Picture it. You’re reclining on a plush daybed, with the sun warm on your skin, the sound of the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore and a chilled passionfruit mojito in your hand. The air is alive with the sound of a live DJ’s set, and the horizon is on fire in the most beautiful way possible as the day comes to a close with a majestic sunset.
That’s what beach clubs are all about. They offer a carefully curated escape from the real world where luxury and leisure combine to deliver the kind of experience that people only ever used to read about in travel magazines aimed at the rich and famous.
From the paradise shores of Bali, to the Boho vibes of Tulum, to the pulsating international DJ spots of Ibiza, beach clubs around the world offer a unique blend of relaxation, gourmet dining and social energy. But if you want to get the most out of your time at a beach club, you’ll want to plan the day carefully.
Beach Clubs Are Immersive Destinations
The thing is that while there was a time when beach clubs were just about sun, sea and sand, today they’re so much more, they’re fully immersive destinations. They bring infinity pools, first-rate cuisine, nightlife and even wellness together under a single club roof in global cities.
Whether you’re knocking back artisanal cocktails on Bali’s shores, dancing under the stars in Mykonos or simply savouring ceviche in Miami, a well-planned beach club day means you can soak up every moment of the day without any stress or missing any opportunities.
Our guide will walk you through everything that you need to know, from choosing the right club to packing smart and crafting your itinerary and more. We draw inspiration from the most iconic beach club scenes around the globe, and by the end, you will be ready to take on your ultimate beachside experience with both confidence and style.
Why Plan A Day At A Beach Club?
Well, with preparation, you might miss out on the best seats, spend more money than you need to or arrive inappropriately dressed for the day out (which might even result in your getting turned away from the club entirely).
A thoughtful approach to beach clubbing means you can tailor the day to your vibe, whether you seek serenity, socialising, wellness, partying or a combination of them all.
And we’ll help you tackle the global hotspots of the scene from Bali’s tropical havens, to Tulum’s eco-chic retreats, to the glamorous shores of Miami, to the party mecca of Ibiza, to Mykonos and its unique Cycladic charm. Then, you’ll learn about safety, sustainability and budgeting too. So, let’s look at crafting your perfect day at a beach club together, now.
Step 1: Choosing The Right Beach Club For Your Vibe
Beach clubbing has gone from being a niche pursuit to a mainstream vacation activity, and many people choose their overall holiday destination based on the beach clubs that they want to visit.
So, you’ll want to think about places that suit your mood and match your energy. Are you seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle with yoga and smoothies? Or a high-energy party scene with bottle service and talented DJs? There’s a lot of variety in the beach club scene, and the world’s best offer distinct experiences tailored to different tastes.
Bali: The Tropical Paradise With A Very Modern Flavour
Bali’s beach clubs are the benchmark in the beach club scene for the entire world. They blend lush tropical landscapes with sophisticated amenities.
FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, in Canggu, is a sprawling playground of multiple pools, bars, restaurants and direct beach access. Its sunset views over the Indian Ocean and party-focused atmosphere are ideal for those seeking an energetic release of tension and stress combined with some serious fun.
Down the road in Seminyak, Potato Head has an eco-conscious setup that offers chill-out tunes, cultural events and farm-to-table dining. Its iconic facade, made of repurposed shutters, sets the stage for a creative day out.
For something a bit more secluded, Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu has an almost private beach set below a dramatic cliff, and it’s a great spot for families seeking peace and a place to play by the waves of the ocean.
Tulum: Where Bohemian Bliss Meets Coastal Chic
Tulum has fully embraced the free spirit and the eco-luxe ethos in equal measures. Bagatelle Tulum channels the French Riviera while adding some Caribbean flair. If you love white-sand daybeds, Mediterranean-inspired menus and a lively but refined crowd, it might be your cup of tea.
Gitano Beach is the full boho dream with jungle-inspired decor, mezcal cocktails and live music delivered under twinkling lights. It’s perfect for those who dream of a gypsy chic vibe.
If wellness is more your cup of tea, then Nomade Tulum offers yoga, sound baths and organic dining, creating a sophisticated, holistic experience steps away from the sea.
Each club on Tulum’s beach road has its own defined personality, so make sure your research aligns with your priorities to find a beach club that fits here.
Miami: A Taste Of Urban Glamour By The Ocean
Miami is America’s playground when it comes to beach clubs, and you can find high-octane energy mixed with celebrity allure there. Nikki Beach Miami, possibly the first ever modern beach club, is synonymous with glamour. Think guests wearing all white with champagne brunches and a see and be seen crowd.
