Located on Bluewaters, it offers fitness, fun and finesse.
I’m a beach club snob. If the music is too loud, I sigh. If there are too many influencers, I cringe. And if there are staff with sparklers, I leave. La Cantine Beach on Bluewaters Island, Dubai, is a breath of fresh Mediterranean air. This is not your average beach club. Sure, it has sun, sea, and sand, but it beautifully blends relaxation, wellness and sport.
La Cantine Beach is a short walk or buggy ride from Delano Dubai. The space encompasses a restaurant, bar, beach, and pool, as well as Insta-worthy views of Ain Dubai. Building on the legacy of La Cantine du Faubourg at Emirates Towers, the new beach venue from RIKAS Hospitality Group showcases Mediterranean dishes, design, and dreaminess.
From the moment you enter La Cantine Beach, you feel immersed in the heart of the Med. The venue boasts distinct areas for different experiences, and the theme is successfully carried throughout. The bright blue colour palette stretches across sofas, sunbeds, courts, and even a car – and vintage Fiat, no less.
La Cantine Beach features both adults-only and family-friendly pools. The areas are stylishly spaced, with walkways divided by water. We arrive on a weekday to the adults-only area, which is chic, clean and contemporary. While the sunbeds are a little close for comfort, it’s blissfully quiet during our visit. The staff are warm and welcoming, and no request is too much, whether it’s moving an umbrella or bringing an extra side table. And, our waiter is knowledgeable and generous with food and drink recommendations.
Chef Yiannis is behind La Cantine Beach’s menu, which spans starters, salads, signature dishes, grills and sides. Highlights include a wide selection of seafood: Chilean seabass, grilled octopus, seared seabass fillet, and squid ink risotto. The Greek Salad is fantastically fresh, and the Rigatoni Arrabbiata delivers a perfect balance of subtle spice and sweetness.
La Cantine Beach’s drinks menu features signature cocktails and mocktails. Sangrias come in sharing portions, with flavours like apple and pear, berries and passion, and orange and cinnamon. Plus, there are beers, spirits, and wines.
We’re not judging if you stay on your sunbed. If you’re feeling active, La Cantine Beach is also home to the La Cantine Beach Sports Club and #trending activities. The space features custom-branded sports equipment, including options such as pickleball and volleyball, as well as an outdoor workout area with weights. Wellness-inspired sessions range from paddleboard stretching in the pool to yoga on the beach deck. And, if you want a keepsake, there’s a charming souvenir shop.
I only wish I had more time to spend at La Cantine Beach. You could easily make a day of it – work out, chill out, and (literally) float between both. In a city full of cookie-cutter beach clubs – and Mediterranean ones – this one stands apart with a clear, joined-up identity, and is as strong on its fitness as well as fun. And, there were no sparklers in sight.
GO: Visit https://lacantinebeach.ae for more information.