Top 10 Rooftop Bars

So many rooftops, so little time to enjoy the thousands around the world that have been converted into trendy nightspots with comfy sectional seating, pools and restaurants. It seems that every major city has a rooftop bar scene, and they’re a must for any hotel claiming to be an arbiter of cool.

 
To narrow it all down, we've chosen the 10 best. Some are coveted A-list hangouts demanding key-card access or a VIP pass. Some are thoughtfully designed. Or they’re on the rooftops of the world’s highest buildings. Still other bars were chosen for their killer views -- and we don’t just mean of the waitresses.

Vue Bar at the Shanghai Hyatt

This two-floor bar-lounge has a wooden and brick ground floor lounge with a circular cocktail bar, DJ and reversible daybeds. Further up a spiral case on its terrace, you get unsurpassed views of the Bund (the hotel is a five-minute walk from this waterfront area in central Shanghai) and Pudong. A marble Jacuzzi is surrounded by daybeds and armchairs, and these all fill up early in the evening (including the Jacuzzi). The result is a go-to chic drinking establishment for the expat community and visiting Westerners.

Three Sixty at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, St. Louis, Missouri

Cardinals diehards are given a bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium from this bar 25 stories up, so it’s no wonder there are lineups to get into Three Sixty during baseball season. But it’s so well-designed and cozy, we predict it’ll become a year-round hangout. Fire pits are positioned strategically throughout an outdoor patio, enabling comfortable alfresco lounging in cold weather. And there’s plenty of indoor seating and flat screens for you to watch hockey on while nibbling on upscale sports-bar fare this winter.

Sky Blue at Sky Lodge, Park City, Utah 

A pool table in your hotel suite? Sky Lodge, in Park City’s historic Old Town, offers many wow moments like these, including a rooftop with views of the Wasatch Mountains. Try a Pommard, Park City’s official winter cocktail for this year, with Calvados, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom, as you slip into the bar’s oversize hot tub. Or tiptoe over radiant-heated floors to grab a spot by the fireplace. You’re very close to being able to shake off a hangover on the slopes. The resort has ski-in/ski-out access to Park City Mountain Resort, one of the U.S.A.'s best.

Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Munch on Mexican and Spanish tapas on the roof of this urban resort in a UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Luna Bar is a cozy place to observe the goings-on below on cobblestone lanes of San Miguel, north of Mexico City. And the new hotel fits right into its character-filled surroundings, featuring colonial-inspired wide stone staircases leading to airy courtyards or high-ceilinged guest suites.

Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel, Toronto

We’ll tip our hat to the Thompson Toronto’s super-trendy rooftop bar and pool, where Bay Street bankers and traders are known to book rooms for the night just to secure access to the guest-only schmooze-fest upstairs. But we like to give credit for originality, too, and the Drake Hotel, west of downtown, has an edgier, arty scene complemented by its “pop-up” rooftop bar. The theme of Sky Yard changes every few months, as do the drinks menu, décor, art installations, and music. Last fall, the bar was set up as a beer garden, featuring vintage Oktoberfest picnic seating imported from bygone German bier-fests local microbrews served by dirndl-clad hostesses.

Mikla at the Marmara Pera, Istanbul

This combination bar and fine-dining restaurant also has an outdoor pool and DJ, and it’s done in minimalist white-on-white that looks positively South Beach-y. Mikla’s vibe is mellow, with a soothing Bosphorus view and -- here’s the best part -- a sophisticated and original menu by Turkish-Finnish chef-owner Mehmet Gürs (try the monkfish, dill, lemon, and fennel risotto). This is the most exclusive rooftop in the city, but if you prefer a nightclub-y, electric atmosphere, finish your meal and head to 360° Istanbul, a famous alfresco disco-bar with live stage atop the historic Misir Apartments, where jet-setting celebrities -- from Formula 1 drivers to Paris Hilton -- keep the party going into the wee hours.

