RIVA Beach: A relaxed day on the Palm.

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Even on vacation, I’m not the type who can lay by a pool for hours.  However, before the summer sets in, I thought a few hours in the sun would be a fun way to spend a Thursday afternoon in Dubai.  RIVA Beach Club is located on the trunk of the Palm, and, on a clear day, views of both the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa are visible.  Entering through the commercial space near Building 8, parking is a bit hit or miss (as it always seems to be on the Palm).  I park near the bridge in a gravel lot, and for early May, it’s not too hot a walk (and allows me an easier exit from the location).  Entrance to the beach club is downstairs.  The cost is AED105 for a weekday pass (AED55 for children), which grants access and a towel (you might want to bring an additional one from home, I wish I had).  You can also prepay for a five day or seven-day pass, and there are memberships available, which include access to a gym.  I’ll also be up front and say I don’t have much to compare this experience to.  As mentioned, it’s relatively rare that I would ever just…not do anything for a day (or even a few hours).  Imagine how much fun I am on vacation.

After I receive my towel, I am led past the pool (which feels a bit crowded) to the beach chairs, of which there are plenty to choose from.  A waiter is proactively at my side, handing over a menu, and explaining the specials before I’ve unpacked my sunscreen.  I order a bottle of water and, after a quick glance, a cocktail in the form of a Beach Bliss, AED65.  The soundtrack on site is actually one of the better ones in Dubai, and as I’m seated near the servers area, I can hear everyone having a good time (people should be allowed to have fun at work, especially in 35C+ heat).  After getting a proper sweat on (and lasting maybe 45 minutes), I’m a bit too heated and make my way to the restaurant.  The selections are precisely what’s expected in an environment like this one — salads, burgers, and an overall international approach.  Basically, there is something for everyone, including picky younger diners.  There is a bar area, as well as outdoor and indoor seating, and it’s nice to have a choice.  Guests can also dine on the beach, but I would recommend taking a break and getting out of the sun.

I have to more or less track down a waiter, but once I make contact, I’m in good hands.  Having had a bit of a late one at BOCA the night before, I wanted to keep things light for my lunch and thus avoided some of the heavier items (no matter how much the RIVA nachos were calling my name).  I loved the tartare came with both Tuna and Salmon (why choose?), AED90.  I also ordered the Crab and Avocado salad, AED80, along with Pita with various dips, AED40.  Had I had someone along with me, I was further tempted by the cold cuts and cheeseboard, or a pizza (all of which looked great passing by my table).  Overall, the tartare is nice — nothing is being reinvented here, but then, why mess with a classic?  It would be easily to split between two or even three people (and I don’t finish the portion).  The crab salad was a bit overpriced, and to me, could’ve done more to amp up the crab taste.  The dips weren’t all that distinguishable from each other, but the bread was nicely toasted, and my carb cravings are easily met.  Overall, boxes are ticked.

Would I go back?  If I was in the market for a beach day during the week, I think RIVA is a perfectly lovely option.  AED105 seems just about right for what’s on offer, and probably a deal for someone who has a longer attention span than myself.

Who is RIVA Beach and Ristorante best for?  Sun worshippers.  A place to send out of town guests when you are at work.  A cheeky day out of the office.  The deals are generally good, so look out for specials to take advantage of, including the Bella Wednesdays.

What’s your favorite beach club in Dubai?  Do you recommend for me to check out?

A to Za’atar was a guest of RIVA Beach Club.  Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.