13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Gigi Rigolatto Has Brought The Riviera To The Dubai Beach Club Scene
Gigi Rigolatto brings a sophisticated taste of the Mediterranean to the Middle East
If there's one place that knows how to live large, it's Italy – and now, that carefree, sundrenched spirit has since arrived on the shores of Dubai, wrapped in the effortless elegance of Gigi Rigolatto. The cult-favourite concept from Saint-Tropez and Paris has found its newest home at J1 Beach, thanks to a collaboration between hospitality heavyweights RIKAS Hospitality Group and Paris Society. Together, they've crafted a coastal escape that blends Riviera glamour with Dubai's insatiable appetite for the good life – a refined, immersive experience designed for those who appreciate detail, atmosphere and culinary precision.
Anchored by a design language developed by Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, Gigi Dubai is an ode to classic Italian style with a distinctly modern sensibility. Architectural elements nod to the villas of Capri and the textures of the Amalfi coast, while the layout flows effortlessly from the Bellini Bar to the swimming pool and the two expansive terraces that frame the view. The restaurant seats 120, with outdoor space for 240 more – though the pace here remains relaxed and deliberate.
The food is Italian, yes, but it resists cliché. Seasonal dishes draw on regional inspirations from Puglia to Tuscany, with a focus on quality ingredients and understated presentation. At the centre of it all is the Bellini Bar – a tribute to the aperitivo tradition, where guests can enjoy the signature peach-and-Prosecco cocktail or its contemporary reimaginings. It is the kind of ritual that becomes a reason to return.
Beyond dining, Gigi has been designed as a full lifestyle offering. The boutique stocks over 40 international and regional brands, with curated pieces ranging from beachwear and jewellery to exclusive Gigi-branded candles, linen shirts and pétanque balls. For families, the Gigi Circus offers a dedicated children's space complete with trampolines, water games and a shaded play area crafted with the same attention to aesthetics as the main venue.
With its blend of elegance, atmosphere and considered leisure, Gigi brings something distinctive to the city's hospitality landscape. Even mid-week, it draws a welldressed crowd of regulars and visitors alike, many of whom come for lunch and end up staying until sunset. For those seeking a Mediterranean state of mind, without ever leaving Dubai, this is where the season starts and lingers.
From Harper's Bazaar Arabia May 2025 Issue.
