By Bridget Rose and Sarah Dougherty.
Much as we love putting on a little glitz and hitting the cube at Savaya, getting our designer caftans out for a day at Karma Beach or joining the party at Cafe Del Mar, some days we just want to chill out. That’s when our little black book of alternative beach and pool clubs will have your friends calling you out as a genius. Pack your phones and grab a bikini, lots of these intimate venues are also friendly on the budget and we’re betting you’ll love them as much as we do. Notes ready? Here we go.
Legian
Azul (adults-only pool) – Legian Beach
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For this pool day, it’s all about ocean views, beautiful bamboo architecture and the sweet sounds of a child-free zone. Enjoy the sophistication of an oversized, fruit-filled cocktail or an energising smoothie and take your place in the sun. Azul offers 5-star amenities and first-class service, an award-winning menu by one of Bali’s most recognised chefs – we’ll say it again; no cute but noisy children.
Showcasing local arts, the bamboo architecture envelopes a luxurious-chic turquoise interior that is true to its name Azul, ‘A Shade of Blue’.
Where: The Beachfront, Padma Beach, Jl Padma
When: 7 AM-11 PM daily
Notes: Azul Beach Club is open to the public and requires no cover charge.
Sun Beds are available with a minimum purchase of food & beverage at IDR 150K/bed.
Seminyak
Mano Beach House – Seminyak
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This beautiful beach club (beach house if you will) is perfect for low key Bali beach club-goers who enjoy beach views, chill music (often live) and a contemporary food and drinks menu, with a side of the fresh ocean breeze.
Located in the heart of Seminyak, Mano Beach House offers a lovely change of pace from their neighbouring beach clubs by way of a bohemian tribal vibe, a lovely sunlit pool area with comfortable lounging and a delicious food and cocktail menu to boot!
Unwind in a bean bag overlooking the ocean with a coconut or cocktail in one hand and a fresh salad in the other. Perfect for brunch, lunch or for one of Bali’s famous sunsets!
Where: Petitenget Beach front.
When: 8 AM-11PM.
Notes: Check out their Slow Lunch package and Sunday brunch – kids eat free!
Free entry, minimum spend applies after 3pm.
-Bean bag area: IDR 150K++/person
-Courtyard Sofa and Deck Lounge: IDR 200K++/person
-Daybed area: IDR 500K++ (include 2 beds, 1 table, 1 umbrella)
Mrs. Sippy – Seminyak
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What do you get when you mix Bali’s biggest saltwater pool with pizza so good you’d think you’re in Sicily, refreshing cocktails and some of the world’s best DJ’s? Mrs. Sippy Bali!
You’re sure to have seen this outstanding venue on some of your favourite influencer’s accounts (@boyfriends_of_insta, we see you) and for very good reason. This venue put the P in the party! Whether you’re with a group of friends chasing some sun or looking to celebrate, Mrs. Sippy offers some of the best fun in the sun (if not from the DJ acts, then from fellow party-goers jumping from the 5-meter high diving board).
Be sure to check out Mrs Sippy’s beach club, (the beach has been created for you), to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails together with a delicious menu by world-class Spanish chef Jonay Armas who harnesses Mrs Sippy’s perfectly executed Mediterranean vibe with an incredible menu to match!
Where: Jl Taman Ganesha, Gang Gagak 8
When: 10 AM – 9 PM daily
Notes: We’re waiting on news that Mrs Sippy will re-open, stay tuned.
Minimum spend applies: Cabana IDR 1.5 mil, Premium IDR 1mil, Regular IDR 600k and 2 x Single IDR 500K.
Ku De Ta – Seminyak
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When it comes to iconic venues, few places have defined Bali’s party scene like KU DE TA. Day to night, Seminyak’s most iconic beach club hosts us from breakfast to dinner and magical sunsets. Throughout, music is part of the experience.
KU DE TA is a homage to the good things in life. From sunset cocktails to gourmet snacks, leisurely lunches to romantic, moonlit dinners, there’s no better place to celebrate life. For over two decades, we’ve been enchanted by KU DE TA’s cuisine, charm, and generous hospitality.,We’ve celebrated many of our own memorable moments at this iconic venue. Nestled on Seminyak’s sandy shores, this idyllic beachfront space was created for sun-drenched days and unforgettable island nights.
Where: Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
When: 12AM – 10PM daily
Notes: Check out their fabulous Day Passes, the more you spend the more you save.