Sky Bar at Hotel Lebua, Bangkok

Sky Bar is on the 63rd floor, attached to Sirocco, one of the Thai capital’s best restaurants. And if The Ritz claims to have the world’s tallest rooftop bar, Sky Bar, 650 feet above Bangkok and its Chao Phraya River, is billed as the tallest alfresco watering hole. Order a signature Hangovertini of green tea liqueur, apple juice, sweet vermouth, and rosemary-infused honey, commemorating scenes from last summer’s The Hangover II, which were shot from the circular neon bar.

OZONE at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Banker and broker heaven since it opened along with The Ritz earlier this year, OZONE is the highest bar atop the world’s tallest hotel. Its lounge and outdoor terrace are on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre, an office-shopping complex in West Kowloon that’s packed with power brokers from Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, whose Asian head offices are on lower floors. Shimmying on a neon dance floor, you’ll take in unrivaled views of the skyscraper-filled downtown.

 

Above 6 at The Thompson Hotel, New York City

 

Above 6 at 6 Columbus opened in May as the latest of Thompson Hotels’ signature rooftop bars. It has a Columbus Circle address in Midtown Manhattan, a cozy contemporary outdoor fireplace and features Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, with a retractable roof for all-weather dining. Above 6 is open to the public by reservation, unlike Thompson's other rooftop bars, where you need to be a guest of the hotel to get in or be one of a few celebs handpicked each year to receive a “membership card.”

 Aer at the Four Seasons Mumbai

The city’s highest bar-lounge, Aer, covers the entire 34th floor rooftop of this new hotel situated in an emerging commercial district in south Mumbai. Order a champagne cocktail and chicken tikka pizza during daily half-price “sunset happy hour.” Or stay for the evening, gazing out to the Arabian Sea, while a DJ spins house and funk.

10 most beautiful places in the world to wake up in

Even if you’re not a morning person, opening your eyes in a fresh destination is guaranteed to give an extra kick to your spirits. And when you’re surrounded by lotus ponds, mountain-filled horizons, a symphony of fountains, or views of minarets, the sound of the alarm clock is the sweetest thing you’ll ever hear. Here are some of the world’s loveliest wake-up calls.

Maui, USA

 

As if the murmuring waves, frolicking whales, waterfalls and jungles outside your door weren’t enough to get you throwing back the covers, Maui also serves up some of Hawaii’s best vistas. Try out sunrise over the volcanic crater at Haleakalā National Park or from the spectacular road to Hana.
 

İstanbul, Turkey

There are few things more magical than getting up on a rooftop before dawn to listen to this city wake. As the mournful cries of the muezzins issuing the call to prayer weave over one another and the sky lightens behind the minarets, you’ll be working up an appetite for a sumptuous Turkish breakfast to fuel your perfect İstanbul day.
 

Queensland, Australia

The top corner of Australia basks in 300 days of sunshine a year, so there’s a fine chance of being greeted by a stunning blue sky when you open your eyes. Continue the theme with a trip into the forest to look for glowingly blue butterflies or a snorkel in brilliant blue seas.
 

Paris, France

Waking with your beloved in this grand romantic film set of a city still just can’t be beat. And whatever time you drag yourself from those tangled sheets, Paris will be looking its best (hell, even the streetlamps are picture-perfect). What will you share for breakfast? A baguette or a brulée?
 

Big Sur, USA

You’ll sleep so well in these laidback parts that it’s easy to wake up smiling – and if you’re here in fog season, dawn can be one golden glow. Keep yourself smirking with a pastry from the Big Sur bakery (with hummingbird floor show!) or a saunter through the redwood forest.
 

Mendoza, Argentina

You might be waking up slow here after an evening sampling the famous wines of this sophisticated desert city. But with fountains in just about every plaza, chances are you’ll be surfacing to the soothing sound of burbling water. (Make sure to have a glass by your bed!)
 

Mumbai, India

This brash, breakneck city shows another face at dawn. With the sun rising in a rosy, hazy bubble over the sea, it’s time to head to Sassoon Docks to see a fishing scene virtually unchanged for centuries (just don’t get in the way of the fisherfolk!). Cap off your morning with a stroll through Colaba to see the pastel Art Deco buildings take the light, and a spicy chai on Arthur Bunder Road.
 

