Even on vacation, I’m not the type who can lay by a pool for hours.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 RIVA Beach Club<\/a><\/strong> 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.\u00a0 Entering through the commercial space near Building 8, parking is a bit hit or miss (as it always seems to be on the Palm).\u00a0 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).\u00a0 Entrance to the beach club is downstairs.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 You can also prepay for a five day or seven-day pass, and there are memberships available, which include access to a gym.\u00a0 I’ll also be up front and say I don’t have much to compare this experience to.\u00a0 As mentioned, it’s relatively rare that I would ever just…not do anything for a day (or even a few hours).\u00a0 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.\u00a0 A waiter is proactively at my side, handing over a menu, and explaining the specials before I’ve unpacked my sunscreen.\u00a0 I order a bottle of water and, after a quick glance, a cocktail in the form of a Beach Bliss<\/em>, AED65.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 After getting a proper sweat on (and lasting maybe 45 minutes), I’m a bit too heated and make my way to the restaurant.\u00a0 The selections are precisely what’s expected in an environment like this one — salads, burgers, and an overall international approach.\u00a0 Basically,\u00a0there is something for everyone, including picky younger diners.\u00a0 There is a bar area, as well as outdoor and indoor seating, and it’s nice to have a choice.\u00a0 Guests can also dine on the beach, but I would recommend taking a break and getting out of the sun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nImagine how much fun I am on vacation.<\/del><\/p>\n