If there’s one question that our team gets asked a lot, it’s “Are beach clubs expensive?” That’s because beach clubs are super appealing destinations with their wonderful mix of entertainment, relaxation and fun by the sea.
But people are often worried that the comfortable seating, tasty food and drink, high-end service and various activities and amenities will come at a price they can’t afford.
Well, the answer to this question is complicated because we rarely know the person’s individual budget or what they consider to be expensive. But what we do know is beach clubs.
Prices can vary based on location, seasons and many other things. Some beach clubs charge an entrance fee, some don’t; some require a minimum spend for seating, some don’t, and there are other costs around exclusivity, the view from the club, and other perks like cabanas or live DJs (particularly big names).
So, we’ve taken a two-pronged approach to this question here. Firstly, we’ll take a look at beach clubs in general – what is a beach club, what influences the price and how to find your fit.
Then, we’ve taken some of the most popular beach club destinations and looked at the specifics related to those places. So, we’re using our hard-earned data for Bali, Dubai, Tulum, Miami, St. Tropez, Ibiza, Mykonos and Phuket. By the end of this article, you should be able to decide whether beach clubs in any given destination are expensive or not for your budget.
What Are Beach Clubs?
Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what a beach club is. Unlike on a public beach, where you bring a towel, a chair, a picnic, etc., a beach club does much of the heavy lifting for you.
The idea is to provide a more elevated day out than your usual sand-in-your-sandwiches self-powered beach trip.
However, we have to stress that there is no legal definition of “beach club” and we have to generalise about what to expect, though many “beach clubs” may not offer all or even any of these services.
So, think pristine sands, comfortable daybeds (the beach club industry’s term for “sunbeds”), infinity pools with dramatic ocean views, gourmet dining, live DJs and sometimes watersports, spas, arts performances and more. And they’re all provided in one venue.
Beach clubs are very popular in places like Bali, Thailand, the UAE, Spain, Turkey, Greece, the coastal USA, and the French Riviera. They cater to holidaymakers who want more than just a quick dip in the ocean.
Entry costs can range from free to hundreds of dollars per person, depending on the club, the event and the season. So, if you’re comparing to a public beach, yes, a beach club can seem expensive, but when you look at the perks such as service, clean facilities, luxury, and escapism, they can feel like a great investment in an amazing day out.
What Influences A Beach Club’s Prices?
Not all beach clubs are created equal, and their costs reflect that. Here’s a closer look at what drives what you’ll pay on the day you visit.
Location, Location, Location
The biggest cost factor is simply where the club is based. If you’re skipping through the front door of a beachfront place in the French Riviera, you can expect to pay up to $300 USD per person, just to get in the door!
But in Bali, that could be free, and even the most expensive clubs on the island, outside of major events, aren’t asking for much more than $30 USD to get in the door.
In fact, Bali is one of the world’s cheapest destinations for beach clubbing, yet the island has over 100 beach clubs to choose from and currently leads the world in defining beach club experiences.
It’s also worth noting that proximity to airports and other transport hubs can play a role in how expensive things can be.
If you want to go to some remote beach club on a secret island in Mauritius, for example, you’ll probably have to pay through the nose for the privilege. Head to an urban beach club in Sydney, on the other hand, and you might be surprised by how reasonable prices are in comparison.
Amenities And Extras
What you’re getting for your money also plays a part in the cost of your day out. The most basic beach clubs are basically deckchairs on a beach with some bar snacks and beers.
Others offer daybeds of all shapes and sizes, cabanas, private pools, helicopter transfers, butler services and more.
The food can range from burgers to caviar, the drinks from cold beer to frosty magnums of champagne. A burger and a beer might set you back $10-$20 at a very basic spot, but the same deal might be twice that in more upscale venues.
If you want a magnum of champagne and a few jars of caviar, you could easily watch $1,000 or more stroll out of your wallet.
Other perks, such as watersports equipment (from kayaks to jet skis), wellness activities (from yoga to massages), or events (from NYE parties to international acts headlining the stage) can also inflate costs.
You may also find that you’re required to cover a “minimum spend”, which means that, whether or not you paid an entrance fee, if you want that nice comfy seat, you have to spend a certain amount of money on food, drink and sometimes tobacco products before you leave.
