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Sunshine, alcohol and half-naked people — the holy trinity of the beach bar, reckons Scott Manson.
If there’s a better feeling than sipping a long cold one while gazing out to sea across a generous sweep of golden sand then we’ve yet to find it. Here’s our pick of some of the best around.
Sa Trinxa, Salinas beach, Ibiza
The southernmost tip of Ibiza is home to Salinas, indisputably the coolest beach on the White Isle. Here you’ll find the beautiful people relaxing after a night’s excess as Sa Trinxa bar’s DJ Jonathan plays a soothing soundtrack to aid their recovery. Grilled seafood and excellent salads help the refuelling, too, and many continue hanging out at this shack-style bar until well after the sun has set.
Sa Trinxa, Ses Salines (+ 34 67 036 8019; www.satrinxa.com)
Puro Beach, Palma de Mallorca (pictured)
Minimalism, massages, top DJs and full-moon parties – you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from this restaurant, bar and spa, an extension of the renowned Puro hotel, boasting a fabulous terrace pool overlooking the sea. Visitors can start the day with a 9am tai chi session and still be on the dancefloor come 3am. Spiritual hedonism – it’s the future!
Pagell, 1 Cala Estancia, Palma de Mallorca (+34 971 744 744; www.purobeach.com)
Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo>
Ah, Monte Carlo , the land that taste forgot. Away from the brash and the bling though, you’ll find the palm-fringed Sea Lounge. The style is relaxed boho chic with good-looking people chilling poolside to deep house and other mood-lifting music. Situated right on the beach and serving healthy juices and super-fresh shellfish, the serene Sea Lounge provides a welcome antidote to the Versace-clad excess of this billionaire’s playground.
Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel (+377 98 06 54 54; www.montecarloresort.com)
Baraza, Camps Bay, Cape Town
With Table Mountain as a backdrop and the Atlantic rollers providing a peerless vista from the balcony, it’s easy to see why smart South Africans have made this their bar of choice in trendy Camps Bay. The Zanzibar-themed décor is complemented by DJs spinning ambient African-influenced chill-out. Sip a few fruity cocktails, watch the spectacular sunset and then retire to the celebrated Blues restaurant next door, congratulating yourself on another successful sybaritic day.
The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay (+27 21 438 1758; www.baraza.co.za)
Nikki Beach, St Tropez, France
If you want to see Russian oligarchs spraying their trophy girlfriends with champagne, then go down the beach a little way to Club 55. If, however, you want to lounge on daybeds draped in white linen, sipping ice-cold Chablis and watching the floating gin palaces sailing in to shore, then this is your bar. Its understated style also attracts celebs, but the guests here are far too cool for rubbernecking.
Route de L’epi, Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle (+33 (0)4 94 79 82 04; www.nikkibeach.com)
Watering Hole, Perranporth, Cornwall
Something of a legend in Cornwall , this bar and restaurant is only accessible by walking from a nearby carpark and then strolling across the beach itself. With live bands, a friendly atmosphere and a clientele that spans from tousle-haired surfies to families and weekending couples, it’s a friendly melting pot. The barbecues and beer are excellent and real-ale lovers should note that the bar is CAMRA-recognised. At two miles long, this is one of Cornwall ’s biggest beaches, so it gives ample opportunity to walk off lunch.
Perranporth Beach , Cornwall (+44 (0)1872 572888; www.the-wateringhole.co.uk)
Kalua, Paranga Beach , Mykonos
Situated on one of the smallest and loveliest beaches on the island, Kalua has established itself as a meeting-place for Mykonos ’s most fashionable folk. By day, this bleached-white beach bar serves fabulous local cuisine (try the barbecue) at decent prices. Come 6pm though, the DJ strikes up and the dancing begins. By midnight it’s a wild scene, similar to Ibiza ’s Jockey Club, with lithe young things shaking it until the early hours.
Paranga beach (+30 22 89 02 39 27)
Les Pecheurs, Juan-les-Pins, France
Part of Hotel Juana, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this high-end beach bar/restaurant is an art deco delight. A bottle of rosé taken on the vast terrace overlooking the sea is a must if you’re in Cap d’Antibes. Throughout the summer at weekends the hotel hosts big parties on the beach, and in the bar and club space indoors. Although a little more formal than some of our other choices, the quality of the food and location make it a worthy addition to any beach bar list.
Hotel Juana, Avenue Gallice, Juan-Les-Pins (www.hotel-juana-antibes-juan-pins.cote.azur.fr)
Lasal, Platja de Sant Sim, Mataro
Just half an hour from Barcelona , this renowned beach bar has become something of a legend among in-the-know DJs. By day, it’s a magnet for those seeking simple, well-prepared breakfast and lunches, but by night it’s a party zone. The best local DJs, plus visiting international guests, program an eclectic selection of beats to get the good-looking young crowd dancing. The owners go the extra mile by creating illuminated art installations around the beach to ensure that nighttime at Lasal has a suitable sense of occasion.
Passeig de Sant Simón, (+34 67 846 89 89; www.lasal.com)
Coconuts, Cascais
We applaud any bar where half the dancefloor is on the beach, as there’s something delightfully childlike about busting barefoot moves in the sand. The drinks are reasonably priced, the crowd are friendly and there’s the most ridiculously easily blaggable VIP area we’ve ever come across. At night, flaming torches surround the place, giving it a Bali-beach-bar feel and, if it’s foggy, the DJ’s tunes are punctuated by the intermittent honk of the nearby foghorn. Ageing ravers among you will no doubt appreciate its similarity to an airhorn. Just leave the ‘TUNE’ signs at home though eh?
Avenida Real Humberto II de Italia, Cascais (+35 21 483 0173; www.nuts-club.com)
By Scott Manson (pictured) |
