Dubai has accrued an impressive list of ‘world-firsts’, particularly in the luxury sector. One among them is the world’s first Bvlgari Marina and Yacht Club, part of the Bvlgari Resort and Residences situated on the exclusive Jumeira Bay, the seahorse-shaped man-made island just off the coast of Dubai. The yacht club’s theme recalls an Italian harbour village, which is a continuum of the distinctive Mediterranean feel of the whole development.
The Bvlgari resort and residences are built around a man-made cove with one end occupied by the resort while the other end houses the exclusive yacht club. Running along the crescent-shaped shoreline in between the two are the six residence buildings, the promenade and the marina.
The yacht club overlooks the opening of the cove with one side facing the Arabian Gulf and the other facing the resort across the opening of the cove. Amenities at the club include the restaurant, outdoor pool with an attached pool bar and the Little Gems kids’ club.
A casual but chic hideaway, the restaurant and bar at the yacht club serves casual Italian snacks and seafood including oysters and decadent caviar plates during lunch and dinner. In keeping with the club’s theme, the dining area is surrounded by vintage photos of celebrities at the seaside or aboard Riva yachts. Guests are served by staff attired in vintage naval-inspired uniforms, and with a custom designed chinaware collection by renowned Italian firm Richard Ginori. Other design features include a sailboat-timber walkway, chrome ‘guardrail’ parapets, a raised platform designed like the step in a boat, cream-leather seats reminiscent of Riva yachts and the crafted teak floorboards of a ship, making it the perfect spot to lounge while staying on terra firma. The custom-designed Bvlgari bar with its light-magnifying chandelier was created in partnership with Fresnel lenses, the most prestigious manufacturer of lighthouse glass, to maintain that nautical touch.
The yacht club is a place to escape, relax and socialise. Patrons can enjoy their time in the club’s library where they will find a range of books from classics to photo stories of the Bvlgari history. For those seeking a slightly up-tempo atmosphere, there is a separate DJ and dance area to while away the evenings by the water.
The Yacht Club pool, open from 9 am to 7 pm, is a destination in itself as it offers something for the whole family. Ideal for long days basking in the sun with families and friends, the pool offers cabanas and sun beds for rent, and an extensive pool bar menu. The kids will have plenty to do with the combination of the kids’ pool and the Little Gems Kids’ Club.
The 50-boat marina space is divided into four sections of boat decks: Section A is 10 metres providing 16 amps of power, section B is 15 metres providing 32 amps, section C is 20 metres providing 63 amps, while section D has four 40 metres berths providing 125 to 250 amps of power. The bay is also authorized as a superyacht anchorage.
The services offered by the marina include concierge assistance, onboard spa treatments, butler service, F&B services, club car and buggy service, 24-hour specialised dockhand assistance, housekeeping and ice delivery, garbage removal and pump out services. For DP registered boats, the marina offers ‘Dock and Dine’ service which offers free berthing for 4 hours while using one of the resort’s outlet.
Marina Membership Benefits include entry to the yacht club pool and bar, members lounge and library; free monthly use of the Yacht Club Board Room; 20 per cent discount in select resort outlets, on spa memberships as well as on spa treatments, and on room rates.
