Editor’s Note: We welcome The Rooftop Guide to Polo Lifestyles this month. Hans Ebenman, co-founder and CEO, will be sharing his favorite rooftop hot-spots from around the world. This month, he gives us eight luxurious hotels with amazing rooftops.
Marina Bay Sands – Singapore The ultimate rooftop when speaking of luxurious terraces and infinity pools. This place has it all: the highest infinity pool in the world, lavish restaurants, great bars, attentive service and spectacular 360-degree views over the city and ocean. To use the swimming pool, you must be a guest at the hotel, but it’s worth every penny. One of the coolest places on earth and also an opportunity to get some memorable photos and likable Instagram posts.
Ozone at Ritz Carlton – Hong Kong The world’s highest bar, located at a dazzling altitude of 580 meters, perched on the 118th floor of the super luxurious Ritz Carlton Hong Kong – is the highest hotel in the world. On the 117th floor, guests enjoy the large, indoor infinity pool and rooftop Jacuzzis. One of the best things here is the Dom Perignon Sunday Brunch. Free flow of Dom Perignon, along with great food in all its forms and a view to die for. On a sunny day, you can see the whole city and surroundings, one of the most iconic skylines in the world. Dom Perignon brunch starts at $1,300 USD/person. Worth every dollar.
CRU Champagne Bar at Centara Grand – Bangkok The perfect place in Bangkok for a luxurious rooftop bar with a spectacular 360-degree view. This place works well for both afternoon/evening cocktails and a party night later. Food and drinks are made to perfection and the same goes for the attentive service from the staff here. Try their signature cocktails along with Caspian Sea Caviar, foie gras, or freshly chucked oysters from the bar menu. Two floors down is Red Sky, one of the best rooftop restaurants in Asia: fantastic food in a luxurious environment. In other words – the perfect rooftop for the true epicurean.
Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central – Barcelona If you’re looking for the best rooftop infinity pool in Europe, Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is the place to book your hotel nights. The terrace is the best in the city and the rooftop pool surely adds to the luxurious feeling that surrounds the whole hotel. If you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can come here after 8 PM for drinks in the Sky Bar. The atmosphere is vibrant and both locals and tourists come here to enjoy drinks while gazing out over rooftops and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Press Lounge at Ink 48 Hotel – New York If you’re looking for one of the best skyline views Manhattan has to offer, a visit at The Press Lounge is a must. And in the other direction, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Hudson River – and the sunset can’t be beat. The atmosphere is sophisticated during the day and in the evening, the terrace turns into a vibrant party spot. The rooftop is open to the public. Dress for success to be able to blend in among the trendy crowd. Level 43 Sky Lounge at Four Points by Sheraton Downtown – Dubai One of the coolest city views in the whole world. When darkness falls over Dubai, this is the best place to be. A “loungy” party atmosphere surrounds the terrace, while the guests enjoy the sunset and skyscraper views with a refreshing cocktail in their hand. There’s also a separate terrace – only open to the guests of the hotel – with a rooftop swimming pool. A perfect place to unwind before heading up to Level 43 Sky Lounge for drinks and the party atmosphere.
High Note SkyBar at Aria Hotel – Budapest Aria Hotel was named as the best hotel in the world by TripAdvisor in 2016, and their rooftop runs in the same league as the hotel itself. High Note SkyBar is the best place for drinks with a view in Budapest. The terrace is open all year and is equally perfect for a long wine lunch as a night out with your friends. The service, food, drinks and décor are flawless. Everything oozes of quality. As a guest of the hotel, you enjoy complimentary cheese and wine every afternoon in the lobby, while listening to live piano performances.
Capri by Fraser – Kuala Lumpur Relaxation in a harmonious environment best describes the rooftop at Capri by Fraser very well, largely due to the large and luxurious rooftop infinity pool. It is one of few rooftops in the world that offer private rooftop Jacuzzis. As a guest of the hotel, you enjoy these Jacuzzis while looking out over the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Insider tip: head up here early in the day – sometimes you have the whole terrace for yourself, which elevates the entire experience to a super luxurious feeling.
The Rooftop Guide was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2015 by Hans Ebenman and Rikard Fredricson. The lack of a complete and easily navigated guide created the idea, resulting in the world’s biggest web site about rooftops, www.therooftopguide.com, featuring review of over 1,300 rooftop bars in more than 100 cities and destinations.