Part of what was previously known as Al Shalal Beach Club, Riva Beach Club is one of Dubai’s first standalone beach scenes not attached to an existing hotel or luxury resort franchise. Those dreaming of St. Tropez or Ibiza find a far-more local infrastructure on Palm island home to Zen-theme pool pavilion flanked by Italian eatery and all-day beach bar with waiter service along the adjacent white sand beach. The club attracts a mix of larger families of the area and visiting weekenders in search of a lively beach scene with weekend DJs and periodic private parties by night. Riva remains more soothing lounge scene than boisterous beach bash with a spa-minded mentality that also includes an on-site fitness center and full-service yoga studio in addition to a holistic café offering organic spa lunches.
Tips
Those in search of sun should opt for a spot on the beach with its all-afternoon sun exposure verses the pool that falls into shade by late afternoon.
Last Word
Unlike many of Dubai’s purely membership based beach clubs, Riva offers all all-day beach and fitness scene with day passes available for visitors and seasonal residents.
