SAONA TO OPEN AT PALM WEST BEACH THIS DECEMBER

Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene is welcoming a new addition this December, as SAONA prepares to open its doors at voco Dubai The Palm on West Beach.

Taking inspiration from the Caribbean island of Saona, the new lifestyle destination will combine contemporary dining, cocktails, music and immersive interiors, creating a space designed to move from relaxed dinners into lively late-night gatherings.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, SAONA will bring together Caribbean flavours and modern Peruvian influences, with a focus on social dining and an atmosphere that evolves throughout the evening.

Leading the kitchen is Jamaican-born Executive Chef Richie Richards, who brings more than 20 years of international culinary experience, including his time at Dubai’s Miss Lily’s.

Drawing on his Caribbean heritage, Richards will introduce a menu that blends traditional island ingredients with contemporary Peruvian techniques, exploring bold flavours and unexpected combinations.

The concept takes inspiration from Saona Island’s laid-back culture, with food and hospitality centred around bringing people together.

Beyond its culinary offering, SAONA is positioning itself as a social destination where music plays a central role.

As the evening progresses, the restaurant will transition from a relaxed dining atmosphere into a livelier setting, with DJ-led entertainment, handcrafted cocktails and music creating a natural continuation of the night.

Rather than separating dinner and nightlife, the concept aims to bring both experiences together under one roof, giving guests a reason to stay long after their meal.

Designed to accommodate up to 244 guests, SAONA will feature a main dining area, dedicated VIP lounge, relaxed seating areas and outdoor spaces.

Guests will enter through a dramatic corridor leading into an atmospheric interior, combining warm lighting, layered textures and contemporary architectural details.

The different spaces will cater to everything from intimate dinners and group gatherings to private celebrations, while maintaining the venue’s Caribbean-inspired identity.

With its opening scheduled for December 2026, SAONA is set to join Palm West Beach’s growing collection of dining and entertainment destinations, offering a new space where food, cocktails and music come together.

SAONA is scheduled to open in December 2026 on the first floor of voco Dubai The Palm, West Beach. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.