Sidestep the Bintang-tee masses and lounge a la LUXE at these dreamy oceanfront locales.
While the rest of the world endures too-cold, too-muggy or too-rainy climes, Bali is that summertime island unicorn; shamelessly flaunting her perfectly-conditioned sun-bronzed assets, including and especially her barrage of primely posi’d beach clubs.
But don’t just pitch up anywhere and hope for the best – one wrong move and you’ll find yourself in a sea of sweaty, scantily-clad, sauced-up tourists. Choose right, however, and it’s picture-pretty sunloungers, ocean dips, ace food and top-notch ‘tails for days. Sound good? Hotpants on, Kylie.
Potato Head Beach Club
In a coco-nutshell: The hip hang
This all-day drink, dine n’ play pleasure dome is definitely more stud than spud. Dive behind the shut(ter)-the-front-door facade to find a daybed-wrapped infinity pool, three restaurants and two crafty bars. Book your perch ahead then get down the serious business of lapping and lounging, but once night falls get ready to crank up the volume at PH’s infamous party sessions headlined by some of the hottest global acts to venture isle-side.
Jl Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali. +623614737979, ptthead.com
Ku Dé Ta
In a coco-nutshell: The original
With a reputation spread far and wide, and offshoots popping up all over Asia, this chi-chi mainstay is still the default flopspot for many an avid island hopper. Along with some of Bali’s best pickings from two eateries (global, eponymous plates downstairs, experimental Indo at degustationer Mejekawi upstairs), you’ll also get regular events, kid-friendly brunches, killer sunset-scopes, and thumping beats. But be warned – these days the entire venue operates with a strict dress code, so tatas and tackle should be kept under wraps.
Jl Kayu Aya 9, Seminyak, Bali. +62361736969, kudeta.net
La Laguna
In a coco-nutshell: Boho belle
Suit up in your prettiest paisley Zimmerman for this entirely Insta-worthy lagoon-side hideaway, and new favourite frolic of Bali’s beau monde. Opened in 2015 by the creative team behind nabe faves La Favela and La Plancha, laidback La Laguna is a picturesque paradise of colourful gypsy caravans and bulb-strung cushy lawn blankets. Take tapas and frozen margaritas in the an-teak strewn alfresco resto, then dodge the prowling peacocks and float over the wooden bridge to the beautiful Berawa Beach.
Jl Pantai Kayu Putih, Berawa Badung, Bali. +6281999015777. lalagunabali.com
Finn’s Beach Club
In a coco-nutshell: The new kid, kinda
It may have recently moved on from its secluded cove, but perennial favourite Finn’s brand spankin’ Canggu digs more than match up with a splashy infinity pool, swim-up bar overlooking the surf, umbrella-shaded deck chairs and daybeds, tipple-tastic sunset lounge and a lantern-lit, thatched-roof dining pavilion.
Still loyal to the old inclinator-accessible locale? It’s now rebranded as Sundays Beach Club complete with new deck, myriad water-based activities, dusk bonfires and fresh international nibbles.
Finn’s Beach Club, Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali. +62 361 844 6327, finnsbeachclub.com
Sundays Beach Club, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Badung, Bali. +62 361 8482111, sundaysbeachclub.com
Finns Recreation Club (formerly Canggu Club)
In a coco-nutshell: Family fave
If you’ve got tots in tow, it’s hard to beat this club-cum-amusement centre where juniors get wet at Splash Water Park while parents park poolside. You won’t find a beach here unfortunately, but there is an indoor Bounce trampoline area, covered tennis courts and strike bowling, or, better still, weary parents can deposit the little burdens at Cubby House Kids Club while they unwind in the Body Temple Spa. Ahhh!
Jalan Raya Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali. +62 361 8483939, finnsrecclub.com