Hong Kong, China

Waking up in Hong Kong can be any kind of beautiful you want it to be. Like it pacy? Kick yourself out of bed to join the buzzing streets and track down something fishy and spicy for breakfast. Like it lyrical? Start slow with dawn tai chi and a tram to the top of Victoria Peak to take in the early morning views.
 

Rocky Mountains, USA

Heady alpine air, adventure sports, majestic peaks looming on the skyline – a week or two here and you’ll be so fizzing with health you’ll fairly spring from the pillow. Ever hear of a Rocky Mountain high? You’re about to wake up to one.
 

Bali, Indonesia

It’s a crowded little paradise, but it’s still possible to find your own special corner to watch the rising sun paint the rice paddies pink and lavender. And there’s nothing quite so sweet as spending the morning lushing around with a lover amongst the lotus flowers of the island’s upmarket spas and resorts.

World's top 10 beach destinations

Beaches, bays and impressive coastlines beckon almost all Australian travellers. However, not everyone is wowed by the same waves, and everyone has their own idea of what their perfect beach might be. We have selected their top 10 best beaches in the world, taking into account the off-the-beaten-track beauties and the best-value beach hotel hotspots.


Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

Located 7km from Broome, Cable Beach is one of Australia's best beach destinations. Bordering the Indian Ocean, and surrounded by the vast inland wildernesses of Western Australia, Cable Beach has an atmospheric 'last outpost' feel, not to mention 22.5km of pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Cable Beach is renowned for its sunsets, which can be enjoyed while riding a camel along the beach, or from the comfort of one of the many beachside restaurants. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Ao Nang is known as Thailand's best all-round beach destination, due to its central location in the Andaman Sea and magnificent scenery. Ao Nang beach is relatively untouched, and days can be spent relaxing by the shore or taking part in one of the many activities on offer, such as snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. The equally spectacular Railey Beach is only a 15-minute ferry ride away and is approximately two hours from Phuket. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Nha Trang Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is known as Vietnam's ultimate 'traditional' seaside resort - a lively coastal town where travellers relax by day and party by night. Nha Trang Bay is considered among the world's most beautiful bays, and its signature beach is long and flat with golden sands and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It is also the gateway to a cluster of quieter islands which offer outstanding snorkelling and scuba diving trips. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Paradise Beach and others, Yasawa Island, Fiji

Yasawa Island is famous for its fine sand and exquisite beaches, including Paradise Beach and Champagne Beach. Its limestone caves also put the Island on the map when Brooke Shields gallivanted there in the 1980s blockbuster movie, The Blue Lagoon. Yasawa Island, the largest of about 20 volcanic islands in Fiji's Yasawa island archipelago, is renowned for its spectacular rugged scenery and palm-fringed white sandy beaches. Yasawa Island is the only island in this outlying archipelago with an airstrip. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Azeda Beach, Buzios, Brazil

Armacao dos Buzios (better known as Buzios) is a peninsula surrounded by 8km of islands and beaches, and made famous in the 1960s when film star Brigette Bardot passed through, drawing the attention of adventurous tourists around the world. The beach is now dotted with hip restaurants, bars and boutiques. Buzios' premier beach, Azeda Beach, is considered one of the prettiest in Brazil. The beach boasts a 300m stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear water. With waves virtually non-existent, it is perfect for snorkelling. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Located about 30 minutes' drive from Honolulu - in the town of Kailua - Lanikai Beach is a 500m stretch of powdered sugar sand, and a perfect spot for travellers seeking a quiet, remote location to relax. It is sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef and has a clear view of the spectacular Na Mokulua islands, certainly living up to its translated name, 'heavenly sea'. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Isola Bella Beach, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Located on the east coast of Sicily, with views of Mt Etna, and protected by the bay and mountains, Isola Bella Beach is without a doubt one of Sicily's most prized natural assets. Located close to Taormina, a quintessential Italian beach town that's popular with artists and celebrities, this pebbly beach offers extremely inviting crystal clear water to take a dip or snorkel in. Depending on the tide, beachgoers can walk to Isola Bella, the nature reserve on the tiny islet adjoining the beach. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

