Best Mykonos dupe: Canna Bali

The low-key resort ’hood of Nusa Dua isn’t necessarily known for its nightlife. But after the arrival of the chic Canna Bali on one of Bali’s quietest beaches, there’s more to do than flop, drop and order room service.

The multi-venue beach club opened last year on Nusa Dua Beach and features storefront crocheted teepees, daybeds, an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor restaurants and a pool and deck area where the party picks up after sunset with a DJ spinning house disco. We love the direct beach access and the fact that it feels like the original Cafe Del Mar in Ibiza. A no brainer when it comes to the best beach club in Bali.

Best food: Sundara Beach Club

Jimbaran Bay’s only upmarket beach club, Sundara, is the jewel of Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay. Days here revolve around its 57m-long pool, which the hotel claims is Bali’s longest. Oversized cabanas and daybeds trace the pool’s edge and staff are on hand to cater to every whim, so don’t be surprised when they ask to clean your sunnies.

The food and cocktails are exceptional, with wood-fired bites such as barbecue prawns and smoked eggplant salad made for the sunshine. This isn't the biggest beach club but it is certainly one of the most elegant.

Best sunsets: La Brisa

Think Bali beach club then give that mood board a glow up and you'll arrive at this destination. Built using reclaimed wood from more than 500 old fishing boats, rustic La Brisa, set among palm trees on Canggu’s Echo Beach, is a magnet for photographers.

There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a small, terraced pool, but the real drawcard is the beanbags on the deck that offer front-row seats to an epic Bali sunset every evening. Golden hour is always buzzing here, and it’s often a relaxed and welcoming place to strike up conversation with your neighbours over a bottle of sangria. La Brisa is a great spot to ease into beach club life and most beach clubs can only dream of this enviable set up.

Best beach: Sundays Beach Club

Bali’s beaches can be hit or miss, but the golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons at Sundays Beach Club are a winner. A sunny oasis at the base of The Ungasan Resort in Uluwatu, this laid-back beach club offers complimentary SUP, snorkelling and kayaking, and it’s often calm enough for swimming.

Beach seating is around $75 per person ($48 of which you can use as a credit on food and drinks), while the VIP cabanas need to be booked a month in advance. The monkeys are crafty, so mind your chips - a threat that's not that apparent at other beach clubs. Sundays Beach Club also has a local DJ and nightly beach bonfires.

Best party vibe: Potato Head Beach Club

One of Bali’s most iconic day-to-night spots, Seminyak's Potato Head beach club has stood the test of time. The first venue to open at the eco-forward Desa Potato Head village, which now comprises accommodation, wellness and a zero-waste philosophy, Potato Head Beach Club offers the chance to lounge on a floating bean bag, or book a beach chair in advance online by the infinity pool or on the grass.

Expect daily DJ sets and an inclusive vibe; even four-legged friends are welcome in the beach party area to live the dream. If you miss out on a possie here - it's not massive and hence it's charm - check out the groovy Mari Beach Club, just outside of Seminyak.

Most rowdy: Finns Beach Club

If dancing with bronzed gym junkies in budgie smugglers sounds up your alley, Finns Beach Club is the place for you. The sprawling bamboo venue on Canggu’s Berawa Beach boasts multiple pools, including beachfront infinity pools and pool bars – and a Finns VIP Beach Club section with large white day beds on the adjoining lawn.

The vibe attracts a flexed, exuberant crowd for its all-day parties and DJ sets and two-for-one daily happy hour on cocktails in every area of the beach club, including Margaritas and Espresso Martinis. Finns Beach Club is an iconic beach club for a reason.

Best adults-only beach club: Azul Beach Club

The all-bamboo Azul Beach Club, located at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa in Legian, is a throwback gem - and it’s also kid-free from Monday to Saturday. The infinity pool and whirlpool are complimentary to use with purchase of food and drinks, while sun loungers require a minimum spend. Azul Beach Club’s upper deck is a tiki bar serving up twists on Mai Tais and Mojitos in kitsch-cool glassware, and the lower restaurant regularly hosts live music, including a live singer and saxophonist every Saturday from 7pm.

