OK, you’re on holiday, you’re heading to one of the most stylish and exciting spots on the island of Bali – FINNS and you can’t wait for the infinity pool, hot sun, party vibes and awesome cocktails.
And obviously, you want to look as awesome as the time you’re about to have. But, at the same time, you know that the Bali sun is literally fire. You’ve no interest in spending the rest of your holiday looking like a BBQ lobster.
So, the question becomes, “how do you stay stylish while being sun smart at Bali’s beach clubs?”
The good news is that it’s completely possible and we’ve got this helpful guide to ensure that you get the best out of beach club life without ending up a crispy critter at the end of the day.
Let’s Talk The Balinese Sun
The sun here in Bali is seriously intense and it’s not to be taken lightly. Bali is in the literal “tropics” and that means it’s often hot and humid and the UV Index here soars during the daylight hours (particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
If you want to spend your time here sipping ice cold mojitos, snapping pics for your Instagram fed and avoiding the kind of sunburn that leaves you unable to move (and the long-term skin damage that comes with it, after all, leather looks better made from cows than from people), you need to be careful.
So, our goal is simple. To cover up smartly, to slather on that good sunscreen and choose clothes that are both comfortable and which leave you feeling cute. So, let’s take a look at how that works in practice.
Starting The Cover Up Game: The Use Of Chic Layering
Now, let’s be clear about this, there’s no need for you to wear a full hazmat suit to keep your skin safe – you can achieve what you want with some breezy and stylish layering.
Think a flowing kimono or oversized linen shirt as your ultimate defense. Go with light colours such as white, beige and pastels that will will reflect the heat and sun and opt for fabrics like cotton and bamboo fibres that will let your skin breathe.
If you’re looking for brands that can suit this style then Faithfull the Brand or Zimmermann are very much in line with this and they definitely have their Bali-chic down pat too.
You can go with tropical prints or sheer materials that are easy to throw over your swimsuit. Throw in a bikini or a pair of board shorts for the guys and you’ve got a look that’s completely sexy and still very sun-savvy.
Why do we take this approach? It covers your shoulders and arms (two areas that burn super easily) but never makes you feel like you’re sat in a sauna.
If you’re really smart, you choose a long item which can also cover your thighs (other prime burn zones) while you’re chilling on your day bed.
Pro-tip: You can wet this garment and then throw it on whenever you get too hot – it’s like having your own outdoor air-conditioning.
Hats: The Fashionista’s Shield Against The Sun
We’d go so far as to make hats mandatory for Bali beach clubs, they’re a style flex without compare and they’re one of the best ways to keep yourself together all day long. Heatstroke is always a risk in the hot sun and that usually comes from letting your head get too hot.
So, go with something like a wide-brimmed straw hat (a classic Panama is fine but you could also go with something floppier from a brand like Lack of Color). It will keep the sun off your face, neck and chest but still ensure that you look like a holidaymaker who is all about the fun.
If that’s not you, try a cute bucket hat for that “water sports” cool that everyone in Bali can relate to – don’t be afraid to go wild with the colour scheme, either or stick to neutral colours, either’s fine.
And if you want the ultimate surfer look, there’s always a baseball cap as the last line of resort.
Why do we take this approach? It blocks the sun from the most delicate parts of your body and ensures that your scalp never becomes a burned peeling mess. It prevents heat stroke. It lets you deal with the “pool hair” easily enough.
Pro-tip: Make sure your hat is easy to pack rather than stiff and awkward to carry.
Sunnies: You Got To Keep Your Eyes Protected
Your eyes are extremely sensitive to UV and any damage done can be permanent. So, sunglasses aren’t just to make you look cool (though, let’s be fair about this, they totally will make you look cool) but they also ensure your eyes remain in one piece.
The glare here in Bali from water, surfaces and even the sand can be absolutely brutal and that means, you should always buy legit sunnies from a trusted source rather than fake ones on the street for a couple of bucks. They fakes are cheap because they don’t properly protect your eyes.
We’d recommend some oversized frames (like Le Specs or Ray-Bans) which add a touch of drama to your look and also cover more of your face.
For the ultimate in beach club style opt for some cats-eyes or tinted lenses with amber or rose tints. We confess though that for us, it’s all about polarized glasses which ensure that we never have to deal with glare even when reading one of those nice laminated menus.
Why do we take this approach? You can’t replace your eyes, you get one set, that’s it. Keeping them safe is absolutely essential.
