Beach clubbing has come to the forefront of the collective clubbing consciousness in 2011. With more outdoor venues than ever before – and with those that already existed seriously smartening up their act – the choice for al fresco clubbing is extremely varied. But with this wealth of choice comes its own problems; namely, how can you decide where to spend your precious few holiday days when everyone’s clamouring for your attention?
This is where our Beach Clubbing Guide comes in. We’ve picked out what we consider to be the top venues around the world, including a summary of what they’re all about and what to expect when you arrive.
First up, we look at Ibiza and Europe; both of which boast a veritable smorgasbord of beach venues, ranging from the seismic to the serene and everything in between.
Ibiza
Ushuaia
This year, Ushuaia transformed from the modest – if eminently enjoyable – beach bar of 2010 to one of the prominent clubbing venues on the island. Combine glamour, and killer soundsystem top DJs and live acts and you’re bound to have fun. Build it around a swimming pool next to one of the most famous beaches in the world, and the possibilities for pure hedonistic pleasure are pretty much endless. With world-class line-ups, a sizzling atmosphere and some of the sexiest dancers you’ll ever lay eyes on, Ushuaia is THE outdoor venue in Ibiza, and arguably the world.
www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com
Amante
Calm, relaxing and set in one of the most beautiful coves in Ibiza, Amante is almost the island antithesis to Ushuaia. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sol D’en Serra bay and owned by Azuli’s Dave Piccioni, the emphasis is very much on fine dining, sublime cocktails and relaxation, although with the venue available to hire, DJs, bands and general merriment are very much still on the cards at Amante.
www.amanteibiza.com
Blue Marlin
Situated on Ibiza's gorgeous south coast The Blue Marlin is one of the White Isle’s most stylish beach clubs. Live bands and DJs provide the nightly soundtrack while you gorge yourself on some of the best food Ibiza has to offer. 2011 sees artists as diverse as Louie Vega, Chuckie and Lottie manning the decks, which goes some way to show that although Blue Marlin is sometimes seen predominantly as a sun-worshippers’ paradise, there’s plenty of post-sunset fun to be had.
www.bluemarlinibiza.com
Europe
Bloomingdale, Holland
Every summer, Bloomngdale and the beach it is situated on becomes one of the most popular music venues in Holland. Located on the outskirts of the Dutch capital, the beach area is littered with luxurious lounge beds, with the restaurant patio stretching out towards the sea beyond. But it’s the music that really makes Bloomingdale a must-visit venue. Catering for house lovers in all their various guises, a party here really has to be experienced to be believed.
www.bloomingdaleaanzee.com
Papaya, Croatia
Axwell, Sven Vath, 2manyDJs, Fatboy Slim, John Digweed, Dennis Ferrer; the list of DJs who have graced Papaya’s decks is long and distinguished, rightfully earning the venue plaudits as Croatia’s leading club. A spectacular beach club as well as a festival venue, the club spreads over 32,000 square feet, has the capacity of approximately 5000 people, and is regularly voted one of the best open air clubs in the whole of Europe. It also happens to be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012, so if you haven’t already had the pleasure, we suggest then would be a good time to visit.
www.papaya.com.hr
Mio (formerly Sasha Beach), Portugal
Portugal’s premier beach clubbing destination, Sasha Beach (recently rebranded as Mio) is renowned for its forward-thinking music policy and incredible atmosphere, as is also one of the global destinations at which Defected In The House holds a summer residency.
Nikki Beach, Saint Tropez
Although this French destination tends to get more press for the amount of celebrities who choose to spend their summer’s there than the town itself, the town remains an almost clichéd picture-postcard. Historic forts crowning craggy rose-hued rocks and sparkling, sapphire water are par for the course, and exactly the kind of views you’ll be treated to at the local Nikki Beach Hotel venue. And while the days are definitely dedicated to lounging around the pool sipping cocktails, the nights can get extremely lively.
www.nikkibeach.com/sttropez
Blu Bay Discoteca, Bari
One of Italy’s finest al-fresco venues, Blu Bay Discoteca is pure opulence is one of the country’s most spectacular locations. Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic, the venue’s focal point is an immense swimming pool from which intimate caverns and lush green gardens house the thousands of revellers who flock there throughout the summer.
www.blubaydiscoteca.it
Suada, Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the youngest, most vibrant cities on the planet and Su-ada is welcome addition to the city’s musical landscape. With everything you could want from an outdoor venue – including a huge swimming pool and stunning views out over the city – it location right on the banks of the Bosphorus makes it one of the essential city visits.
http://suadaclub.com.tr
Top Hill, Montenegro
Top Hill Discotheque is located on the top of Toplis Hill above Budva in Montenegro, one of the biggest and most visited tourist towns of the Mediterranean. It was opened in June 2010, and has since established itself as one of the premier music venues in the area, with stars like James Zabiela, Fedde Le Grand, Steve Angello, Martijn Ten Velden, Nick Warren and many more performing there. Superb views and an equally impressive setting make this a clubbing experience like no other.
www.tophill.me
Check back soon for our guide to beach clubbing venues around the world, including Asia, Australia and the Americas.
