Making your way to the bar in just your swimming trunks and goggles isn’t usually the best idea (after all, where do you put your wallet).
But doing the usual isn’t what we are all about in the capital.
Summer is firmly under way but you can still keep as cool as you like by diving into one of the emirate’s selection of swim-up bars.
Soak up the sunshine and make a splash on the social scene at these relaxing spots. It really is safe to go back in the water – and to stay there a while.
Aquarius – Al Ain Rotana
We know there is plenty of lush greenery in the Garden City of Al Ain, but those after some beautiful blue waters won’t be left high and dry either.
If you are planning a staycation at Al Ain Rotana, then you can take a load off after touring the scenic sights at Aquarius.Relax in the aquamarine pool while enjoying lively music and a wide selection of mixed drinks and delicious bar bites.
Open 10am-9.30pm. Al Ain Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Ain (03 754 5111).
Aquarius pool bar – Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
All the signs are good for the prospects of making a trip (and a dip) to Aquarius Pool Bar.
Tucked away by the large outdoor pool at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, the bar serves up a wide variety of beverages to help you keep your cool, along with a selection of light snacks.
If you really want to pamper yourself, 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).
Bayshore Beach Club
To the infinity pool (and not beyond). This state-of-the-art 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. Sometimes, though, you just can’t force yourself out of the pool.
The infinity version here not only has a large outdoor Jacuzzi and comes with lovely views looking out onto the Arabian Gulf, but has its own swim-up bar to add to the entertainment.
Open daily 8am-sunset. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulazaiz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Escape
Looking for a great escape from the stresses and strains of daily life? Then take the plunge here.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi hideway is nestled in the five-star hotel’s lavish beach club, Hiltonia. You can sip while you dip in the pool from 8am until 8pm each day, while the venue also hosts a family-friendly barbecue every Friday.
Adults can tuck into a sizzling poolside feast for just Dhs99 (half price for kids).
Open 9am-1am (pool open 8am-8pm). Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road West (02 681 1900).
Las Brisas Leisure Pool
Enjoy the VIP (very impressive pool) treatment at the grand Emirates Palace. Venture over to Las Brisas Pool, found in the East Wing Beach Club of the magnificent five star hotel, for a restful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Las Brisas Pool not only boasts a swim-up bar, but also features a large Jacuzzi and a trio of smaller bubble pools attached to the main swimming pool.
Once you are done with lazing in the water, take a seat in the decking area, lined with beautiful palm trees and take in the chilled-out vibes.
Open daily 7am-9pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road (02 690 9000).
Nation Riviera Beach Club
We all love a good beach club here in the capital – and they don’t come any more luxurious than this one.
Surrounded by its own 200-metre stretch of pristine beach, lined with palm trees and boasting 12 cabañas surrounding a temperature-controlled swimming pool, Nation Riviera Beach Club serves up the ultimate unwind.
But put down your phone now, your pals don’t need any more Insta-envy, as we are sure you have earned a drink after all that lounging in the sun.
The glitzy venue has its own splendid swim-up bar offering an array of beverages. You don’t even need to get out of the pool and dry off – just stay right where you are. The bar staff are really friendly, too, adding to the laid-back yet luxury vibe yet further.
Don’t miss out on the free ice lollies either.
Open daily 8am-8pm. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers (02 694 4780).
Pool Bar
You don’t have to go to great lengths (okay, maybe one length, depending where you are idling in the pool) to get a top deal here.
The picturesque bar at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort has a brilliant mixed drink of the week offer, where you get 30 percent off selected beverages on a weekly rotation. It is also worth dropping by after lesson time if you are one of the capital’s fine educators, too.
A fantastic 40 percent is slashed off your bill if you are a teacher.
Open daily 10.30am-6.30pm. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road (02 677 3333).
The Pool Bar
Dry land will never be the same again after you dip your toes into the waters here. Boasting three large sea-view pools, the Pool Bar is a great place to relax in during a visit to the glittering Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Whether you choose an afternoon outing or an evening visit, you can take indulge in an extensive menu of cold hops, refreshing mixed drinks and sparkling bubbly. After you’ve towelled up, enjoy a wide variety of tasty bites on the menu. You can get 50 percent off selected beverages during a daily happy hour, from 5pm until 8pm, while every Friday DJ Raggy takes to the decks for Sunset Sounds, from 4.30pm until 8.30pm.
Open daily 10am-12.30am. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche Road (02 811 5666).
