Is there anything better in life than a swim-up pool bar? No need to answer, we know. Here in the UAE we’re lucky to have some great ones. Well here are our picks for the best swim-up bars in the emirates.
Aquarius pool bar
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Tucked away by the recently renovated pool at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Aquarius bar serves up a wide variety of beverages to help you keep your cool, along with a selection of light snacks to nibble on your sunbed.
There are lots of deals on too, including unlimited chicken wings and canned hops for Dhs145 every Wednesday between 6pm and 8pm. Or, if you really want to pamper yourself, you can always take advantage of the massage and mixed drinks offer. The deal gives you a relaxing one-hour massage, plus two mixed drinks at Aquarius for Dhs240.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3333).
Azure
Rixos Premium JBR
Get away from any serious swimmers and glide on over to the serenity (most of the time) of the funky, little sectioned-off pool bar. Grab a seat and peruse the menu, which is all the better from 6pm until 9pm where you’ll get two-for-one on house drinks. Rather spend the whole day there? Then get in quick for the summer prices that are still running until the end of September – pool passes cost just Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs200 on the weekends with Dhs100 back to spend on food and drinks. Want more? There’s a ladies’ day offer on Mondays from 11am to 8pm where the first 100 women enjoy free pool access and the option to buy five drinks for just Dhs100. Set the alarm, we’ll see you there.
Open daily 10am-9pm. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, Dubai (052 777 9472).
Azure pool bar
Waldorf Astoria RAK
Relax in the 35-metre, temperature-controlled, utter happiness of a pool or paddle straight over to the swim-up Azure bar to grab yourself a well-earned beverage (food is served in the restaurant next to it, but if you ask nicely you can order at the pool bar and pop out when the food arrives). Everything about the pools and beach at the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah is five-star luxury – without the price tag. Access to the gorgeous 350-metre private beach, stunning cabanas and two swimming pools (one for families and one for adults only) is Dhs105 on weekdays and Dhs160 on weekends. It’s worth the drive for this little piece of luxury.
Open daily, 8am-8pm. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Vienna Street, Ras Al Khaimah (07 203 57 22).
Bayshore Beach Club
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
The beach club at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi is jam-packed with state-of-the-art facilities, including a plush gym, a day spa and 150 metres of sandy beach.
Plus, the infinity pool not only has a large outdoor Jacuzzi and a spot looking out onto the Arabian Gulf, it also has its own swim-up bar to add to the entertainment.
Or if you fancy a pool day with the girls, the Thursday ladies’ day deal includes access and Dhs50 to spend on food and drink for Dhs79.
Open daily 8am-sunset. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulazaiz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Horizon swim-up bar
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
Located on the side of one of the hotel’s five pools is Horizon swim-up bar, and it’s one of the more established pool bars. The infinity pool is chilled and low-key, with a top backdrop of Dubai Marina one side and the Arabian Gulf and the Palm on the other. It’s running the same offer as sister hotel, The Westin, so grab the pool and beach access deal for just Dhs200 (Dhs 250 on weekends) with Dhs100 redeemable on food and drinks until the end of September.
Open daily 8am-sunset. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai (04 399 3333).
K-West
Kempinski Hotel & Residences The Palm
For an altogether relaxing, holiday vibe head to this quiet hotel on the Palm in Dubai. It’s not a party spot, so it’s best for couples or small groups of friends wanting to catch up, but the swim-up bar is a real treat. There are only a few submerged seats, but it’s usually quite quiet and you can easily while away some time drinking fresh coconut water and gazing across the hotel’s private beach and across to the Marina. One of the more sophisticated bars around, this is reflected in the prices too, with glasses of grape starting at Dhs75 and bottles of hops at Dhs55. One to splash out (literally) for.
Open 11am-6pm. Kempinski Hotel & Residences The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (04 444 2501).
Las Brisas Leisure Pool
Emirates Palace
What’s more impressive than a palace pool bar? Not much, and Las Brisas at Emirates Palace proves that theory. Housed in the East Wing Beach Club you can relax in this private retreat and cool off by the swim-up bar. There’s also a Jacuzzi to wallow around in, and a private beach to stroll around on afterwards.
Open daily 7am-9pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road (02 690 9000).
Laguna Pool Bar
Ajman Hotel
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of wallet-friendly drinks and refreshing pool time, then why not make the trip out to the Ajman Hotel in the nearby emirate. With views of the gorgeous private beach and selected drinks priced at happy hour prices of Dhs35 all day, what more could you ask for? Well, even more bargains it would appear – for Dhs250 you get pool and beach access, 20 percent discount across all restaurants and bars in the hotel and a 30-minute jet ski ride. Want a little less exhilaration and a lot more relaxation? Then opt for the beach and pool access offer for two people, which includes 20 percent discount across all restaurants and bars, 30 percent discount on treatments at The Spa and will set you back just Dhs200 between you. Time to chill.
Open daily 10am-7pm. Ajman Hotel, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman (06 714 5555).
Mai Bar
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Want a little luxury with your lilo? Float on over to the swim up Mai Bar at the Anantara Dubai’s main pool and order yourself a fruity mixed drink. Can’t face even that little effort? Worry not, one of the boat bars will be along shortly. Yes you heard right – that’s a mini-version of a Thai-style wooden, longtail boat, filled with drinks (of course), that will be walked over through the water by one of the efficient staff. We’re taking lazy to new heights. Want to catch a meal deal while you’re there? Try Dhs299 for pool and beach access as well as a set menu at The Beach House – the offer runs Saturday to Thursday until Monday September 30.
Open daily 9am-sunset. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (04 567 8304).
Nation Riviera Beach Club
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
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If you’re after a pool day in the capital, few are better than this swish, award-winning, beach club on the Corniche.
Surrounded by its own 200-metre stretch of pristine beach, lined with palm trees and boasting 12 cabanas surrounding a temperature-controlled swimming pool, Nation Riviera Beach Club is the ultimate place to unwind. Doggy-paddle your way to the bar and take a well-earned rest while you take in the super surroundings.
Open daily 8am-8pm. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, West Corniche (02 694 4780).
Pool Bar
Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
This luxurious resort on Saadiyat Island is not only home to one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the UAE, it also boasts a huge pool complete with waterfalls, submerged loungers, water jets and of course a swim-up pool bar that oozes wow-factor. If you can get away from all the watery gizmos then back stroke slowly over to one of the most well-stocked pool bars we’ve ever seen. Drinks start at Dhs38 for bottled hops, Dhs45 for house grape and offers a menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Grab a day pass that gives you access for Dhs350 per person with Dhs100 to spend on food and drinks, Dhs600 for couples with Dhs200 to spend on grub and beverages (food and drinks vouchers are not included on weekends).
Open daily 9am-sunset. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Salt & Sea
Fairmont Ajman
This swim-up bar is tuckily cosily in the corner of a giant pool at Fairmont Ajman. With views across to the beach, it’s a cute spot to sit and chill. You can also get some top deals, including four buckets of hops for Dhs100, buy one, get one free on Cuban mixed drinks and a banana spilt for Dhs55 to really cool you off. It’s well worth booking a staycation for.
Open daily 10am-8pm. Fairmont Ajman, Ajman (06 701 5757).
