Beach clubs in Marbella are far from a new invention, but the popularity of a service-driven area to relax and bathe seaside has grown significantly over the past few years. It's fair to say that the beach clubs in Marbella set the standard for the rest of Spain. Glamorous, luxurious, fun and convenient, they know how to offer comfort, great food and put on a show.
Beach clubs in Marbella - What to Expect
A beach club is essentially a place beachside which offers some if not all of the following: valet service, sunbed rental, waiter service, pool, restaurant, full drinks menu, music, live entertainment, towel rental, and spa treatments.
The sunbeds are usually cushioned and are sometimes double beds or large round affairs; this extra comfort and service means they come with an extra cost to normal sunbed rental. You should expect to pay from around 35€ for a single sunbed and 125€ for a 3 person round bed poolside in high season. In some clubs you can just hire a sunbed on the beach with no extra service i.e. towels etc. and these should set you back around 15€.
Beach clubs in Marbella - When to Go
The beach club season usually begins on the last weekend of April or first weekend of May and ends early October every year. Some are open all year round but often just during the day or on the weekend.
Check out the individual websites as to opening times, specific parties and dress codes. It's also worth noting that during July and August you may need to book tables or beds as they get very busy.
Beach clubs in Marbella - Which Beach Clubs Are the Best?
Obviously it depends what you want - there are beach clubs that are party central and others that are luxurious R&R retreats.
Beach clubs in Marbella - La Sala by the Sea
This is the closest beach club to Puerto Banus town so it's very popular. There's a pool, decked area and is at the more reasonable end of the price spectrum. Live music is in the form of a DJ and at weekends and during the height of the summer it has a real party vibe.
Address: Av Jose Banus, 29660 Marbella, Malaga. Phone: 952 81 38 82
Beach clubs in Marbella - Ocean Club
A bit further along from La Sala by the Sea is Ocean Club. This is one of the more expensive Marbella beach clubs but it has everything you'd want under one roof: spa treatments, restaurant, waiter service, large pool, live entertainment and wild parties into the early hours of the morning.
Address: Avenida Lola Flores, S/N, 29660 Marbella, Malaga. Phone: 952 90 81 37
Beach clubs in Marbella - Bora Bora
Bora Bora in San Pedro has a huge 30m pool and lovely beach area to relax. It's less plush than the others mentioned here but it is a good option if you're into a comfortable place to hang out rather than to pose and party. The restaurant is also large and can accommodate big groups.
Address: Urbanizacion Linda Vista Playa, 14, 29670 San Pedro Alcantara, Malaga. Phone: 952 78 91 00
Beach clubs in Marbella - Puro Beach
Near Estepona, Puro Beach is part of a development called Laguna Village. As well as the beach club there are shops, restaurants and water sport hire companies. This offering is unique compared to the other beach clubs in Marbella so when it gets all at bit too hot you can browse round the boutiques before heading back for a dip in the pool.
Address: Carretera Cadiz, Km 159, 29680 Estepona, Malaga. Phone: 952 80 00 15
Beach clubs in Marbella - Nikki Beach
If you want to party all night long with live entertainment in the guise of circus performers, dancers and live musicians then Nikki Beach is for you. Their white parties are legendary so dress to impress. The restaurant at Nikki Beach is also very good and offers international cuisine in a candlelit al fresco setting.
Address: Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Carretera de Cadiz, Km 192, 29600 Marbella, Malaga. Phone: 952 83 62 39
Beach clubs in Marbella - Bono's Beach
Bono's Beach, just outside of Marbella town, is more of a beachside restaurant with sunbeds than a beach club per se. However, for a family beach day it's great as the stretch of beach is clean and the area is relatively undeveloped. The restaurant offers up international fusion food without forgetting the simple Spanish staples we all love.
Address: Urbanizacion Costabella, Av. Cervantes, s/n, 29604 Marbella, Malaga. Phone: 952 83 92 36
People either love or hate beach clubs, if you prefer natural beaches which are a bit wild then perhaps give beach clubs a miss. However, if you're fed up of having to pack and unpack practically everything for the trip to the beach and want an easy flop and drop without having to move a muscle then give beach clubs a go.