When it comes to an exclusive experience, it’s hard to top the Maldives. Throw in an overwater bar surrounded by crystalline-blue waters and topped with a world-class observatory and you have paradise made manifest: Anantara Kihavah SKY. Part of Anantara Kihavah Maldives resort, this circular bar offers a night of luxury under the stars.
The only observatory in the Maldives, this sky ‘scope is headed up by resident astronomer and sky guru Ali Shameem. Having grown up on a Maldivian island without electricity, he developed a fascination with the cosmos and nurtured this over the years by mapping the constellations. With Shameem’s assistance and expert knowledge, astronomy buffs and stargazing enthusiasts will delight in the viewing the Milky Way from the observatory – fitted with a 3.8 metre Ash-dome – via the powerful research-grade 16″ Meade LX200 telescope. Rotating a cool 360 degrees, the telescope allows guests to experience the sight of outer space in exquisite detail, from the rings of Saturn to Messier 13, a sparkling constellation named Hercules and comprising of more than 300,000 stars. There’s a weekly stargazing schedule x or opt for the more intimate setting and book in for a couples session, toasting with a different kind of sparkle – a bottle of champagne.
Naturally, the cocktail menu is as dazzling as the skies above, so for a little heaven on earth get your lips around one of the bar’s signature tipples, King of The Sky. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek story about the creation of the Milky Way universe, the holy bevvy is concoction of toasted sesame bourbon, Havana 7, cream, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon dust. Legend has it that Zeus brought his son Hercules to feed from his mother while she slept but when she awoke, startled by their presence, some drops were spilled and thus, the Milky Way was born.
If you’re more of a sun worshipper than a night owl, sink into one of the plush loungers, cocktail in hand, and tune into the mellifluous soundtrack of lapping water and slow beats while taking in the unencumbered views of the Indian Ocean.
Jakarta has an affinity for good libations, and the Smoky Barrel Aged Negroni at Beer Hall in central Jakarta may be the king of drinks. The space is sprawling and modern, the air conditioning is blissfully strong, and the drink itself a feast for all the senses.
Coaxed out of a barrel-aged tap into a crystal decanter (single serve), a mixture of special combustibles is packed into a handheld smoker. Once ignited, a luscious smoke fills the vessel, giving the dark cherry-coloured elixir – a concoction of gin, campari, sweet vermouth and orange bitters – a swamp-like appearance. Capped, it is up to the imbiber to pour their own magic potion. Watch as the smoke and thick drink flow freely from the glittering container into a perfectly cubed glass. The taste is even more sublime then the ritual of making it. Smooth and not too sweet, this negroni may be a long way from home, but it is definitely not one you want to miss.
If you want to impress travel pals with your local know-how then
this is the place to be. A drinking den that’s hidden behind an unmarked door at the back of a matchstick-box-sized Mexican restaurant, Candelaria basically ticks every box on the hip hit list: the front is a sparsely decorated taco stand, the back a candlelit clandestine bar.
Try authentic tacos and quesadillas, and affordable cocktails from a menu that favours agave spirits, such as mezcal and tequila; wannabe connoisseurs can even dabble in a flight of four for US$35. Those feeling less intrepid should give Al Son de la Batanga (made with Olmeca Altos Tequila Blanco, Amaro Montenegro, fresh lime juice and Chinotto) a whirl, or perhaps La Guèpe Verte (chilli-infused tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, coriander leaves and cucumber). There are even special brunch cocktails on offer at weekends between 12pm and 4pm.
Located in Paris’ quiet 3rd arrondissement it’s perfect for a quick nightcap, but also plenty close to the bustling Latin Quarter and the more suave Le Marais.
Fancy a globalised drinking experience, where Indian spices mingle with Austrian chocolate, and Twinings tea loses its virginity? Then step into Mexico City’s Limantour, where bartenders aspire to unite the flavours of the world in cocktail form. Limantour – which rocked in at a rather impressive number 13 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2017 – has an extraordinary collection of drinking vessels hidden among its cupboards. Think anything from kitsch ceramic mugs to flaming molecular apparatus.