Joia Beach on Watson Island is more about an intimate escape offering skyline views, fire pits and craft cocktails. It’s where you go for a relaxed but stylish day out in Miami.
Head to Mondrian South Beach to Baia Beach Club if you want to rub shoulders with the yachting set while enjoying panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay and marina access.
Miami’s clubs bring together urban sophistication with tropical ease, and you’ll want to make a careful selection between buzzing party places and quieter retreats.
Ibiza: Europe’s Party Capital
Ibiza’s beach clubs have long been the gold standard for European nightlife lovers. Ushuaïa redefined the party genre by open-air staging global DJs like Calvin Harris and transitioning seamlessly from a daytime lounge to a full-blown rave at night.
Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal is more upscale, and it’s known for its exciting Mediterranean-fusion cuisine, stylish cabanas and resident DJs who keep the vibes electric all day long.
Nikki Beach Ibiza brings its signature touches of luxury to the Balearics with champagne sprays and some of the plushest daybeds on the island. It’s perfect when you want to party in serious style.
The clubs in Ibiza are all about high energy, so make sure you’re ready to dance from lunchtime all the way through to the wee small hours.
Mykonos: Cycladic Charm And Extravagance
Mykonos combines Greek Island beauty with A-list allure. Scorpios of Paraga Beach is a world-famous boho-chic haven with sunset rituals, organic dining and some seriously eclectic tunes from global DJs.
Nammos on Psarou Beach is the epitome of opulence, with gourmet local cuisine, high-end shopping and one of the most jet-set crowds on Earth.
Super Paradise Beach Club is all about foam parties and its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and it’s one of the most energetic clubs on the island.
All of Mykonos’ clubs are packed with individual personality, and that means you can always find one that matches your ideal level of extravagance.
Additional Global Hotspots On The Beach Club Scene
There are many other gems around the world that have amazing beach clubs, such as Zero Gravity in Dubai, with its amazing infinity pools in the desert. Club 55 in Saint Tropex is a classic with understated elegance and a very serious celebrity clientele. Down in Cape Town, you can find Shimmy Beach Club with awesome harbour views and South African flavours, it’s both laidback and lively at the same time. And so on…
How To Make That All Important Decision On Where You Want To Go
This isn’t COVID-19, so you can do your research. Use platforms like TripAdvisor, Instagram, Club Websites, etc., to gauge the current vibes and particularly seasonal trends, as things can shift substantially at some clubs.
Look at the amenities from pools to spas to water sports to adults-only or kid-friendly, and make sure to confirm the dress codes and any pet policies if necessary.
If mobility is a concern, then think about accessibility; not all clubs are easy to get into if you have a wheelchair. Shortlist your favourite clubs based on their reviews and then narrow things down based on your group’s preferences.
Then, once you’ve made a choice, it’s time to lock in your spot on a daybed.
Step 2: Securing Your Reservations And Timing Your Visit
There’s no getting around this – popular beach clubs will fill up fast, and this is especially true during peak seasons such as summer in Mykonos and winter in Tulum. Booking ahead is non-negotiable if you want to enjoy one of the best beach clubs.
You can usually find a reservation platform on the club’s website, but sometimes platforms like OpenTable, Resy, Chope, Klook, etc. may have offers or booking services. And occasionally, you may need to do things the old-fashioned way and call or email the club of your choice.
For high-demand clubs, you may need to book days, weeks, months or even years ahead. This is especially true if you want to attend special events or use the VIP cabanas.
Typical Reservation Options
There are typically a few different types of entry at beach clubs, and these include:
- General Admission (often called a “Day Pass”) – this may be free or it may be chargeable. If it’s chargeable, it will probably be low cost (except for special events), but you may not get a seat of any kind included, and you’re unlikely to get access to daybeds and premium seating in most beach clubs based on this kind of entrance fee.
- Daybeds/Cabanas – these can range dramatically in price from free to $500 or more. Many beach clubs require you to commit to a minimum spend in addition to the charges levied for using these amenities in the first place.
- VIP Tables – not all beach clubs have these kinds of seating, but places like Miami’s Nikki Beach most certainly do. They come with bottle service and dedicated staff, but can easily cost $1,000 or more per group.
Timing Your Day
Get there early in the day, that’s 10-11 a.m. if you want to get the best seats, and if you want to enjoy some chill time, even the biggest party clubs don’t tend to be all that wild just after they open their doors.
