Our visitors beat us to this one earlier in the year and tried the beach club at the Waldorf Astoria. They came back with very positive reviews so we thought it was worth a visit!
What’s the story?
Part of Privilee (a beach club membership in Dubai – see this post for more info), the Waldorf Astoria is also open for walk in guests (AED 300 for a day pass). The resort is based on the Palm’s East Crescent between the Sofitel and Anantara resorts. It’s grand and palatial from outside and light and airy as you enter with a staircase down to the beach and pool areas.
Waldorf Astoria from the beach
Facilities
There’s two pools, one dedicated to families and another adults only area and pool. We arrived around 10am because we thought it might be busy but we had the pick of the beds (and they are very nice beds). The pool isn’t huge like some of the other beach clubs, but it’s no less beautiful with the adults only pool having an infinity edge over looking the beach area.
The beach is equally as lovely and has views of the inner fronds of the Palm. You can also see the Marina in the distance. It does get fairly busy throughout the day (so don’t leave it too late to head here), but it never felt too crowded even with most of the beds taken.
Food and drink
The great thing about the Waldorf Astoria (as well as the beds) is the little touches at the beach club. There’s free water provided in your own ice bag for starters. This might sound nothing, but when you consider the price charged elsewhere for water it is! Plus how much you drink in the Dubai heat, then this becomes a big benefit. We were also treated to a small shot of delicious smoothie to sample throughout the day. These little things, alongside the great service of the staff, really does set the beach club apart.
In terms of food and drink, there’s a good selection on offer that can be ordered from your beds. Sometimes beach clubs can be a bit hit or miss, but again the Waldorf Astoria comes up trumps. The prices are pretty reasonable if we’re talking Dubai beach clubs (and Privilee gets you 20% off too). We only had sandwiches and smoothies but were impressed. This is definitely one of the best out of the beach clubs we’ve tried to date in terms of food and drink.
Overall
All in all I’d rank this beach club very near the top. It is a bit further out on the Palm if you’re not based in this area, but it’s worth the journey. It’s perfect for a day’s relaxation in luxury. As with many things in Dubai this doesn’t come cheap. If you want to treat yourself (or have Privilee membership) then it definitely comes recommended from visitors and expats alike.