To the Beach
Malamala Beach Club, FIJI
Billed as the world’s first beach club on its own island, Malamala has all the requisite trimmings of a blissful tropical atoll: white sand, coconut palms, clear waters and an ethos endorsing eating, drinking and lounging — and little else.
You arrive by ferry — or helicopter, if you have the means — from Port Denarau, the 30-minute jaunt across blue lagoons providing an enticing entree to the island. You can then circumnavigate the slip of sand on foot or in a kayak, or flipper through the water over iridescent coral and playful fish.
There’s an expansive deck where poolside daybeds provide eye-popping views over the Mamanucas, as well as secluded cabanas with butler service.
A day pass costs about $120, with additional charges for daybeds and cabanas. www.malamalabeachclub.com.
OmNIa Dayclub, BALI
Bali has its fair share of drop-dead-gorgeous beachside clubs, from the pioneering Ku De Ta to Ayana Resort and Spa’s Rock Bar with its DJ booth carved into the cliffs. The latest addition to the Indonesian island’s waterside portfolio is Omnia, a dayclub on the limestone bluffs of the Bukit Peninsula. The infinity pools and swim-up bars are stunning, while that cube is sculpted to best catch the sun and change colour throughout the day.
DJs from around the globe provide the soundtrack for afternoons lounging on daybeds or cabanas, the latter of which feature a private pool and butler service.
Entry is about $20, although this is waived if you reserve a daybed, cabana or bungalow where minimum spends apply. www.omniaclubs.com/bali.
Le Club 55, ST TROPEZ
This is one of the most fashionable villages in Europe, so you’ll need to pay real attention to your wardrobe — white is the colour of choice. When you’re all frocked up, settle in for serious people-watching from the dining room deck.
Feast on fish, sip rosé, sink into a sun lounger and wait for someone to pick up a guitar and make everyone at the bar start dancing. Prepare for a long night.
Entry is free, but there is a fee for towels and umbrellas. www.club55.fr/en/index.
Grand Africa Cafe & Beach, CAPE TOWN
When the sun sets on Grand Africa, do you gaze at the Atlantic, gape at your Table Mountain backdrop, or take great photos of the adjacent V&A Waterfront? Dilemmas such as these must be faced at this Cape Town club.
The converted warehouse features the Absolut Elyx bar inside its Grand Hall, and the Tanqueray Gin Bar, offering riffs on the classic G&T. There’s also the stylish semi-open space dedicated to Pongrácz, where you can sip champagne in swinging chairs facing the ocean.
With tipple in hand, head for the daybeds on the beach and listen to DJs or live jazz on Sundays. The club’s main restaurant is also on the sand, which means you can kick off your shoes while enjoying tempura prawns or steamed mussels.
Entry is free. www.grandafrica.com.
Baba Nest, PHUKET
This rooftop beach club offers fantastic views of the Andaman Sea from Phuket’s south-east tip. That’s probably not the first water you’ll notice — the wraparound infinity pool is stunning.
Topping the Sri Panwa resort and appearing to float above the hills, Baba Nest comes sans walls, ceiling and windows — in fact, there aren’t even chairs. Instead, for a limited number of hours (5pm–9pm) a small amount of guests can slouch on oversized pillows around low-slung tables. The downside about being open to the elements is if it rains, you may need to relocate to one of Sri Panwa’s other stylish establishments.
Enjoy cocktails such as the Sri-Jito, the club’s twist on the classic mojito. Sunset sessions are best rounded out with tapas.
Entry is free, but minimum spends of about $20 for hotel guests and $40 for non-guests do apply. www.babaphuket.com.
GETTING THERE
Virgin Australia offers flights to these destinations with its codeshare partners. To book, visit www.virginaustralia.com.