Midday is a good time for some swimming, kicking back by the pool or doing some light activities or water sports.
Then, as the afternoon arrives, many clubs start to turn up the vibe, and the crowds start to flock through the doors.
Sunset is golden hour, and many beach clubs have stunning views over the ocean to take advantage of the light show above the water. In places like Bali, you’ll find the sky turns into an amazing canvas of pinks, purples, oranges and reds.
At night, many clubs bring out their big gun DJs, and the parties get into top gear with dancing and pool-based fun until they close.
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday for most beach clubs) often offer a calmer experience than weekends, which tend to buzz with energy. Always check the weather forecast, as sometimes you may find that the weather can catch you unawares.
Step 3: Planning What To Wear And What To Pack
Your beach club days need a balance of style and practicality. Dress codes tend to vary a lot between beach clubs, but they lean towards smart-casual by day and out and out chic by night.
Think flowy dresses, linen shirts, and swimsuits with elegant cover-ups. In Ibiza’s Blue Marlin, boho-glam is the order of the day with maxi skirts and statement sunglasses fitting the vibe.
Miami’s Joia Beach is all about trend resort wear, think tailored shorts and designer flip-flops, and Mykonos’ Nammos is all about the white linen Grecian Goddess look.
Packing Essentials
Take a waterproof tote and the following:
- Sun protection – high SPF sunscreen (reapply it every two hours), a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protecting sunglasses and reef-safe lip balm.
- Tech – your phone (and a waterproof case if needed) and a portable charger to ensure your device keeps up with all the photos you take.
- Cash/cards – cards are fine nearly everywhere nowadays, but sometimes tips should be paid in cash.
- Clothing – lightweight cover-up, an extra swimsuit for changes and a shawl for cooler evenings.
- Activities – book, journal, maybe a curated playlist for downtime and earplugs if you are super sensitive to loud music.
- Eco-friendly – a reusable water bottle and tote bag. Let’s skip the plastic wherever possible.
- Health – any medications you need, some hand sanitiser, and a small first-aid kit.
You may need destination-specific items too, such as water shoes for rocky beaches in Mykonos, insect repellent for Thai shores, etc.
As for towels? Most beach clubs supply them and don’t allow you to bring your own inside, but some do. So, check the club’s website for their exact towel policies.
Step 4: Getting There
Transport sets the tone for your day. In Bali, for example, scooters and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are affordable. But make sure to leave early, as traffic can slow you down.
Tulum’s beach clubs are all on the coastal road, and you can book a taxi or rent a bike to get where you want to be, but make sure to book a ride back as cell signals are often weak by the shore.
In Miami, an Uber or even a water taxi can get you to your beach club with a fun twist. Ibiza’s clubs are often accessible by bus as well as by taxi. If you want to drive, though, get there early – parking is often very limited.
Group transport, such as vans, party buses, limos, etc., can save money and add some extra fun for large groups of people. Always make sure you confirm the physical address of your beach club and carry a map or an offline GPS position as a backup.
Step 5: Crafting Your Itinerary
A loose itinerary helps to keep your day flowing, but without it feeling constraining. Here’s a sample structure that you can adjust to your own pace:
Mornings (10/11 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Get to your beach club early to secure your spot (unless you can book a precise seat in advance, like at FINNS Beach Club in Bali). Check in, get the best lounger or cabana you can wrangle and then start with a dip in the pool or go for a stroll along the beach.
If the club offers something like morning yoga classes, why not join in? You could grab a coffee or a glass of fresh juice, too, to help you ease your way into the day. It’s also the best time to take photos as the light tends to be soft and the crowds are thin on the ground.
Midday (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.)
Settle into your daybed for some serious lounging. Read, nap or people-watch (or all three). Jump in the pool for a swim, or if your beach club offers it, you might want to try some water sports like paddleboarding. Grab lunch around 1 p.m. Check out the local cuisine, or some fresh seafood. If you have a group, ask about shareable plates to boost the value.
Afternoon (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
It’s time to start amping things up. Dance to live DJs, like at Nikki Beach in Miami, or join in a game of beach volleyball or a similar activity. You could try a massage like those on offer at Bali’s COMO Beach Club. Then, in the mid-afternoon, why not have a quick dip to cool off, followed by a pleasant siesta?
