There’s nothing quite like a relaxing, sun-soaked, beach holiday. But, sometimes, you want the beach break, without, well, the beach.
Enter beach clubs. These atmospheric all-rounders have the same aesthetic and sensory appeal as regular seaside sunbathing – soothing ocean soundtrack, sunset beach views and plenty of semi-clad eye candy, but without the sand, seaweed and surf spray.
Given the choice, who wouldn’t opt for a comfy sun lounger over a crowded beach front, or sipping cocktails by the seaside from a swim-up bar over drinking bottles of warm water from an Esky while sitting in a stuffy shade tent?
Bali is home to some of the world’s best beach clubs and, with venues catering to every style and budget, there’s no better way to relax and soak up the summer rays.
• THE EXPAT’S SECRET GUIDE TO BALI
• HOW TO ‘EAT, PRAY, LOVE’ IN BALI
• INSIDE THE LUXURY SUPER-VILLAS OF BALI
WHAT ARE THEY?
Beach clubs are pretty much the same as regular clubs, only with better views, and pools, and waiters who look after your every whim.
If you’re looking for luxury, they have you covered. Cool off in an infinity pool, cocktail in hand, while listening to sweet tunes and taking in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in a delicious feast without leaving the comfort of your lounge chair, treat yourself to an outdoor massage or kick back on a day bed and get lost in a good book (umbrella shade optional).
If water sports are more your style, beach clubs have it in the bag. Direct (and, in some cases, private) beach access means many include adrenalin activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, surfing or stand-up paddle boarding as part of their standard offering.
With everything you need to spend lazy days by the beach including bars, bathrooms, restaurants and sunbeds on site, they are a casual, convenient and cost-effective way of having fun in the sultry Balinese sun.
HOW THEY WORK
Most clubs have either an entry fee or minimum spend, ranging from about $25 to $50 a person. This includes day-bed hire, towels and access to pools and other amenities, and is generally redeemable on food and beverages.
If you keep an eye out for daily deals and specials, including happy hours, you can get cocktails for as little as $5. Some venues even offer evening movie screenings, which is great for kids, or live music and DJs, for those after a more sunset party vibe.
PROS AND CONS
If you’re looking for comfort, convenience and ambience then beach clubs are the ultimate all-day affair.
For a relatively small price, you get the benefits of being by the seaside – with access to the salt water should you wish to go for a swim – without the hassle of having to worry about hot sand, melted ice, toilet breaks or packing a day’s supply of food and sundries.
On the other hand, if you love the feeling of sand between your toes, laying a towel down on the beach is free. And if you pick a sandy spot just outside the club, you can still get all the party feel, without the price tag. Or the infinity pool cocktails.
MUST-VISIT BEACH CLUBS IN BALI
FOR FAMILIES
Surf & Turf, Nusa Dua Beach
Part beach club, part water park, this is the ideal place for a day of serious family time. With two water slides, a surf ride simulator, water sports, swimming pools and playground, it offers hours of enjoyment for young and old alike.
THE MUST-DO
KU DE TA, Seminyak
A local institution, this Mediterranean-inspired Seminyak hot spot is one of the original – and the best – beach clubs in Bali. Since swinging open its doors more than a decade ago, KU DE TA has cemented itself as the original destination for beachfront fun, fun dining and nightlife. kudeta.com
FOR LIVE MUSIC
Potato head, Seminyak
This is the place to be seen in Bali. With international music acts such as Grace Jones, Mark Ronson and Fat Boy Slim gracing its poolside, oceanfront stage, it’s no wonder this is one of the island’s hottest destinations. It also has two bars, three restaurants, jacuzzi and a 500sq m emerald lawn leading to an infinity pool.
FOR SUNSET VIEWS
El Kabron, Uluwatu
If you want insanely Instagram-worthy sunset pics, El Kabron is where the magic is at. Perched 50m above sea level on the cliffs of Uluwatu, this Spanish restaurant and cliff club has magnificent, 180-degree views over the sparkling Indian Ocean. Also, all the delicious Spanish food.
FOR VALUE
Finns Beach Club, Canggu
This Canggu newcomer is all about the good vibes. It’s easy to while away the hours, with an infinity pool overlooking the famous Berawa surf break, as well as a surf bar, tiki-style sunset lounge and lantern-lit bamboo pavilion.Floodlights provide surfers the opportunity to continue carving up the waves well into the night.
TO CHILL OUT
Sundays Beach Club, Ungasan
On the stunning Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, Sundays Beach Club is the place to go if you want to relax in complete, cliff-side splendour. With a resident DJ and nightly beach bonfires, you can enjoy the sunset and chill to your heart’s content.
FOR NATURE LOVERS
Jungle Fish, Ubud
For something a little different, check out Ubud’s no beach beach club, which is perched on the side of a ridge overlooking the verdant Osh River Valley. The lush jungle club has hanging beds, single and double sun loungers, comfy cabanas and private caves, as well as an infinity pool that overhangs a lush Ubud jungle.
FOR EXCLUSIVITY
Karma Beach Bali, Karma Kandara
White sand and tranquil blue waters make up the stunning tropical oasis that is Karma Beach Bali. This private beach club is the ultimate in luxury, so splurge on a beachfront massage or try your hand at stand-up paddle board yoga.
karmagroup.com/find-destination/karma-resorts/karma-kandara
