Bali’s Best Beach Clubs: Where to lounge on sunbeds, swim in the sea & infinity pools, sip on cocktails, and soak in amazing island views

By Julianne Greco

Jan 27, 2018 | 2:38am Bali time

So, you’ve decided to come to Bali. Excellent choice, whether it was for the delicious food, welcoming and beautiful culture, incredible temples, world-class waves, spectacular nature, or you just want to get pampered.

Whether you’ve been to the Island of the Gods heaps of times, you’re a Bali virgin (and need to be convinced to come here for some crazy reason), or you’ve done yourself right and live here, sometimes you just need some down-time on the beach, so you can sprawl out on a daybed, soak up that ‘vitamin sea’, read your book, and get some quality R&R with a cocktail in hand. Then: go for a refreshing dip in a cool pool or the salty sea, get out, lay back down, and repeat! And keep doing that until the sun sinks down for an epic Bali sunset.

Bali’s sure got no shortage of beach clubs, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have our faves. Here are our picks for the island’s top beach clubs from tropical chill to suitable for family fun to those that are swanky and splurges for a special, luxurious treat yo self kind of day.

*If you want a sunbed, booking ahead if the club allows is a general rule at most of these beach clubs to avoid disappointment!

Now grab your swimwear and get going!

Ulu Cliffhouse

Elevate yourself, literally, up on the cliff tops at Uluwatu newcomer, Ulu Cliffhouse. Atop the stunning Bukit Peninsula with jaw-dropping views, an aqua infinity pool, and daybeds right on the edge, you’ll find yourself coming to this impressive beach club for an afternoon refresher that’ll turn into sundowners and an evening out, as they do know how to throw a good party. Also look into their Sunday champagne brunch—food by Peruvian superstar chef, Diego Muñoz—for a scrumptious meal.

Ulu Cliffhouse

Jl. Labuan Sait no. 315, Padang Padang
Everyday, 12pm-9pm
0813-3881-2502
info@ulucliffhouse.com

Sundays

Sundays (formerly Finns) has earned its reputation as one of Bali’s most iconic beach clubs for a reason. Set on a white sandy beach at the foot of jagged cliffs in Ungasan, you have to take a lift down to the beach, which honestly, is half of the fun! They’ve got kayaks and stand up paddle boards for those who crave a little ocean sport. Sundays only takes reservations for groups of six people or more, so get there early if you want to snag a daybed, especially on the weekend and during high season. Oh, and you’re going to want to stick around for the evening. Happy hour is every day from 5pm-6:30pm, but stay even longer as the sun goes down so you can grab a beanbag and toast some marshmallows at their nightly bonfire.

Jl. Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan
Everyday, 8am-10pm
0811 942 1110
hello@sundaysbeachclub.com

Komune

Sitting a on a long stretch of palm-fringed black sand beach on Bali’s East Coast in Keramas, Komune is well off the beaten track compared to most of the other beach clubs on this list—though that does not mean you will have the place to yourselves! Keramas attracts many an advanced surfer for its powerful right-hander, especially during rainy season, the prime time for surfing the island’s east coast, so expect some spillover at Kommune. But you don’t have to ride the waves to enjoy Kommune. A perfect place to chill out before or after exploring some of East Bali’s attractions, go to jump in their beachside pool and tan on their sunbeds.

Jl. Pantai Keramas, Gianyar
(0361) 3018888
bali@komuneresorts.com

The Lawn Canggu

Transforming from what was a quaint little green lawn (hence the name), into what’s now a full-fledged beach lounge, the Lawn is one of Canggu’s hottest spots for sunning and sundowners with the it-crowd. Grab a bamboo mat and nibble on some zesty seafood and fusion options from their menu, stretch out on a daybed, or come after dark for one of their events, all while basking in that glorious view of the Indian Ocean.

Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu
Everyday, 11am-11pm
0361 3351055
hello@thelawncanggu.com

Oneeighty° at The Edge

Give yourself an “I’m king of the world moment” and go to The Edge luxury villa resort to stand on the edge of a glass-bottomed infinity pool that sticks out six meters from a cliff with a 500-foot drop. If you dare. The pool is part of The Edge’s Oneeighty luxury cliff-top club, where in addition to giving yourself a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can sunbathe on the VIP deck, terrace or sand lounge to take in, you guessed it, 180 degrees of breathtaking Indian Ocean and cliff-top scenery.

