A global sampler platter of great beach bars.
Gitano Beach — Tulum, Mexico
The sun twinkles on the turquoise waters of Tulum Beach. The scent of coconut suntan lotion fills the air.
Nestled in the southern tip of the Riviera Maya, Gitano Beach has become Mexico's most vibrant beach bar destination. Gitano is the creation of the epicurean pioneer and hit-maker James Gardner, who decided to open the doors of one of the most incredible beach bars in Tulum, in the Yucatan.
James defines himself as an innovator and entrepreneur. He started his career in London as a strategist and technology professional, and in 1994, he moved to NYC, where he became a Wall Street algorithmic trading leader. But the waves were calling, and he had to answer. He decided to create a home-away-from-home in Tulum with the Group Gitano, which quickly became a global brand having five locations in Mexico, NYC, and Miami, with more to be announced.
Introduced in February 2021, Gitano Beach is Tulum's only private beach club. It is surrounded by the stunning Mayan-ruin-studded Parque Nacional, featuring a rustic design with particular attention to outdoor spaces.
Guests at Gitano Beach Bar are immediately welcomed into an international Gypset locale where tropical atmospheres, local flavors, and gypsy vibes blend to perfection. The name Gitano is the Spanish word for "gypsy," suggesting a bohemian, free spirit, laid-back vibe.
Now imagine soft white sands under your feet, the turquoise Yucatan waters, palm trees flowing in the breeze, and good old tropical vibes. That's what Gitano is all about. The minimalist white and black striped tipis shield the sand loungers and bamboo benches, while under the palapa, the international menu is cooked on an open fire with a wood-burning oven, grill, and comal.
Gitano's incredible success is undoubtedly due to its trendy vibes perfectly balanced with an eco-friendly mindset. The zero-waste cocktails made with burnt pineapple and salvaged lime husks; the locally-grown seasonal fruits and herbs; or Gitano's support for public beach cleaning initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg.
Gitano's cuisine captures the essence of who they are: free spirits, wanderers, and wonderers. Their menu is a hymn to bohemian, diverse, inclusive, conscious, and creative gastronomic culture. Unique and savory flavors are served and styled to tease even the most sophisticated palates, thanks to Chef Alexandros Gkoutsi who left Mykonos to create a perfect Mexican menu with a Mediterranean twist. Signature dishes range from hummus and tzatziki to Cochinita Pibil Tacos – roasted pork, red onion, habanero, chimichurri, and salsa verde – and Lebanese Chicken Kebab.
The signature cocktails are addictively delicious. Try the Kisses in the Car, with mezcal, rum, passion fruit, and tangerine habanero, or the cheekily named Gipsy Disco 75 Cocktail, which features vodka, rosé prosecco, elderflower, and lime for a quick pit stop before dancing the night away.
When the sun sets, the music rises up in the sky. The DJ starts spinning at 10 pm, and the soundtrack is an eclectic blend of drum-forward world music meeting classic disco masterpieces.
They say life at the beach is different, that time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We'll certainly drink to that at Gitano Beach! — By Elena Sanitate
Sa Trinxa — Ibiza, Spain
From the artists and dreamers of the '60s to bug-eyed '80s ravers and the glamorous jet-setters of today, Ibiza's magnetic allure for pleasure-seekers of all persuasions has endured through the decades. Whilst Ibiza is an ever-shapeshifting place, its soul remains eternal — a place of carefree abandon. A place where freedom of expression and anything-goes reigns supreme.
While upscale resorts and glossy beach bars now pop up non-stop, there is one beach bar that's changed little in its 40-year lifetime. Nestled in a corner of the White Isle's most southerly tip, Sa Trinxa is the living, breathing embodiment of Ibiza's bohemian spirit.
Stroll along the powdery sands of Salinas Beach and you'll spot the iconic blue hand-painted sign atop a roof of palm fringes fading under the glare of the Balearic sun. Row after row of white sun loungers line their way across the sands, while a long green Astroturf catwalk leads you over rugged rocks, down to the glistening Mediterranean.
More chiringuito than chichi, Sa Trinxa's barefoot sensibilities and warm, inclusive atmosphere are a seductive draw for tourists and the island's characters alike. From the hip crowd to hippies, on any given day you'll rub shoulders with VOGUE-clutching fashionistas, local Spanish families, globetrotting nomads, an incognito celeb, and perhaps even the odd octogenarian nudist.
