Matcha Club Dubai
Dubai
UAE
Dubai. Shiny, glitzy, bold, ostentatious even? Not always so. And the proof is in the tranquil, calm, oasis-like, very un-glossy Matcha Club pudding. Yes, you heard that right. Welcome to Dubai.
Review
A tranquil Padel and Wellness Haven in Dubai
Catching up with a friend after their recent visit to Dubai, I heard the hackneyed descriptions of the soaring skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, larger than life building projects and expansive desert landscape. Been there, done it, came the cry of our Àguilas committee. However, one glance at the ever-growing padel scene in the Middle East, and we just couldn’t ignore the UAE padel market any longer; and we’re glad we didn’t. Much to our surprise, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of clichéd Dubai is an oasis of sportsmanship and relaxation so un-Dubai-like, we still wonder if we were actually dreaming. Its name? Matcha Club.
Whilst Dubai might be considered a ‘new wine’ of the padel world, courts are by no means hard to come by. They range from your transactional pay-and-play establishments to clubs parading the high-end padel lifestyle. Yet where Matcha stands out, is in its seamless blend of unassumed urban chic with athletic fervour. This club embodies a modern, community-focused ethos that resonates with avid players, curious newcomers and wannabe athletes of a more artistic persuasion alike (such is the French ownership’s influence and attention to design detail).
Upon entering Matcha, and being presented with its burnt orange colour palette (how does that sound?) you’re enveloped by an atmosphere of understated elegance, marked by sleek minimalist design interspersed with lush greenery. Matcha Club is not just a sports venue; it's a social hub where padel enthusiasts gather, connect, and thrive.
Matcha’s appeal lies in its dedication to fostering a vibrant community for all-comers - all-comers that is, if you’re partial to a bit of understated matte-over-gloss lux, not so familiar in this part of the world – while maintaining a high standard of excellence. The French founders have envisioned a space where people come to enjoy not just the sport, but the holistic experience that comes with it. From meticulously designed courts to the inviting café that serves as a social nexus, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to enhance your visit. The club’s location in Al Quoz, a district known for its artistic and cultural vibe, further enriches the experience, making it a standout destination for both local residents and international visitors.
Whether you're there to play a game, join a yoga session, or simply relax with friends, Matcha promises a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the court.
-
Walk through the entrance of Matcha Club, and you’re greeted by a refreshing contrast to its bustling surroundings. The vibe here is effortless yet polished, with a welcoming simplicity that sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. As you step in, the focus is immediately drawn to the six sleek outdoor courts. These aren’t just any courts—they’re oh-so-perfectly crafted, surrounded by verdant greenery that not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures a bit of seclusion from the outside world. The red surfaces gleam with a promise of high-calibre play, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior.
The magic of Matcha doesn’t end at the courts. Meander a bit further and you'll discover a suite of wellness facilities that blend seamlessly into the club’s tranquil atmosphere. The yoga and meditation areas are more than just rooms; they’re sanctuaries designed with serene colours and natural materials to help you find your centre. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a seasoned yogi, these spaces cater to your need for peace and focus.
And then there’s NETTE, the club’s dining gem. It’s where French and Japanese flavours come together in a culinary dance that feels as invigorating as it is comforting. Nette is located at the centre of Matcha, setting it up to be the perfect people-watching spot with a cup of coffee in-hand. Whether for a family breakfast after a game of padel, a healthy lunch after morning Ashtanga, or a fresh juice while working remotely, Nette has got it covered. The standouts included a yuzu ponsu crispy salmon and Japanese cremé brulée pancakes that looked almost too good to be eaten. However, if you’re not in the mood to indulge entirely, their potent drinks are more than enough to satiate and refresh even the most pedantic padelist.
-
As is true with most Àguilas members, the atmosphere is brought by the people within it. In Matcha’s case, it is the contrast between the seemingly Lululemon-sponsored yoga enthusiasts, the all-day padel fiends and the ultra-creative remote workers watching on from NETTE which really keeps the club grounded in its urban oasis.
Everyone who walked through the entrance seemingly slotted into one of these three personas and we can confirm it certainly happened to us – no, we sadly didn’t slip into our Lululemon yoga gear, but certainly did uncover that innate love for padel as soon as we stepped on the pristine courts.
So, should you go? Well, if we haven’t convinced you already with the impressive people-watching facilities, then maybe the thought of matte-black, solar-heated showers will.
-
Although the courts and wellness facilities might be the focal point of the club, it is NETTE which wins over the hearts of so many. The sophisticated menu blending French and Japanese cuisines perfectly complements the club’s wellness ethos. The standouts included a yuzu ponsu crispy salmon and Japanese cremé brulée pancakes that looked almost too good to be eaten. However, if you’re not in the mood to indulge entirely, their potent drinks are more than enough to satiate and refresh even the most pedantic padelist.
-
The Matcha Sunset
-
Matcha Club’s charm and elegance owe much to its exceptional staff, and they ensure the club's reputation remains stellar. From the moment you arrive, a sense of relaxation takes over, knowing that every detail of your visit is handled with care. The welcome desk staff greet you with warm smiles, immediately setting the tone for a top-tier experience. This level of attentiveness extends to the padel professionals, the team of yoga and fitness instructors, and the post-match recovery experts at NETTE. Together, they cover all bases, making sure your visit is nothing short of perfect.
And speaking of the yoga and fitness instructors, it’s worth highlighting just how extensive this team is. There are (not to be precise) thirteen professionals all specialising in slightly different areas from HIIT workouts, to hatha yoga, to vinyasa, to dynamic vinyasa, oh yes and of course to heart-opening vinyasa too. It’s this which really places the club as the go-to wellness and padel facility in Dubai.
-
The club has six courts to choose from, all outdoors, all fitted with top-end surfaces and lighting, all complete with the unique red surface and rust coloured caging and, most impressively, all organised to ensure a comfortable and focused playing environment as if you were the only four players there. These courts really do transport you from the busy Dubai life to this urban padel oasis.
-
The strong social aspects of the club mean that finding four players is by no means a struggle. Yet, when it becomes difficult is when your recent coaching has taken your game up that extra notch leaving you wanting more of a challenge than your previous three hitting partners could provide. This is where the club’s Playtomic booking system comes into its own, allowing you to join competitive matches against fellow players of similar, if not higher, rankings.
-
Though it’s hard to discover the full coaching programme, the club’s coaching network does include top professionals ready to to take your game to whole new levels. Whether you are a newcomer starting out, or a seasoned professional, they will certainly be able to satiate your padel appetite and get you ready for competitive matches, tournaments or just social games with friends. Whatever takes your tipple, really.
-
Rust red baseball cap.