It's amazing what a weekend out of Dubai can do — Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah or even a few days under the stars in Umm Al Quwain is all it takes to regain sanity, readying you for another week in the rat race.
Come Wednesday or Thursday, it's a common enough statement: "I just can't wait to escape the city."
Well, now, thanks to the determination of Indian entrepreneur Wakil Ahmad, escaping the bright lights of the city just got easier.
The Royal Island Beach Club — all set to open to the public this month — is the result of a two-year project which has put Ahmad on top of The World. Actually, at the very heart of it.
While many things have been written about the unique island — one of only two islands in the Nakheel development that have been built on — tabloid! on Saturday brings you the definitive guide to the resort that will soon be the most convenient way to escape the city. Set on the Lebanon island, which Ahmad paid Dh32 million for (and invested close to Dh38 million in the club), it's a beach club fit for royalty. Only this time the guest list isn't limited to those with less-than-limited funds. Daytrippers, who can arrive via RTA water taxi, are catered to, with beach access and food, while those looking for a romantic dinner can come in the evenings. Fridays are reserved for dancing with Stranded, a relaxed weekly all-day-all-night music event organised by the MustHave Group, the people behind 360.
Opening hours
Sunday-Thursday, daytime: Open daily from 10am-6pm as a daytime beach club. Dh225 (not including transport) allows use of the beach, pool, changing and shower facilities, sports areas, along with access to the all-day dining restaurant and both indoor and outdoor bar areas. All food and drinks are paid for on a consumption basis.
Sunday-Thursday, night-time: From 7pm onwards the resort is open to anyone who wants to book a special dinner. The 70-seater restaurant carries an extensive menu, and prices will be in line with that of any five-star resort/hotel in the UAE, according to the management.
Friday: Every Friday the Royal Island Beach Club will continue its relaxed beach theme with a splash of music added to the mix with Stranded, presented by The MustHave Group. Expect local and international DJs at the open-air decks 2pm-2am. It's planned to be less beach party, more just music to complement a day on a unique beach. As the evening sets in, change and freshen up in your cabana, but organisers say leave the heels at home, ladies. Dress code is boardies, flip-flops and casual beach chic.
Water taxis will leave both Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Open Beach at regular intervals throughout the day, but journeys cannot be operated on demand. After all, you're supposed to be stranded!
Stranded takes place every Friday and is priced at Dh200, which includes beach entry all day-all night and transport. The event is strictly by guest list only; add your name at www.themusthavegroup.com
Saturday: It's family brunch time. Operations manager Reza Sinnen says guests can expect those "little extras" provided by any luxury hotel on the mainland. "It's about caring for people, whether they are on the beach or in a restaurant. Cold towels, fruit skewers. We will be making sure everyone feels special."
Saturday brunch is Dh650 and includes all-day entry to the resort, along with transport.
Something special
For Dh6,000 per couple you could really push the boat out (pun totally intended) and book a dinner you would never forget. Private yacht charter, a table and a private cabana with unimaginable views of Dubai's impressive skyline at dusk, a seven-course meal, with roses for the lady — and a money-can't-buy memory. Any special requests for proposals, anniversaries and birthdays can be made in advance.
Membership
Although the club has not yet decided on annual membership charges, Reza Sinnen says membership will only be limited to yacht and boat owners. "Day visitors will always be welcome, but members must be people who can get into the club." Once annual membership is paid, there will no extra cost for entry on a daily basis, he adds.
Extras
Private chalet-style cabanas are available for hire for Dh1,000 per day for up to six guests, with leather sofas, a TV, a minifridge, a safe, a private bathroom and shower facilities with complimentary toiletries. Cabanas are booked on a first-come-first-served basis. There's no overnighting.
Details
- Length of beach: About 500 metres
- Price of day entry: Dh225 (not including transport)
- Facilities offered: Pool, beach, sunbeds, private cabanas, restaurant, bars, shower and changing facilities, volleyball court, five-a-side football pitch, table tennis, gardens
- Cost of a burger, chips and soft drink: Prices haven't yet been revealed, but Reza Sinnen insists the prices will be very reasonable and in line with any luxury hotel on the mainland. Although it's on the Lebanon island, food is international.
- Towels and loungers cost: Loungers will be charged on a minimum-spend basis. Prices still to be fixed.
- Kids' play area: Usual sports facilities, but no swings or slides.
Visit www.royalislandbeachclub.ae for enquiries or bookings.
Background
The World project is 9km wide and 7km long. It covers an area of 931 hectares and will add 232km to Dubai's natural 67km of beachfront. The islands range from 13,935-41,806 square metres in size. The project is divided into private-estate-island zones, commercial zones, which have low- mid- or high-density resorts, hubs for ferry-transfer points and public visitor areas. The islands, sold only by invitation, were earlier priced in the range of $20 million (Dh73.4 million) to $50 million (Dh184 million). Nakheel claims it has already sold 70 per cent of the 300 islands, but construction has commenced on only two.
How to get there
Royal Island Beach Club has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Roads and Transport Authority to ferry tourists on the RTA Water Taxi and Ferry Dubai from Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Open Beach adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Park. "We will offer fixed water-taxi services from a location in Jumeirah and the taxis will run on pre-determined schedules. The ferry will be available for bookings of up to 98 guests." For those wanting something a little more luxurious, Sinnen says there are options to use the Royal Island Beach Club limo-boat service at a cost of Dh1,000, or to hire a personal RTA taxi, priced at about Dh1,500 for up to ten people. The hire of luxury yachts is also possible.
