FUJAIRAH has long been a popular escape for Dubai residents – but now the northern emirate's sunblessed coast offers fresh motivation.
The new Lava Beach Club and accompanying Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort are something to shout about…
The new Lava Beach Club and accompanying Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort are something to shout about…
FUJAIRAH FINERY: Set in the far north of the UAE this resort has two sides
THERE’S no mistaking the swimming pool at Lava Beach Resort – it is both large and a bright mix of red, orange and yellow tiles.
That’s in stark contrast to its parent hotel next door, namely the art-inspired Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.
That’s in stark contrast to its parent hotel next door, namely the art-inspired Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.
But more about that later as Lava is the new kid on the block with sights set on luring visitors from Dubai as well as folk closer by who have been apparently craving such a facility.
And not only have they finally got a resort beach club, they can lay claim to the only one of its kind in the UAE to boast a dedicated VIP penthouse.
The pool colour is in keeping with the name – Lava - and is also perhaps a nod to the majestic Hajar Mountains just in land from the dedicated entrance. Those peaks are far from active in that way, but the reputation for Lava is likely to heat up as it works through a calendar of events, taking in everything from ladies ngihts to brunches and Friday pool parties.
There’s also a daily in-pool aqua exercise routine participated in by guests of Lava and the super stylish Fairmont Fujairah.
And not only have they finally got a resort beach club, they can lay claim to the only one of its kind in the UAE to boast a dedicated VIP penthouse.
The pool colour is in keeping with the name – Lava - and is also perhaps a nod to the majestic Hajar Mountains just in land from the dedicated entrance. Those peaks are far from active in that way, but the reputation for Lava is likely to heat up as it works through a calendar of events, taking in everything from ladies ngihts to brunches and Friday pool parties.
There’s also a daily in-pool aqua exercise routine participated in by guests of Lava and the super stylish Fairmont Fujairah.
GLOW FOR IT: Lava has colours to match it surroundings and a promise of fun times
Although also managed by the luxury hotel, Lava is its own enterprise and has a clear identity of its own.
That includes five poolside chalets with private lounge, TV, mini bar, bottle of bubbly (should it be wanted), shower, grassy area with loungers for added wow or familial privacy.
A swim-up bar offers drinks and a decent happy hour, but for a fulsome refreshment experience during the day or come sundown, Lava Dining is well worth checking out.
Blending Asian and Mediterranean cuisine – MediterrAsian - its menu contains some standout dishes, notably a scrummy Goan Prawn Curry and Crab Tian, addictive packages of lump crab meat with bean sprouts, crispy rice, sesame yuzu and wakame. The Seafood Basket and Japanese Saikayo Miso Cod also look worthy of a delve.
That includes five poolside chalets with private lounge, TV, mini bar, bottle of bubbly (should it be wanted), shower, grassy area with loungers for added wow or familial privacy.
A swim-up bar offers drinks and a decent happy hour, but for a fulsome refreshment experience during the day or come sundown, Lava Dining is well worth checking out.
Blending Asian and Mediterranean cuisine – MediterrAsian - its menu contains some standout dishes, notably a scrummy Goan Prawn Curry and Crab Tian, addictive packages of lump crab meat with bean sprouts, crispy rice, sesame yuzu and wakame. The Seafood Basket and Japanese Saikayo Miso Cod also look worthy of a delve.
CALM COOL: IAMMAI offers ocean views and a mellower poolside experience to hotel guests
While the Fairmont’s IAMMAI pool area is more laid back, with cool sculptures and distinctive black and blue tiling, Lava is designed to deliver the livelier side of the resort as well as access to the beach with its kid-friendly aqua bounce water park. On the hotel side is a marina over-looked by villas.
Perched high up the coast close to Dibba, the hotel opened in December 2016 and Lava followed a year later. Both fall under the auspices of general manager Omar Souab.
“Lava beach club is here to compliment everything,” says the Moroccan boss, previously operations manager of Pullman City Centre, Deira, and hotel manager of Fairmont Dubai.
He knows a thing or two about how to keep the Dubai crowds happy – and says Fujairah was craving a place like Lava. He also instills his own appetite for fitness and wellbeing into the resort’s ethos, including sunrise yoga, spin classes and BMW bikes for nearby trails.
Perched high up the coast close to Dibba, the hotel opened in December 2016 and Lava followed a year later. Both fall under the auspices of general manager Omar Souab.
“Lava beach club is here to compliment everything,” says the Moroccan boss, previously operations manager of Pullman City Centre, Deira, and hotel manager of Fairmont Dubai.
He knows a thing or two about how to keep the Dubai crowds happy – and says Fujairah was craving a place like Lava. He also instills his own appetite for fitness and wellbeing into the resort’s ethos, including sunrise yoga, spin classes and BMW bikes for nearby trails.
VIEW WITH A ROOM: Comfort and style blend with beautiful balcony distractions that are hard to ignore
“Being a luxury brand we wanted to go for something a bit more refined and on the healthy side,” adds Omar, who oversees 240 employees and 180 rooms. “We have these classes and recreation to keep guests healthy and entertained at the same time. The perception is positive.”
Lava certainly looks impressive from the balcony of our suite, home to uncluttered sea views and one of the nicest hotel bathrooms experienced in a while.
The Arabic-leaning art deco theme that gives the rest of the hotel such a distinctive feel also permeates the room, with tiny alcoves housing ceramics and traditional lamps.
