ALFRESCO SEASON

Buddha Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

Best bar none

Make the most of the weather and try these top beach bars in Abu Dhabi

Buddha Bar Beach Abu Dhabi

This outpost of the renowned brand has a privileged Saadiyat seaside location and it’s all about the beach chic. It features the brand’s signature on-trend soundtrack, luxurious shore view lounge area, and a menu that dances playfully between east and west. Buddha Bar Beach has two seatings for its Friday Nikkei Brunch (from Dhs325), an afternoon session and an evening one, both are accompanied by Latin beats and Japanese-Peruvian eats. a Buddha Bar Beach, The St Regis Sadiyaat Island, open Mon to Wed 5pm to midnight, Thu to Sat midday to midnight. Tel: (02) 498 8888, @buddhabarbeachabudhabi

Shala Beach Lounge

‘Shala’ is derived from the Sanskrit meaning ‘home,’ and this venue at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers exactly that to the capital’s free-spirited wanderers. Here, sea views are paired with plush cushions bearing macrame cotton tassels, ornamental feathers, a fire pit, soft linen banquets and natural wood finishes. The design of this Abu Dhabi beach bar taps into that same beachshack soul that you’d expect to find in bohemian haunts like Tulum, or the Ibizan town of Playa d’en Bossa. And with just

Shala Beach Lounge

a thin slip of rugged dunescape between you and the rhythmic Gulf surf, it makes an excellent claim for top sundowner cocktail spot. a Shala Beach Lounge, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island. Tel: (0)2 407 1234. @ shalaabudhabi

Ting Irie Pon Di Beach

The Abu Dhabi version of Dubai’s popular Caribbeanthemed lounge recently opened at Mamsha Saadiyat. If you’ve already visited the Dubai location, you’ll have some idea of what to expect, and therefore are entirely forgiven for being more than a little excited. It’s all about those good island vibes, soulful reggae music, dancehall bangers, authentic Caribbean cuisine and comes pretty close to replicating carnival feels all year round. This new venture is a skank step closer to its spirit land, being just a few steps away from Saadiyat’s gorgeous Soul Beach. There’s no dress code (no pressed shirt, no shoes so no worries) and a terrace space offering island shoreline views, and Arabian Gulf blues. a Mamsha Saadiyat. @tingirieuae

Smokin’ Pineapple

At the ultra-luxurious Zaya Nurai Island, everything about Smokin’ Pineapple transports you to the far-flung shores of Bali, Tulum or Koh Tao. In the centre, there’s a thatched roof beach bar lined with wooden swings, which spills out to an infinity pool, with hammocks and teepees where guests can relax and recline listening to the sounds of a live DJ, while sipping fruity cocktails and watching the sunset. To reach it,

Ting Irie Pon Di Beach

Safina

While you’re likely coming to Saadiyat Beach Club for a day of basking in the rays or sipping cocktails in a plush cabana, its collection of restaurants and lounges shouldn’t be missed. For beach bar vibes, head to Safina, where Mediterranean flavours are served up in a breezy indoor restaurant, and on the rustic terrace, with views of the pool and gardens beyond. a Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island. Tel (0)2 656 3536, saadiyatbeachclub.ae you’ll need to take a speedboat from the resort’s welcome centre on Saadiyat Island. a Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, open 10am to 10pm daily. Tel: (0)2 506 6222. zayanuraiisland.com

Raclette

Although it’s not technically a toes-in-the-sand beach bar in Abu Dhabi, newly opened Raclette deserves a mention for its beachy bohemia decor and stunning setting on Mamsha Saadiyat. Raclette is a licensed venue with a chic central bar – a perfect spot for those postbeach, shore-view sundowners.

Smokin’ Pineapple Nasma

A come-as-you-are, beach-tobar brasserie, the menu includes French toast for breakfast, steaming pots of mussels and tiered seafood towers. a Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, daily 9am to 12am. Tel: (0)2 546 2277. @racletteuae

Nasma

For relaxed drinks and grazing as the sun sets, Nasma is one of the best beach bars in Abu Dhabi. Located on the shorefront of the Saadiyat Rotana, it brings gorgeous sea views and laid-back vibes to a picturesque setting. Pull up a bean bag, or snag one of the private cabanas, and nibble on Latin bar bites, sip fruity cocktails or order shisha, all served up to the sounds of chilled Caribbean beats. a Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island. Tel: (0)2 697 0000. rotana.com

Raclette

ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PAGE 48