miss b loves .....The Beach, Dubai

Of course I love the beach in Dubai ...... white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea ...

Jumeirah Beach with views of Palm Jumeirah
 and the Atlantis Hotel in the distance

.....but today I'm talking about The Beach, a brand new somewhat controversial project which, as you might have guessed, sits right next to the sea. When I first saw the hoardings go up, like many others I assumed it was just another shopping mall taking up valuable beachfront space!! 

How wrong we were! When we arrived in Dubai a couple of weeks ago, the first phase of The Beach had just opened. This new project has truly enhanced the area ....it's now a beautiful sleek luxury lifestyle destination. Ultra-modern, low rise buildings with cafés and restaurants whose terraces look out over the Arabian Gulf......

We visited Leopold's of London three times in a week! It's newly opened but already so popular. A perfect spot to relax, people-watch and enjoy the many delicious treats. 

Another favourite and also busy.....Eat Greek ....deliciously fresh tzatziki, succulent beef skewers followed by ....loukoumades (doughnuts drizzled with honey) presented in a miniature bucket ....

These chic chairs had just been delivered to a nearby restaurant .......another one opening very soon!

The open-air cinema (there's an indoor one too!) is amazing with the most enormous screen. 

and stylish comfy seating on the sand or bean bags if you prefer! 

Around midnight key international football matches are often shown.

Impressive sand sculptures are an attractive feature too .....

......including a very striking one which represents Dubai's most iconic landmarks .....

...illuminated at night .....

There's an interesting open-plan layout with shops and more restaurants nestled around a central plaza ...... 

It's a treat being able to pop into Sephora on the way back from the beach .....to buy a few new nail polishes for spring. It's about time we had Sephora stores in the UK!

Colourful escalators lead to undergound parking ......

.... and there are hi tech information screens where you can even take selfies with the beach in the background and instantly email to family and friends .... arrives quicker than a postcard!

There really is something for everyone ....a children's waterpark, spongey running track which skirts the beach, mini skate park and outdoor fitness equipment along the esplanade.

The ultra-modern showering facilities look even better at night!

The Beach is not yet finished but it's sure to be even more appealing when all the areas and venues are open....I wonder what's hiding behind here ........hoping it will be open next time we visit!

 .....and I'm especially looking forward to ....the Cavalli Café and ....Ladurée!!!!