Ask An Editor: What Are The Best Beach Clubs to Visit in Bali for the Summer?

Beaches in Bali don’t just come with sand and sea. For most of the open shores on the Indonesian island, they are lined with eponymous “Beach Clubs” that offer a range of activities. From swimming to sunbathing, your usual beach club will typically have a stellar menu of food, drinks, and live music.

Should you have the enigmatic island on your bucket list, one thing to keep in mind for your trip is that the island is big — the different towns of Uluwatu, Ungasan, Seminyak and Canggu are at least 30 minutes away by cab, not accounting for the traffic. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Bali with both family and friends. While the former was spent touring temples and cultural sites, the latter was spent listening to live music at the shoreside clubs, Mojito in hand.

All the same, the many beach clubs on the island offer something for everybody. From family-friendly activities like beach movie nights and water slides, to a mix of sun and a cultural Balinese experience.

So you can optimize your itinerary when you explore the island, I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best beach clubs in Bali for you to dive in.

1. Splurge with Spanish-Style Luxury at El Kabron, Uluwatu 

Uluwatu is a must-go destination for its breathtaking clifftop views. With sleek white lounge chairs and an infinity pool that seems to spill into the sea, El Kabron is a Spanish-style beach club you have to see. While food and drinks are on the pricier side, the sumptuous Spanish tapas and refreshing cocktails are well worth it. The luxury beach club is known for its famous sunsets and deep techno music, perfect to dance to while watching the sun go down and sipping a drink.

2. Shop, Bowl, and Jump on the Water Slide at Finn’s Beach Club, Canggu

Feel like sliding in a water park? What about hitting some pins in the bowling alley?  Located in Canggu, Finn’s is a luxurious beach club that offers a variety of activities for all ages. Hit one of their four pools or seven bars, two of which you can swim up to. There are also five restaurants and daily live music. You can even shop your favorites at Agua Brazilian Swimwear. Be sure to catch their famously fun “Finn’s Beach Club Party,” which happens every Wednesday and Sunday.

3. Sit Back at Sundays Beach Club, Ungasan 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach club experience, Sundays Beach Club is just the place to go. At the top of the cliff, the beach club features an infinity pool to lounge in (although beware of the monkeys!). Once you take the cable car to the bottom of the cliff, lounge on their beach beanbags or have a bite in their restaurant constructed out of stone and bamboo. You can do activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. Sundays is also known for its incredible beachfront bonfires that happen every night.

4. Go for a Spa Day or Al Fresco Movie Night at Karma Beach Club, Uluwatu

Around Bali, you will find locals quoting the justice of Karma at regular intervals. The idea of Karma is very important in the culture. Karma Beach Club is one place notable for its social distancing and safety measures. The beach is accessible only by cable car or stairs. Apart from a range of activities like snorkeling and watersports, one of the unique features is the Karma Spa, located on a secluded part of the beach. While they throw great parties with a regular selection of international DJs and musicians, it is also a family-friendly club with regular themed movie nights. 

5. Read, Stretch, or Buy Baked Goods at La Brisa, Canggu

Overlooking the sea of Echo Beach, La Brisa is the perfect club to go to for those seeking a B Bohemian vibe. The earthy-looking beach club is designed to resemble a shipwreck, with lounge chairs shaped like canoes where you can curl up with a book. Open every day, this is one of the few beach clubs that have totally free entry despite the stunning sunsets. You can reconnect under the palm trees three times a week in a yoga class. Or on Sundays, La Brisa hosts a lovely Sunday market with all forms of flowers, organic produce, and baked goods. 

6. Listen to Live Music at The Lawn, Canggu

The grass is really greener at The Lawn. One of the newer beach clubs, The Lawn is a tasteful, mid-range beach club situated in Canggu. The beachfront venue offers a variety of activities and events, and is known for its musical Sunday Sessions, and major concerts like Australian Indie band Sticky Fingers. The beach club features a restaurant, a bar, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. 

7. Have a Cultural Experience at the Famous Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak

From one of the original, party beach clubs, Potato Head has surprisingly evolved into an avant-garde hub and hotel for creatives. While still throwing the best parties in their infinity pool overlooking the sea, Potato Head Bali now holds regular cultural Balinese performances and contemporary art exhibits. The club has also expanded the property into hotel suites with exquisite architecture that takes after organic materials in nature.

In 2022, Bali topped the list of the top 10 happiest travel destinations in the world. From luxurious venues to laid-back settings, the island’s beach clubs offer various experiences that cater to all forms of unwinding. Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun, enjoy delicious food and drinks, or party with friends, these Bali beach clubs have got you covered to experience the beauty of its beaches and the magic of its beach clubs this summer.