IN a city that has anything you could wish for inflatable unicorns aren’t exactly prevalent.
But hot new pool and beach hangout Azure Beach has one – a large one.
In fact, you can also grab a significant blow-up dragon or black duck should said fabled horned creature be otherwise occupied.
In fact, you can also grab a significant blow-up dragon or black duck should said fabled horned creature be otherwise occupied.
Azure Beach – part of the huge new Rixos Premium Dubai offering on JBR – embodies some of the spirit of the oft-lamented Meydan Beach Club, which used to operate close by.
But alongside the pockets of beautiful people and want-to-be-seens, there’s a fun, relaxed, even a family, feel to this thoughtfully laid out set-up.
The pool is large with small islands and offshoots and a swim-up bar to give it added interest.
It has a shallower end suitable for younger users and there’s a separate pool dedicated to very young kids.
Although open just a few months, Azure Beach has swiftly amassed a strong reputation; from mid morning on the Friday we visited, it was already filling up and for the most of the day the place was thriving, pretty much to the pool closing at 7pm.
But alongside the pockets of beautiful people and want-to-be-seens, there’s a fun, relaxed, even a family, feel to this thoughtfully laid out set-up.
The pool is large with small islands and offshoots and a swim-up bar to give it added interest.
It has a shallower end suitable for younger users and there’s a separate pool dedicated to very young kids.
Although open just a few months, Azure Beach has swiftly amassed a strong reputation; from mid morning on the Friday we visited, it was already filling up and for the most of the day the place was thriving, pretty much to the pool closing at 7pm.
INFLATED OPINION: This blow-up dragon comes with wings and adults
According to Azure Beach beverage manager Ryan Fourie, it’s been like that practically since the start of operations. Not bad when you consider the seasoned competition elsewhere along the JBR strip of beach.
But it’s not simply the draw of the new kid in town; Azure Beach offers a great vibe, sensible beverage prices and good-sized loungers surrounding the pool and stretching to just before the surf’s edge.
There are plenty of staff on hand to ensure you don’t go thirsty or hungry – the bresaola and tomato pizza is a winner on taste and aesthetics, enough for two snack on, although a little pricy at AED80.
Two restaurants flank the poo should you wish to dine at a table or venture over come the end of your day.
The newly opened Riviera Beach Grill is a Mediterranean-themed outlet strong on fresh fish with staff more formerly presented.
But it’s not simply the draw of the new kid in town; Azure Beach offers a great vibe, sensible beverage prices and good-sized loungers surrounding the pool and stretching to just before the surf’s edge.
There are plenty of staff on hand to ensure you don’t go thirsty or hungry – the bresaola and tomato pizza is a winner on taste and aesthetics, enough for two snack on, although a little pricy at AED80.
Two restaurants flank the poo should you wish to dine at a table or venture over come the end of your day.
The newly opened Riviera Beach Grill is a Mediterranean-themed outlet strong on fresh fish with staff more formerly presented.
PIZZA THE ACTION: The poolside pizzas are more than a snack
The more established Azure Beach (opened late June) is a more casual set-up with an easy-going but well executed Asian fusuin-themed menu.
In spite of its name, the restaurant is aiming to be more than simply a place where sunbathers head along to imbibe or nourish.
With opening hours beyond those of the pool, it is a nighttime and food destination in its own right.
Décor is easy-going but stylish, the food done with a flourish and staff chirpy and informative.
The menu seeks to please rather than show off, mixing a range of choices plucked from various global locations.
Easily shared plates include a perky (and pleasingly non greasy) salt and pepper squid and some well stuffed vegetable spring rolls that garner a generous bite.
In spite of its name, the restaurant is aiming to be more than simply a place where sunbathers head along to imbibe or nourish.
With opening hours beyond those of the pool, it is a nighttime and food destination in its own right.
Décor is easy-going but stylish, the food done with a flourish and staff chirpy and informative.
The menu seeks to please rather than show off, mixing a range of choices plucked from various global locations.
Easily shared plates include a perky (and pleasingly non greasy) salt and pepper squid and some well stuffed vegetable spring rolls that garner a generous bite.
SEAT YOURSELF: Stylish dining spot away from the pool
There’s a healthy sushi selection, including spicy tuna rolls (AED60) that deliver decent zingy mouthfuls and edamame (AED40) are made moreish from being sautéed in roasted garlic, soy sauce and chili flakes.
If you re not wanting to bloat before returning to the pool, the red quinoa salad (AED60) is tasty as well as nutritious - red pepper, soya beans and mango adding further colour, sharpened by a splash of sesame and lime vinaigrette.
