New Dubai firm takes over Palm Jumeirah beach club

IFA Hotel Investments has appointed a boutique Dubai hospitality group to manage a beach club on The Palm Jumeirah formerly operated by luxury hotel chain Fairmont.

Whissle, a boutique hospitality group set up by the founders of Dubai eatery Okku Luxury Japanese Restaurant and Lounge, has relaunched the venue — previously called Al Shalal Beach Club.

The new destination is called Riva Ristorante, Bar and Beach, located in Building 8, The Shoreline Palm Jumeirah.

The independent beach club offers a range of membership options, while non-members also have access to 200 sun loungers available for day hire, as well as a climate controlled pool, fully-licensed gazebo bar and al fresco restaurant.

Whissle co-founder Markus Thesleff said: “We believe RIVA will revolutionise Dubai’s beach scene by being the first fully standalone destination offering a truly bespoke policy – an approach which mirrors leading international destinations like the Italian Riviera and the Islands of Greece.

“The iconic Palm is the perfect place to escape in Dubai but has not yet been available to anyone but residents or hotel guests, which is why we have developed the RIVA concept to be as accessible as possible for those who want to come and relax, indulge and chill out – our mission is to make RIVA inclusive not exclusive. A place for Dubai residents to come and enjoy our beach,” continued Thesleff.

Riva is part of the Riva Complex, which includes Kalm beauty salon, Dreamworks massage spa and Bliss florist.

Whissle is also set to launch a fresh and natural café concept at Riva called Sophie’s, which promises a focus on organic and local produce.

Phase two of the complex development will include the opening of a licensed Italian eatery, Riva Ristorante.