Every summer trip – especially to the Mediterranean – should include at least one beach club day. Given the choice, we'd happily spend the entire season drifting between the laid-back loungers of Capri's La Fontelina and the sun-drenched dance floor at Scorpios.
When it comes to iconic beach clubs, few names carry the cachet of Le Club 55 in St Tropez on Pampelonne beach. The legendary venue emerged from modest beginnings – a simple beachside wooden hut run by the de Colmont family that served the cast and crew of Roger Vadim's And God Created Woman in 1955. The casual canteen, named after its founding year, gradually evolved into a proper beach restaurant, and is now one of the most sought-after lunch spots on the French Riviera.
See more: The Best Designer Beach Clubs to Visit This Summer
In the decades since, the beach club concept has evolved far beyond its origins. Venues from Blue Marlin to Nikki Beach have taken the concept in different directions, pairing beachfront locations with dining, DJs, designer boutiques, and, of course, increasingly extravagant price tags.
Whether you're arriving by tender from your yacht or stepping off a waiting helicopter, these are the beach clubs where the world's wealthiest choose to spend their time.
The most exclusive beach clubs in the world
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Scorpios, Mykonos
Scorpios is one of Mykonos’ most sought-after beach clubs, famed for its sunset rituals, Greek-inspired dining, and summer calendar of internationally-recognized DJs (recent sets include Peggy Gou, Rampa, and Bedouin). The beach club is a staple of the island, and was opened in 2014 by nightlife entrepreneurs Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel, inspired by the duo’s experience working in the club scenes at Berlin and Ibiza.
While Scorpios is no stranger to champagne-fuelled celebrations, it has carved out a more grown-up corner of Mykonos’ famously hedonistic party reputation. The beach club’s energy is bohemian, with hypnotic electronic beats and a woo-woo wellness edge, with an onsite spa that offers everything from ice bath recovery to a ‘Cana-bliss’ massage with hemp oil. Days begin with lunches and cocktails by the water before building towards the club's signature sunset ritual, when the music intensifies and dancing continues until midnight.
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Blue Marlin, Ibiza
Ibiza comes alive at night, often after midnight and going until the sun comes up. Blue Marlin is a great spot to recuperate – and then get the party started early. The club sits in a quiet little bay in Cala Jondal, only given away by the swathe of superyachts loitering close by.
There are big comfy beds for those needing a siesta, but come afternoon, there’s no chance of resting – the impressive roster of international DJs make that almost impossible. The food is also well-regarded, with an international mix of dishes that can be enjoyed in the restaurant, on the terrace, beachside, or even delivered directly to your yacht.
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Le Club 55, St Tropez
The infamous Le Club 55 leans into its humble beginnings with a pared-back, rustic beach setup and a simple French coastal menu. The restaurant’s now-famous panier de crudités – a woven basket filled with an abundant assortment of vibrant, unchopped vegetables – has become one of its most recognizable signatures.
While the food remains a major draw, with other classics including the artichoke with vinaigrette and the house Ramatuelle salad, it is Le Club 55’s atmosphere that keeps barefoot billionaires – locals, celebrities, and longtime visitors – returning each summer. The beach club is often cited as one of the original homes of quiet luxury, favoring understated charm over overt glamour.
Before leaving, make time for a browse through the boutique – one of the best in St Tropez. It stocks a carefully curated selection of local fashion, homeware, and lifestyle pieces.
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La Fontelina, Capri
Often described as ‘paradise on earth’, La Fontelina on Capri’s rocky coastline is known to be one of the most beautiful spots not just on the island, but within the whole of Italy. The beach club sits opposite Capri’s Faraglioni, and while you can reach it (slightly precariously) via foot, it’s best to rent a private boat to arrive with ease.
In a similar vein to St Tropez’s Le Club 55, this beach club has a long history. It dates back to 1949, when it was originally launched as a restaurant resembling a little hut on the beach, founded by Lucia Fiorentino and Peppino Arucci. By 1960, the international jet set – including Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Clarke Gable – started to discover the beauty of Capri, and so, La Fontelina.
The ambiance today leans into the lazy ‘La Dolce Vita’ vibe – you’ll find guests reclining on beach loungers, under the shade of pergola’s, enjoying freshly caught pezzogna, or taking a dip in the bright blue Med below. The club’s specialty drink is their sangria, made with chilled white wine and island peaches.
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Nikki Beach, St Barths
Those looking for their slice of Euro summer come winter will often make the New Years trip to St Barths, one of the yachting capitals of the world. Nikki Beach, on Saint-Jean beach is mostly frequented by jetset party crowds.
Expect all-white plush sunbeds, flowing champagne, and international DJs that have brought the likes of Jay Z and Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Bono to the club. Dancing on chairs aside, the food is also known to be reliably good, offering a wide selection of fresh seafood and sushi.
How we chose the most exclusive beach clubs in the world
Each beach club featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand experience where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious properties and in-the-know addresses, chosen for their uncompromising standards, exceptional service, and access to the extraordinary.
