The wonderful city of Jeddah is renowned for many things – brilliant restaurants, enchanting architecture, amazing shopping and absorbing art galleries to name but a few – and yet perhaps our favourite thing to do in Jeddah is head for the coast and soak up the sun, sea and sand.
We have an inkling that you might agree, so read on for our round-up of top beach clubs in Jeddah, from uber-exclusive party places to kid-friendly destinations and relaxation-focused spots.
Bhadur Resort
This welcoming resort is less about posing for Instagram-tastic photos and more about escaping the crowds, really chilling out and embracing a sense of peace and quiet. In short, when you want some proper family-focused downtime, make a beeline for Bhadur.
That’s not to say there isn’t heaps to do here. The resort offers access to a lovely private beach, there’s an excellent spa (head there for the rejuvenating massage you’ve been promising yourself for weeks), a spacious swimming pool and dedicated diving school, as well as restaurants and cafes. What’s more, the on-site waterpark, arcades and games rooms should keep the kids occupied, too (we call that a win-win).
SAR100 per person entrance fee, chalets from SAR1,500 per night. Open 24 hours. Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Obhur, bhadur.com (012 234 4400).
Boho the Beach
Boho Beach is another unique concept presented by Blue Limits Co. It is designed to be an exceptional gateway that will have you mesmerised and reconnect with the good vibes in no time. Boho Beach is where freedom, peace, and happiness are in abundance and is comprised of a limited number of villas, one-bedroom apartments, studios and locker memberships.
AZ Zomorod District, Jeddah, bohothebeach.com
Durrat Al Arus
We’ve got a lot of love for Durrat Al Arus, not least because amongst a sea (pun intended) of beach clubs that pride themselves on their exclusivity and price themselves accordingly, this wholesome, family-friendly place is reassuringly down to earth.
Around 45 minutes’ drive from Jeddah and rather more akin to a beachside city than a regular resort, Durrat Al Arus is the oldest (and one of the most popular) private beaches in Jeddah. With over 1,000 beach houses ranging from individual units to bungalows and suites, a health club, equestrian centre, marina, golf course and theme park, you’re never going to be short of things to do here. The option to rent accommodation by the day only adds to the appeal.
Dhahban, @durrah_beach_resort (012 618 0000).
Indigo
Exclusivity, luxury, extravagance and escapism are the name(s) of the game at this one-of-a kind, invite-only beach paradise in Obhur. The most lavish spot on this list, Balinese-inspired Indigo combines breathtaking sea views, tinkling waterfalls and seemingly endless temperature-controlled infinity pools with next-level accommodation (we’re talking four-bedroom bungalows and water villas), an idyllic beach, lively atmosphere, well equipped gym and spa. Let’s just say it’s no surprise that Indigo’s highly coveted annual memberships are considered a golden ticket.
Prices on request/invitation to join. Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Obhur (012 234 4624).
Naxos Bay Women’s Beach
With its private stretch of sand dotted with sunloungers and umbrellas, pretty shaded grassy areas, iconic swan pedalos just crying out to be taken for a spin, excellent amenities and female first vibe, there’s a whole lot to love about Naxos Bay Women’s Beach.
Gather up your girlfriends for some well-deserved beachside chilling at this women’s only resort any day of the week (make sure you stay for sunset) and do look out for their popular parties and events.
Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Street, Obhur, naxosbaybeach.com (054 086 6332).
OIA Beach
The super-stylish stone buildings are whitewashed, the sand is golden, the azure blue sea twinkles and the atmosphere is achingly hip yet oh-so relaxed; Santorini vibes are in full swing at OIA Beach, the gorgeous private residential resort in north Obhur.
While it’s naturally tempting just to settle into a pool-side cabana or luxuriate on the tranquil beach for the day (no judgement here!), those looking for something a little more adventurous can go sailing, try their hand at kayaking, hit the gym or brave the floating water park (kudos to anyone who still looks cool while doing so). When all that activity leaves you feeling peckish (it’s a tough life), head to Pareya Restaurant to relax, refuel and drink in the fabulous views.
Average annual rent SAR200,000. 8984 Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Obhur, oiabeach.com (055 532 5649).
Salhia
The quintessential family-friendly beach club, Salhia is loved by locals and expats, the old and the young. This wholesome, membership-only beach resort offers respite from the city and a chance to relax, reconnect and enjoy the simpler things in life. Whether you spend your time challenging friends to a quiet game of chess, enthusiastically enjoying a spirited volleyball match, splashing about in the shallows, building sandcastles or sipping away on a signature mint lemonade while devouring the book of the moment, there’s something about a day at Salhia that will just leave you feeling better about the world.
6863 Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Street, Al-Amwaj, (012 656 1900).
Silver Sands
For those who like to stay active when they hit the beach, Silver Sands is the perfect destination. With a wide range of water sports on offer – windsurfing, sailing and fishing amongst them – as well as stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life to explore, a small island just a few minutes swim away and a large children’s playground, this Caribbean-inspired spot is an adventure-seekers dream. Of course, if you’d prefer to take in the beautiful surroundings in a more sedentary fashion (i.e. on a sun lounger) that’s fine too.
Average daily entrance price SAR100 per person Sun-Thu, SAR150 per person Fri-Sat. Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, silversandsksa.com/beach (055 446 6023).
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