The Best Rooftop Bars in Asia

Beautiful bars and the cutest cocktails

Twinkling lights, sultry sunsets, a long list of heady cocktails – it’s hard to resist the lure of a good rooftop bar. Travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith keep their finger on the pulse of the world’s watering holes, so we ask them to give us the low down on five of the best (and highest) in Asia…

RAAS – Jodhpur, India

Brought bang up to date with clean lines and a sleek palette, this sumptuous Maharaja’s mansion is the last word in romance. Inside, rose-hued sandstone, carved jaali screens and freestanding bath tubs are fit for a Maharani. Outside, the Rooftop Bar – a relaxed space of cushioned banquettes, candle-lit tables and scene-stealing views – looks out over both the pool and majestic Mehrangarh Fort. A pinch-me-quick spot for mojito sundowners.

Smith extra: A fruit basket

Fullerton Bay Hotel – Singapore

Rooftop bars are all the rage in Singapore, but if you can’t face the scrum at see-and-be-seen Ku Dé Ta across the bay, snag a pew at Lantern instead. This lofty poolside perch has a striking circular bar, dreamy cabana day-beds and equally impressive views. Try the signature Red Lantern cocktail, a lip-smacking blend of tequila, watermelon, cucumber, cointreau and lime, a homage to the area’s heritage when red lanterns hung on the pier to welcome immigrants and seafarers.

Smith extra: Singapore Flyer tickets for two

Hotel Muse – Bangkok, Thailand

Intimate and elegant, this stylish high-rise bolthole has some of the most hedonistic wining and dining in the capital. Sprawling on the 24th and 25th floors, the Speakeasy is the talk of the town. West-facing Long Bar is great for sinking sundowners, but rooftop Lawn Bar offers vertiginous thrills and drool-worthy Bangkok views. Vintage cocktails, such as Aviators and Negronis, nod to the Prohibition era for sultry soirees with a sprinkling of jazz-era swagger.

Smith extra: An exclusive Muse platter at rooftop bar the Speakeasy, ideal to enjoy at sunset on arrival day

The Water House – South Bund, Shanghai

Housed in a cleverly preserved 1930s factory, this cooler-than-thou bijou hotel offsets a gritty exterior with seriously glam interiors. Head to the artfully rusted Roof Bar for classy cocktails and unobstructed city views: al fresco tables, a well-stocked bar and flower garden provide a top setting to sip China-inspired tipples, such as the potent Shanghai Iced Tea or the Myth of the Orient made with lime, chilli and a dash of soy sauce.

Smith extra: A bottle of wine

Luna2 Studiotel – Bali, Indonesia

Just off Seminyak beach, Luna2 is a colourful ode to retro-futuristic design. Somewhere between a boutique hotel and international space station, this refreshingly playful stay takes home-from-home luxury to new heights. Grab a perch at sunset in Space Champagne & Caviar – a rooftop hangout with sweeping ocean views and a suitaby cosmic decor – and ask for the signature Lunatini, a zingy blend of citrus-infused Belvedere vodka, Veuve Clicquot champagne and lime

Smith extra: An ‘in-flight’ dining experience for two, including a glass of wine each, delivered by a Luna2 hostess

Mr & Mrs Smith gets you the best rates, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.