Five Beach Clubs to Hit This Summer — The Remarkable Explorers Club

Yes, we know, it’s almost Memorial Day and it might be time to finalize our summer travel plans. If you’re like us, you don’t have it all figured out yet, so we’ve done the responsible thing and enlisted a professional to help us both.

You’re welcome.

As a travel photographer and interior designer, Natalie Obradovich’s work requires logging a significant amount of air miles. On the way, she has become somewhat of an expert on beach clubs. Even better? Her photography series on the subject is available for purchase so, should you be staying home for the warmer months, you can still have a bit of Da Adolfo in your living room. We can almost taste the white wine with peaches…

Da Adolfo

Location: Positano, Italy

Far and away my favorite restaurant in the world. The first time I came here was when I was 22, before social media was what it is today. Part of its charm is the informality of the staff and the place itself. The waiters don't wear shoes, everyone is smoking and the bathroom is a glorified outhouse. Some would call this a drawback, but I love Da Adolfo for its authenticity almost as much as its food. Everything on the menu is delicious but the alla vongole (linguini with clams) and vino con pesche (white wine with peaches) are the perfect meal for me.

Lido del Faro

Location: Anacapri, Italy

A bit less well known than places in Capri such as La Fontelina, Lido del Faro is perfect for local people watching as well as its curved pool. You can watch locals dive from immense cliffs from your chair and take a dip in between sips of your Aperol Spritz.

Beware: I was stung by a jellyfish for the first time while swimming at Lido del Faro - luckily the lifeguard was attentive!

Bagno Marino Archi

Location: Santa Cesarea Terme, Italy (Puglia)

This hidden gem in the southern region of Puglia is more off the beaten path than some of the other featured clubs. In this up and coming region of Italy, rejoice in the lack of American tourists and more authentic experience complete with non-tourist pricing. For a bottle of wine, a pizza and a bowl of pasta, the bill will be around 20 euros. I had saved an image of this beach club for years and my visit here did not disappoint.

Paloma Beach

Location: St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Paloma Beach is a favorite beach club in the south of France. Make sure to go early for a chair on the beach with a bottle of rosé. You can't beat lunch up on the deck after a few dips in the sea. Try the local grilled fish of the day and nems - you're in for a treat.

Bonj les bains

LOCATION: Hvar, Croatia

One of my favorite places in the world, Bonj les bain is a historic beach club originally built in 1927. I love this photo because it truly feels like it’s from another time. The girl in the photo is actually my sister.

BONJ LES BAINS by Natalie Obradovich — BONJ LES BAINS *by Natalie Obradovich*