The only beach clubs you need to visit this summer

The hottest hangouts where you can party in your swimwear

OBeach Ibiza

by Louise Bennett |
Updated on

Buddha Bar Beach at Abaton

Where? Crete, Greece

What's the vibe? Consider this the beach bar of choice for grown ups. Hosted at the stunning 5 star Abaton Resort and spa, you can expect a VIP experience which reflects the luxury feel of the hotel. The world renowned Buddha Bar team have put together a program of top-class DJs alongside delicious Asian inspired cuisine and expert mixologists. And the surroundings are guaranteed to blow you away too, with stylish white sunloungers giving you the perfect view of the Mediterranean on one side and the dramatic rolling hills on the other give a peaceful element of seclusion.

Celebs to spot? Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh holidayed at this exclusive resort last year but with the newly opened beach club opening its doors earlier this month, you can expect to see more famous faces sipping cocktails around the pool this summer.

What to order? Head here for an early evening meal so that you can catch the stunning sundown and order any of the amazing fresh seafood from their Asian-style menu.

What to wear? This is not a heels and thong bikini venue. Instead float around in a kaftan and a chic sunhat and accessorised with celebrity-sized sunnies.

Entry to Buddha-Bar Beach at Abaton is free. More info here.

Ocean Club
©Ocean Club

Ocean Club

Where? Marbella, Spain

What’s the vibe? Think TOWIE in the sun and by the beach and you’ve got your answer. It’s one of the places to be seen at during the day as everyone works on their tan while sipping champagne and making sure not to get their hair wet as they dip in and out of the pool. It turns into a party at night and is full-on glamour so don’t there for a full on relaxation day.

Celebs to spot? Marbella always attracts a celeb crowd and you can spend your day and evening at Ocean Club spotting them. VIP guests have previously included Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Niall Horan, Tulia and, of course, The GC.

What to order? Champagne obviously looks great on the gram but doesn’t go as far, so if you want a bit more value for money, get everyone to chip in for a bottle of vodka (or your other spirit of choice) and mixers. As for food, there are so many options, but you can’t go wrong with a pizza.

What to wear? This a day club where your standard bikini just won’t do, so forget about the practicalities (and tan lines) and go for something glamorous and sexy.

Ocean Club, Marbella (www.oceanclub.es) offers a starting rate of €135 for a small round day bed for maximum 3 people and goes up to €975 for a Super VIP Square bed for maximum 12 people (which includes 3 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne and carries an additional minimum spend of €1,500)

Hula Hula Beach Bar
©Hula Hula Beach Bar

Hula Hula Beach Bar

Where? Hvar, Croatia

What's the vibe? Expect a cool crowd who flock here to soak up the incredible views of the sunset. Being perched right by the side of the water its more natural than some of the poolside beach clubs you'll find in big Spanish resorts but with sunbeds built into the rocks it makes for a really unique experience. Also, you're more likely to find an eclectic mix of people of all ages than a bunch of twenty somethings who could easily have stepped off the set of Love Island.

Celebs to spot? You might recognise this location from Made In Chelsea's Croatia special as it's where Miles and the gang 'pardied' when they took their drama from the mean streets of Chelsea to a sunnier location.

What to order? Being in Croatia the drinks are very reasonably priced compared to the UK, even if they're on the spendier side to the rest of the island. But their cocktail list is great and at just over a tenner each its tempting to sink a few Mojitos or Hugos.

What to wear? As the vibe is relaxed here, anything goes. The crowd aren't outrageous or attention-seeking, so keep it low key and gawp at the stunning views rather than the crazy outfits.

A sunbed costs 100 Kunar for the day (about £12) and although the party goes on till midnight its worth arriving early in the day to nab a prime spot. More info here.

Obeach ibiza
©OBeach Ibiza

OBeach Ibiza

Where? Ibiza, Spain

What's the vibe? Often described as the ultimate beach club, people come here to party and they don't mess around. With giant glitter balls, trippy inflatables and a bright pink merry-go-round suspended from the sky, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're a bit tipsy before you even hit the hard stuff. But the service is outstanding at the entertainment will not disappoint with dancers, sky shows, top DJ sets and this year will see residencies from both Hedkandi and Kisstory.

Celebs to spot? This place is often full of famous faces with celebs including Olly Murs, Little Mix and Billie Faiers soaking up the vibes on their VIP sunloungers.

What to order? It's Veuve Clicqout all the way for full-on fabulousness.

What to wear? Dress to impress. There's plenty of flesh on show so don't be shy. But remember your factor 50!

Book in advance at obeachibiza.com and you'll only pay 10 Euros, or you can pre-book a bed in the VIP area for 150 Euros with a minimum spend of 800 Euros. Well worth it if you're in a group or part of a hen party.

Tickets are as little as 15 euros in advance, or you can pre-book a bed in the VIP area with a minimum spend of 1350 Euros.

Origin at Sandown Beach
©Origin at Sandown Beach

Origin at Sandown Beach

Where? Isle of Wight, UK

What's the vibe? Yes, the UK is about to get its very first beach club, opening its doors in July. And attached to a 24-room boutique hotel its expected to be a sophisticated spot where you can spend a few hours enjoying good food, great views and decent music. The venue hopes to host both poolside entertainment and sunset parties combining a relaxed party vibe with some top class service.

Celebs to spot? As they haven't opened their doors yet its too soon to tell, but we wonder if Kate Moss will pop in on her way back from the Isle of Wight Festival?

What to order? Origin are partnering with Laurent Perrier which will be the only sparkling wine or champagne available so it would be rude not to grab a glass to wash down one of the dishes from the Terrace Restaurant.

What to wear? Well, it is still the UK so we'd probs leave your two piece to the actual pool, but this place looks classy enough for you to give your newest maxi dress a spin.

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