It hardly takes a weather forecast to know summer is here—unless the blazing sun somehow hasn’t already tipped you off. It’s the time for spritzes by the pool, suitcases filled with little more than swimwear and sandals, and sunbeds you’ve already laid claim to for the week. Luxury fashion has clearly been bitten by the summer bug too, with the world’s biggest maisons taking to beach clubs and hotels for their own take on la dolce vita. Signature prints have made their way onto sun loungers and beach towels, while pop-up boutiques house exclusive summer capsules and seasonal accessories.
Ahead, here are the luxury summer beach clubs to add to your holiday itinerary.
Burberry, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Your dream holiday might be somewhere in the Mediterranean, but Burberry makes a convincing argument for Bangkok instead. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon hotel gets a sunshine-soaked makeover courtesy of the British luxury house, which will run until 31 July. For its takeover, Burberry has given its signature check a Thai twist, swapping familiar camel tones for a bright yellow colour scheme, said to be inspired by the vibrant energy of Bangkok. The rooftop pool is wrapped head-to-toe in the new palette, from cabanas and umbrellas to cushions and towels. Besides its recognisable check, Burberry also sprinkles in a few quintessential elements of home: Burberry ice lollies from a dedicated cart and a branded tuk-tuk in place of London black cabs, ferrying guests around the city in suitably fashionable style.
Dior, D Maris Bay
If Jonathan Anderson’s debut Dior collections have already made their way onto your wish list, this is arguably the holiday to match. At D Maris Bay in Türkiye, the designer’s first Dioriviera capsule not only occupies its own boutique within the resort, but the poolside as well. Lounge chairs and parasols are decorated in a soft duck egg blue, with pool floats spattered in bow prints from this season’s collection, originally illustrated by Christian Bérard. The fashion references continue underfoot. “Dior” lettering is spelled out at the bottom of the swimming pool’s tiles in the house’s Dioriviera script, its fluid, curvaceous lettering echoing the gentle ripples of the Aegean sea.
Dolce & Gabbana, Le Carillon Portofino
Few fashion houses know how to do Italian summer quite like Dolce & Gabbana. That’s why the Italian house has returned to Le Carillon Portofino beach club for the third summer in a row. This season, the entire lido is awash in the house’s Verde Maiolica print, inspired by the hand-painted ceramic tiles of southern Italy—and even the plant pots get the couture makeover. Order a plate of carpaccio from the club’s restaurant and it’ll be served on green-and-white placemats, overlooking the emerald waters of Paraggi Bay. A pop-up boutique is just steps away from the beach, stocked with the house’s latest beachwear and accessories should your own holiday wardrobe suddenly feel inadequate.
Emporio Armani, Vega La Plage
The credits may have rolled on the Cannes Film Festival, but Emporio Armani is keeping the Riviera in the spotlight. Vega La Plage beach club has traded its usual beach setup for an Emporio Armani production. Rich burgundy and sandy tones set the scene, while branded fans flutter across Vega La Plage’s restaurant tables, laid with maroon Emporio Armani-embossed plates and matching salt and pepper shakers. Out on the sand, coordinated loungers and towels continue the colour story, because on the Croisette, even a beach day comes with a styling department.
Gucci, La Rose des Vents
There’s no shortage of glamorous beach clubs on the Riviera, but only one comes with a royal seal of approval. This summer, the house celebrates 60 years of its Gucci Flora print in Monte Carlo, where the motif first found its muse in Princess Grace of Monaco. Commissioned in 1966 as a silk scarf gift for the princess by Rodolfo Gucci and illustrated by Vittorio Accorneri, the design has become one of the house’s most prominent prints. For its 60th birthday party, Gucci has chosen La Rose des Vents beach club as its venue of choice. Guests are welcomed through a flower-filled garden arch inspired by the colourful botanicals of the Flora print, before settling into beach chairs underneath parasols lined with the iconic motif. Even a Flora-decorated paddle boat, complete with matching crimson oars, joins the celebrations. Frankly, cake would have felt a little underdressed.
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