Ask people in Abu Dhabi where to go for best possible pool or beach day and chances are they’ll recommend Saadiyat Beach Club.
With a glorious infinity pool, floating cabana beds and direct access to the pristine sands of Saadiyat Beach, there are worse places to spend a day in the sun, that’s for sure.
But this luxurious beach club isn’t just great for lounging by the pool and posing up a storm for some swimwear photos (although we’ll need about six months preparation to work off all these winter brunches first). This bar also comes alive after dark too.
We are visiting the island hotspot on a Thursday evening, hoping for a fun-loving crowd and a good old-fashioned beach party.
However, walking in from the car park it feels like we might have made a mistake. It all seems too quiet for there to be a party going on inside.
But as we near the entrance to De La Costa bar we can hear the thud of music and the sounds of what appears to be people having a very good time indeed. In fact, we’re pleased to discover that a large crowd has gathered to celebrate the start of the weekend at the venue.
Outside, the decking area has been transformed into a dancefloor, with a DJ and dancers up on the stage. Surrounded by palm trees and with the refreshing sea breeze keeping us cool as we dance, it’s the perfect holiday scene.
The mix of music is inspiring. It goes from cheesy pop to Latin beats and Arabic songs all in the space of ten minutes.
It’s also ladies night, which means that women get free sparkling grape or frozen mixed drinks from 9pm to 1am and 50 percent off food, too.
The party goes on until 2am, and the dancefloor remains packed with people busting out their best moves. There’s no sense that anyone is trying too hard to look cool or impress those around them; everyone is just here to have a good time.
We can’t wait to go back.
WHAT IS IT…
A beach bar and lively night-time venue
WHY GO…
To dance to early-’00s Justin Timberlake while feeling the sea breeze