Late Afternoon (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Sunset is the main event at most beach clubs. Sip cocktails or sangria. Join in any sunset-specific rituals, such as fire dancing in Thailand or the drum circles at Scorpios in Mykonos. This is a great time for photography and for mingling with other guests.
Evening (7 p.m. – End)
Then it’s time for dinner and the nightlife. Clubs like Ibiza’s Amante can offer candlelight dinners with private sea views, whereas somewhere like Super Paradise in Mykonos will go straight into full-on party mode.
Build in some flexibility here for spontaneity, meeting new friends or joining in an impromptu dance circle can really add flavour to your day.
Step 6: Savouring The Food And Drinks
Beach clubs have elevated dining by the sea into an art form. They blend local flavours with global influences. For example, Bali’s La Brisa is all about sustainability and seafood grills with tropical fruits. Check out the modern satay with a distinct Balinese twist.
Whereas Tulum’s Gitano is wood-fired pizzas and ceviches with fresh jungle herbs, and Nomade is down with the vegan bowls packed with superfoods.
Drinks are a big deal, too. Miami’s Baia is famous for its artisanal cocktails, such as its spicy margaritas. Ibiza’s Cotton Beach Club, on the other hand, is the ideal place for a crisp glass of rosé in the sun.
Make sure to pace yourself; the alcohol can be hardcore in the heat. Alternate alcohol and water for the best results.
Some clubs will offer brunches or themed meals, and Mykonos’ Nammos is all about Greek seafood feasts, for example. If you have specific dietary requirements, check the club’s menu online; don’t assume that everywhere you go will cater to your needs.
Minimum spends are often required for good seats and in some cases for any seats at all, so make sure to budget appropriately for this.
Step 7: Diving Into Activities And Entertainment
Beach clubs are playgrounds for many interests, and not every beach club is all about partying. Water sports can range from a bit of snorkelling on the beaches of Uluwatu to jet-skiing in Miami.
Wellness options might include a spot of yoga in Tulum or a beachside massage in Phuket. Music is a huge deal, and live bands at Ibiza’s Amante or pool parties in Cavo Paradiso in Mykonos add additional dimensions to this/
Families may want to look for kids’ zones or shallow pools, while solo travellers might prefer to find an adults-only place with social mixers and beach games.
Check the club’s event calendar to see if there are any special events planned, like the full-moon parties of Tulum or themed brunches in Dubai. Some clubs host pop-up markets and art installations too.
Step 8: Etiquette And Insider Tips
Etiquette matters, and you must respect beach club rules, which typically include no outside food or drinks and following the dress code. Tip generously in places where it’s expected, consider tipping in most places where it’s not, if the service is awesome.
In crowded clubs like Ushuaia, make sure to share the space around you courteously with others. Book mid-week for lower rates and fewer crowds.
Follow clubs on Instagram for flash deals and guest DJ announcements. Chat with locals for recommendations on lesser-known spots in places like Cape Town and St. Tropez.
Step 9: Budgeting Wisely
Costs can add up quickly. Expect to spend:
- Entrance – $0 – $50 or more, depending on the club
- Loungers/Cabanas – $0 – $500 or more, depending on the club
- Food and drinks – $50-$200+ per person
- Transportation – $10-$50 round-trip
- Extras – tips, activities, spa treatments, etc. $20-$100 or more
We’ve found that it’s best to set a daily budget and track your spending using apps like Splitwise for groups. Look for package deals that bundle entry, food and drinks to keep your costs down.
Step 10: Prioritising Safety And Sustainability
Stay safe: reapply your sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and monitor your alcohol intake to avoid dehydration. Use lockers to store your valuables. Avoid swimming in the ocean unless it’s safe to do so. Make sure you are aware of local laws, which can be very different from your own country, particularly with regard to certain substances.
Sustainability matters. Choose eco-conscious places like Bali’s FINNS Beach Club, which is zero plastic, low waste and uses a robot to clean the local beach. Avoid single-use plastic do use reusable straws and bottles. Always respect the marine environment and use reef-safe sunscreens, and don’t touch coral.
Final Thoughts On Planning Your Big Beach Club Day Out
With this guide, you should be ready to plan the ultimate day out at a beach club. It can be one that’s equal parts relaxing, indulgent and adventurous.
Whether you’re drinking in sunsets in Bali, partying until dawn in Ibiza, or simply chilling in Tulum, the key is to be prepared but leave room to be spontaneous too.
So, embrace the vibe, savour the flavours and let the magic of the beach club unfold before you. We hope you have an unforgettable time at your next beach club destination.