Serving the freshest of seafood and excellent cocktails (and arguably the best cava sangria on the island), Sa Trinxa has got plenty going for it, gastronomically. Park up in the cool shade of its palm-leaf roof and savor some just-caught octopus and prawns alongside a papaya salad. Wash it down with a killer cocktail — or pressed juice if you're shaking off the previous night's excesses still.
The best days at Sa Trinxa are spent lazing on a lounger as the gentle throb of the DJ's tunes aligns with the lapping of the sea. Ease your way into sunset with some cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon and the DJ's tempo picks up. You may even catch a live sax, guitar, or djembe performance.
In Ibiza's era of five-star mega establishments, Sa Trinxa's unapologetically humble vibes are a defiant testament to a place with soul and an incredible legacy. When it comes to superior sounds, over the course of its existence, Sa Trinxa has launched countless DJs' careers, whilst becoming the go-to spot for blissed-out daytime beats.
Perhaps no one captures the essence of Sa Trinxa more than its iconic namesake DJ, Jon Sa Trinxa. His story is classic Ibiza legend. Upon arriving in Ibiza penniless in the '80s, he got knocked down when hitch-hiking. Sa Trinxa's late founder and owner Nito Cardona came to his rescue, bringing him to the bar where he fed him and cleaned up his wounds in the sea.
The following day, Nito's DJ was a no-show, and knowing that Jon liked to spin records, he invited him to play at the bar. Word soon got out, and Jon steadily grew a following, putting Sa Trinxa on the map for locals and the growing mass of European and international party-seekers in the early '90s.
Playing a kaleidoscopic mix of jazz, techno and classical, Jon's sonic journeys were the laid-back prototype for what's known as the Balearic sound. Jon's presence is so vital to the island, he was the inspiration for the recent documentary, Born Balearic: Jon Sa Trinxa & the Spirit of Ibiza.
Sa Trinxa no doubt owes much of its success to the transcendental beauty of its surroundings. Taking its name from the salt flats that sit behind it, Salinas Beach is framed by a striking nature reserve. Crystal clear waters, softly undulating dunes and banner blue skies make it one of Ibiza's most loved beaches. At the very end, an old pirate watchtower still guards the coastline. — By Ellen Grace Jones
KU DE TA — Bali, Indonesia
One thing there is no shortage of in Bali is beach bars. They are literally a dime a dozen, with most selling half-chilled Bintangs and average cocktails with local spirits. Good enough to get going, but not the most sophisticated night out. There are a few exceptions, and out of those few, KU DE TA stands out.
Affectionately known as KU, it sports a pretty incredible location. Seminyak Beach is not as well-known for surfing as the Uluwatu stretch, Bingen, Padang Padang, or even Impossibles. Still, it has the occasional excellent sandbank forming up on smaller days. This provides perfect little runners for any takers. Being less well-known as a surf break also means it gets less crowded than some more famous spots.
The first thing you notice about the atmosphere when entering KU is the distinct level of sophistication. There is a definite dress code, but the rules are within reason. The vibe is more than just vests and boardshorts. People have to make a little bit more of an effort than that.
The second thing you notice at KU is there are some gorgeous people around. The pool is always full during the hot afternoons. The third thing that comes front of mind is that there is always good music playing. There is no time for loud disco or screeching punk. Instead, the sounds are often DJ-led grooves that are so good that a KU DE TA radio station exists on Mixcloud consisting of recorded live sets.
Arguably the most prominent element of KU is their approach to food. There's nothing done in halves here, and every single side order to every main dish is treated with respect. There are bar snacks and starters, and there is a wonderful and busy restaurant.
The Mekejawi Restaurant is run by Executive Chef Jeremy Hunt from South Africa. It is fine dining on the beach. The Japanese sushi tray is a divine adventure, coming in at $33, but there is literally something for everyone. The pizza and burger menu is varied and exotic, with the pizza around $13 and a standard burger at $8. An expansive cocktail menu, a good selection of imported and craft beers, and a curated wine list changes with the seasons.
