Wish you were here: 11 of Asia's most breathtaking beach clubs to get you sunset dreaming

It's an indisputable fact that Asia boasts some of the finest beaches this old world has to offer. Fortunately for dancers and beach bums alike, the region is also home to some of the very best beach clubs you're ever likely to come accross. From sipping cocktails while lost in laid-back sounds as the sun dips below the horizon to late-night rave hedonism, if you're a fan of ocean vistas, cutting-edge sounds and delicious food and drink, Asia is the place to be (well, more specifically, Southeast Asia. We suspect the climate is a factor here!)

We digest some of the very best the continent has to offer, with only one obligatory condition: the music played at the venue must be excellent. Perhaps it's cruel of us to tantalise you all with these treasures when travel is out of the question and many of the venues are temporarily closed, but then, we all need something to aim for. And, after all, there's nothing wrong with a little daydreaming.

If we're honest with ourselves, Bali boasts more than its fair share of the regions best beach clubs. Blessed with the potent mix of tropical beaches and forward-thinking creative visionaries, the island represents a paradise in every sense for the international arts community. Towering like a kaleidoscopic leviathan in its field is Seminyak's Desa Potato Head. Comprising of a mind-blowingly designed mini-village of awe-inspiring amenities – including the gorgeous beach club, two hotels, shops, delicious restaurants, a recording studio and record store – the venue's outstanding music policy is one of its key features. Home to the finest Balearic-minded resident DJs on the island, Potato Head regularly hosts the very best international artists. Perfrormers including DJ Harvey, Virgil Ablo, Peggy Gou, Young Marco, Justin Vandervolgen and a seemingly endless list of equally talented luminaries have graced the ocean-side turntables. On top of this, the overriding design and concept heavily promote sustainable living and eco-friendly tourism, and it's a combination of all of the above (and more) that makes Desa Potato Head as right-on as it gets.

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Situated on the pristine Natai Beach in Thailand's southern Phuket Island, Baba Beach combines breathtaking scenery, chic design and – most importantly – a carefully considered music policy. Regularly hosting some of the finest DJs based in Thailand, as well as internationally renowned guests, Baba has also provided the backdrop for some of the biggest names in dance. Circoloco are among those to have brought their unique stylings to Baba in recent times, first presenting minimal hero Luciano, and then in January this year (which feels like a long, long, time ago) flying in Seth Troxler, Peggy Gou, The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones and Jasper James. The unique design combines the iconic Chino-Portuguese style of Phuket with a colourful splash of Shanghai Tang. As well as a 200-meter private beach, beach club, restaurant & bar, entertainment pool, the venue boasts a fitness centre and spa. With another beautiful branch in Hua Hin, Baba are certainly representing for Thailand, we've opted for Phuket because the beach there absolutely bangs.

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Part of the Marriott group's ultra-stylish hotel chain, W Seminyak is perhaps the flagship of a flawless selection. Chic design, unrivalled attention to detail, and a dazzling location on the shores of the Indian Ocean make this a must-visit destination for all the hip globe-trotters out there. As you would expect from this group, the hotel is overflowing with amenities and facilities, from world-class restaurants to luxurious spa and fitness centre. If that wasn't enough – aside from its jaw-dropping aesthetic, sensual atmosphere and intimate quality – W is one of the most vibe-rich venues on the island. Famed for its well-curated musical line-up, some of the very best DJs operating on the island comprise the resident roster – all of whom are well-versed in creating the right ambience depending on the mood or occasion. W also regularly hosts top-drawer international artists, including recent performances from Tensnake, Andhim, Ben Westbeech, James Zabiela and Illyus & Barientos.

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One of the most dazzling pieces of coastal architecture you are ever likely to see, Omnia sits proudly perched on the stunning cliff edges of Bali's Uluwatu – with the turquoise ocean on one side, and verdant jungle on the other. Regularly hosting megastars of the dance scene, their catalogue of performers reads like a who's who of electronic music. From EDM legends like Steve Aoki and Marshmello, to crossover dance acts Kygo, Duke Dumont and Claptone, through to underground heroes Francois K, Dimitri From Paris, Chez Damier, Soul Clap, and Damien Lazarus, the list is so long and so varied, we can't fit it all in. On top of the unparalleled parties and expansive line-ups Omnia brings, the environment is so sensational that it's worth the visit just to get lost in the design.

