Rise Above – The world looks different from these stunning rooftop destinations

The world looks different when viewed from these stunning rooftop destinations

What’s better than a room with a view? Try a view from the top. There is nothing like a rooftop bar, restaurant or pool to lift your spirits to great heights, with open air settings and spectacular, larger-than-life scenery. Hoteliers are breathing life into these destinations with every inch of glamour, style and location scouting. The results are mustsee rooftop bars, restaurants and pools that exceed their hotel’s reputation. Rooftops have become destinations within themselves, visited by guests and the public alike and bringing in diverse audiences on a global scale.

Hoteliers are creating extravagantly alluring features such as high-rise pools, fancy spas, spectacular architecture, mood lighting, modern styles and anything else that will make their properties rise above. These lofty destinations are chic, contemporary, fresh and alluring. Yet being on top is most often accompanied by a feeling of humility that comes from taking in the sweeping natural vistas or panoramic city skylines. And all this while sporting a cocktail in one hand and savory hors d’oeuvres in the other.

So we present an even dozen of our favorite top rooftop bars, restaurants and pools around the world that exude a sophisticated design, astonishing locations with impressive views of pulsating cities and exuberant atmospheric elements that create the setting for a perfect night on the town. 1 Sky Bar, Tower Club — Bangkok Sky Bar, Tower Club at Sirocco restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand is like a diamond island in the night sky and a highlight of Bangkok’s nightlife and cocktail culture. Situated on the 63rd floor of Lebua hotel, this rooftop wonder takes its place as one of the world’s highest open-air bars, while below the sparkling city lights bedazzle.

The Sky Bar also bedazzles with the glow of different hues every 90 seconds. Shades transform from emerald to ocean blue, lilac to orange, projecting different atmospheric moods with every changing color. The edgy and stylish pulse of this bar also landed it screen time in The Hangover Part II, where several scenes were shot. 2 Marina Bay Sands Skypark — Singapore Views of the South China Sea, Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline are all in line of sight at the Marina Bay Sands hotel’s Sands SkyPark. Amazingly enough, the view of the water can be seen from the water in this rooftop’s 492-foot long infinity swimming pool, another superlative – the world’s largest.

Being immersed in this amazing stretch of water will lead you to think you are on the edge of the horizon with a whole city on the other side. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced with palm trees lined next to floating white water beds, creating a tropical oasis suspended in the sky. This architectural masterpiece compliments

the distinctive hotel, three towers rising like vertical columns with the rooftop – a striking silhouette reminiscent of a massive ship – astride them. 3 AER, Four Seasons — Mumbai AER covers the entire rooftop of the 34-story high Four Seasons Mumbai in India and is the highest rooftop bar in the city. The modular, curvaceous furniture elicits a modern yet romantic atmosphere, complimented by a violet hue and glowing candlelight. The setting portrays a serene and warm atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.

With its sophisticated sense of luxury and open air relaxation, this rooftop lounge offers skyline and sea views of Mumbai. During monsoon season, a canopy and windscreen embellish the venue, giving people a chance to experience a high with nature.

4 Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree — Bangkok Another sky high Bangkok whirlwind of edginess, Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree takes the cake for the ultimate urban landscape. Situated on the rooftop of Banyan Tree’s 61-story hotel, this bar was created to drown out the city noise. The must see bar is named after Alfred Hitchcock’s famous movie thriller, where a detective’s fear of heights causes things to go downhill.

Like the movie,Vertigo takes things to new heights, with stomach-churning views seen from the escalated platforms. The venue is situated on what used to be a helipad, with trendy décor, avant-garde ambience and low walls for a clear, full view of Thailand’s capital. Notable landmarks in sight include the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Wat Pho Temple and the Emerald Buddha. 5 Rock Bar, Ayana Resort and Spa — Bali Rock Bar is located at the base of Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali, Indonesia. It expresses exactly what its name implies, situated atop natural rock formations 45 feet in the air with the Indian Ocean below. If the tides are high, guests need to prepare themselves for mesmerizing waves crashing a few feet away.

This spot is perfect for full enjoyment of the sunset, quite literally being a part of nature with all the glamour, but none of the grit. To add to the extraordinary combination of nature and luxury, the path to the Round Deck takes you over a marvelous over-thewater bridge toward what seems to be its own private island. The ambiance is romantic, natural and alluring. 6 Sky View, La Cigale Hotel — Doha Sky View at La Cigale Hotel in Doha is alive with a luxurious and trendy vibe. Located on the 15th floor, panoramic views of the city are yet again the dominate feature in the appeal of this rooftop venue. Straight ahead, Doha’s skyline is front and center, creating an awe-inspiring and fascinating view.