Spinach and feta salad (AED60) is boosted by mandarin, water chestnuts and yummy soy ginger dressing.
If you want to satiate a bigger appetite, the salmon sandwich (AED85) is served burger bun style with good wasabi coleslaw and pickled cucumber and red onion salad. It’s messy but substantial.
Azure Beach tenders a small desserts selection, of which fruit and coconut ice (AED45) is an exotic option; litchi, papaya, melon and spiced pineapple ice and jelly with evaporated milk proving an unusual blend.
If you re not wanting to bloat before returning to the pool, the red quinoa salad (AED60) is tasty as well as nutritious - red pepper, soya beans and mango adding further colour, sharpened by a splash of sesame and lime vinaigrette.
Spinach and feta salad (AED60) is boosted by mandarin, water chestnuts and yummy soy ginger dressing.
If you want to satiate a bigger appetite, the salmon sandwich (AED85) is served burger bun style with good wasabi coleslaw and pickled cucumber and red onion salad. It’s messy but substantial.
Azure Beach tenders a small desserts selection, of which fruit and coconut ice (AED45) is an exotic option; litchi, papaya, melon and spiced pineapple ice and jelly with evaporated milk proving an unusual blend.
SHARING CULTURE: Crispy squid, veggie spring rolls and edamame
Enough other potential delights frequent the menu - the intriguingly named stamina roll, fantasy roll, banana tempura and sushi pizza among them – to warrant another visit.
Rixos’s second Dubai property – the other is on The Palm – is a mix of hotel and residences and will boast a range of F&B options, including a just-opened second, colossal Lock, Stock bar and live music venue.
Azure Beach Managing Director James Burton says his venue offers guests “a stylish and sophisticated destination for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation”.
“The venue oozes Mediterranean charm, catering to the wide mix of expats, families, business travelers and Emiratis.”
As well as inside seating, there’s a poolside lounge area vies and a shisha terrace where the guests can sit back and enjoy sunsets and surrounding views, including that infinity pool or the emerging Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), soon to be the world’s largest observation wheel.
Rixos’s second Dubai property – the other is on The Palm – is a mix of hotel and residences and will boast a range of F&B options, including a just-opened second, colossal Lock, Stock bar and live music venue.
Azure Beach Managing Director James Burton says his venue offers guests “a stylish and sophisticated destination for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation”.
“The venue oozes Mediterranean charm, catering to the wide mix of expats, families, business travelers and Emiratis.”
As well as inside seating, there’s a poolside lounge area vies and a shisha terrace where the guests can sit back and enjoy sunsets and surrounding views, including that infinity pool or the emerging Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), soon to be the world’s largest observation wheel.
WHEEL POWER: Great sunset views of Dubai's emerging attraction
“Azure Beach adds a uniquely Mediterranean feel to Dubai’s popular beachside residences, inviting guests to step through its doors and be instantly transported to the European coastline. Finding inimitable ways of creating meaningful experiences for its guests, Azure Beach offers something for the whole family, from a beautiful pool side lounge to a selection of kiddy activities at the unbeatable kid’s club,” said Antonio Gonzalez, CEO, Sunset Group, the hospitality group bringing the concept to the Emirate.
FACTS:
BEACH club entrance packages for summer cost AED100 per person, including one sunbed and one towel, weekdays. At weekends, that rises to AED200.
KIDS up to five years old visit for free, or it is 50 per cent off for six to 12-years-old. The Azure Beach kid’s club offers activities including arts and crafts.
CALL 052 777 9472 to confirm prices and deals and to reserve your sunbeams or restaurant table. Or visit http://premiumdubai.rixos.com/food-and-beverage
FOR the Azure Beach restaurant, timings are Sunday to Saturday, 10am until last guests leave (bar); 11am until last guests leave (lounge and shisha service). Kitchen closes at 11.30 pm
FACTS:
BEACH club entrance packages for summer cost AED100 per person, including one sunbed and one towel, weekdays. At weekends, that rises to AED200.
KIDS up to five years old visit for free, or it is 50 per cent off for six to 12-years-old. The Azure Beach kid’s club offers activities including arts and crafts.
CALL 052 777 9472 to confirm prices and deals and to reserve your sunbeams or restaurant table. Or visit http://premiumdubai.rixos.com/food-and-beverage
FOR the Azure Beach restaurant, timings are Sunday to Saturday, 10am until last guests leave (bar); 11am until last guests leave (lounge and shisha service). Kitchen closes at 11.30 pm