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Sentosa Island's Tanjong Beach Club has long been a mainstay for Singapore's well-groomed fashionista set. Last year saw the venue celebrate its tenth birthday in stunning style with it's Tanjong Paradisco event. Populating the excellent line-up on that most glorious of occasions were high-flying future house duo Bondax, and UK disco maestro Ray Mang. On top of their on-point events and vibrant weekend schedule, this serene sanctuary from the hubbub Singapore city life is the perfect place to get away from it all. A tropical paradise just a hop, skip and jump from the heart of the city, during the weekdays the pace is slowed dramatically, making it perfect for horizontal slouch-inducing relaxations.

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If it's luxury you're after, then look no further than Kata Rocks. Located on a secluded corner of Phuket's (ordinarily) super-popular Kata Beach, this place has everything you need to unwind in opulence. Famous for its five-star villas and ocean views, Kata Rocks is also known to host the very best local DJs who spin an appealing selection of tropical house, lounge and poolside bar grooves, and their Collective Series and Brunch Pool parties take the energy levels up a few notches.

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Ibiza's most iconic and internationally renowned sunset brand has a proud home on the balmy island of Phuket. Opened to fill what the owners saw as a gap in the Phuket market, Cafe Del Mar is the home of indulgent chill-out in the tropical south of Thailand. Offering a mouth-watering menu, carefully mixed drinks, and the all-important sundown soundtrack that the brand is famed for, this is a true oasis for lounge-lovers. With a line-up of the best locally-based DJs, and occasional special guests and events, you can be sure that the music policy here is diligently considered.

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Now that the once lively Boracay has banned outdoor music, the blissful El Nido Beach in Palawan is perhaps the go-to destination for ocean-side nightlife in The Philippines – especially for those who crave non-commercial sounds. An understated jewel in the crown is Sava Beach Bar, a vibrant spot which enjoys a celebrated position among those in the know thanks in part to its top-quality music policy. Local residents and international guests keep the party moving while expertly-crafted drinks are poured by the well-trained mixologists. On top of this, the beach setting and stripped-back vibe of El Nido make for a perfect sun-kissed escape. Low-key, but always on point.

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Tucked neatly on the edge of Petitenget Beach, Seminyak, Mano may look unassuming from a distance. But step a little closer, and you'll likely be seduced inside by the impeccable music selection vibrating over the hot, golden sands. Recently renovated and offering up a mouth watering selection of eating as well as a well-stocked bar, the friendly staff, laid-back attitude and calm-inducing sunset view make Mano an uncommonly agreeable hang-out. But, once again, it has to be the music that keeps us coming back for more. Italo disco, Afro-cosmic, Balearic lounge and esoteric secret gems are the order of the day, making the soundtrack nothing short of immaculate.

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Brought to you by the world-renowned ISMAYA Group, Nusa Dua's Manarai is a relatively new addition to Bali's buzzing beach club scene. Here, the tempo of the blissed-out soundtrack rarely rises far above horizontal level, and the super-chilled mood is enhanced by a first-class wine and dine experience. The awesome design exudes a distinctive Balinese flavour, and this stylish venue comprises of a top-level restaurant, wine cellar, two swimming pools, and of course, premium-grade entertainments. Nusa Dua's white sands and palm-lined shores are the perfect setting for ISMAYA's first Bali-based venue, and their expert blend of style and substance help set it apart from the crowd.

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Sentosa newcomer Rumours is an essential spot for the beautiful people of Singapore to see and be seen. Equipped with a swimming pool, ocean-side restaurant and bar, the thing that really sets this place apart is the expertly curated music policy. Selectors hand-picked by – purveyors of musical goodness – The DJ Dispensary ensure that the sunset flavours here are second to none. Offering up an eclectic mix of the best in Balearic, disco, soul, funk, Afro-cosmic, house and more, the Rumours residents know exactly what time it is.

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