Jl. Pura Goa Lempeh, Pecatu
Everyday, 9am-10pm
0361 847 0700
intouch@edge.mesahotelsandresorts.com

El Kabron Cliff Club

Have we mentioned how much we love Bukit for their beach clubs and panoramic vistas? Perched up on a cliff top, overlooking Bingin and Dreamland beaches, El Kabron Spanish Restaurant and Cliff Club has to be one of the most Instagrammed Bukit spots of them all, because have you seen those pictures of the sun going down over the Indian ocean and that white-stone pool? At El Kabron, we come for a swim with a view and stay for the paella and sangria. Their Spanish fare will guarantee you a foodgasm. FYI, there’s free access to the dining area all day, but starting at 7pm a minimum pre-payment is required for full access to El Kabron Cliff Club.

Jl. Pantai Cemongkak, Pecatu
Everyday 11:30am-11:45pm (restaurant menu starts at 1:30pm; last available cliff club booking is 5:30pm)
0821 4437 0139
info@elkabron.com

Sundara

The Sanskrit word for “beautiful,” it’s no wonder where Sundara Beach Club gets its name from. The crown jewel of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the beach club features a 57-meter-long beach-front infinity pool so you can swim laps and work off all the yummy cocktails you down at their daily happy hour from 5-7pm, which offers 2-for-1 of some of Bali’s most potent mixes and features live music six days a week. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention their Sunday brunch—the island’s longest one—which boasts an unlimited a la carte selection from 11am to 5pm, live acoustics, as well as beverage packages and a kid’s club right around the corner.

Jl. Kawasan Bukit Permai
0361 701010
Everyday, 11am-1am
sundara.bali@fourseasons.com

The Octagon Ocean Club by Plataran

Experience a part of Bali that few tourists venture out to and get yourself up to West Bali National Park. Bring your snorkeling gear and explore Menjangan Island, then go make your way through the forest to unwind at the idyllic Octagon Ocean Club of Plataran L’Harmonie, a true hidden gem. Overlooking Menjangan, named for its native deer that meander across the beach, the setting is just so clean, blue, and quiet that you’ll feel a world away from the tourist-filled south. The rooftop is great for sunrise to sunset at the three-story beach club, while the 33-meter infinity pool complete with a sunken bar smack-dab on the ocean front ain’t so bad eihter.

West Bali National Park
Jl. Seririt, Gilimanuk
Everyday, 5:30pm-11am
0361 411388 / 0361 844 6012
menjangan@plataran.com

WooBar at W Bali Seminyak

You may know WooBar as one of Bali’s hottest nightlife destinations, but the W Hotel oceanfront and the bar with its magnificent giant-wave-like structure, also doubles as a beach club by day. Non-hotel guests of the five-star Seminyak resort can lounge for hours under the sun and laze on some of the plushest daybeds on the island. While there is no entry or charge for daybeds, W keeps it elite: non-guests need to a hit a minimum spend of IDR1 million (US$75) for pool access and loungers. Make sure you indulge in some of their killer cocktail concoctions they’re so famous for, to get you up to that minimum mark.

Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak
Sunday-Monday, 10am-1am; Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am
03613000106
whotels.bali@whotels.com

Karma

Enter the blue lagoon of Karma Beach Club in Ungasan down the excavator—unless you want to chisel those thigh muscles of yours and walk down hundreds of steps! A pocket of white sandy beach at the fancy Karma Kandara, this is your spot if you value privacy and the finer things. Kayak, stand up paddle board, yoga, and snorkeling are all on offer. They’ve also got a kid’s club for the little ones and a first-rate spa if you really want to indulge. Entrance to the club is IDR500k (US$38), which includes IDR300k (US$23) f&b credit.

Jl. Villa Kandara, Ungasan
0800-1-152762 / 0361 848 2202
info@karmakandara.com

La Brisa

The “La Family” (La Plancha, La Favela, La Laguna, La Sicilia) has done it again with the rustic La Brisa. The name La Brisa, meaning “sea breeze” reflects the whole concept of the airy whitewashed Bohemian haven. That retro-looking wood really is antique! It was reclaimed from more than 500 old fishing boats, so you’ve got to appreciate their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly values. Gnaw on some fresh seafood with affordable prices and wash it down with your favorite tipple.

