Home Experiences The Mediterranean’s Very Best Beach Clubs

The Mediterranean’s Very Best Beach Clubs

by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande

The Mediterranean is justly renowned for its beaches, many of which are among the most celebrated in the world. However, for those seeking private luxury and quiet contemplation, cocktail in hand, the popularity and crowds of public beaches can offer pressures as well as pleasures. Beach clubs present the perfect compromise, and the very best offer a diverse cross-section of benefits and special experiences.

Ocean Beach Club Ibiza

Ocean Beach Club Ibiza

Ocean Beach Club Ibiza is one of the biggest names in beach clubs, but its celebrity, and celebrities, has not affected the gratifications of the experience it offers. Situated in San Antonio, it is the epicentre of the world’s best party island, with sensational parties hosted by Ministry of Sound. Hed Kandi and Ibiza Sensations. Although the big brand DJ events are the main draw, it also boasts a stunning pool and remarkable aerial displays by acrobats. Two exceptional nearby villas, Villa Gabriella in Porto Rotondo and Villa Al Tramonto in San Pantaleo, offer the perfect venues to take the party home to.

Villa Al Tramonto

Villa Al Tramonto

Another key club in the Balearics, Purobeach Palma Mallorca earns its place as one of the Med’s best beach clubs with its strong emphasis on wellbeing. There are five Balinese beds and copious teak loungers, where sunbathing and massage can be enjoyed. The spa treatments on offer are high quality and there is a child free area for adult relaxation. The international restaurant offers delectable dishes, particularly those of North African influenced cuisine.

Nikki Beach Mallorca

Nikki Beach Mallorca

The biggest and brashest beach club of them all is Nikki Beach, a global superbrand with clubs in most of the world’s most desirable locations. For many the very best Nikki Beach Club is in Marbella. With a gorgeous palm-fringed pool and soundstage, both beloved by media personalities, it offers laid-back chic on a lovely stretch of coastline. La Azalea Apartment in Benahavis provides a parallel residential experience of private and aspirational luxury.

Nikki Beach Saint Tropez is not for the faint-hearted or under-dressed, but is peerless in its A list clientele and glitzy appeal, as well as its beautiful coastal setting. Penthouse Marie Chantal, located in Antibes-Juan Les Pins, is an address with an equivalent aura of exclusivity, as well as a gateway to the loveliness of the Cote D’Azure.

One of the best Italian beach clubs is particularly well-suited for those seeking discreet, sedate luxury. Phi Beach Sardinia may be located right in the celebrity nerve centre of the Costa Smeralda, but it offers serene sea views and sumptuous cuisine at the Chiri Sur restaurant. Bar Chiringuito offers people-watching and cocktails at dusk, and everything is enjoyed within the imposing shadow of the ancient Forte Cappellini.

Coral Beach Club Dubrovnik

Coral Beach Club Dubrovnik

Croatia is a jetset paradise, and one of its best beach clubs is near the beautiful UNESCO world heritage city of Dubrovnik. The Coral Beach Club is dramatically situated under rocky cliffs with spectacular sunset views, and can easily be enjoyed in a day in tandem with the sights and gastronomy of Dubrovnik. Villa Garden Paradise, a Baroque mansion house, provides appropriate historic splendour as a base.

Croatia’s fabled, lavender-scented island, Hvar, has the added attraction of the Carpe Diem beach club. It has an engaging lack of formality, and offers a small, attractive place to drink and relax. For those indulging in the great pleasure of island-hopping, Korcula is 32 nautical miles away from Hvar and plays host to the pretty and romantic Villa Magdalena.

Carpe Diem Beach Club Hvar

Carpe Diem Beach Club Hvar

As the ultimate indulgence, the Princess Kitana yacht is moored in Split. It sleeps eight people and offers the most luxurious possible way of savouring the best beach clubs in the Mediterranean, one port at a time.

 

By Phileas French, Travel Writer