We’re at the beginning of a new year and it’s the perfect time to start making travel plans for the summer. Things may still look a little different due to the pandemic, but we have reason to be optimistic that a summer getaway (perhaps still in a socially distanced way) will happen.

At Scarlett Poppies, we have summer holidays on our minds all year long. Travel is our inspiration when it comes to our resort wear collection. We love to travel to all corners of the globe, with the aim of bringing together the traditional and the contemporary from the cultures we visit, recreated in exquisite, handcrafted garments.

And while we travel, we love to visit some of the world’s best beach clubs  – without doubt one of our favorite places to be. Imagine: long, lazy afternoons spent sipping cool drinks by the pool; feeling the sand beneath our toes while soaking up an incredible vista, or evenings at the beach bar in the company of friends. 

How to find the most incredible beach clubs

If you need inspiration for where to spend a summer, Condé Nast Traveller has just brought out their list of the “best beach clubs in the world for summer 2021.” Whether you’d like to head to one of Europe’s most glamorous destinations, go for laid-back Caribbean vibes, or try somewhere completely different; there surely is a place you’ll enjoy.

We’ve picked five of the most instagrammable beach clubs for you. These are the places to be and to be seen in, this summer. Take a look at these incredible locations.

1. Gitano Beach (Tulum, Mexico)

What position could be more perfect than a cove hidden in one of Mexico’s best-loved national parks, famous for its Mayan ruins? Imagine pristine white sand and turquoise waters, a thatched palapa, and rustic teepees. This is the backdrop for James Gardner’s latest restaurant version, adding to his immensely popular New York and Miami tropical-themed dining establishments.

Think of it as a day club, for this is somewhere to enjoy some eclectic but upbeat world music meets disco tunes. Sip a zero-waste cocktail, enjoy fresh-off-the-boat fish tacos, and relax! This is a minimalistic, rustic space that celebrates and is sympathetic to its local surroundings. 

2. Azura PeriPeri Beach Club (Mozambique)

Another beach club with great eco-credentials is this gem, the Bazaruto archipelago’s only beach club. Much of the club’s furniture is made from recycled wood and the thatched bar adds to the laid-back feel. To help you relax, enjoy a spa treatment in the club’s treehouse. This beach club is a true hideaway. 

There are European influences here, too, with a nod to Mozambique’s Portuguese influence in the decor and menu, and there are ample supplies of rosé from the owners’ French château. This makes the perfect accompaniment to the zesty fresh seafood menu. 

3. Fontelinia Beach (Capri, Italy)

For timeless European allure, this beach club is hard to beat. Capri has long been synonymous with glamour and the Fontelinia Beach Club has been hosting the brightest stars since 1949. By taking a trip here, you’ll be following in the footsteps of Bridget Bardot and Sophia Loren. To get here, however, you’ll need to arrive by boat or via the narrow cliff path. This is a club with a very private feel.

Unsurprisingly, this is a place to enjoy Italy’s incredible cuisine and its delicious wine. It's hard to imagine a more perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Capri’s limestone formations and its incredible sunshine complete the perfect setting.

4. Driftwood (Ahangama, Sri Lanka)

Condé Nast Traveller described this club as a “lo-fi bolthole” and “gorgeous, boho go-slow hangout.” This place, sitting on a picture-perfect coastline of palm-lined golden sands, is attracting surfers and yogis with its laid-back vibes.

The club itself is impeccably decorated, being the brainchild of two former New York fashion industry employees who set out to find a slower pace of life. The bar looks to be a highlight, with locally distilled gins on offer. Sit back, sip a cocktail, and admire the traditional sight of incredibly patient stilt fisherman catching dinner. This place is unspoiled Sri Lanka at its best.

5. 10 Punto 7 (Formentera, Spain)

If the above places seem a little too rustic for your tastes, then this beach club could be the one for you. Think impeccably white, minimalist spaces, sparkling against an azure Meditteranean Sea. Formentera is a popular island, but 10 Punto 7 sits away from the more crowded areas. 

This beach club is smart but not pretentious. It’s making a name for itself with incredibly fresh sushi served alongside Meditteranean cuisine. And as a wedding destination, it could not be more picturesque.

Beach clubs in 2021

These five beach clubs are just a sample of incredibly beautiful destinations that can’t fail to look good on camera. A visit to one or more of them can easily be a highlight of 2021. 

However, much of the world is still feeling the effects of the pandemic. Hopefully, many travel restrictions can be lifted by the summer, but there may well still be local guidance and rules in place at the above destinations. It would be wise to check before you travel and to pack a chic face covering from the Scarlett Poppies collection — perfect for these stylish destinations.

Bon voyage! 🖤