The upper-middle class and the elite of Mumbai would prefer to spend a relaxing weekend at the various prestigious clubs in Mumbai catching up on their social life.

It can take years to get membership to any of the clubs -- unless you have privileged access through corporate membership. Temporary membership is available for short-term visitors. In addition to their sporting facilities, the clubs have a variety of restaurants and bars.

The Willingdon Sports Club on K. Khadye Marg, Tulsiwadi, Tardeo, has an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, gym and tennis, badminton and squash courts. It is set in huge, tranquil grounds near the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

Temporary membership costs Rs 2000 per week for a maximum of three months. You will need the recommendation of an existing member to join. Phone: 494 5754.

 Bombay Gymkhana 

The Bombay Gymkhana on Azad Maidan has a swimming pool, gym, tennis and squash courts, plus spacious cricket and hockey pitches. The club was established in 1875 and it was host to the first cricket test between England and India in 1933.

Temporary membership costs Rs 6000 per month for a maximum of six months, plus a Rs 5000 deposit. You will need to befriend a long-term member to secure an application form and start networking to get eight existing members to support your application. Phone: 207 0760.

The Cricket Club of India inside Braborne Stadium (Dinsha Wacha Road, Churchgate) has a swimming pool, squash, tennis and badminton courts. Men's and women's fitness centres include excellent gymnasiums, jacuzzis, saunas and steam baths. The club’s entertainment area looks on to the under-utilised cricket pitch, which has not been used for a test match since 1973.

Temporary membership costs Rs 800 per week and requires the support of two existing members; it’s limited to a maximum of 90 days per year.

The Breach Candy Club, at 66 Bhulabhai Desai Marg, is located on the edge of the Arabian Sea. It has a huge saltwater pool built in the shape of pre-partition India, and a semi-indoor pool that is good for doing laps.

The pools are open daily from 7.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. A day ticket costs Rs 200 on weekdays, Rs 300 on Saturdays and Rs 500 on Sundays. It costs Rs 100 Monday to Thursday after 6.00 p.m. Guests of members pay approximately half the fees. Temporary membership costs Rs 4000 per month.    

Coming Soon!

 Beach In Goregaon  

There will also be restaurants offering a choice of fine and casual dining, a bar to serve favourite spirits, a disco to boogie the night away, an arcade dedicated to virtual reality games, and a bowling alley to bring in the action! Everything to make leisure hours more relaxing and memorable.

Membership: The excitement opens November 2000 and life membership costs Rs 1.40 lakhs.