Seasons And Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to pricing, too. Peak season (summer in Europe, winter in the Caribbean, June to August in Bali, with a slice of December too) can see prices skyrocket and beds get booked out months in advance.
Visiting in the off-season can see entrance fees and minimum spend requirements slashed by 30-50%. Weekdays are usually cheaper than the weekends (which are often Friday, Saturday and Sunday in beach club world).
You may also find that getting to a beach club early in the day can save you some cash, with early arrivals being offered better deals.
Whereas sunset hours and other special events, such as full moon parties, can come with a surcharge.
Roughly What To Expect When You Break Down Beach Club Costs
So, let’s put some rough numbers on things. Please bear in mind everything we’ve said so far, and it’s always best to check with the club you want to visit to ensure you’ve got your budgeting information as accurately as possible.
- Entrance Fees (sometimes called Day Passes) – many beach clubs offer free entry. In fact, FINNS Beach Club in Bali, the world’s best beach club, has free entry. But other beach clubs charge for the privilege. $20-$100 USD is about standard for access to a daybed around the world, but if you want a VIP area or a private cabana, that can add $100-$1,000 USD on top, easily.
- Daybeds and furniture – a very few beach clubs provide access to a daybed for free with no restrictions. However, the majority require either a minimum spend or a rental fee for access to a daybed or other items of furniture. You may find that shade, service, and a place to sit can run $50-$200 USD a day, and some beach clubs will also charge for towels, umbrellas and lockers on top of charging for the daybed! That could $5-$20 per item on the list, plus tips in some places.
- Food and drinks – you’re going to find that eating at beach clubs can vary hugely in prices, and this is a very rough set of numbers. Appetisers will typically run from $10-$30 USD. Main courses from $10-$60 USD. Beers from $3-$15 USD. Cocktails from $10-$30 USD. A bottle of water could set you back $5-$10 in some venues; this is often high to encourage you to drink other items on the menu.
- Transport and Extras – you’ll also need to get to your beach club of choice, this might cost anything from $3 to $100+ USD in a ride-share or taxi, parking fees might be free or $20+ USD, and don’t forget tips in some destinations can add 10-20% to your final bill.
A moderate day out at a beach club could run you from $100-$300 USD. A high-end luxury place in an expensive destination could easily exceed $500 USD.
It’s worth noting that some beach clubs offer all-inclusive packages that bundle entry, meals and drinks in a single payment. This can often work out much better value than buying everything individually.
Budget Vs Luxury: How To Find Your Fit
If “expensive” is something you simply can’t or won’t afford, then don’t worry, beach clubs exist on a spectrum of affordability.
Places like Koh Samui, Thailand, Costa del Sol, Spain, and all of Bali have local vibes that keep the prices sane and grounded.
However, head to Miami or Mykonos and prices are going to shoot up. They say you’re paying for added ambience, and the see or be seen factor, but mostly, we think that people are going for the networking opportunities. You can find places just as nice in Bali for much cheaper, but without the A-list clientele.
When it comes to deciding what’s worth it and to whom, it all depends on you. You might think it’s worth pushing the boat out on holiday or for a birthday or anniversary, and shy away from spending more cash otherwise.
The pros of splurging some cash on a beach club day out include the comfort, the lack of overwhelming crowds, amazing food and drinks and some amazing photos. The cons are that it can feel a bit pretentious, and you might spend more than you intend to on impulse purchases during the day.
A Quick Breakdown Of The Top Beach Club Destinations
So, now let’s look at the world’s most popular beach club destinations and what the rough costs are likely to be in each location. Again, we need to stress that if you want accurate numbers for your budget, the best place to start is with the club you want to visit.
Bali’s Beach Clubs
Bali has over 100 beach clubs, and it’s the leading light of the global beach club scene right now. The majority of the clubs are in Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu, but almost every town in Bali by the sea has a beach club of its own.
The big names are FINNS Beach Club, Potato Head, Atlas and Ku De Ta. These are places with pools, DJs and ocean views.
Entry to a beach club in Bali is often free, and FINNS, in particular, is famous for its free entry policy. Most clubs also don’t charge for access to furniture, but do expect you to agree to a minimum spend. This is much better value than the majority of destinations on our lists.
