I know, this is "bedding" chic, but really, when you're at the beach - - your beach towel is sort of like your bed for the day. So... you might as well have a seriously chic beach towel too.
Of course the ne plus ultra of beach towels is the Hermes beach towel. Yikes, are they expensive though! Bluefly has some right now with at least a minor savings of 10%.
Hermes Grey Cub Printed Beach Towel, $459.
I know, that is really steep for a beach towel... but they are really nice. They're made with thick cotton terry and hemmed edges, good size (37 x 60") and made in France of course.