'Beach clubs': the new summer phenomenon

The term beach club has been incorporated into our vocabulary in a similar way to how brunch did in its day. Although the concept is used to define various spaces, all share some common characteristics: spacious and aquatic environments, lush vegetation, and a culinary offering especially dedicated to Mediterranean cuisine.

These spaces are also distinguished by offering a relaxed and musical atmosphere, ideal for enjoying both sunny days and lively nights. Below, we select some of the establishments that are currently trending, especially in Barcelona and its surroundings.

Bastian Beach, Barcelona's first 'beach club'

Sant Sebastià beach is the setting for one of the most notable and anticipated openings of this summer, which took place in early July. Bastian Beach, a collaboration between Club Natació Barcelona (CNB) and the Costa Este group, fuses music and gastronomy in a 5,000 square meter space. It is a club with an Ibizan vibe, conceived as one of the great meeting points for the America's Cup, which combines swimming pools, chill-out areas, panoramic terraces, and a gastronomic offering based on Mediterranean cuisine. Oysters, caviar, rice dishes, and artisan cocktails that pay tribute to ancestral gods are not lacking. Under the motto the joy of liberation, Bastian Beach also wants to consolidate itself as a reference in nightlife, with daily music from renowned international DJs.

Beso Pedralbes, a new urban beach

Although Beso Pedralbes is not located on the beachfront, this establishment has much of the spirit of a beach club. Located in the gardens of Torre Melina del Gran Meliá, the facilities are divided into three environments: the water area, renovated and surrounded by Balinese beds and hammocks; the restaurant, with an area where you can eat with your feet in the sand; and a versatile space for private events. The culinary concept fuses the best of Basque and Mediterranean gastronomy, highlighting dishes such as prawn rice, 35-day aged ribeye, or desserts created by Oriol Balaguer. In addition, Beso Pedralbes offers a complete experience with live music, especially designed to liven up summer nights.

Casanova Beach Club: the favorite of celebrities

Castelldefels is known for being a city devoted to beach clubs, and one of the prominent references is the Casanova Beach Club (CBC) of the Lancaster Group, located on the seafront. Its menu fuses Mediterranean and Asian cuisine with dishes such as foie nigiris with tartufata, Nebraska beef uramakis, and Thai-style mussels. It also offers Delta del Ebro oysters and a Castelldefels rice with cuttlefish, pork rib, green bean, and red shrimp, all accompanied by a selection of 180 wine references that include organic and vegan options. In addition, CBC has a nightclub space with live music, cocktails, and dinner shows, completing a multifaceted experience for all visitors. This establishment has captivated personalities such as Leo Messi, Risto Mejide, and Jordi Évole, among others.

Péndulo, the rebirth of a classic

The legendary nightclub of Castelldefels has undergone a radical transformation. After a year of renovations and a change of concept, Péndulo has reinvented itself as a gastronomic beach club with a touch of nightlife. With an organic, warm, and slow-life spirit, the new establishment features two seafront terraces: one elevated and another where you can dine with your feet in the sand. The gastronomic proposal, prepared by chef Octavi Torres, offers outstanding dishes such as rice dishes, red shrimp tartare, fried scorpionfish, and rigatoni with parmesan cream. The strong point of the establishment, however, is the imposing DJ platform, equipped with a high-tech sound system, which promises many party nights.

Tibu-Ron Beach Club, two venues in one

A good beach club is one that knows how to adapt as the day progresses, and a prominent example is the Tibu-Ron Beach Club, where dining and nightlife complement each other perfectly. This space has three different terraces, one of them next to the sand and another elevated, offering the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the promenade and listen to the sound of the waves in the background. Whether for breakfast, a relaxed vermouth, a family lunch, a signature cocktail, or a lively dinner, there is always an option to explore. The menu is distinguished by its tapas, rice dishes, and local meats and fish, with dishes such as Iberian pork socarrat and foie gras poêlé or Formentera-style lobster frit. After dinner, the tables disappear, the DJ takes control, and colored lights conquer the night.

Infinitum, the best beach club in Europe

Despite being located on the Costa Daurada, Infinitum is worth highlighting, recognized for the third consecutive year as the Best Beach Club in Europe at the World Travel Awards. Its success lies in ten swimming pools, surrounded by vegetation and with views of the Mediterranean. Gastronomically, the Flamma Beach Foodhouse restaurant stands out, specializing in rice dishes, grilled meats and fish, as well as distinctive dishes such as pork belly cooked two ways with guacamole and orange. Every Thursday, they celebrate the Flamma Sunset Sessions with Vallformosa, offering the possibility to enjoy cocktails and live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Well-being also plays a prominent role in the club, with yoga sessions and weekend events focused on serenity.

Bonus track: hotels with Day Pass in Barcelona

Although not strictly beach clubs, some hotels offer day passes to enjoy their pools, facilities, and summer gastronomy. The Gran Hotel La Florida presents two options that include access to the pool, jacuzzi, and saunas: the Pool Day Experience, which offers a hammock, towel, water, and a fresh fruit platter, and the Pool Day for couples, which adds a bottle of Louis Roederer. Purobeach Barcelona, located at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Hotel, also offers a day pass that combines pool access, a hammock, snacks, and two drinks of choice, guaranteeing a day of relax by the sea. Finally, Marina Coastal Club, at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, offers a Day Pass that includes parking, a drink, and a voucher to spend at Marina Coastal Food, with the option to enjoy live music. With more than 2,500 square meters, its infinity pool with views of Frank Gehry's Golden Fish is already an icon of the city.