If you do pay an entrance fee, typically, it will be less than $20 USD, and the minimum spend for a daybed is around 2-3 million IDR for two people $120-$180 USD. You may find that these numbers go up a little in the high season.
You will also find that prices depend on the location on the island. Canggu and Seminyak are typically better value than Uluwatu and Ungasan.
Almost all clubs have pools (and most have infinity pools), VIP areas (which do cost more) and free Wi-Fi.
Drinks are generally cheap and start at around $5 USD, and meals can be had from $10 USD but are more typically around $20 USD, though you can, of course, spend much more if you want to.
Dubai’s Beach Clubs
With over 20 beach clubs, the emirate of Dubai in the UAE is a big deal with the well-heeled in the Middle East for its beach club scene.
Top spots include Nikki Beach, Sirene by GAIA and Zero Gravity with a good mix of pools, parties and daybeds.
Entrance fees tend to range between 100 and 300 AED ($25-$80 USD) and are sometimes redeemable for food and drinks. A daybed usually costs a little extra (another 100-300 AED would be about right). A cabana can easily add another 1,000 AED (about $300 USD) on top.
Drinks are going to cost between 50 and 100 AED ($14-$28 USD) and meals from 100 to 200 AED (that’s $28-$56 USD).
Pricing factors include exclusivity and location. If you want to chill on the Palm Jumeriah, for example, you’ll pay more than on the mainland. Infinity pools and DJs drive up costs.
Watch out for all-day-access passes that provide things like spa access. Ladies’ days/nights often give spectacular discounts for women. Off-peak weekday rates can be much lower than the sticker prices, too.
Ibiza’s Beach Clubs
With over 30 beach clubs, there was a time when Ibiza ruled the scene, but today, it’s fallen out of fashion to a large extent.
New European destinations have emerged, and places like Bali have shown that you can get much more for your money than you can in Ibiza.
Big names include Cafe Del Mar, Ushuaia and Blue Marlin, and there’s very much an emphasis on pools and DJs.
Entry costs are from 20-50 Euros (that’s $22-$55 USD), a daybed can cost from $110-$220 USD, drinks are going to cost a minimum of $10 USD and can easily run to $30 USD or more, and meals are $33-$66 USD each.
Prices go up with a place’s reputation for a great party. Peak season adds 40% or more to prices in most clubs. Events with a DJ present cost even more, still.
You can get discounts of around 30% on weekdays, though, and some clubs offer free midweek entry deals.
Miami’s Beach Clubs
Miami’s beach club scene is world famous, but it’s actually not all that large, with around 20 beach clubs in total and most of those on South Beach.
The big names include Nikki Beach and Faen, and their pools and parties are legendary spots.
Entry (day passes) costs from $50-$150 USD, you’ll pay $100 USD for a daybed, $500+ USD for a cabana and then drinks tend to run $15-$25 USD and a meal from $30-$60 USD.
Places with celebrity appeal and nightlife tend to have the highest prices in Miami; peak summertime tends to be 30% more expensive than usual. Features like spas can add to the costs of a day out in Miami, too.
Mykonos’s Beach Clubs
With over 25 beach clubs, the small Greek island of Mykonos is a big player in the European beach club scene, now.
The big names are Nammos and Scorpio, and this island is all about the luxury features and amazing views.
A daybed will set you back between $65 USD and $165 USD, with a minimum spend of $110-$330 USD on top. Drinks are $20-$30 USD, typically, and meals are $45-$80 USD.
Mykonos is not for budget clubbers. Any club with celebrity cachet will cost more, and high season adds 30-50% to these prices! Wellness features in a club also send prices soaring.
It’s worth noting, though, that groups can often get big discounts if you can find some people to share the costs with, and that the low season will reduce costs by up to 40%.
Phuket’s Beach Clubs
The Thai island of Phuket has more than 25 beach clubs across many beaches, and places like Catch, Cafe Del Mar, and Yona are super popular.
Think pools, DJs and ocean views (though swimming in the ocean is a bad idea in Phuket). Yona is the world’s first floating beach club, which is definitely worth a look, though it’s one of the most expensive beach club destinations in Southeast Asia.
While many beach clubs offer free entry in Phuket, others charge up to 3,000 THB (about $80) per head. Daybeds will require a minimum spend of up to 10,000 THB for two people (around $300).