The bartenders are equally renowned among their industry brethren, and their global drinking adventures chronicled on the bar’s website. Perfection takes time, however, so grab a seat amid the minimalist Art Deco decor and glance upwards at the tilted ceiling mirrors where you can see reflections of the cocktail wizards working their magic. And with cocktails starting from just US$6.50, you might as well get to work on the menu stat. Welcome to the heart of the Mexican capital’s “New Old Days”.
Before the sun sets on the Italian resort town of Livigno all the action takes place at the base of either the Mottolino or Carosello 3000 lifts. Here you’ll find Stalet, where skis are dislodged and dancing and drinking commence.
If that all gets too wild, head into town where there are about 140 bars. We know it’s never about quantity over quality, but most of these are quite small places and many have unique offerings: Jpioca does cocktails, the Echo Pub is attached to a microbrewery, the Kuhstall downstairs at Hotel Bivio is the spot for live music, and Kokodi is number one for late-night dancing divas.
The Culpeper is an old-school Whitechapel boozer gone a little bit fancy. Exposed brick and scuffed communal tables are updated with the addition of angular light fittings and plenty of foliage. There’s a decent range of beers on tap, a list of natural wines and cocktails that feature herbs grown on the roof of the building. In fact, there’s another bar up there, with a glasshouse-style undercover area and al fresco tables among the potted fruit trees and beds of thriving greens.
You can’t go wrong, really, since there’s also a solid menu of rustic pub grub created from seasonal produce. The fantastic Sunday roast is particularly grand if you’ve been up early searching for bargains at the neighbouring Petticoat Lane Market.
If you ever find yourself driving through the California desert, keep your eyes peeled for what looks like an old movie set. Here, in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find one of the States’ best music venues. Pappy & Harriet’s was originally established as part of Pioneertown in 1946, when a group of Hollywood hoi polloi decided to create a frontier town that hid motels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Harriet and Pappy took over one building in 1982, set up a Tex-Mex restaurant and brought in the bands. Park yourself in a booth, down a Bud and a quesadilla and prepare for a night of good music. It’s a popular spot for Coachella sideshows, hosts its own festivals and has seen the likes of Modest Mouse and the Pixies on its stage.
Before you get too excited, be aware that the house specialty at Barranco’s Ayahuasca Restobar is not the mind-altering substance favoured by people looking for higher meaning, but much tastier pisco sours, made with the local liquor. Not that you’ll care, because the interior of this nineteenth-century mansion is enough to transport you to another place anyway.
Before you settle in for libations and perhaps a plate of empanadas, wander the seemingly endless corridors and rooms. Each is furnished in traditional style but infused with primary colours, whether in the woven upholstery or covering an entire room and all that is in it. There’s one room where everything – from the sofas to the objects on a set of shelves, is lime green. Which may just make you think you’re tripping on ayahuasca, even if you’re completely sober.
Dating back to 1198, the Brazen Head is reputed to be Dublin’s oldest pub and one of the best for live tunes. Kick back next to a flaming open fire, with a pint of Guinness and tuck into one of the hearty meals in any of the pub’s three rooms.
During the warmer months you can soak it all up in the cobbled-stoned beer garden, or you can always huddle up under a gas heater and muse over the locals who used to haunt here. Rumour has it that this is where the Irish rebel Robert Emmet planned his uprising.
The Brazen Head has an extensive collection of Irish whiskies, Guinness, gins and vodkas from around the world, as well as a selection of wines, and a fully stocked bar. There’s traditional Irish music to warm the cockles of your heart and a fine selection of trad Irish food on offer. Try the Irish stew, bangers and mash or if you really want authentic Irish fare go for the Clonakilty Black Pudding Salad.
This small, trendy bar gives a nod to the king of pop art, Andy Warhol. In the evening, the courtyard is lit by candles giving it a romantic atmosphere. Inside, just collapse on the Moroccan sofas to sip inventive cocktails – during happy hour (6pm to 8pm) they’re €5. Stop by before dinner.
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