Hiltonia Beach Club
The recent beach expansion by an extra 40m means this is the largest beach club along the Corniche, totaling 350m. What’s included? Access to the beach, pools and sunbeds. There’s two large temperature controlled pools, a children’s pool with waterslide and a toddler’s option. Want time out of the water? The kids can cause chaos at a covered outdoor playground. Extras: Gym classes, access to the sauna, stream room and Jacuzzi are only free if you’ve booked a spa treatment or are a member of the club. Water activities (like boat trips and paddle boarding) from Watercooled cost, as do refreshments from F&B outlets Vasco’s, Escape and Ocean café.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 8pm, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 6924203. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. abudhabi.hilton.com
Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, grand Canal
Featuring one of the largest pools in Abu Dhabi and overlooking the waters of the Grand Canal, this club is both luxurious and family-friendly. What’s included? Use of the 1,600sqm pool, which features a dedicated kids’ and toddlers’ area and access to Ritz Kids, a special club featuring a splash park and activities in a supervised setting. Parents can also use the gym, steam, sauna and run along the jogging tracks outside. Extras: Parents can order healthy fare from beach restaurant Al Fresco and eat it either in the restaurant or have it served to their lounge chairs. The family pool and beach experience (for a family of four) for Dhs850 includes a buffet lunch at Giornotte in addition to day pass amenities.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 8am to sunset for beach and pool, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Beach Club at Emirates Palace
Home to a 1.3km stretch of private beach, this high-end beach club has an East Wing geared more to relaxing with a swim-up pool bar and Jacuzzi while the West Wing is suited more to families and includes a lazy river. What’s included? A little bit of everything to be honest – use of the beach, gym, two pools, and access to the cricket and football pitches, tennis courts, badminton and Extras: Food from one of the two cafes – Las Brisas in the East Wing and Cascades in the West. Bike rentals, gym classes and motorised watersports all cost extra.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 7am to sunset, Dhs500. Tel: (02) 6907310. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
st Regis saadiyat island
Spot dolphins off the coast of Saadiyat Island here. What’s included? Access to the adult pool, lap pool and family pool as well as to the beach. Children aged four and above can visit the Sand Castle Club. Towels are also provided. Extras: An extra Dhs150 will give you access to the gym, sauna, steam room and indoor pool.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 6.30pm, Dhs250. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat Island. stregis.com