. Especially after the extended and detailed reviews that I was mentally doing earlier.

Until the next post, you can continue to hear my endless rants and follow my silly posts by becoming a fan of my Facebook Page.

Beach Diva Signing Off…

Dubai Beach Club Review: Talise Fitness, Madinat Jumeirah

A strong instinct told me that I must have a look at the latest issue of Time Out Dubai while I was standing at the magazine stand the other day. To my amusement, The latest issue’s cover read: “Battle of the Beach Clubs”! The timing was perfect as I was planning to visit and review a couple of Dubai beach clubs this summer.

After reading the detailed description and comparison table for the different beach clubs, I decided to head to Talise Fitness, Madinat Jumeirah for my next review and make use of their fabulous summer offer.

Beach and Pool Access

The day pass gives you access to the 3km long private beach stretching from Al Qasr extravagant hotel to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in addition to the two pools (one is at Mina Al Salam hotel and the other is at Al Qasr hotel).

Pros

The staff at the Talise Fitness club reception and the beach and pools were very friendly, attentive and helpful.
The facilities including the rest rooms were always clean and well-maintained.
The cushions on the deck chairs were very comfortable.
There are private cabanas available free of charge.
The tent-designed cabanas at the Al Qasr side of the beach can be rented for 500 AED per day.
The beach and pool are not too busy; average crowd.
Quiet beach, great for reading a book.
3km long private, enclosed beach means a lot of room for swimming and chilling in the ocean.
The loungers are within close proximity to the water.

I was informed by the water sports rental staff person that the weather in Dubai this year has been remarkably pleasant, compared to the usual scorching heat that hits the region at this time of the year. Normally, the temperatures soar starting June and up until the end of September. But luckily, the summer this year has started on a lighter note. And let’s hope that it stays that way for a while!

There even was a cool breeze at the end of the day as we approached sunset. And I found myself commenting on a Facebook status which spoke about cool weather conditions at a nearby venue, and saying that I was also enjoying the cool temperatures at the beach at Mina Al Salam hotel.

Unlike my previous beach trip when the beach was flagged and the waves were manic, this Friday witnessed quiet waves and cool water temperatures. But don’t worry, Talise Fitness beach always keeps the beach goers informed of the ocean and weather status. Check out their boards and signs with weather and water forecasts.

Where to have Lunch

The beach waiters can bring your food order from the pool bar straight to your lounger if you were too lazy to leave your comfy deck chair. You can also head to the pool bar and eat at one of the tables like I did. Or if you were with someone or a group of people, then you might want to have lunch at one of the many multi-cuisine restaurants available at both Mina Al Salam and Al Qasr hotels.

I went for a prime beef burger with a side green salad. And I had a beach punch mixed fruit mocktail.

My Friday Beach Buddy :) — My Friday Beach Buddy 🙂

I must say that the iced-coffee was a let-down, since it was basically ice cubes dropped into a glass of coffee. I think I was still craving the highly refreshing iced-coffee that I had at The Habtoor Grand Beach Club. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you can read all about it here.

As the time came close to sunset, I decided to go and try out the largest leisure pool in Dubai at Al Qasr hotel. Access to the pool is included in the beach and pool day pass. To get there, you can either walk, take a buggy, or the water abra. I opted for the famous Dubai lifestyle transport: the lovely buggy car.

It's time to hit the pool! — It’s time to hit the pool!

Dubai's Largest Leisure Pool at Al Qasr Hotel — Dubai’s Largest Leisure Pool at Al Qasr Hotel

The pool at Al Qasr hotel was designed to be not too deep with families and kids in mind. The water temperature at the pool is centrally controlled throughout the year to adjust to the changing weather temperatures. So the water temperature was just right when I went in for a swim. What’s unique about the pool at Al Qasr is that there are two wild ducks swimming and fluttering their wings on its expansive surface! The ducks (named Chip and Dale by one of the life guards) are imported from overseas to spend three months in Dubai (June, July and August) before re-breeding and then going back to their hometown. It felt so relaxing and soothing to swim in Al Qasr’s wide and elegant pool. And the pair of ducks’ floating on the water made the experience even more calming and peaceful.

Downside

This beach club has a very polished, glamorous and posh edge to it. It might not appeal to everyone.
The quietness of the beach makes it a bit on the boring side.
There’s no music or DJ playing. Which means that the only sounds you will be hearing are other people’s conversations or the sound of speeding jet skis.
The place lacks in character, soul and a strong identity. Its ultra chic and glamorous look leaves no room for a spontaneous feel.
The beach lacks the lively ambiance and fun vibe that I find and like about Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa’s beach club.
Jebel Ali Beach Club makes for a great escape from the city, since it’s located in an isolated resort. While you can’t get that same feel with Talise Fitness beach. Seeing the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sky scrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road while swimming in the ocean, makes it difficult not to feel that you are still in the heart of the city!

Who Should Visit?

If you are looking for a quiet beach to relax after a long work week or would like to read your book in peace, then this beach club could be the right pick. But if you are someone who’s looking for a vibrant and busy beach atmosphere, then this beach club might not appeal to you.

Will I go again?

I must admit that I plan on going back for two reasons:

To see the beautiful orange and red hues of light as the sun sets at the beach. I didn’t get to see them this time because I wanted to head to the pool early.
To make the most out of their summer promotion day pass fees which lasts until September 10.

