There’s something to be said about an unforgettable backdrop, and few things are finer than sipping a cocktail accompanied by a stellar sunset view. Whether you prefer vistas of downtown skylines or exotic panoramas, here are five hotel bars that come alive when the sun begins to set:
Eden-Roc Grill & Lounge Bar at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France
Set along the southern end of the Cap D’Antibes, this luxe French Riviera retreat has been impressing guests with its views for more than 140 years. The hotel’s bar overlooks the glittering Mediterranean Sea and nearby Lérins Islands, making it a popular spot for picturesque sunset moments (especially during the annual Cannes Film Festival in May). Order up a mojito as well as sushi and tapas. Note: The hotel opens for the season on April 19.
The Terrace at Trump at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Travel up to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s 16th floor — just off of Five-Star restaurant Sixteen — and prepare to be impressed. The Terrace at Trump is only open during the summer (usually debuting in late May), but the view is worth the wait. Look out across the Chicago River, which winds its way through the city before jutting out into Lake Michigan, and get a close look at the top of the Wrigley clock tower. Order the sugar-rimmed Exotic Ginger (Belvedere, St-Germain, Cointreau, muddled ginger, white cranberry juice and fresh lime) and watch fireworks from nearby Navy Pier (Wednesdays and Saturdays) for a memorable evening.
Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia
While Bali is already known for its stunning scenery, the view from Ayana Resort and Spa’s Rock Bar is almost too good to be true. Situated on a 45-foot-tall cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, this open-air oasis implores you to visit when the sun is disappearing. The drink menu creatively plays on the bar’s location with cocktails such as the Rockberry Martini (dry gin, strawberry, blueberry, tea, honey and sugar syrup), and resident DJs spin tunes late-night Thursday through Sunday.
Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore
The rooftop bar at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is set in a prime location for viewing the city. Located on the water in Singapore’s Marina Bay, you can spot everything from the skyline to the Marina Bay Sands casino. Head to Lantern just before sunset for unbeatable vistas — not to mention a crisp mojito or tangy margarita. Fun fact: The bar’s name comes from neighboring Clifford Pier’s original Chinese name, “Red Lantern Pier,” which was instrumental for some of Singapore’s first immigrants.
Sunset Lounge at Mondrian South Beach, Miami
The bar’s name gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect — a mesmerizing landscape. This über-chic Miami hotel can be found on the city’s Biscayne Bay, boasting incredible views of the water and downtown skyline. Sunset Lounge, designed by Dutch architect Marcel Wanders, features unique elements such as an adult-sized sandbox (yes, you read correctly), a labyrinth garden and cachaças and caipirinhas that use local ingredients. Try the Chilli Passion caipirinha, made with fresh passion fruit, limes, Hawaiian sugar, Sriracha spice and Leblon cachaça.
Photos Courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower
