If there’s one Bali beach club that’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue when they get off the plane at Denpasar Airport it’s FINNS Beach Club.
FINNS bills itself as the world’s best beach club, which is a bold claim, so we thought with our first beach club review – we’d find out for ourselves if FINNS deserves the title of World’s Best Beach Club and this is what we found.
Introduction – Getting To FINNS
We should note that FINNS is really a collection of venues. There’s the FINNS Beach Club, the FINNS party area, and FINNS VIP Beach Club. The VIP section has a separate entrance from the main beach club.
Where Is FINNS Beach Club? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Website: FINNS
Opening Hours: Open daily, every day except for Nyepi, from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight.
Where Is FINNS VIP Beach Club? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Website: FINNS VIP
Opening Hours: Open daily, every day except for Nyepi, from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight.
The big difference between the two sides of the beach club is that the VIP service has a higher minimum spend than the regular beach club but comes with a host of privileges that aren’t included on the regular side including escorted entry & valet service, a welcome drink, a complimentary snack, an exclusive menu selection, a cold face towel, sunscreen & face mist, sunglasses cleaning service, a power bank charging service, priority booking at St Tropez & Monsoon Restaurants, a complimentary gelato stick, a complimentary locker, an afternoon Spritz, surf valet service and free towels included.
If you get a Grab or Gojek to FINNS, you will be given the option to choose the specific entrance you want. But don’t worry if you get the wrong one, it’s only a minute’s walk or so to the other one.
For those who drive themselves, there is parking available at FINNS including valet service.
We should note that while FINNS is on Berawa Beach, there is currently no entry allowed from the beach into the beach club unless you have already been inside and passed through security and got a stamp for readmission.
What’s Inside FINNS?
FINNS is not a small beach club and we should note that along with some of the other big beach clubs on the island, FINNS is constantly reinventing itself to ensure it stays amazing for repeat visitors.
However, as we go to press, this Bali beach club has 3 swimming pools including an oceanfront infinity pool, it has 11 bars (including 2 swim-up bars), 3 restaurants (including St Tropez, Monsoon and Bondi) and 7 kitchens that serve those restaurants.
Our Review Breakdown For Finns Beach Club
In order to be fair to the beach clubs that we review, we have a series of 20 scoring criteria that we use to evaluate each beach club.
In each section, there is a maximum mark of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best possible. Under each section, we explain how we arrived at our mark and what we think a beach club could do to improve the mark in future.
Our team votes on each aspect to ensure that the scores are representative of all our experiences at a given beach club.
Once we’ve evaluated a beach club, the score remains in place for a minimum of a year until we next visit that beach club.
Pre-Club Advertising
FINNS Beach Club is not shy about letting you know that it’s here. It’s nearly impossible to go anywhere in Bali without seeing their advertising on big screens, poster boards and more.
They also have a very active online presence and the closer you get to the beach club, the more often you’re likely to see them in your Facebook feed or on YouTube.
We think this is a good thing and it’s a trick that other beach clubs on the island could learn from. Getting people in the door is vital for the kind of beach club experience that FINNS offers.
If it wasn’t busy, it wouldn’t be much fun when the party starts. And FINNS Beach Club is very much a place for parties.
We do see advertising for other beach clubs from time to time, but nobody gets this right like FINNS does and we think it’s bound to make a big difference to the success of this beach club.
Location
FINNS Beach Club is on Berawa Beach in Canggu. Canggu is currently the most popular tourist area on the island having recently taken the crown from neighbouring Seminyak.
Most people agree that Canggu is the best mix of modern and traditional Bali. Sure, there are hotels and beach clubs, but there are also rice fields and temples in the area.
Berawa Beach is a popular spot for surfing and while the black sand beach doesn’t have the instant visual “wow” of a white sand beach like the one in Nusa Dua, it does look amazing when the sun sets and the light starts to reflect in the water on the sand.
Given that Berawa Beach isn’t a great place for swimming as the current can see riptides and vicious undertows that can drag you out to sea, the best place to appreciate this beach from is in the beach club’s pools with a drink in your hand.
Berawa is also within a short walk of plenty of stores, a pharmacy, a supermarket and more, which means you have everything you might need around FINNS.
Booking Process & Seating Options
You don’t have to book in advance at most beach clubs and this is true of FINNS too.
However, we should note that this is considered the best beach club on the island and if you don’t book in advance, you may find that you simply can’t get a daybed (the industry word for upscale sun loungers) even if you’re willing to meet the minimum spend criteria (more on minimum spend in a minute).
One in eight people who visit Bali will visit FINNS and the beach club is hoping to increase those numbers! So, in peak seasons, we’d say that booking in advance ought to be mandatory if you want a comfy seat by the pool.