The bar is enveloped by a bright, but brilliantly orchestrated mix of contrasting colors across the spectrum from red, green and yellow with purple on the sidelines. The seeming mismatch works, creating an artistic and dynamic décor that calls for liveliness and style. Add to that music videos displayed on giant LED screens, and you have a recipe for edginess and style.

7 Skye Restaurant and Bar, Hotel Unique — São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and every bit of it can be seen from Hotel Unique’s Skye Restaurant and Bar, a venue named after singer and businesswoman, Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards. The Hotel Unique is aptly named, known for its singular architecture (a boat shape) as well as being a hotspot for Hollywood elite and figures such as celebrity Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil.

Skye Bar lives up to the hotel’s sophisticated reputation not only in name but also in its shape. It covers wide open spaces while being engulfed by the grand cityscape that is far enough away for seclusion and close enough for admiration. The setting is casual yet chic with a 360 degree view of the city and a perfect cocktail by the red pool that has an underwater sound system. 8 The Galaxy Bar, Hilton Hotel — Athens The open air on this rooftop bar is not the only thing refreshing about it. Being here is like being part of the past. The Galaxy Bar at the Hilton Athens is authentic in its setting, with the ancient world spread out at your feet. The view includes the Parthenon and Acropolis, mountainous terrain and bustling city, as well as sights of the sea and Aegina Island.

East meets West in this elegant rooftop bar with modern yet modest décor of modular chairs and wood panels along with an eastern flavor that gives it a cozy, saloon feel. The Galaxy Bar is a rooftop where the appreciation of history and a combination of city and nature views conspire in perfect harmony to create a timeless sense of relaxation.

9 Vienna Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom’s Das LOFT restaurant is charming, elegant and refined. Located on the 18th floor of the hotel, it is also artistically innovative and full of intrigue. The mural on the ceiling, created by Pipilotti Rist, radiates a gorgeous technique that reflects the luminous colors off the glass panels and into the night sky.

What helps produce this effect is the contrast of the minimalist, dark interior. The illusion that the night sky is a blend of beautiful colors is a stunningly captivating one. The floor-to-ceiling windows are 32 feet high and surround the room for easy access to the panoramic view. Part of the cityscape includes Vienna’s Kahlenburg forests that lead to the famous Danube and the towering spire of St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

10 The Penthouse, ME Madrid Reina Victoria — Madrid The Penthouse at ME Madrid Reina Victoria Hotel provides a spectacular view of the architectural treasures of the Plaza de Santa Ana on one side and the rest of the city on the other. The terrace offers luxurious, low-slung Balinese beds for reclining under the night sky. The delicate purple glow and thin curtains, along with the flicker of candlelight combine to create a soothing and mellow feeling suited for vibrant nightlife and ultimate relaxation.

The laid-back style is infused with both a Latin flair and a contemporary approach.You can take a ride up the private elevator to the sky-high terrace to enjoy being part of the scenic view. Here, there’s no way to look but up at the Plaza de Santa Ana looming in seriously close proximity. 11 Upstairs, The Kimberly — New York Among the greatest cities with the greatest cityscapes in the world, one cannot overlook NewYork City, filled with skyscraper rooftops, lively crowds and an adrenaline-fueled nightlife. Taking its place among these Manhattan rooftops, on the 30th floor at 145 E. 50th Street, is Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel. The view from this cozy penthouse lounge is dominated by the Chrysler building along with a cluster of magnificent skyscrapers glowing like ornaments against the night sky.

The mid-air lounge is sophisticated and urban with heated wood floors for chilly nights and a retractable glass ceiling, all practical features designed to keep inclement weather from disrupting the collective mood. Decorative light bulbs hang above from intertwined strings and, when lit against the dark lounge, create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly compliments the iconic backdrop. A great lounge for all-year round enjoyment. 12 SUSHISAMBA, Heron Tower — London SUSHISAMBA is a chain restaurant that combines diverse cuisine for a fabulously unique experience. The restaurant includes Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food and is located in cities around the world such as Miami, NewYork and Las Vegas. The SUSHISAMBA London, situated on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Towers, offers unparalleled scenic views of the city from one of the highest outdoor terraces or indoor floor-toceiling glass views on the Continent.

The outdoor patio includes a lush tree inside the bar area with a variety of drinks encircling the base. The indoor restaurant artistically combines the black and white motif with a splash of yellow. Overhead is a bamboo archway with hanging bulbs that creates the illusion of close-by twinkling stars at night. BT