To book visit www.kudeta.com, or contact reservations@kudeta.com or +62 361 736969
Canggu
Alternative Beach Club – Canggu
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One of the newer venues on the block, Alternative Beach Club is known for pumping pool parties and a picturesque (Instagram-able) scene, but arrive early and enjoy the serenity. Found in the centre of Canggu, this one-stop day-party boasts a trendy hostel and private accommodation, fully equipped gym and a spacious pool with upbeat music and a playful team to kick off the fun!
The tasty food menu in the breezy restaurant area upstairs is the perfect spot to catch a break from the sun and refuel. Then when you’re ready to get back into the action, we suggest you take the waterslide back down to your friends at the pool!
Alternative Beach Club also offers free yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday and pool parties every Wednesday and Saturday.
Where: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong no. 78
When: 7 AM – 10 PM daily
Notes: Minimum spend IDR 100K / person – can be spent on day beds, towels, food & drinks.
Uluwatu
El Kabron– Uluwatu
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El Kabron, a venue that has to be seen to be believed. Found cliffside, 50 meters above sea level in Uluwatu, you’ll feel like you’re perched on the edge of the world. With a breathtaking 180 degree view which faces directly to sunset, this incredible venue is ideal for picturesque and secluded pool lounging.
While you do your best to take in the spectacular view, we recommend partaking in the beautiful drinks menu (ok we’ll say it – do the champagne and oysters) while you enjoy the lovely infinity pool, live music, and outstanding service.
Their Spanish-inspired menu features an outstanding selection of tapas, cheeses, olives and our personal favourite; El Kabron’s famous Paella! The wine list is also a cut above the rest. This venue is an absolute must-see!
Where: Jalan Pantai Cemongkak
When: 10 AM to 10 PM daily
Notes: Currently still closed until we hear further.
Minimum spend applies: Sofa IDR 1.5 mil, Double Day Bed IDR 2 mil, and Single Day Bed or Bean Bag IDR 500K. No minimum spend in the restaurant.
La Joya – Uluwatu
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La Joya Balangan & their sister location La Joya Biu Biu Resort are your answer to a private and secluded day by the pool. Boasting a spectacular view both cliffside or overlooking a private and untouched beach, these remote venues offer guests the perfect environment to take a breath and unwind.
Harnessing the authentic Balinese feel with stylish boho interiors and unique circular-shaped accommodations, the lush green garden and lodgings will leave you feeling like you’ve attended a 2-week retreat. Have a special occasion coming up? This venue will make your special event one for the times!
Where: 645H+VP Cengiling, Jalan Pantai Balangan
When: 8 AM to 10 PM daily (for visitors of In-house guests’ and Regular Day Visitors)
Notes: IDR 300,000 for day pass, includes: towel rental, sun bed use, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Ubud
Folk – Ubud
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Located in Ubud, the most spiritually charged and nature-filled area of Bali, resides Bali’s newly revamped Folk Pool and Gardens. Enjoy the laid back Ubud energy from Folk’s private daybeds, teepees (yes you read that correctly – teepees), sun decks, lush pergolas or the swim-up bar.
Their fresh menu offers a range of Ubud-appropriate vegan and vegetarian options as well as authentic Indonesian cuisine for those looking to be one with the Bali culture. By night Folk Ubud offers one of our favourite moonlight cinemas courtesy of their popcorn club.
Where: Jalan Monkey Forest (Behind Liap Liap Restaurant)
When: 9 AM – 10 PM
Notes: Each teepee has a maximum occupancy of 4. Priced IDR 350.000 net for each daybed or teepee. A bale (divan) located at the corner of the lawn is suitable for 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children at IDR 350.000 net.
Jungle Fish – Ubud
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Overlooking the Wos River Valley in a lush tropical jungle, this hidden paradise offers a spectacular Ubud experience. Jungle Fish’s famous open-air, split-level restaurant with a pool and swim-up bar is the perfect Ubud venue.
Both hotel guests and day guests can enjoy Jungle Fish’s chic jungle pool ( definitely one for the Insta), hanging beds, sofas, and sun beds, all the while immersed in the full-scale jungle surrounding them. With a brigade of chefs cooking up a storm in the kitchen and the best Balinese hospitality, Jungle Fish Restaurant is committed to using premium ingredients and local organic produce for its Med-inspired and Indonesian menus, with some fresh vegetables and herbs often harvested from the resort’s own garden.
Where: Jalan Raya Sebali Keliki
When: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Notes: Currently entrance is free of charge with some great deals on drinks and food.
Regular Entrance: IDR 350 000 net for adults, IDR 175 000 net for children 12 years old and below. Includes Food & Beverage credit IDR 200 000 for adults and IDR 100 000 for children.