The good news is that the website is very user-friendly. It’s easy to select where you want to sit, see if it’s available on the day that you want to come and to reserve that seat and pay for it.
As far as we can tell, the FINNS website will accept payments from all major cards including some used in countries where Visa and MasterCard are not the main options.
We would also note that FINNS has a strict policy where people with facial tattoos are not admitted and this is highlighted during the booking process. So, if you see someone crying about not being allowed in for facial tattoos online, they were warned that this would be the case.
Entry Fee
FINNS does not charge an entrance fee and, to be fair, the majority of beach clubs in Bali don’t. We think that’s exactly how it should be.
If you want to grab a seat at the bar or utilize one of the dining options inside, you shouldn’t have to pay anything for the privilege of walking through the door.
You just pay for any food and drink that you consume and then you leave. Just as you would with any other bar or restaurant.
However, if you want to use a daybed and get easy access to the pools (including towel and locker) then you will need to commit to what’s known as a minimum spend.
Rating: 5/5 (you can’t beat free)
Minimum Spend
Almost all the beach clubs in the world, not just Bali, expect you to commit to a minimum spend in order to use a “day bed” which is an upscale version of the old beach favourite, a sun lounger.
You will normally find that if you rent a day bed, you will also be entitled to use a locker in the changing room as well as be provided with a clean towel for swimming and showering.
FINNS Beach Club has a minimum spend policy that starts at 650,000 IDR (that’s about $40 USD or $65 AUD) for a single-daybed in the low season and goes up depending on what time of year you want to come and what size of day bed.
Yes, unlike traditional sun loungers, day beds can accommodate more than one person. A party daybed can allow up to 10 people.
The minimum spend often looks quite intimidating but in reality, it’s very reasonable and usually represents the cost of a couple of drinks and some food per person.
We find that when we go to beach clubs, we rarely leave without exceeding our commitment. We think FINNS has a fair policy for minimum spend requirements and these are clearly communicated when you book.
We very much like that if you don’t use up your commitment, you can convert any remaining funds into takeaway alcohol, food or tobacco products, so you don’t waste any money.
Welcome And Security
Bali is a very safe place and terrorist attacks and violence are not something you’re likely to encounter during your stay on the island.
This is, in part, down to the awesome security staff at venues like FINNS. When you arrive at the beach club, you will be warmly welcomed while security just checks your bags and wave a scanning wand over you.
If you’ve brought anything with you that’s not allowed inside, you will be asked to leave it with security until you leave – this can include photography equipment (smartphones are fine, cameras, tripods, etc. are not) and outside food and beverages.
Then, you will be given some help from the door staff to find your seat in the venue and ensure that you have a seamless transition from the front of the venue to having a good time.
We think this is where you start to see just how world-class FINNS is compared to its competitors. The entrance process is painless, and security and the door staff are super friendly and efficient.
You can’t get lost in FINNS (as we did at two of their biggest competitors while we were reviewing clubs).
Inclusions
We like that you can customize your experience at FINNS and if you opt for the standard beach club, you get a super comfortable day bed and towel included with your minimum spend.
If you don’t want to rent a day bed, you don’t have to have anything at all included, you can just pay for what you consume.
And if you want a VIP level of service, you can pay a little extra and get escorted entry & valet service, a welcome drink, a complimentary snack, an exclusive menu selection, a cold face towel, sunscreen & face mist, sunglasses cleaning service, a power bank charging service, priority booking at St Tropez & Monsoon Restaurants, a complimentary gelato stick, a complimentary locker, an afternoon Spritz, surf valet service and free towels!
However, all the entertainment and good times are accessible to everyone, no matter what level of experience they choose.
Service
We think this is what really sets FINNS apart from the pack. The service at FINNS is delivered with a sincere smile and it’s always about ensuring that you get what you want and need from your visit.
Sure, there may be moments when the customer service side of things breaks down, but we’ve visited this club so many times and we’ve never had anything but superlative service.
From the moment that you arrive to the moment you leave, you feel safe, secure and cared for at
FINNS. While some other beach clubs have staff that make you feel like you’re getting in the way of what could be paid time off – that’s never the way it is at FINNS.
Everybody is treated like a VIP and you always go home feeling like you’re important at FINNS.
Entertainment
FINNS must have a huge entertainment budget because the entertainment is not just amazing, it never stops. From attractive dancers and their trademark disco ball head dancers to fireworks, DJs and vocalists, FINNS has it all.
We’d strongly recommend that if you spend a day in FINNS, you don’t go home until, at least, 7 p.m. when the daily fireworks display begins but if you leave early, you will be missing out on the best fun of all.
