Bali offers an eclectic mix of beach clubs lining the southern coasts and hidden below the pristine cliffs of the Bukit peninsula. Some have successfully brought Mediterannean style and Ibiza-inspired party vibes to this tropical island, while a handful of others retain a more local and traditional setup, serving as seaside weekend retreats for holidaying families and friends. With world-class chefs creating delicious tapas and classy snacks to accompany drinks that are prepared by skilled bartenders, these top venues spice up the splendid sunny coastlines by day and host perfect evenings following gorgeous Bali sunsets. Here’s our best selection of beach clubs in Bali to help you decide which coast and venue to head to.
KU DE TA – SEMINYAK
Ku De Ta Bali is one of Bali’s most prominent hotspots, often considered the trendsetter for upscale nightlife and beach dining venues in Seminyak, which eventually inspired other similar enterprises all over the island.
The black-clad staff and the unique layout features a main restaurant area, a dedicated bar, a centrepiece lawn bordering the beachfront where all special events take place, and a special private loft for secluded VIP-style moments. All combine to give this one-stop dining and chill-out spot its island- and nationwide reputation.
Ku De Ta Bali continues to appeal to the Bali international dining and nightlife scene with its lively setup in a gorgeous beachside setting with ‘French bistro-esque’ features and many different favourite cosy corners to discover. Ku De Ta is also home to Mejekawi, a modern restaurant offering locally-influenced haute cuisine.
POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB – PETITENGET
Potato Head Beach Club has fast gained popularity as one of the most happening venues in Seminyak, joining the array of world-class hotspots that line this upscale, cosmopolitan coastal village. The venue is next door to the W Retreat, and its access from the main Jalan Petitenget road is similar to W’s, with a long and narrow lane that transports you to a world of drinks, dining and partying on its lawn beachfront.
From the end of the driveway, you’ll see the quirky architecture of the beach club, particularly its trademark towering feature comprising a patchwork of old and worn teakwood window shutters. Designed by ‘cinematic’ architect Andra Matin, the signature structures and main venue resembles a stadium or coliseum, and the thin curved path into the beach club even makes you feel like a gladiator entering battle.
And that’s where the excitement takes place. The beachfront bar and flat 500sqm lawn flanked by an infinity pool is all within the grounds of this delightful amphitheatre. This artistic approach to an exciting venue was set up by two passionate Indonesian art collectors. The colourful painted shutters of different sizes that form the facade’s patchwork were collected items from all over the archipelago.
KARMA BEACH CLUB – ULUWATU
The main highlight of this beach club is its magnificent ‘hidden’ location, also referred to as Karma Beach. Karma Beach is accessed by a funicular ride down a sheer cliff where a stretch of clean white sand and blue sea awaits. To ensure its exclusivity you’ll have to pay an entrance fee, but it is set against the price of food and drinks. Despite this a trip here is well worth it. A kitchen is housed under a raised thatched roof bamboo structure serving Mediterranean-inspired selections, and beach barbeque parties are among its regular events.
Part of the Karma Kandara resort, Karma Beach is open for beach picnics, together with a host of fun activities and water sports. A traditional wood-fired oven produces delicious pizzas, and the bar stocks quality liquors, champagne and cold beer. A well-stocked oyster bar enhances the beachside Aegean Sea-inspired facility.
FINN’S BEACH CLUB – ULUWATU
Part of the Semara Uluwatu in Ungasan, Finn’s Beach Club has one of the most gorgeous hidden beach locations on the island with swimmable waves and a Mediterranean-style setting between a rock face and the coastline. The 165m stretch of sand is yours for a day with a minimum deposit of IDR 250,000, which is later set against food and beverage purchases. Its only access is via a two-minute funicular ride down the green cliff. Finn’s has the best beach in Bali, and a set of water sports to enjoy it with.
There’s a large selection of fun activities to keep you busy, from sea kayaking and snorkelling to beach volleyball and kite flying, while sun loungers under wide beach parasols provide perfect timeout spots. After the action on the sand and waves, head into the shade of its cosy shack-styled diner and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, pastas and great pizzas from its semi-open kitchen. Order a king prawn pizza, and soon you’ll see the kitchen crew snap into action through the kitchen’s wide service window rolling fresh dough. A menu and drink list for kids is also available.
MOZAIC BEACH CLUB – BATU BELIG
Mozaic Beach Club extends the quality-dining scene of Ubud’s Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique to the southern shores of Bali, with a twist. The beach club brings the world-famous brand closer to aficionados in upscale Seminyak, with a handy location on the serene and gorgeous coast off Jalan Pantai Batu Belig. The only beach club on this black-sand beach, Mozaic Beach Club offers two different dining scenes.
A poolside bar and lounge with a seaside sundeck offers a laidback alternative to the sophisticated, romantic private dining restaurant north of the blue tiled pool, which glows blue with submerged neon lights, each with equally intimate moods and gentle sea breezes. Mozaic Beach Club’s SunDeck Delights is one of the regular promotions that feature cocktails, inspiring tapas and cool beats on the large wooden poolside deck. Executive Chef James Ephraim, under the direction of Mozaic chef and founder Chris Salans, heads the beach club’s gastronomic brigade. A jewellery shop coexists beside the main dining room, displaying rare and top-quality items ladies can’t resist.
