From classic rooftop cityscapes to uninterrupted ocean panoramas, we pick our favourite bars to sit back and take it all in
Baba Nest, Thailand
Nestled into the high cliffs of Cape Panwa in southern Phuket, with
a 360° view across the Andaman sea and its striking limestone karsts, this is the premier spot to catch the island’s breathtaking sunsets. The sky-high pontoon sits atop the smart Sri Panwa resort, with the property’s pool villas cascading down to the water below. Bartenders are young and gorgeous, decked out in pastel polos and trendy sneakers, while Baba Nest’s huge wooden deck is scattered with oversized pillows to sink into. Also worth sinking is the Baba Daiquiri, a heady potion of rum, passion fruit, lime and ginger.
Visit: babaphuket.com
Coppersmith, Malaysia
Beaming from the 23rd floor of the Troika building in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Coppersmith’s views over the capital are exceptional, but it’s the spectral glare of the Petronas Towers that is the true crowd-pleaser here. Along with the drinks, of course. With a menu designed by renowned bar consultants Cocktail Professor, drinks run the gamut from the faithful to the fantastical. A barrel-aged Lucien Gaudin is always a good place to start, but be sure to move onto From the Smith’s Garden, a crisp creation based around Belvedere vodka along with ingredients including basil, celery and green apple juice.
Visit: troikaskydining.com/coppersmith
Smoke and Mirrors, Singapore
Resplendent on the rooftop of the National Gallery Singapore, the elegant Smoke and Mirrors cocktail bar offers its patrons unparalleled views of the Esplanade, the Padang and Marina Bay Sands in a perfect blend of the city-state’s colonial era heritage and modern-day creativity. From the bar – an entrancing warp of polished metal – a team led by renowned Singaporean bartender Yugnes Susela serves up confounding concoctions ranging from the Duck’s Fat Hope, a rum daiquiri boasting real Peking duck jus, to the indispensable 12AM Misery – dark rum and dry sherry seasoned with chocolate bitters and pumpkin leaf.
Visit: smokeandmirrors.com.sg
The Summit, Vietnam
In a city renowned for the majestic street-level tumult of its Old Quarter, once in a while it pays to introduce a little elevation into one’s perspective of Hanoi. And when that time comes, the Summit is the go-to option in the Vietnamese capital. Set on the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific hotel, this well-dressed bar comes replete with an outdoor deck and a famed view over the vast expanse of Ho Tay lake – particularly fetching when bathed in the brilliance of the setting sun and accompanied by one of the Summit’s well-executed classic cocktails.
Visit: fb.com/thesummit.pphan
Deva, Cambodia
This newly opened lounge bar and restaurant on the ninth floor of Phnom Penh’s iOne building is a shrine to luxury and leisure in Cambodia’s capital. From the soft white couches curled around the balcony, guests can enjoy Deva’s signature mix of cocktails, fine wines and a menu drawing inspiration from across the globe. Bathed in rich amber light, the central bar offers patrons a front-row seat to take in Phnom Penh’s ever-changing skyline. Drinks to die for include the spiced tequila old fashioned, garnished with cinnamon, orange peel and red pepper – perfect for an evening spent under the sky.
Visit: fb.com/deva.lounge.bar.restaurant
