Given the plethora of top quality bars just a stone’s throw from it – everything from Zuma to Loca, Roberto’s and more – as well as its glamourous big sister Zsa Zsa’s just downstairs, you’d be forgiven for not having popped up to Eclipse thus far. Really, though, you should.
Located on the third-floor deck, it is, in essence, just a pool bar. But it’s got assorted bells and whistles that put it well ahead of its peers.
Yes, the glasses are plastic. But pretty magically so. The pint glasses here come equipped with a valve on the inside bottom and a hole in the base, meaning that when they are plonked onto the tray (which has a small spike in the middle) under the tap, they actually fill from the bottom up, their contents travelling up from underneath and filling the glass from within. It’s a lovely little detail, and the kind of clever-clever wizardry JK Rowling might bring into play were she ever to give up her newfound profession of full-time Piers Morgan-baiting to have a crack at the catering business. (And as amazing an establishment as she could no doubt cook up, let’s hope she doesn’t retire from well-aimed Twitter torpedoes any time soon.)
Then there are the stunning views over the Al Maryah waters, those cool flames-in-triangular-cages things that keep you warm when the nights get chilly, and happily look rather natty while they’re at it. Plus cool white pod-like mini cabanas for one, for you to curl up in with a good mocktail and book.
Oh, and here’s a universal truth: if your free nuts include the ever-rare (times are tough) king of them, the walnut, you know you’re onto a winner. Our bowl has eight. Top drawer.
The bottom line
Not just a place to lounge in your trunks.