Pro-tip: Be bold in your choice of sunglasses – you can make a real impression on the people around you with just a glance.
Footwear: Balancing Cute With Useful
Versatility is the key with your footwear. You need something that can cope with sand, wet tile floors and possibly even the occasional splash of water, drink, or even sunscreen.
Strappy sandals are always a win (think like the ancient Greeks or Reformation-era). They’re airy, they look awesome and they never trap in any hear.
Slides (you know, like Birkenstocks if you’re feeling flush) are also good. They slip on and off effortlessly and they completely match the fashion vibe in most beach clubs.
If you want something a little bit “extra” then you could always opt for a low wedge with ankle straps (these are ideal for pool to party transitions as the day goes on).
We’re not huge fans of thongs/flip-flops though unless you’ve bought a decent pair that is both cushioned and elevated. You don’t want your feet in shreds by the end of the day, do you?
Why do we take this approach? You want your feet to be cool and comfy but also protected against burns on the sand or from cuts and scrapes. All the recommendations above will dry out fast if a wave sneaks up on you too.
Pro-tip: Never wear socks or closed shoes at a beach club, your feet will thank you for this by the end of the day.
Swimwear: Sun-Safe Can Still Be Sexy
This is the star of the show, the key part of any day at a beach club, so it’s important to get it right. You want something that delivers coverage but doesn’t kill your style.
The easiest option is to go with rash guards, they’re sneaky-cool and you can find awesome prints from brands like Ripcurl and Roxy that will make you look 100% “surfer babe” rather than “university lifeguard”.
If you’d prefer a bikini, a high-neck or even long-sleeve crop style is a great call. They’re still smoking hot but they offer a bit more skin protection than classic models.
A one-piece with a cutout or mesh detailing is another great way of looking awesome and still covering up while you stay flirty and memorable.
Why do we take this approach? The more fabric you wear, the less burned you are likely to be. Given that modern designs look amazing and don’t sacrifice your style, you can easily pull this off.
Pro-tip: Look for UPF-rated gear (50+ is the number to be sporting) if you want to stay cool without crisping.
Sunscreen: Don’t Leave Home Without It
There is no way to skip the SPF factor while hanging out at a beach club all day long in the sun. It’s the core component of staying sun-smart.
You want to grab a broad-spectrum cream (that is it protects against UVA and UVB) with an SPF factor of, at least, 30 and ideally, 50 or more.
We like light, non-greasy formulae like those by Supergoop and La Roche-Posay – they ensure you don’t end up feeling like a seal by the seashore, all slick and oily.
You should reapply every couple of hours or after every dip in the pool, even if your cream says it’s water-resistant, if you’re prone to forget this; set an alarm on your phone.
Don’t sleep on your face, just use a stick or mineral powder that will give you sun protection that works with your makeup.
Why do we take this approach? It prevents burns and that leathery skin sported by those who spend too much time in the sun.
Pro-tip: Make sure to rub it in really well, nobody looks great when they’re super white by the beach.
Fabrics And Colours: Looking Hot While Staying Cool
The humidity here in Bali is pretty intense and that means that what materials you wear matter. You want to keep your clothing to loose, breathable items made of line, cotton or even those new-fangled moisture-wicking tech fabrics if you intend to get seriously active.
And light colours reflect the sun, whereas dark ones soak it up (and that means you end up sweating like a convict in a police station). So, a white kaftan or pastel sarong is going to be much better than a black mini-dress, no matter how killer that dress is.
Why do we take this approach? It’s an easy way to ensure you look awesome without overheating and sweating heavily. Sweat’s rarely sexy.
Pro-tip: Flowy cuts are also a good idea because they help to disguise any sweat stains (and real talk here – sweat stains are inevitable).
Accessories: Subtle Touches To Your Sun-Smart Outfit
Finally, we’d recommend that you keep jewellery to a minimum. No matter how much you love your accessories, sweat, sunscreen and metals don’t go well together. You risk damaging your pieces and having them look bad too.
If you must accessorize, pick waterproof and tarnish-resistance pieces. Think dainty anklets or shell necklaces (a very stylish moment on a tropical island).
You could carry a light scarf that can be used as a head wrap or shoulder cover if the sun’s getting too much for you.
If you bring a bag, go with straw or canvas, light and practical and easy to clean if you get suncream on it.
Why do we take this approach? Because it adds flair without weighing you down in the heat of the sun.
