Brunch is in the building – or in this case just outside it, next to a refreshingly chilled body of H20.
The surrounding tiles may have sole-burning qualities right now, but there’s still no reason not to hot-foot it to one of these brilliant brunches with pool access this weekend.
Just don’t end up looking like a Drumstick Lolly because you forgot to pack the sun cream…
Here are some of the best pool-access brunches in Abu Dhabi.
Cove Beach
If you’re looking for a pool-access brunch in Abu Dhabi, you need to check out Cove Beach. This chilled-out beach club offers a four-course meal with free flowing beverages. Earlier birds, show up at 11am for guaranteed pool and beach access along with a quick juice pick-me-up to get you started.
Dhs499 (house beverages and bubbly), Dhs349 (house beverages), Dhs249 (mocktails). Fri 1pm-4pm. Cove Beach, Shams Abu Dhabi (056 398 7895).
Frangipani
An international buffet on Zaya Nurai Island with music from a live DJ and kids’ club facilities, this place knows how to throw a bash. You can use the islands, beach, pool and main public areas, too, so you really get to make a day of it. Pool brunches in Abu Dhabi don’t get more A-list than this. You won’t want to call it a day.
Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs600 (bubbly). Fri noon-4pm. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6274).
Glow – Poolside Sports Bar
You can embrace your inner mermaid or Aquaman at this poolside sports bar in the Aloft Abu Dhabi. For Dhs199 brunchers can wolf down as much grub as they want, plus have a dip in the pool every Thursday evening. Premium beverages are included too. That’s cool.
From Dhs199. Thu 7pm-10pm. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (054 306 1029).
Horizon Restaurant
The carnival-themed brunch at the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana features Mediterranean street food, tonnes of competitions (and prizes), and cool tunes from Dhs139. Looking to get wet? Add Dhs60 for pool access.
Dhs139 (soft drinks), Dhs60 (adult pool access), Dhs79 (kids) Dhs40 (kids’ pool access). Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road (02 657 0223).
Nahaam
Nahaam and SOLE combine forces to bring diners the Nahaam Summer Brunch every Friday. You can wrap your lips around food from 12 live stations including foie gras, oysters, burgers, Japanese street food, slow roasted sirloin, salmon gravlax and more from Dhs370. And when the mood strikes, you can enjoy a dip in not one, but two infinity pools.
Dhs 370 (soft drinks). Dhs 495 (house beverages) Dhs 625 (Premium Grape) AED 695 (Bubbles) Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Al Bateen (02 811 5666).
PJ O’Reilly’s
One of the oldest Irish establishments in the capital understands it’s important to cool down when you are voraciously going through platter after platter of food as well as unlimited drink. And this summer, you can enjoy free-flowing platters and an assortment of signature dishes from Dhs149 (plus Dhs50 for pool access) when you brunch at PJ O’Reilly’s on Fridays from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Dhs149 (soft drinks), Dhs225 (house drinks), Dhs275 (premium drinks). Fri 4.30pm-7.30pm. Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
Saadiyat Beach Club
One of Abu Dhabi’s top beach clubs does a Friday Brunch along with a day pass, so you can cool down as the mercury levels rise. The Saadiyat Beach Club enables brunchers to nibble on grills, raw bars and more from Dhs299 from 1pm to 4pm. And if you fancy some pool action, it will be an extra Dhs200.
Dhs299 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (house drinks), Dhs499 (premium), Dhs499 (soft drink and pool access), Dhs599 (house drinks and pool access), Dhs649 (premium and pool access). Fri 1pm-4pm. Saadiyat Island (02 656 3536).
Sofra bld
Live cooking stations, kids’ activities such as face painting and free beach and that all-important pool access make this one of the best deals in town.
Dhs279 (soft drinks), Dhs349 (house beverages), Dhs459 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-4pm. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8555).
YBar
Take a trip back in time and indulge your inner ’90s child with this brunch full of clichés and fun from the decade. Prices start from Dhs202 where you’ll have access to Blue Grill Steakhouse, Ybar and Choices as well as the pool, every Friday from noon to 4pm.
From Dhs202. Fri noon-4pm. Yas Plaza, Yas Island (02 656 4000).
