There’s nothing like a British summertime to make you want to be elsewhere. On the rare occasions it’s not hot enough to transform the tube from purgatory to fiery hell it’s raining. Sometimes – most of the time if we’re honest – we just want to get away from it all, preferably with a cocktail in hand to the sound of the surf.
So, to make all our lives that little bit more painful, here are our picks (in no particular order) for the five best and most unique beach bars in the world. Sorry about this.
The Dune Preserve, Anguilla
There’s a good chance that if you think of your ideal beach bar it’s something like this. It might look like a shipwreck, but if Robinson Crusoe rocked up to the Dune Preserve it’s unlikely he’d have been in any hurry to leave. Hell, grey-bearded, reggae-singing proprietor Bankie Banx looks more than a little like a castaway himself.
Between the swaying palms, impossibly blue ocean and a good rum punch, The Dune Preserve is the kind of place we dream of being washed up at. After a taste of the house ribs leaving just isn’t an option.
Baba Nest, Phuket
This Thai hotspot is less rustic beach bum style than a must-see stopover on a million-pound gap year. Essentially a wooden platform encompassed by an infinity pool atop the suites and villas of Sri Panwa, Baba Nest offers one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
The plethora of pillows and loungers sets the relaxed vibe quite nicely, though a good Asian-inspired cocktail always helps – something with plenty of fruit and sake. You can venture back inside for a decent range of Mexican tapas, just make sure that you’re back in time for sunset; it gets crowded.
Ty Coch Inn, Wales
If you assumed all the bars on this would need a passport, plane ticket and plenty of vaccines to reach let us introduce you to the Ty Coch Inn. The crown jewel of the painfully picturesque village of Porthdinllaen near Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd (we can’t pronounce it either) this is arguably the best pub in Wales.
If your seafaring legs won’t hold up it’s a bit of a hike to reach Ty Coch, but it’s range of ales, locally-sourced, hearty pub fare and sandy beach facing out into the harbour are a perfectly fine balm for feet and soul. Just don’t bank on the weather.
Moonshadows, Malibu
There’s a good reason Malibu is one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighbourhoods. We’re not about to say that reason is Moonshadows, but it certainly helps. The bar and restaurant’s panoramic views of the Pacific are breath-taking – and it’s not just views. The waves come close enough to add a little more salt to your swordfish carpaccio with a satisfying crash.
There’s plenty of wine on offer but anything but a Californian red would just seem wrong. At least, until the DJ sets up as the sun goes down; then it’s party time at Moonshadows.
Ponta Dos Ganchos, Brazil
Brazil’s beaches are legendary, as is the ultra-exclusive hideaway for the likes of Beyoncé, Ponta Dos Ganchos. Perched along the Santa Catarina coast, it’s a secluded slice of paradise – hence the celebrity following – and has the feel of a private island, extraordinary service included.
With superb views, a quiet bay and an endless stream of cahaca cocktails – try signature physalis fruit tipple The Hook – Ponta Dos Ganchos is a true South American paradise. It might not have the party atmosphere you expect in Brazil, but when you just want to escape there are far, far worse places to do it.