Nusa Lembongan
Ohana’s Lembongan – Nusa Lembongan
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Oh my, Ohana’s is worth the trip. We promised you off-the-beaten-track from standard Bali beach clubs and Ohana’s is exactly that. One of the newer beach clubs in Bali found on beautiful Nusa Lembongan, accessible via a short boat trip, this chic, bohemian boutique beach club, and the hotel is the ideal getaway spot for your Bali experience. Best of all you can wander straight out to the beach for a salty refresher.
It’s no wonder this beautiful spot is named after the Hawaiian word meaning “family” ( including blood-related and friends who are like family) because this venue is the ideal spot to spend an amazing day with your special people. Offering ocean views, comfortable lounges, refreshing cocktails and a top-notch food menu, Ohana’s promises to offer you an experience to remember.
In addition to the beautiful sun-filled pool area is a choice of accommodation for those who want to make a weekend out of it!
Where: Jungut Batu
When: 7 AM – 11:30 PM
Notes: Ohana’s beach Club is currently closed but the hotel is open, guests can use the seafront pool.
Minimum spend of IDR 200,000 per Sunbed, and IDR 500,000 if you want to reserve a daybed. If you want to reserve a regular table on the beach/grass are there is no minimum spend.
Sandy Bay Beach Club – Nusa Lembongan
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Speaking of Nusa Lembongan, how could we miss Sandy Bay Beach Club? A beautiful, breezy spot that offers the most magical ‘look where we are’ feeling with all the trimmings of a well established yet low key beach club.
Overlooking a beautiful white sand private beach, this venue has everything one would hope for when making the journey out from Bali. Delicious food, a killer Aperol Spritz (among other amazing cocktail options) and a vibe that allows for some real RNR.
This venue is somewhere you can go for breakfast and accidentally find yourself there for sunset. Offering a live band on Wednesdays and DJ sessions on Saturdays, the rest of the time you can expect cruisy music to go along with the sounds of crashing waves. It’s a hot spot for day-trippers to Nusa Lembongan and the new Garden Shacks are beach-chic ready for a great stay.
Where: Jl. Sandy Bay, Nusa Lembongan, Kabupaten
When: 8 AM-11 PM
Notes: Opened again October 2020, with some great deals on accommodation at their Garden Shacks.
Sandy Bay is located on the west coast of Nusa Lembongan – next to Devil’s Tear.
Nusa Dua
The Reef – Nusa Dua
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The Reef is 5-star all the way, so it’s a little more pricey, but the new beach club at the monumental Apurva Kempinski resort is still a bit of a secret. With a long pool lined with over-sized day beds, a perfectly manicured sandy beachfront, sunbeds looking out to sea and a stunning bar and restaurant housed in a hand-carved joglo, The Reef is created for maximum chill out.
The tunes are cruisy, the menu is pool-side gourmet, from fresh and fabulous salads to more substantial babi guling burritos, wagyu burgers, and grill selections. Cocktails range from the classic to the twisted while refreshing water stations keep you hydrated all day. Evenings are filled with the sounds of their live band and staying for dinner is a delicious option.
No minimum spend (for now anyway) makes this a great option and with challenging surf breaks nearby there’s no shortage of things to do.
Where: Nusa Dua Beach
When: all day + dinner
Notes: take advantage of their Bubbly Day Pass – Rp400,000 includes a glass of bubbly and credit on food and beverages.
Head out on a Sunday for Brunchcation (Rp700,000 for all day) includes complimentary pool and beach club privileges.
Nusa Ceningan
KLYF Club – Nusa Ceningan
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Your friends will be asking, where the hell are we going? As you head over the famous yellow bridge that connects Lembongan and Ceningan islands, then start heading up, up and even further up the hill, the views get spectacular and signs of tourist life get thinner. KLYF Club is one of those places you’d never know about until you arrive there ( apart from the major billboards!).
Spread out over a dramatic cliff face, with the turquoise ocean pounding the rocks below, KLYF Club is very stylish; with a cool green pool overlooking the ocean and a choice of sunbeds, booths or tables to enjoy their delicious, modern menu. It feels exclusive, the prices are not cheap but not overly expensive and you can spend a few hours here, washed by ocean breezes enjoying a few cold ones and some light bites, without breaking the bank. You’ll get kudos for suggesting this one!
Where: Nusa Ceningan
When: breakfast to dinner (all day)
Notes: You can only cross the bridge by motorbike. There are villas behind KLYF Club or check out the popular Le Pirate for a staycation.