A Few Sun-Smart Hacks
We’ve got a few more sun smart tips for you at the beach club:
- Timing is key – we love going to beach clubs really early in the day or getting there in the late afternoon. Peak burning hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and let’s be straight about this, the best time of day in Bali is at sunset anyway.
- Shade is your friend – find a spot under an umbrella or in a cabana, this will mean you need to wear fewer layers (staying even cooler) and you will still get your glow on without frying.
- Hydrate like a boss – heat and humidity plus alcohol can leave you more dehydrated than a bag of dessicated coconut, we recommend drinking a glass of water for every cocktail or beer that you consume.
- Post-Sun TLC is the best – bring some aftersun, aloe vera or cooling mist and apply it liberally once the sun goes down. It feels good, smells great and the next day, your skin will love you for it.
Bring It All Together
Then it’s all about the final look, picture it – you’re walking through the doors of FINNS in a high-neck bikini under a sheer kimono with a wide-brimmed hat, gold strappy sandals and some oversized sunnies.
Pop yourself down by the pool, slather on some non-greasy SPF 50 and you’ll be golden both literally and figuratively.
Best of all, while your sipping on that ice cold daiquiri, you’ll look like you belong in the pages of a top-level travel fashion magazine and your skin will be safe throughout. You’ll be living the Bali dream.
FAQs
What Is The Number One Beach Club In Bali?
FINNS is the number one beach club in Bali and probably the whole world too. It’s billed as the world’s best beach club and they estimate that, at least, 1 in 8 visitors to the island will grace FINNS with their presence at some point during their holiday.
Many people come to Bali just to visit FINNS and people save all year round to enjoy a few days of luxury in the sun at this beach club.
The combination of impeccable service, constant reinvention, incredible food, excellent drinks, gorgeous pools (complete with swim up bars) and world-class entertainment is irresistible to most of us.
We rate FINNS as the number one beach club out of over 100 beach clubs in Bali and we don’t see that changing any time soon.
What’s really surprising is that FINNS is also great value for money – it’s not one of the most expensive beach clubs here, it’s just the best.
What Happens In A Beach Club?
There’s no official definition of a “beach club” and thus, the beach club experience can vary dramatically but mainly beach clubs are luxurious spots by the beach usually with pool, restaurant and bar facilities.
Then there are two general types of beach clubs, those for chilling out – these are ideal for bringing a book or some family and/or friends for a relaxing day by the pool (possibly even to nurse a hangover gained at the other type of beach club in Bali) and those for partying.
At party-oriented beach club you can expect DJs, dancing, and lots of alcohol being consumed around you. Often these beach clubs aren’t family-friendly and many of them bar children from entry at all.
But wherever you go, you can be fairly certain that you can grab a bite to eat and a cold Bintang or two.
Do Bali Beach Clubs Have Dress Codes?
It depends on the beach club. In Bali, many beach clubs have a basic dress code that prevents people from wearing sports branded or alcohol branded clothing, as well as requiring them to wear swimwear in the pool and basic footwear in other parts of the club.
Some have stricter dress codes, like FINNS, which won’t let you in with a facial tattoo, for example.
And many beach clubs have a stricter dress code in the evening, particularly in their restaurant areas, so it’s a good idea to check the website and find out what the dress code is at any given beach club rather than relying on them all to be the same.
Potato Head has no dress code of any kind and says it’s because they want you to be “free to be who you want to be”.
What To Bring To A Beachclub?
You don’t need to bring very much to a beach club and, in fact, we’d recommend leaving as much stuff at home as you can. It’s hard to lose things that you don’t take with you.
You definitely don’t need to bring a towel as most beach clubs provide these and don’t allow towels from outside the club to be brought in by their guests.
Things we’d recommend most people take are: money (or a card but not all your cards), sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and something to cover up with and a bag of some kind. And that’s about it.
Final Thoughts On Staying Stylish And Sun-Smart At Bali’s Beach Clubs
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to ensure that you stay sun-safe at a beach club in Bali. It’s just a matter of paying attention to the basics.
Start with layers, get your hat and sunnies sorted, pay attention to your footwear, bring your suncream, get some killer swimwear and think about how hot it is. You’ll be fine.
Sunburn and heatstroke really can ruin a holiday but there’s no need for that to happen as long as you follow our tips above. And the best news is that you will still look awesome, there’s no need to compromise on your personal style to stay safe.
