Gigi Rigolatto
A swimming pool, private beach, cocktail bar, petanque court, children’s play area, two terraces and a Mediterranean- style garden make up Gigi Rigolatto, the highly anticipated beach house that has now officially opened its doors at J1 Beach, Dubai. With vintage-inspired parasols, dreamy views and a laid-back ambience, we would forgive you for believing you were in the South of France. Moving indoors, a swanky Italian restaurant serves dishes from the venue’s outposts in St. Tropez and Paris — signatures include linguine alle vongole, truffle arancini and grilled octopus — as well as city-specific plates. Book now
Casa Amor
Casa Amor, a beloved haute spot hailing from the French Riviera, has officially landed at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Inspired by Tulum’s free-spirited energy, Casa Amor is a bohemian dream with sun-faded furniture, handcrafted wall art and traditional textiles strewn across the sands. Indulge in light bites from the comfort of your cabana, or make your way to the restaurant for bold, French-Latin dishes such as fresh seafood and flame-kissed meats. From day to night, Casa Amor keeps the vibes alive with performances by regional and international talents including DJs and live musicians, so prepare to kick off your heels and dance the night away. Book now
African Queen
Thanks to the city’s multinational residents and ever-growing influx of visitors, fusion cuisine is par for the course in Dubai. And while there are staples on the scene (Nikkei, we’re looking at you), African-Mediterranean was not on our 2024 bingo card. Luckily, celebrity-approved Côte d’Azur hotspot African Queen has touched down at J1 Beach to teach us a thing or two. Drawing inspiration from the 1951 Oscar-winning film of the same name, the two-storey venue is decked out in tropical décor and includes a beach club, bar and restaurant, the latter of which serves Mediterranean flavours with an exotic flair. Opening on 25 November, African Queen is the place to see and be seen this season. If it’s good enough for Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Kate Moss... Book Now
Nuska Beach
Nuska Beach at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel has reopened for the season with a brand-new look, adding cabanas to its pristine shoreline and expanding its offerings; settle in for a daycation or unwind at the newly introduced beach lounge, which sees live fire-dance performers on the weekend. If you’re not keen on submerging your toes in the sand, relax in the elegant restaurant and capitalise on the weekend lunch package, which includes unlimited pink grape and a three-course menu of Mediterranean-Levantine cuisine. Can’t wait until the weekend? Seize The Sun is a weekday affair which includes a set menu alongside three hours of free-flowing bubbly. With unrestricted, so-close-you-could-touch-it views of the Burj Al Arab, an afternoon at Nuska Beach is one for the Dubai dweller’s bucket list. Book now
Chouchou
Although there are plenty of beach destinations dotted along Dubai’s shores, Chouchou is the city’s first members-only beach house. The two-storey space at J1 Beach includes a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and exclusive terrace, Les Salons; the restaurant serves classic French fare (family-style to share with the new friends you’ll undoubtedly make), while Les Salons offers world-class mixology and premium pours. Chouchou marries the vibrant, party-loving atmosphere of St. Tropez with the luxury-seeking needs of Middle Eastern clientele and offers a space to foster connections while soaking up the sun. What’s more, members are invited to exclusive events including wellness mornings, cultural talks, tasting evenings and performances. Book now
La Cantine Beach
La Cantine du Faubourg, the Emirates Towers institution beloved by Dubai’s tastemakers, is branching out with a brand-new lifestyle destination at Delano Dubai on Bluewaters Island. La Cantine Beach has a focus on fitness and has decked-out its beachside digs with a pickleball court, premium gym equipment, volleyball court and dedicated callisthenics area, as well as offering workout sessions and a packed roster of activities. If you would rather lift a cocktail than a dumbbell, fret not. La Cantine Beach serves vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes across the restaurant, poolside and beach bar, with a DJ ensuring the experience echoes the fun-loving atmosphere of the original. Book now
Bâoli
J1 Beach adds another gem to its shores with Bâoli, a celebrity-frequented beach club hailing from Cannes. The impressive (read: Instagrammable) space is inspired by Asian architecture and is one of the largest venues at the brand-new beachside hub. Plus, it boasts not one, but two Prada boutiques stacked with the latest collections. Pry yourself from the stores and explore a 2,000-square-metre space equipped with a pool, sun deck, sunset lounge, restaurant, speakeasy and beachfront. As for the cuisine, sustainably sourced ingredients come to life on a menu that marries the best of the Mediterranean with East Asian influences - think: otoro tartare, robata-grilled sea bass and wagyu entrecôte. Book now