Prices do vary by location; Bang Tao and Patong will cost more than quieter spots, and peak dry season prices are much higher than normal.
Drinks start at $7 USD but can be as high as $20 or $30 USD. Meals typically run from $14 USD to $28.
You can often get good value group deals in Phuket, and there are also some very budget beach clubs like Pine Beach Bar if you want to budget strictly.
St. Tropez’s Beach Clubs
With over 20 beach clubs, St. Tropez is France’s hottest spot on the scene; however, it’s not the cheapest place to party, and you will need a big bank balance to have a good time here.
Entrance fees run from $55-$200+ USD, minimum spends can be from $150-$500 USD per person. A drink starts at $16 USD but can easily cost as much as $33 USD. Meals are likely to be $44-$88 USD.
Big-name clubs in St. Tropez include Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Prestige locations cost a lot more, celebrity spots even more, and private yacht clubs add even more on top. High season can be 50% more expensive, and the best restaurants are seriously pricey.
You may be able to get free entry to some clubs if you only want to use the bar, and midweek access is usually about 20% cheaper.
Tulum’s Beach Clubs
With over 20 beach clubs focusing mainly on the eco-chic market, places like Ahau and Nomade in Tulum have become world famous.
Entrance fees run from $50-$150 USD, though they often come with some credit towards food and drinks. A daybed requires a minimum spend of around $100-$200 USD per person, and drinks run from $10 USD to about $25 USD, and meals from $20-$50 USD.
In the high season, prices can shoot up by 30-50% and amenities like yoga lessons or fancy pools raise costs.
You can get group discounts in many beach clubs in Tulum, and the low season can cut your costs by 40%.
Tips For Saving Money At Beach Clubs
You don’t have to skimp to cut your costs down at beach clubs substantially. Here are some tips:
- Book online and book early. You will get better deals when you book in advance online than you will when you turn up at the door in most beach clubs.
- Go off-peak. Weekdays in the low season are way cheaper than weekends in high season.
- Check out group discounts. You can reduce the per-person minimum spend massively by going in large groups.
- See if they have a ladies’ day or night. Women can often save a lot of money by opting for these promo events.
- Look for happy hours. Buy one drink, get one free? Don’t mind if we do.
- Look for free entry deals. If you don’t care about sitting on a daybed, a seat by the bar may well be free.
- Look online for discounts. Some apps may have deals, as may some websites.
FAQS
Are Bali Beach Clubs Expensive?
Expensive is a tough word to define because it always depends on your personal perspective. However, when compared to beach clubs globally, Bali’s beach clubs are not expensive.
In fact, despite having more than 100 beach clubs to choose from and being the leader of the world’s beach club scene, Bali’s beach clubs are among the most affordable on the planet.
FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, offers free entry, no minimum spend, seating and drinks and food are very reasonably priced. The entertainment on offer is all free of charge too.
Should I Go To A Beach Club?
We are big fans of beach clubs; otherwise, we wouldn’t have built this site. But yes, we think everyone should try a beach club at least once in their life. You can’t find out if you’re going to enjoy beach club life unless you try, right?
Our team firmly believes that there’s a beach club out there for everyone where you can have the perfect day by the ocean.
Do You Need To Take A Towel To A Beach Club?
In most cases, not only do you not need to take a towel to a beach club, but you actively shouldn’t take one.
Many beach clubs ban towels from outside the venue, and they may be confiscated at the door, or you may be refused entry. Of course, it’s always best to check with the beach club before you visit, but mostly, you will need to use one of their towels, which may or may not require you to pay a fee.
Final Thoughts On Are Beach Clubs Worth The Cost?
It’s always going to be down to you and your idea of value and expense. But we think that beach clubs are worth the cost.
In places like Bali, they should be an integral part of your holiday, with at least a couple (and often many more) visits during your time on the island, as they’re very affordable compared to the international scene.
In others like Miami or St. Tropez, it’s definitely more of the occasional treat rather than a regular thing but the celebrity power of these places is appealing to a lot of people.
And overall, we’d recommend making use of our money saving tips above and giving a beach club a try to see what you think of the experience. You may be amazed at what good value for money it feels once you’re there.
