Restaurants

Not just for pony fans, the Polo Club is also home to a host of leisure facilities, for an American country club-style experience. The palm tree-lined temperature-controlled pool is fitted with the Splash Pool Bar, which offers made-to-order cafe-style meals for guests enjoying the club’s idyllic surrounds. After your swim, head to the in-house spa for a soothing post-sun facial and signature detox marine algae wrap. +971 4 361 8111

Stretching across the Palm’s Crescent foreshore, and with the iconic seashell-pink Atlantis, The Palm looming in the background, the Royal Pool strikes a balance between a family-friendly destination and a relaxing spot for the unaccompanied grown-ups. The oversized five-star pool is perfect for a dip, with or without younger family members. Or take the kids down to the private beach, the nearby jungle gym or the lawn badminton court to totally tire them out before dinner. We recommend the signature grilled tiger prawns. +971 4 426 2626

After a summer of renovations, the landmark beach club has relaunched even bigger and better than before, adding 2,000 sqm of leisure areas. Boasting a 39-metre-long glass-fronted infinity pool and an expanse of private beach-front, the venue is also home to fresh-focused kitchen, serving an international menu that includes everything from Lebanese mixed grills to lighter salads. Known for its ability to attract major music acts (Fat Boy Slim’s recent set was the gig to be seen at), day loungers are encouraged to linger into the evening, with the poolside still open for a dip long after sunset. +971 4…

Specially designed, imported and affixed to the side of the seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab Terrace was never going to be anything short of spectacular. As exclusive as the hotel itself, the expanse of ocean-grazing infinity pools, swim-up counters and sun loungers are reserved for hotel guests and VIP membership holders only (who pay from AED2,500 a day for the privilege). While the 32 luxury beach cabanas are each stocked with a full mini-bar, fresh fruits and gourmet coffee, it’s the California-cool menu from the adjacent Scape restaurant that will tempt you to order your meal directly to your lounger. +971…