From Ibiza to Croatia, European beach clubs: The Big Six

From an Algarve hotspot to simple beach beds in the Netherlands

Cotton, Ibiza

The bright white decor of this brand new Balearic beach club reflects the colour of the sand on Cala Tarida – the sheltered beach on Ibiza's west coast, above which it stands. The rooftop is where the magic happens, with four-poster day beds, draped in loose white fabric, and a terrace restaurant, which serves the likes of Thai-style tiger shrimp with coconut rice, all against panoramic sea views. Changing rooms and private showers provide space for beachgoers to change before day turns to dusk, when orb-like lamps illuminate the space and the roof is transformed. Go at sunset to sip on a glass of French rosé and tuck-in to delicious food, while watching the sun and sea meet on the horizon in front.

Cotton, Cala Tarida, Ibiza, Spain (00 34 971 80 61 80; cottonbeachclub.com). Mains start at €15; drinks from €17.

Mulini, Croatia

Newly-opened Mulini beach club extends the sophistication of nearby Hotel Monte Mulini and Hotel Lone, both Maistra establishments, down to the waters of Croatia's Adriatic coast. Located on Lone Bay, close to the city of Rovinj, it is arranged around a minimalist pavilion which looks on to beautiful views of Golden Cape Forrest Park. Hotel guests have access to a beach concierge service, ensuring unlimited fresh towels and a bar that comes directly to them. Tropical cocktails feature on the menu.

Mulini, Rovinj, Croatia (00 385 52 636 000; maistra.com). Mains start at 50 kuna (£5); drinks from 45 kuna (£4.70).

La Vela, Italy

This smart new beach club on the Maremma coast of Tuscany, looks out on to the archipelago of Punta Ala. An extension of the Hotel Cala del Porto – part of the luxury Baglioni group – it features a spa and gym, complete with personal training sessions, spinning classes, pilates and a hammam, along with a chic restaurant and beach bar. Tastes of the sea dominate the menu, from freshly-caught swordfish and tuna steak to clam spaghetti with cherry tomatoes.

La Vela, Tuscany, Italy (00 39 0564 072 001; baglionihotels.com). Mains start at €13; drinks from €10.

Bliss, Netherlands

Simple beach beds with stylish red accents stretch from the sand up to the decked restaurant and bar area of Bliss beach club, located in the Scheveningen seaside district of The Hague. The club's "Graze" menu offers beach snacks such as dipping platters and coriander samosas – ideal for washing down with a strawberry mojito. As well as hosting an eclectic range of clubbing events on weekends, Bliss also caters for families with an on-site play area just a short stroll from the pier.

Bliss, Scheveningen, Netherlands (00 31 70 354 0111; beachclubbliss.com). Mains start at €15.50; drinks from €10.

Bâoli Beach, France

To sample the cultural buzz of Cannes, pay a visit to this Côte d'Azur beach club. Order a platter of sashimi direct to your sunbed and feel your mind relax to a soundtrack of the gently lapping Mediterranean waters. Cushioned loungers are laid out on the sand, with chic white parasols for shade, and an elegant decked platoon provides the perfect spot from which to show off your diving skills. Stop by the restaurant for an indulgent menu of beef fillet, grilled sole and truffle risotto.

Bâoli Beach, Cannes, France (00 33 4 93 99 49 26; www.lebaoli.com). Mains start at €12; drinks from €16.

Purobeach, Portugal

This Algarve hotspot is part of the international Purobeach group, which has beach clubs in locations from Mallorca to Marbella. In Vilamoura, the club is split into two sections: the more relaxed "Beach Side", where Balinese day beds and billowing white tents decorate the sand; and the "Lake Side", around the gardens of the Tivoli Marina which hosts nightly entertainment and a massage area. The main restaurant ties it all together with a "M3" menu that incorporates flavours of Marrakech, Miami and Melbourne.

Purobeach, Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal (00 351 289 303 740; purobeach.com). Mains start at €8; drinks from €5.