Jl. Pantai Baut Mejan
Everyday, 11am to 11pm
+62 811 3946666
bookings@labrisabali.com

Potato Head

When you think of beach clubs in Bali, you probably think of the famous, tropical chic Potato Head, in the trendster hub of Petitenget. The club’s open-air amphitheater-like design draws your eyes right to their infinity pool overlooking and on to the horizon of the Indian Ocean. Also catching your eye will be those colorful faded antique shutters, salvaged from around the country. The club’s got several restaurants and even celebrity chef Frank Camorra’s MoVida a stone throw away on the ground floor of the Katamama Hotel, but we can definitely recommend their Indonesian dining experience, Kaum, which features elevated street eats from across the archipelago and locally-sourced ingredients. Potato Head regularly hosts parties and after-dark events, plus the swinging boutique music festival, Sunny Side Up.

Jl. Petitenget no. 51B, Seminyak
Everyday, 10am-10pm
0361 473 7979
reservation@pttfamily.com

Azul Beach Club

An impressive bamboo “tree house” with stunning turquoise accents in Bali’s original happening area, Legian, Azul sure is a sight to behold. The club is home to Bali’s First Tiki Bar, an open air restaurant, an infinity pool, and plenty of loungers to catch some rays and chill out on. While infinity and whirlpool are complimentary with purchase of food and beverage, bookings are required for sunbeds and cabanas fitting two people for arrivals before 12pm, for a minimum spend of IDR250,000 (US$19). Take note: the club’s infinity pool and jacuzzi are only for 18 and above Monday through Saturday. Children are welcome on Sunday with parental accompaniment.

Jl. Padma no. 2, Legian
Everyday, 7am-late
0361 765759
info@azulbali.com

Finns

With an even bigger bamboo structure, Finns in Canggu stretches out across Berawa Beach. A 30-meter swimming pool with of course, a swim-up pool bar and even underwater speakers awaits you for an afternoon of delight and perhaps debauchery. Finns represents a new era of Canggu, as the hip town north of trendy Seminyak explodes in popularity. The beach club has become a fixture in the ‘Gu’ social scene, hosting performances, special events, and parties regularly. Reservations are accepted only for Finns’ dining area and a minimum spend before 6pm applies for daybeds: IDR250k (US$19) for bean bags; IDR400k (US$30) for single daybeds; and IDR1.6 million (US$120) for double daybeds that can accommodate a max of four people.

Jl. Pantai Berawa, Canggu
Everyday, 10am-10pm
+62 361 844 6327
info@finnsbeachclub.com

Ku De Ta

Hello, OG Bali beach club. The internationally acclaimed Ku De Ta has paved the way for the rest, establishing the luxe Bali beach club scene, combining a beachfront setting with high dining and a nightlife venue when it opened back in 2000. They’ve now got a variety of dining options from informal grazing to “relaxed fine dining” so they’ve got the means to satiate different appetites. So go hungry, thirsty and ready for it all, from sun to after-dark fun.

Jl. Kayu Aya no. 9, Seminyak
Everyday, 8am til late
0361 736969
reservations@kudeta.com

Vue Beach Club

Caught between the rice fields and the Indian Ocean, Vue Beach Club at LV8 Resort Hotel isn’t a bad place to be. Find a beanbag, sunbed, or gazebo to sink into across the 58-meter beachfront pool and get comfortable. Order some tapas, go between the pool and the sea, and lap up some cocktails during happy hour from 12pm-2pm or 7pm-9pm (or both if you’re going for a double header, we’re not judging!).

Jl. Pantai Berawa no. 100xx
0361 8948888
Everyday, 7am-11pm
info@lv8bali.com

Mantra Sakala

Get away from all it all at Mantra Sakala Beach Club at the five-star Sakala Resort in Tanjung Benoa. A hot venue on the Bali wedding circuit, the Sakala offers unobstructed, say-I-do views of a white sand beach lined with palm trees. Prepare for Asian fine dining at the hotel or choose from a variety of local and international dishes, tapas, and beachside snacks, plus cocktails while you unwind at the beach club. Kids are welcome so bring the whole family.

Jl. Pratama no. 95, Tanjung Benoa
Everyday, 11am-11pm
0361 775 216
fbsec@sakalaresortbali.com

Le Pirate Nusa Ceningan

For those with a sense adventure looking to get off mainland Bali for a bit, look no further than a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan—and then another 15 minute motorbike ride across a bridge to the small picturesque island of Nusa Ceningan. Believe it or not, there is actually a beach club on this little slice of paradise that looks like something straight out of your tropical Instagram feed. Le Pirate is a small oasis on Ceningan, but popular on the travel blogger’s trail for its standout aesthetics: the color theme of the turquoise-accented white beach huts mirrors the aqua of the water in the their low-lying cliff-side pool. Perfectly positioned to catch spectacular sunrises and just-as-amazing sunsets over Bali’s volcanoes, Le Pirate is a feast for your eyes.