It’s on trend, yet in keeping with the surrounds and strikes a smart balance between modernity and comfort.
Lava certainly looks impressive from the balcony of our suite, home to uncluttered sea views and one of the nicest hotel bathrooms experienced in a while.
The Arabic-leaning art deco theme that gives the rest of the hotel such a distinctive feel also permeates the room, with tiny alcoves housing ceramics and traditional lamps.
It’s on trend, yet in keeping with the surrounds and strikes a smart balance between modernity and comfort.
HOURS OF HAPPY: Set between Lava and IAMMAI, this bar area offers a stunning vista from where to relax
The theme extends to the spa area and Canvas, the all-day dining restaurant, across the lower lobby, which on Thursday’s offers dupper (dinner and supper together).
And also to the hotel's elegant tea lounge, Arteasan, a gallery-style space with peacock wicker chairs and a blend for pretty much every thirst.
Built on a hillside, Fujairah Fairmont offers an interesting layout. Wherever you wander, be sure to check out its art offerings, from a stairwell wall and ceiling filled with framed pieces and artifacts to the installations of calligraphy and lamps.
Beyond Canvas is IAMMAI, but go another level down and the stylish Café Pronto tenders healthy Italian dishes ideal for lunch as well as coffee ‘mixologists’ who have a range of special iced and hot coffee drinks imbibed with homemade syrups and more.
And also to the hotel's elegant tea lounge, Arteasan, a gallery-style space with peacock wicker chairs and a blend for pretty much every thirst.
Built on a hillside, Fujairah Fairmont offers an interesting layout. Wherever you wander, be sure to check out its art offerings, from a stairwell wall and ceiling filled with framed pieces and artifacts to the installations of calligraphy and lamps.
Beyond Canvas is IAMMAI, but go another level down and the stylish Café Pronto tenders healthy Italian dishes ideal for lunch as well as coffee ‘mixologists’ who have a range of special iced and hot coffee drinks imbibed with homemade syrups and more.
SUSTAINABLE TABLES: As the signature restaurant The Copper Lobster offers seafood pleasure with less guilt
The Copper Lobster, meanwhile, is the resort’s signature restaurant with locally caught fish and oysters plied with vegetables and herbs grown on site – in keeping with the hotel’s Planet21 sustainability initiative that includes benefits and free charging to Tesla drivers.While there’s much to tempt the palate, The Copper Lobster’s Clay Pot Harra Lobster is a moreish spicy tomato stew of Omani lobster and garlic zatar rice matched by Kampot Pepper Crab with a sauce to write home about.
We’d also recommend the Sultan Ibrahim Ceviche starter from the raw bar, which is bathed in yuzu “tiger milk’ and comes with squid ink tapioca chips. The Lemon Chef Hat is also imaginative as dessert.
Back over at Lava, the daily aqua class is offering a distraction from the jet skiing, diving, kayaking and snorkeling that is also available close by.
“It has added something…it completes the hotel quite well and we find the right balance between two types of clientele,” adds Omar.
We’d also recommend the Sultan Ibrahim Ceviche starter from the raw bar, which is bathed in yuzu “tiger milk’ and comes with squid ink tapioca chips. The Lemon Chef Hat is also imaginative as dessert.
Back over at Lava, the daily aqua class is offering a distraction from the jet skiing, diving, kayaking and snorkeling that is also available close by.
“It has added something…it completes the hotel quite well and we find the right balance between two types of clientele,” adds Omar.
SPA SOME TIME: Artistic elements are evident with design flourishes and traditional touches in the pamper zone
“It’s bringing something new to the northern emirates. The city of Fujairah is excited about it. It’s a breath of fresh air for everyone to have a state of the art beach club with entertainment, resident DJ and great quality of food...something that was needed in the region.
“The luxury is still there, but it’s a bit more laid back in personality. It’s the playful side to the hotel.”
DETAILS:
FAIRMONT Fujairah Resort and Lava Beach Club are at Mina Al Fajer, Dibba.
FOR Lava, a weekday day pass costs AED 150 per adult (AED 50 redeemable on F&B); AED 75 for kids under 12 years. At weekends entry rises to AED 200 and AED 100 respectively. Privele members get free access to the beach club.
WEEKLY events include Hotelier Night (Mond); Ladies Latin Night (Tues), Dupper (Thurs), Sunset Vibes (Fri) and Caribbean Beats (Sat).
ENTERTAINER users can use their app in The Copper Lobster, Cafe Pronto and Canvas.
FOR more on the resort, visit www.fairmont.com/fujairah/
“The luxury is still there, but it’s a bit more laid back in personality. It’s the playful side to the hotel.”
DETAILS:
FAIRMONT Fujairah Resort and Lava Beach Club are at Mina Al Fajer, Dibba.
FOR Lava, a weekday day pass costs AED 150 per adult (AED 50 redeemable on F&B); AED 75 for kids under 12 years. At weekends entry rises to AED 200 and AED 100 respectively. Privele members get free access to the beach club.
WEEKLY events include Hotelier Night (Mond); Ladies Latin Night (Tues), Dupper (Thurs), Sunset Vibes (Fri) and Caribbean Beats (Sat).
ENTERTAINER users can use their app in The Copper Lobster, Cafe Pronto and Canvas.
FOR more on the resort, visit www.fairmont.com/fujairah/
