In a city that continually redefines luxury leisure, Dubai’s beach club scene has always been a cut above the rest. With Mykonos-inspired lounges, South of France-style hot spots, and a steady stream of buzzy A-list imports staking their claim, its undoubtedly a prime destination for sun-drenched escapism. Therefore, it’s only fitting that Dubai would set its sights on Spain as well.
Named after the secluded island off Ibiza’s northeast shore, Tagomago distils the essence of Balearic charm into a beach club that goes far deeper than your average poolside indulgence. Consider it a portal to the Mediterranean. Step through its doors, and the frantic city energy fades, replaced by an authentic feel of the Spanish coast.
“The concept is simple,” says the restaurant’s Head Chef, Iker Zapata Errasti. “We bring Spain to Dubai.” And food is indeed the beating heart of Tagomago – forget fusion or watered-down adaptations. “We have paella influences from Valencia, seafood from Galicia, and fresh produce from the Basque Country and the Canary Islands. It really is a full Spanish gastronomic journey,” he says.
Chef Iker is a Spaniard through and through, and pours passion for his homeland into every dish. “My personal favourite from our menu would be the fried mussels. It’s a dish I made with my grandmother every Christmas, stuffed with prawns and fried to perfection,” he says.
The appointment of Chef Iker was instrumental in establishing the menu’s integrity. At Tagomago, every ingredient is carefully selected and imported directly from Spain. “We even source fresh bluefin tuna – it’s one of our bestsellers,” he adds. And then, of course, there’s the paella – the gold standard of Spanish cuisine.
“We’re masters of paella. You can’t beat the quality,” Chef boasts, and rightly so. It’s a dish that demands patience, precision, and, above all, respect for tradition. And with every bite – bursting with the sweet tang of sun-ripened Spanish tomatoes – it’s impossible to disagree.
With the city’s booming beach club scene, the challenge is often standing out and providing the guest with a truly unique experience, says Tasos Karaka, the venue’s general manager. “We do that by creating a holistic experience that goes beyond just sun, sand, and sea. We create an atmosphere – with attentive yet relaxed service, and a genuine island vibe that transports our guests, making them feel as though they’ve discovered a hidden gem in Spain.”
Design at Tagomago plays a key role in this illusion. With earthy Mediterranean tones, natural wood accents, and breezy, open-air dining, the space captures the easy elegance of the Balearics. There are 120 sunbeds lining the shore, a bustling terrace, and even a chiringuito-style pergola area, perfect for long, lazy afternoons and sundowners.
And then there’s the music: a carefully curated selection of beats that set the perfect backdrop to the Mediterranean dreamscape. “It’s all about balance,” Tasos explains. “Spain has a unique, carefree energy that’s hard to replicate, but at Tagomago, we stay true to its roots while embracing the cosmopolitan diversity.”
The Balearic Islands, like Ibiza, have long been the blueprint for hedonistic escapes. However, as prices surge and the islands become more saturated, Dubai offers an irresistible alternative. Not to mention, the Emirates’ appeal to the sun-seeker is multifaceted. The city has evolved into a melting pot for food-lovers and beach goers, with places such as Tagomago firmly at the helm.
Of course, it isn’t a standalone venture; Tagomago is the brainchild of RIKAS Group, one of the key hospitality heavyweights behind some of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations. The group, led by Rizwan Kassim, is renowned for its ability to blend global flavours with local tastes, and Tagomago is no exception.
Following the success of Kyma, another beachside gem on the Palm Jumeirah, RIKAS is rapidly evolving, with eyes on expansion into other Middle Eastern markets in the near future.
Tagomago is a sun-drenched success story for RIKAS, perfectly embodying the group’s ethos of crafting exclusive experiences, not just opening venues.
And speaking of exclusivity, even boat owners can glide in with ease thanks to complimentary self-docking services, making it effortless to sail up, feast, and drift back out to sea. And in a city where lavish events are commonplace, this particular venue is primed to play host.
At its core, Tagomago is a love letter to Spain – a culinary journey, a transportive escape, and a testament to Dubai’s ever-evolving hospitality scene. It offers a sun-soaked slice of the Mediterranean, served with just the right amount of the UAE’s five-star glamour. And honestly? That’s a combination too good to resist.
For more information visit tagomago.ae
This story was originally published in Out Of Office – Spring 2025, available with the latest issue of Esquire Middle East, or order your copy here.