Alfresco sipping season is in full swing, and there’s no better time to visit a terrace for drinks and eats. Here are five top Instagrammable spots for both a view and a stellar summer vibe.
Get a close-up of Hong Kong’s legendary skyline when you take this city-center hotel’s dedicated elevator straight up to Popinjays, the sleek bar and restaurant on the 25th floor. From here, you can see nearby skyscrapers, scenic gardens and the green mountains beyond — the 4,500-square-foot terrace wraps all the way around the building, so when you tire of one incredible view, you can move on to the next.
Along with the stunning scenery, expect a well-heeled crowd tippling classic and bespoke cocktails at sunset. If you choose to have the European-focused fare for dinner inside, you’ll be privy to both the stylish interior adorned with colorful art and vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows.
With a grand, wrap-around veranda and views of Charleston Harbor, Fiat Lux — the ninth-floor rooftop bar at this newly opened Marion Square stay — oozes modern Southern charm.
The Holy City hotel debuted in January and its terrace is already a popular place to take in the skyline while grabbing light Mediterranean-inspired bites (roasted beets and feta) and sundowners like The Lux Cupp (Pimm’s, lemon juice, strawberry puree, ginger syrup and prosecco).
The genteel interior (herringbone wood floors, leather seating and crown moldings galore) opens up to an expansive terrace with a mix of places to lounge, from traditional wicker seating to private poolside cabanas.
Lest you assume the adjacent pool makes the space lean more barefoot casual, think again. The dress code requires cover-ups and footwear by day, and collared shirts in the evening — this is the South, after all.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris
It may be perched in the heart of Paris on the bustling Champs-Élysées, but this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel’s Le Jardin de Joy is a peaceful hidden treasure.
Inside is a recently refreshed jewel box of a restaurant, covered in rich teal fabrics and lined with dark wood bookcases.
While the interior might be cozy, Old World chic, the dining room flows into a lovely courtyard terrace designed to transport you to the countryside of Provence.
The outdoor space has patio lounge seating and low tables surrounded by a verdant green garden and patches of sunflowers at every turn. Yellow buckets of fresh herbs adorn the tables and baskets of lavender fill the air with that telltale summertime aroma.
The menu features a selection of Veuve Clicquot champagne (naturally) and lighter nibbles like Niçoise salad and barbecue sea bass.
For a fully French experience, book an alfresco table during Sunday’s musical brunch, when you can enjoy croissants, cheeses and cocktails as jazzy tunes waft through the garden.
Modern, urban and sleek, DEQ Terrace & Lounge will not disappoint for a sophisticated outdoor sip. The courtyard space at this Five-Star Toronto property puts you in front of city staples like Simcoe Park and CN Tower, but the real allure here is the lounge-like atmosphere and delightful drinks.
Low-slung sectional sofas, intimate two-seater tabletops and a contemporary outdoor fire pit set the mood for refined summer pours like Enchanted Trail (bourbon, coconut rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice) and Ice Queen (frosé, St. Germain and Grey Goose Citron).
Head here on weekends for a popular boozy brunch. Highlights include chicken and red velvet waffles, bottomless mimosas made with fresh juice and live DJs spinning tunes.
Summer in NYC can be a steamy mess, so booking a hotel with a breezy poolside terrace is ideal, especially if it’s got a trendy downtown vibe. Terrace on 7 at SoHo’s The Dominick certainly fits the bill, with a patio that has stellar views of midtown, downtown and the Hudson River.
Snag a seat under a wood portico and order fresh, handmade sushi and green tea soba noodles while watching the stylish patrons splash around the pool. Bonus points if you spot a unicorn float.
For Instagram-worthy shots, order a fresh-fruit-infused craft cocktail and position it in front of the skyline.
