Mario Aeby
Google
I had a fourteen hours layover in Abu Dhabi recently on a Sunday, landing at the airport at noon. I decided to leave the airport's transfer section, to immigrate into UAE, and then to use Uber to drive me to this beach club. The drive was quick, smooth and affordable (100 AED). Check-in at was very friendly and efficient as well. Walk-ins are welcome, ie. I did not pre-book anything and there was no issue entering the premises. I received access to a locker in the changing area where I was able to change into my beach outfit which I had put in my carry-on. My backpack was too large, so the security at the reception took good care of it over all those hours. When entering the pool area, you can redeem a voucher for a complimentary water bottle and a towel. Around 2pm there were plenty of sunbeds available, also those in the shades. In my opinion, most people present at the beach club were expats, some mothers with their toddlers, occasionally accompanied by their husbands. Also some single people of both sexes in their 20s and 30s. Drinks arrived quickly, and food was good (I had a greek salad and two beers). When staying at the sunbed at the pool, I got very well taken care of Chris from the Philippines and his team. He's very sociable, small talkish (like he knows you forever) and provides excellent, attentive service. Towards sunset, the venue saw some more influx of people. That's the time when you should head to the nearby private beach (also equipped with a bar) to enjoy the sunset. I did swim in the sea in the afternoon, as well, and it was flawless and safe, and lifeguard was on duty all the time. After sunset, I changed into workout clothes and did an indoor rowing session on the Technogym rower. The gym had one or two other users, and the equipment was brand new, flawless and well maintained. In the end, I used the steambath, but couldn't finish my sauna session because I only then learned that section closes off at 8pm. The entry cost of 350 AED (including a 100 AED consumation voucher, so you end up paying 250 AED entry as a guy on a Sunday) definitely is on the higher end, but the club is worth every cent IMHO if you look for some relaxing hours in a well-served, high quality environment during a layover. In the evening, you could also eat dinner at the restaurant, but I decided to head to Yas Mall and W Lounge instead before catching my flight home.