You can dance the night away at FINNS and never feel bored even for a second.
Pool Quality
The pools in some of the clubs leave a lot to be desired. You can look down and find that the water is cloudy and unpleasant, but that’s never the case at FINNS.
The pools are fresh and clean-looking all day long. The water is properly treated so that you’re safe to swim in the pools and most importantly, all the “glasses” used around the area are plastic – so there’s no risk of broken glass in the pools.
The infinity pools at FINNS are huge and exciting and we can’t imagine anybody being disappointed with the vibrant pools here.
Menu/Drinks Pricing
So, if you’re committing to a minimum spend or just coming to sample the drinks and food at the bars, you’re going to want to be sure that you’re getting value for money.
Well, we need to stress that FINNS is not the cheapest place on the island. But then, the cheapest places on the island, don’t have comfortable day beds, infinity pools, world-class entertainment, etc.
FINNS prices, however, are very reasonable when compared to other venues of similar quality throughout the island and one thing we were really pleased to learn was how generous the food portions are.
We went to another beach club, recently, where the food was really good but you’d need four or five plates to feel full – that’s not the case at FINNS. When you order a meal, you get a good-sized meal.
Overall, the prices are exactly what we’d expect and they are fair and reasonable, rather than straying into rip-off territory.
Food And Drink Quality
On our last visit, we sampled the crispy Thai belly pork which was, perhaps, the best Thai food we’ve ever eaten (and we used to live in Thailand).
We also hit up the Japanese Yaktori and Gyoza and were blown away by how good they were. The steamed rice served alongside it all was tasty and clearly a high-grade of rice too.
Our drinks were strong (one thing we’ve noticed is that some clubs in Bali, tend to serve weak cocktails, that’s not OK when you’re paying premium prices for them) and cold.
It’s no secret that the individual kitchens at FINNS like their Sushi Bar and Mumbai Kitchen rank very well on TripAdvisor and that’s because the food and drinks at FINNS are incredible.
We’d also note that Monsoon and St Tropez are party restaurants and that means their guests aren’t just eating pizza with friends, they’re making memories and having a fantastic time of things.
Sunset View
If there’s one thing we love more than beautiful people, it’s a beautiful sunset in Bali surrounded by beautiful people.
Not every club has a great view at sunset, it very much depends on where on the island they are – the pool clubs of Ubud can give you a nice look at the jungle, for example, but nothing can compete with the sun’s rays breaking over the horizon above the Indian Ocean.
And FINNS has an epic sunset view. We could go every single day just to watch the sunset here and never get tired of it.
We recommend getting a seat at Platinum in the VIP Section and looking out over the horizon from up high for a spectacular sunset, it’s truly breathtaking.
Music And Ambiance
We often hear people complain about music in venues around Bali and we think that’s because everyone’s music taste is different.
The music at FINNS is not 100% cutting edge, but that’s because the audience at FINNS is wide and varied, and the DJs ensure that there’s something for everyone.
We really like the vibe at FINNS, while it is electronic dance music, it’s not overwhelming techno or angry hip-hop, it’s got that feel-good vibe of a summer holiday that everyone enjoys.
Payment Options
FINNS is as good about taking your money inside the venue as it is online. They are experimenting with cashless payment systems in some parts of the club but mainly, you can pay using a card or cash (as long as you make a cash deposit at reception on the way into the club).
When you open a tab, you will be required to make a deposit and then you can eat and drink throughout your trip to the club using that facility.
Wherever you go inside the club, your tab will follow you and you can order from any of the various kitchens and restaurants from any part of the club.
Exit Process
When you’re ready to go home, FINNS makes it painless and easy to leave. You’d think this would be the standard at beach clubs in Bali, but in our experience, it’s not always.
We got lost trying to get out of one club and another left us stranded by some fairly stinky toilets trying to work out how to get out.
At FINNS, you simply head back to the front doors and pick up your ride from there. The staff are as helpful and kind in saying farewell as they are when you arrive too.
Transportation
FINNS has partnered with Grab (the most popular ride share app in Bali) to offer a free shuttle service around the Berawa Beach area.
In addition, the club welcomes both Grab and Gojek drivers to pick up guests from in front of the club.
This is in stark contrast to some other beach clubs which are in “taxi mafia” controlled areas where you have to walk long distances to get a Grab or Gojek driver or pay the local taxis a heavily inflated fee to take you home.
If you bring your own transport to FINNS, it will be taken care of in a secure parking facility until you leave.
Social Media Presence
FINNS has the best social media presence in Bali, their Instagram and Facebook accounts are very much alive and constantly delivering pictures of all the wonderful people inside having fun in every post.
You can also learn about their special offers, etc. on social media.