 
Actually four adjacent beaches separated by giant granite boulders, and set against the most spectacular backdrop of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range, Clifton Beach is considered one of Cape Town's 'glamour' spots - where the rich and famous live and beach-loving locals and tourists go to relax. Although sheltered from the prevailing Southeaster in the summer, the chilly Atlantic Ocean means a quick dip is all that is required to cool down from the baking sun. The best time of the day is just before sunset, as you can kick back to watch the sun set over the sea. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica

Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Jamaica has long been the playground of sun worshippers the world over. On its western shores - at Negril - is Seven Mile Beach. Close to scores of hotels that hug the shoreline, it is the longest continuous stretch of beach in Jamaica. At the end of the beach is a lighthouse with majestic views of the surrounding cliffs and spectacular rock formations. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Mughsayl Beach, Salahah, Oman

Salalah, in southern Oman, has a unique charm with its coconut groves and banana plantations growing right to the water's edge. It is also blessed with great beaches, popular for swimming and beach football. Mughsayl Beach is one of the most popular of Oman's 2700km of untouched sandy beaches. During rainy season the huge waves cause dramatic explosions of water through blowholes at one end of the beach - it's a sight to behold.

Travel to India - Advice and tips for first time travellers

There's no denying that travelling to India can be a major culture shock, especially on your first visit. It's a huge and bewildering country, with many different religions and cultures, and cities that roar with traffic and bustle with activity non-stop. So how to prepare for this assault on the senses? We reckon that if you want to get the most out of your trip it's best to:

 

Avoid burnout

By far the most common complaint reported by first-time visitors to India is fatigue - simply trying to do too much in too little time. India is vast, colourful and addictive, but have realistic expectations about how much you can see. A wisely planned visit to a particular area can deliver far more of the unique texture and spirit of the place. And remember, India isn't going anywhere - you can return time and time again.

Get out of the city

Though perhaps a cliché, the only way to get a true sense of India is to visit smaller villages. The real benefit is that it'll get you out of the sprawling and vastly overpopulated cities. Once you've cleared your head, say with a trip to the mountains or into the slower-moving land of Kerala in the south, you'll be far better placed to enjoy the famous hospitality of the Indian urbanites.

Watch what you eat and drink

A dodgy stomach is pretty common for first-timers in India. That doesn't mean you should rule out street food, but try to stick to peeled fresh fruit and foods that have been either boiled or fried. Stay on the bottled water and avoid salads or ice.

Don't be too precious about your personal space

This isn't really a popular concept in India. You will be squished on public transport and squashed in lifts. People will ask seemingly intrusive personal questions that you may find intimidating. Remember that this is a wholly different culture and the questions are merely indicative of the locals' polite interest in you.

Dress conservatively

Be aware that India has a relatively modest culture. Covering arms and legs is a simple step toward respecting this. Indians are forgiving of those who aren't familiar with their culture, but you can quickly make a good impression by, for instance, removing your shoes before entering someone's home. This is particularly important when entering a sacred space, like a temple. Also, if you see shoes outside a shop, it's a sign to remove your own.

Watch those feet and hands

Feet are considered to be unclean in India, so if you touch something with your feet it's appropriate to swiftly apologize. Similarly, eating or passing objects with your left hand is considered unpleasant for reasons best left to the imagination. If unsure of local customs, keep an eye out for what others do and imitate.

Remember that Indian time is relative

You may well find yourself waiting half an hour in India when your friend has assured you they will be five minutes. Traffic and other interruptions can also mean that getting around can take a lot longer than expected. Build in plenty of room for unexpected waits and make sure to check opening hours - many government offices and shops close in the afternoon for lunch.