Bonus Tip

Free Wi-Fi is available at the beach and at all Madinat Jumeirah properties. So you can easily check your e-mail, or browse the web and Facebook from the comfort of your sun lounger 🙂

Summer Promotion

The regular fee for the day pass is 495 AED inclusive of a 150 AED food and beverage voucher. However, during the summer months until September 10, you can get the day pass for just 250 AED (without food and beverage) for adults. And for kids aged between 1 to 15 years old, the entrance fee is 150 AED. The fees are valid for both week days and weekends alike.

Timings

The beach is open from 9 am till sunset.
The pools are open from 9 am until 9 pm.

Contact Information

Should you require any additional information, you can contact Talise Fitness by checking their web site:

https://www.jumeirah.com/MJTaliseFitness

You can also read some facts about the beach club at the following Time Out Dubai article:

http://www.timeoutdubai.com/gallery/41718-best-beach-clubs-in-dubai?image=16

Dubai Beach Club Review: Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa

Last Friday, I decided to check out The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa. Although the beach was flagged on that day, I still managed to go for a nice swim at two different times, with each lasting for around an hour. Yes, I’m a cancerian and we just love to be in the water 🙂

Facts About the Beach Area

For anyone who has never been to the beach in Dubai Marina (I honestly haven’t until this time!), you will notice that the loungers are located at a far distance from the water. I was told by a staff member that it is a government rule and that all of the beach clubs on that strip have a similar setup. It was a bit of a disappointment to me as I had previously gone to the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa where the loungers are situated close to the sea shore. You can read that review here.

Resort Facilities

The resort has a wide number of facilities including:

Tennis and squash courts
Spa and state of the art gym
Fitness studio and classes
Junior Jungle Club for kids
Private beach with various beach activities
Water slides, outdoor Jacuzzi and pool bar
Main pool and a kids pool

Where to have Lunch

There are many options for lunch at the Habtoor Grand.

If you are alone or want to have a light lunch at the beach or pool area, then you could order a shawerma, burger or hot dog and other snacks from the “Al Manarah Beach Bar” or the pool bar.
If you want to try the famous Dubai brunch with barbeque and all, then you could have a nice outdoor brunch at XL Beach Club. That will cost you 260 AED per person. The brunch timings are from 1 to 4 pm.
If like me, you want to have a healthier meal at and sample one of the restaurants at the hotel…there are a number of cuisines to choose from. “Villa Romana”, “Al Basha”, “Fish Bazaar” and “Luciano’s” are some of the restaurants surrounding the beach and pool area at the resort.

Upon reading Pinay Flying High‘s tempting review on Luciano’s, I decided to go there for lunch and a break from the Dubai day in the sun! I’m glad that I did because the food was so delicious that I found myself looking for more tomato sauce on my plate when I finished eating 🙂

View from my table at Luciano's — View from my table at Luciano’s

My Must-try Tip

After my second hour in the water, I felt like I needed to have an energizing drink to keep my body hydrated. While standing at the beach bar, my eyes couldn’t stop staring at the tall glasses the couple standing next to me had. When I asked the lady what it was, she explained that it’s an iced-coffee with ice-cream and that it’s really good. So, that was what I decided to order to quench my thirst. And another couple who saw the bar tender make my drink ordered it as well! It was the perfect ending for my long day at the beach. As the coffee wasn’t too sweet (vanilla ice-cream only was used to sweeten it), and it was so refreshing after a day out in the sun.

Pool and Beach Entrance Rates

On Week Days: Adults – 150 AED, Children – 100 AED

Children ages: 4 – 15 years old, below 3 are free of charge.

On Weekends: Adults – 250 AED, Children – 125 AED

Weekends are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Club Memberships are available and special membership rates apply.

Link

http://grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com/site/general/

My Dubai Beach Recommendation: Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa

I had previously written a review on the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa UAE residents weekend package. You can read all about it here. Today, I was delighted to visit the lovely beach property again (yes, I rarely go to the beach) and spend the day at this relaxed and revitalizing beach.

I arrived to the beach at around 11:30…the weather was a bit windy today, but it was great for swimming and lounging by the sea.

It’s always a great feeling when you sink your toes into the warm grains of sand…

At around two o’clock, I decided to have lunch at La Fontana restaurant. You have the option of taking a cold or a hot buffet. I went for the cold buffet which includes a selection of salads. It’s unlimited so you are allowed to refill your plate 🙂

The salad selection includes a variety of Arabic mezzas such as hummos, mtabbal, and baba ghanouj, in addition to other Western salad dishes. This is what I had in my first round of salad 🙂

And finally, no trip to the Jebel Ali Beach Resort and Spa is complete without seeing our friends; the magnificent and outstanding peacocks!

Even if it’s on our way out; after a long day spent unwinding and relaxing at the beautiful pristine beach.

The resort offers a number of outdoor sport activities, such as horse riding, tennis, golf and various water sports. You can find all the information on their web site:

http://www.jaresortshotels.com/Hotels/Home.aspx

The day pass for the pool and beach access is AED 220 for adults. And AED 325 including an extensive lunch buffet with live cooking stations and an outdoor barbecue station.

Whether you are someone who is looking for a quiet day to relax by the beach and read a book, or if you are more adventurous and would like to try a new water sport or outdoor hobby, or are simply looking to chill by the pool on your day off of work, I assure you that Jebel Ali Beach Hotel will do its best to meet your leisurely needs.