As the dreamy new beach club opens on Palm West Beach, we feel like we’re on our own Greek island.
My guest and I are sat in Kyma Dubai and say to each other for the sixth time, “it’s just so beautiful”. Beach clubs come and come in the UAE, and are often cookie-cutter imports of Mykonos meets Dubai. So standing out in an overcrowded market is the stuff that hospitality dreams are made of, and Kyma Dubai has succeeded at doing just that.
Kyma Dubai is a masterclass in understated elegance, as everything is oh-so chic. The concept has been created by The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm and RIKAS Hospitality Group – the group behind some of Dubai’s greatest restaurant hits such as La Cantine du Faubourg, Ninive, Mimi Kakushi and Twiggy by La Cantine. The duo has done themselves proud, as we are visiting on its sixth day since opening, and it already has the potential to enter Dubai’s beach club hall of fame.
Kyma Dubai is located on Palm West Beach. Due to the beach club’s location, which is currently the furthest venue from the taxi drop-off, visitors may be tempted by a closer option. Don’t be dissuaded – sure, it is further down the trunk of The Palm, which means more of a walk, but there are now buggies to get you to your destination.
Describing itself as a Greek beach club and restaurant, Kyma Dubai feels like it’s on its own private little Greek island. What it lacks in size – it only has 70 beds – it makes up for in vibes, and this is one of exclusivity. At its heart is the elegantly designed pool, and widescreen views of Dubai Marina to the left and the sunset to the right.
Kyma Dubai itself is a sight to behold. It’s boho-romantic, thanks to the chilled electro soundtrack and dreamy décor. The palette of creams, beiges and whites give it a clean, polished look. Plus, the brown touches across the thatched parasols, tree trunk tables, wooden beams and sunbeds add a rustic, natural feel. So far, so classy castaway.
Make a day out of it – come for the pool day and stay for the restaurant. We start off with cocktails on the couch and watch the sunset. We’d recommend the Syringa (tequila, mezcal, blueberry, lime and ginger water) as an aperitif, and Anatoli (ouzo, strawberry, raspberry, vanilla lime foam) for dessert. Plus, we are keen to try the Greek wines by the glass, but there are only two: the sweeter, floral Gaia Notios, Moschofilero, and the dryer, aromatic Thema Ktima Pavlidis, Sauvignon Blanc and Assyrtiko blend.
The restaurant is located at the back of the venue and overlooks the beach as well as pool. Take your pick from soft banquettes lining the edges to tables with a view of the Arabian Gulf.
Kyma Dubai’s food menu prides itself on authentic Greek dishes, which have a Mediterranean influence. The tyrokafteri dip (feta, manouri cheese and roasted capsicum), which is served with soft, warm pita bread, is marvellously moreish that it is finished within minutes.
The feta in crispy fylo is a fluffy thin pastry encasing melted cheese, and topped with thyme honey that is poured on top at our table. The grilled calamari are served as two pieces, which are big enough to share, and is fresh and fragrant due to the oregano and lemon.
While it might feel obvious to order the Greek salad, we’re glad that we did, as it gave all the expected ingredients a bold upgrade. We’re talking chunky cucumbers, big bell peppers and a fat slab of feta resting on top, which the waiter sliced and mixed together.
The main menu is jam-packed with top-notch seafood dishes including seafood risotto, lobster pasta, catch of the day and king prawns (Grade U5). Meat dishes include lamb chops, chicken souvlaki and biftekia.
Vegetarians, you have been warned. The bad news: the only vegetarian main is a wild mushroom truffle orzo. The good news: it tastes the right amount of chewy and creamy, and doesn’t suffer from the Dubai truffle overload.
The Chilean seabass comes recommended by the waiter, but doesn’t quite hit out seafood spot. The generous-sized portion captures the lemon zest, but not that sought-after buttery taste.
For desserts, don’t leave without trying the galaktompouereko. The fylo pastry is piled up and encased with semolina custard as well as syrup. This lighter version of the traditional Greek dessert is not overwhelmingly sweet and big enough for two.
The attention to detail is everywhere – even the plates make an impression, as they look individually designed. We’re told they come from the Greek Soul Studio’s Komast collection and are priced at €30 each.
As the evening draws to a close, we are already planning our next visit. We ask the staff how much beach access is – AED 200 on weekdays and AED 250 on the weekends, both non-redeemable. If the sign of a good venue is whether or not you want to return (and show it off to your friends), then Kyma Beach is winning.
Go before it gets busy. It is, as we sigh one last time, “just so beautiful”.
Kyma Dubai is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
GO: Visit https://kymabeach.ae for more information.