Best pool: Mrs Sippy

What Mrs Sippy lacks in beach it makes up for in pool. Bright and light in a palette of crisp white and jewel blue, this all-day Greece-inspired hangout features a lagoon-style swimming pool and a separate stuntman option with a 5m diving board for those who prefer to “send it”. Its open-air kitchen serves up tasty, Med-style eats, including grilled octopus and mahi mahi, and wood-fired pizzas, as well as poke and sashimi bowls.

Best views: Karma Beach

The hypnotic ocean views from the clifftop pool at Karma Kandara resort are envied the island over. But the arrival to Karma Beach at the base of the limestone sheath is even more spectacular, with an inclinator ferrying guests down to the soft latte-hued sand and lapping blue waves like something out of a spy film. Feast on grilled rock lobster and tuna tartare before you settle into one of the gazebos or shaded sun loungers with a fresh coconut from the tiki bar. Better yet, they offer massages oceanside.

Ocean facing: Como Beach Club

Part of the Como Uma Canggu Hotel on Echo Beach in Canggu this is a low key beach club. It's not exclusively for resort guests and you can either book a seat in advance or it also takes walk in guests. Watch the ocean waves from the ocean facing pool and listen to local DJs with a cocktail in hand.

Best surf: The Lawn

It’s not the biggest or the most beautiful beach club in Bali, but Canggu’s The Lawn is one of the best places to people-watch on the island (if you don’t see Kelly Slater or Stephanie Gilmore in the line-up, you might find them at the bar). Situated in front of the Batu Bolong surf break, it’s the ideal place to spend the day flopping in and out of the pool and watching all walks of life. The cocktails are boozy and the food is decent, but if you’re really serious about food, make a booking at Skool Kitchen upstairs.

Indian Ocean views: Suka Sunset Beach Club

This hidden gem is tucked away in Seminyak, offering a great spot to unwind and take in Indian Ocean views and amazing sunsets. Suka Sunset Beach Club is a relative newcomer to the Bali beach club scene and does not charge an entry fee. It's recommended to book sun loungers in advance for peak days. It is also a family friendly beach club, but children must be supervised.

Other beach clubs worth visiting

If you're based further south on the island, check out the Tropical Temptation Beach Club near Green Bowl Beach. Tropical Temptation Beach Club is adults-only and credits itself with a bohemian vibe. There are three pool areas, panoramic sea views, VIP lounges and you can even wear your flip-flops.

The Palmilla Beach Club is tucked between two cliff faces and bills itself as the heart of Melasti Beach, offering chill vibes and Mediterranean fare. Palmilla Beach Club is open until 9pm daily.

Or if you're seeking endless party vibes, try the Atlas Beach Club with its roster of international DJs. The Atlas beach fest bills itself as the world's biggest beach club.

What are Bali's beach clubs?

Patterned on those found in party hot spots like Ibiza, Bali's beach clubs are pretty much five star hotels without the rooms. We're talking day beds, cocktails, gourmet food, live entertainment, DJs, a dance floor or two and a party atmosphere. Some are more raucous than others.

Where are Bali's beach clubs?

Where they were once concentrated around Kuta and Seminyak - and many of the stayers are still to be found here - many have migrated to other emerging areas such as Canggu, Uluwatu and the south coast of the island. Outlying islands like Nusa Lembongan are also starting to see beach clubs pop up with the Sandy Bay Beach Club leading the pack.

How much do Bali beach clubs cost?

Budget for at least $50 per person per day entry fee but know that you get a chunk of that back in food and booze credits. Some clubs have no entry fee as such but there is a minimum spend for sunbeds.

See also: 

I moved to Bali, these are mistakes Aussie tourists make

Bali's changed, here's where to go in 2024

7 travel hacks to know before you visit Bali