Other/General Comments
We’re not looking to pick holes in the service of the places we review. We’d like them all to succeed.
However, for us there’s no doubt that FINNS stands out as the Bali Beach Club that really delivers on its promise of good times and great memories for everyone.
As we go to press, we just wish we were in their swimming pools and using their swim up bars rather than working.
But the good news is that we’ll back at FINNS soon and we know that every time is as magical as the first time.
FINNS is included on our lists of the best beach clubs in Bali, the best beach clubs with no minimum spend, best beach clubs in Canggu, best sustainable beach clubs, and the best beach clubs for first timers.
Our Overall Opinion On FINNS Beach Club
From our viewpoint, FINNS is without a doubt the best beach club in Bali. The service and quality of the experience are simply next-level.
The focus is always on ensuring that you are having the time of your life and the environment is first-rate. We love watching the sunset over the ocean from the pools and bars at FINNS, it’s something we will never get tired of.
While we haven’t been to every beach club in the world, we do think that FINNS is very likely to be the world’s best beach club.
A Quick Mention Of FINNS Recreation Club
We should also mention FINNS Recreation Club which is part of the FINNS group and is just down the road in Canggu.
There used to be a day pass for both the recreation club and the beach club, but this day pass is no longer available and the day pass for FINNS Recreation Club now only offers access to facilities at the recreation club.
However, we should note that you can get a free shuttle bus from the beach club to the recreation club and vice-versa and if you’re thinking about using both facilities during your holiday in Bali, this can be very useful.
Where Is FINNS Recreation Club? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.15, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: FINNS Rec Club
Opening Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Splash Water Park
Splash Water Park is a children’s water park. They’ve recently been remodelling Splash Water Park and the biggest slides have been removed in order to expand other facilities at the recreation club.
That means this is a great place for little ones to enjoy slides and for older children and adults to enjoy the 25-meter lap pool that the Recreation Club provides.
Bounce Trampoline Centre
The Bounce Trampolining Centre is the only trampoline centre in Canggu and it’s a nice place to enjoy some fun fitness activities as a family.
Strike Bowling
Strike is a 10-pin bowling affair and Canggu’s only bowling alley if you want to see if you can pick up that spare, Strike is the place to do it.
Fitness Centre
The fitness centre at the recreation club is amazing and if you want a state-of-the-art fitness centre to work out in and attend a variety of classes to boost your fitness even further, you’re going to love this place.
Body Temple Spa
This is an excellent spa that offers massage and other treatments aimed to help you relax and feel good about yourself.
Bistro C
FINNS Recreation Club also has an excellent restaurant and bar called Bistro C. The food is every bit as good as at the beach club, and they serve breakfast too as they’re open earlier (though they close earlier too) than the beach club.
FAQs
Is There A Minimum Spend At FINNS Beach Club?
Only if you want to use a daybed (sun lounger). You can access the beach club for free and use the restaurants and bars inside while only paying for the food, drinks and tobacco products that you consume.
You are also able to use the pools for free but must hire a towel and a locker (and pay a deposit for your locker fee). We’d strongly suggest that if you intend to use the pools that you go with a daybed and a minimum spend, it’s much better value for money.
What Day Is Best For FINNS Beach Club?
Every day at FINNS is amazing. No joke. We’ve been there on Mondays in the rainy season and on Sundays in the peak season. FINNS is managed to ensure that you always have an incredible and memorable time.
The entertainment never stops. The food is always world class and the sunset view over the Indian Ocean just can’t be beaten.
Who Is FINNS Beach Club Owned By?
FINNS Beach Club is owned by two main partners and some minor shareholders. The main parties are Mr Tony Smith, an Australian national who has been on the island permanently since 2009 and his friend Mr I Ketut Subina an Indonesian national.
Is A Passport Required For FINNS Beach Club?
You will definitely need a passport to come to Bali, but FINNS is not part of Indonesian immigration and they won’t be checking your passport to see if you can come in.
We should note that the legal age for drinking in Bali is 21 as it is throughout Indonesia and exceptionally young-looking individuals may be asked for proof of age.
You will also need ID to check in for your reserved day bed and that ID must match the card that you used to reserve the bed.
Final Thoughts On FINNS Beach Club
We haven’t been to every beach club in the world, but we think if there is a world’s best beach club, it’s quite possibly FINNS.
Our team visits this beach club regularly and we’re always blown away by the attention to detail and the quality of the overall experience.
When some beach clubs make you feel like you’re there for them to extract as much money from you in as short a time as possible, FINNS seems to work from the opposite perspective.
They work to ensure that you have an amazing time so that you just won’t want to leave and for us? That’s the way it should be.