A warm evening with loud but good music, masses of humanity and plenty of alcohol being consumed always brings out the nerves in some people, but the vibe at KU stays mellow. Accidentally bump into someone, and they'll be the one apologizing, as the waiter is already bustling to the bar to replace the spilt drink. Smiles and friendliness abound, and this makes KU somewhat of a haven in Bali.
The best bit of advice I ever got was to get there early enough in the evening to grab a few loungers. It is quite the perfect place to listen to a chilled sunset music set, cocktail in hand, and watch the sun go down in paradise. — By Craig Jarvis
Ocean Deck — Daytona Beach, Florida
With its ample beach activities, boardwalk, and abundant hotels and resorts, Daytona Beach is never without crowds. But travel back to the 1950s, and you'll discover that Daytona Beach was a much quieter place—a place where a small hot dog stand was one of the only available food providers along these sandy shores.
Locals referred to this hot dog stand as "The Deck," owned and run by Dick Keough. In 1980, Keough decided to buy what is now known as Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club. He quickly changed from hot dogs only to a full-fledged menu, serving up seafood items such as their beloved Mahi Mahi and signature cocktails such as the Red Tide, which is still served today. In fact, waiters and bartenders dreamed up many of the signature mixed drinks and shots that now reside on the menu.
At the time, Ocean Deck was the only beach bar and eatery located directly on the beach. Beyond the appeal of being able to dip your toes in the soft, warm sand while sipping a frozen drink, the venue also provided Caribbean vibes.
Although Dick Keough retired in 2012 – 32 years after opening Ocean Deck – it continues to thrive and is referred to as "The Legend on the Beach." Today, this relaxed family-owned oceanside spot is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Upon arrival, head up the ramp, and you'll find the sit-down portion of this restaurant and beach club. A full menu is available, though you will most likely be subjected to a 30-minute wait. Reservations are not accepted, so make sure you don't arrive hungry as wait times vary, especially on weekends.
Heading to the lower level provides an entirely different feel. This level can be accessed either by stairs leading directly to "The Original Beachfront Lower Deck" or by walking up from the beach. As soon as one walks into the lower deck, a stage appears on the left, and high-top tables, booths, and circular tables with seats attached are seen throughout the level. More often than not, a singer or band will be providing music as visitors arrive.
Ocean Deck hours are 11 am to 2 am daily, with Happy Hour from 3 pm – 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Live music is available seven days a week. — By Krystina Quintana
The Island — Sydney, Australia
There's just something so peaceful about being next to the water as you watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon. With a craft cocktail in your hand, good house music wafting along a gentle breeze, and the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop, you look around and all you see is genuinely happy people dressed up and enjoying the evening as much as you are.
What may seem like a magical scene straight out of a movie can, in fact, be your reality when you visit The Island — Sydney's first and only floating beach club.
Never been to a floating beach club before? Just picture taking your favorite night club experience and transporting it out to the middle of one of the most recognizable harbors in the world. It's a warm summer night, and you're so close to the refreshing water, you can dip your toes in.
Located in the heart of downtown Sydney, Australia, The Island is an exclusive event space that was created with European beach club culture in mind. First launched as a shipping container popup bar with striped umbrellas and turf on Cockatoo Island, this award-winning club later relaunched in 2011 as an open-air floating barge with modern aesthetics.
Open to the public from September through May, The Island is now the top hot spot in Sydney during the gorgeous summer months, attracting young, beautiful partygoers from around the world.
With its whitewashed walls, comfortable lounge areas, large shade umbrellas, greenery, string lights, and plenty of dance space, this repurposed floating barge is unlike any other club you've ever been to. And the available VIP table packages are sure to take your club experience to a whole new level.
After booking your tickets online, enjoy the picturesque view of Sydney Harbour as you take a water taxi out to The Island barge. Once there, grab a delicious cocktail from the fully-stocked bar, take a dip in the refreshing sea pool, and order a little something from their mouth-watering menu. (Trust us, the pizza is a must.)
The Island is available for private bookings year-round. With 3,750 square feet of space and a maximum capacity of up to 200 guests, you can book this floating party barge for your next corporate event, product launch, holiday party, or luxury wedding. — By Brooke Ressell
Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Issue 6 (Fall 2021).