Stay safe

While "don't go down dark streets alone" might seem a bit obvious, there are plenty of straightforward ways to avoid subtle dangers in India. Carrying huge quantities of cash isn't a good idea anywhere, but in crowded Indian cities pickpocketing is a very present problem. Equally, haggling at a market can, at times, become an unpleasant, heated exchange. Inexperienced visitors are advised to try to stay cool. Be pleasant but firm, and don't allow yourself to be irritated.

Be prepared for noise

One way of ensuring you can have a bit of personal space, albeit in your head, is to have earphones with you to shut out some of the surrounding din - there's nothing like the sheer clamour of an Indian city.

Avoid deals that seem too good to be true

Government shops are probably the easiest way to avoid running foul of scams, but simple rules like paying for things with cash, to avoid card cloning scams, may save you a lot of unnecessary trouble later in your journey. You should also pay particular attention if you're arranging to have things sent home by post, as it's not unknown for shops to take your payment and send worthless items instead.

Adventurous Destinations for Solo Travelers

As an occasional solo traveler, picking the right destination to explore is not quite as easy as one would imagine. Since our move to Spain, Alberto has settled into his new job so that leaves me and my backpack, out to see the world alone. As much as I enjoy the prospects of meeting more people and having the freedom to do whatever I want, solo travel can be a little daunting at times.

Especially for a solo female traveler, it’s wise not to be wary of your surroundings. In this post, I share with you some of my suggestions for the best adventurous destinations for solo travelers.

1. Australia


 

For the ultimate adventurous holidays, Australia definitely wouldn’t disappoint. Few places in the world can beat Australia’s myriad of natural spots and adventurous activities – scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, then skydive in Sydney, and go bush-walking in the outback – Kakadu National Park. Besides world-class infrastructure and some of the friendliest people in the world, Austalia makes for a safe and easy destination for solo travelers.

2. Tanzania



Although African capitals can be slightly intimidating, venture out to the savannahs and wild lands and you’ll find the warmest people who are more curious about you than anything else. This East African nation is bursting with thrilling outdoors opportunities ideal for the solo traveler. Sign yourself up for an adventure tour – from the Kilimanjaro trek to a wildlife safari or scuba-diving trip on Zanzibar island – you’re sure to meet fellow travelers and have a wild time. Unlike the usual stereotype view, Tanzania is relatively safe to travel alone, just try to avoid dodgy areas in the capital city.

3. Malaysia



Being a Muslim country, Malaysia is often misunderstood by many as conservative and unwelcoming. But adventure travelers who have given it a shot all leave with a big smile – Malaysia is packed to the brim with raw, unexplored natural spots and bewitchingly beautiful terrain. Explore its acres of dense rainforest and mingle with orang utans or live with ancient tribes, then emerge out of the forest to find clear, turquoise waters, home to some of the world’s best dive sites. And its people – you can hardly find such genuine and hospitable people elsewhere.

4. Ecuador



A small nation chocked full of rare and endemic wildlife and nature, Ecuador is a country only worthy of superlative descriptions. With natural wonders that hit the right sensory glands, you can feed your craving for all things natural here in one small country. Swim with sea lions, sharks and penguins on the Galapagos Islands, hike through the culturally-rich Amazon Rainforest or climb the Cotopaxi Mountain – you could easily do all that in one week. What’s more, Ecuador is one of the better-off countries in South America, equipped with better tourism infrastructure than its neighboring nations.

5. Jordan



Amongst the Arabic nations, Jordan is tops on my list – especially in terms of ease of travel, security and sights to see. Float in the Dead Sea in the north and then head down south to explore the archaeological sites of Petra and then hop on a camel safari through Wadi Rum desert. Unlike neighboring Egypt or Israel, the country is not overrun with tourism and dominated by foreigners. To see a real peek into the Middle Eastern world, Jordan would be a great start.

6. Macedonia



During my recent solo jaunt in the Balkans, Macedonia definitely left a deep impression on me: Not only were the locals helpful and forthcoming, the country is also shaped perfectly for intrepid adventure travelers looking to get off the beaten path. Composing of a multitude of mountains and emerald lakes, Macedonia is favored by outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking, climbing and boating. Be sure to check out Lake Ohrid and the Bitola Mountains.