www.jumeirahgolfestates.com
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n pulling up outside the Clubhouse at Jumeirah Golf Estates you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the Mediterranean. Occupying a sizable plot overlooking the development’s driving range and practice area, this landmark building is much more than a clubhouse. Home to a trio of new restaurants (and more to come), a children’s play area and swimming pools, it is a destination in itself. And it is set to become an epicurean hotspot for residents and visitors alike, says Kamal Alahendra, food and beverage director at the Clubhouse. “It’s a completely different experience,” says Alahendra, who joined the Clubhouse following successful stints at the Jumeirah Group and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. “The golf environment, the Clubhouse concept, the surrounding greenery and the simple, easy-going lifestyle that can be found here make it the perfect location for socialising with friends and family.” Much like the development’s golf courses, the restaurants here are varied and spectacular. For a spot of fine dining there is Flame Tree Restaurant & Grill, a contemporary restaurant serving international cuisine in stunning surrounds. With head chef Rajiv Ranjan at the helm, diners will see their taste buds transported to Italy, India, Thailand and back again. And if the uninterrupted views across the 18th hole on the Fire course do not distract you from the menu, make sure you place an order for the trio chocolate terrine to close your meal.
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A hop and skip from here is Swirl Bar & Lounge, a casual restaurant serving a modern European menu throughout the day. A suitable spot for socialising, Swirl offers stunning views across the 18th hole on the neighbouring Earth course. Looking for a spot to thrash out a business deal? Then the Race To Dubai Suite, named after the prestigious tournament of the same name, might just be the place. Located next to the Clubhouse’s snooker room, the plush leather seating, fully stocked bar and private setting is enough to make any meeting a comfortable one. Available for private hire, it pays homage to the tournament and its past winners, with golfbased artwork and memorabilia dotted about the room to contemporary effect. Members or visitors on the go should stop by Fresca Café & Delicatessen before departing the Clubhouse and check out the fresh sandwiches to take away. Alternatively, non-golfers should book the afternoon tea and wait for their significant other to finish a round. Aside from the epicurean delights, the design of the Clubhouse deserves a round of applause, too. The architectural elements of its exterior are standout and striking, with features evocative of the Mediterranean, such as multi-level roofing, terracotta façade and open courtyards. The style of the Med continues inside, too, where it blends seamlessly with contemporary Arabic décor – think high ceilings, light marble, and stunning archways and bays. And the team behind this creative explosion? Dubai-based KST Designs. “The brief from the client was to be able to blend the clubhouse with the restaurants and bar, and appeal to non-golfing guests while being respectful to the idea that this