On holiday in Bali or craving a night out in Shanghai and lost for where to raise a glass? Well, Asia Tatler's editors have drunk our way around the region's finest watering holes and here's our pick of the best bars Asia has to offer.
Hong Kong
Sevva
Opened by Bonnie Gokson, Sevva's 360-degree balcony offers breathtaking views of the skyline, making it the perfect spot for a sundowner. Lushly decorated, it's a magnet for visiting celebs. Spotted recently: Bill Clinton tucking into some nosh, Gwyneth Paltrow looking delectable, Norman Foster having a cocktail in the shadow of his creation, the HSBC headquarters, and Damien Hirst partying the night away. And of course, Sevva's cream cakes are an experience not to be missed. www.sevva.hk
Read more about Gokson's new bakery here.
Ozone
Brand-spanking new this month is The Ritz-Carlton at ICC, complete with a sensational bar. Housed on the 118th floor of the world's tallest hotel, Ozone is the rooftop bar offering mind-blowing views of Victoria Harbour and a vertigo-inducing infinity pool for those who fancy a dip after drinks. www.ritzcarlton.com
Catch our preview of the Ritz-Carlton here.
Café Gray Deluxe
Café Gray enchants guests the moment they step on the 49th floor of Upper House. Entry is through an impressive 40-metre-high sky bridge flanked by flickering candles and soaring columns. Waiting to greet guests is an impressive 14-metre-long bar with arresting views of the neon-swathed city below. The bar has plenty of nooks and crannies in which to settle and offers a creative cocktail list, a perfectly pitched light-bites menu and unbelievably moreish homemade crisps. www.cafegrayhk.com
Bangkok
Sirocco
Drinking holes don't get much more exciting than the alfresco Sirocco in Bangkok. The illuminated circular bar is perched on the edge of the 63rd floor of The Dome at Lebua. Elevated above the dining deck, it feels suspended in mid-air and offers uninterrupted views of the city's skyline. With live jazz and expertly mixed cocktails to complement the experience, this ultra-chic and romantic hangout is for those living the high life. www.lebua.com
Opus
Opus owner Alex Morabito has created a smart but relaxed vibe at his wine bar and restaurant in Bangkok's business district. Elegantly set in a restored Thai villa, the highlight is a state-of-the-art walk-in wine cellar that stores more than 400 labels from every region in Italy. A compulsory stop for any oenophile. www.wbopus.com
Taipei
Marquee
Designed by Michelle Liao, the art director of high-end department store Breeze Centre in Taipei, Marquee has become the new playground for Taiwan's glitterati. The award-winning bartenders use premium liquors and the freshest ingredients, which keep celebrities like actress Terri Kwan coming back for more. www.marquee-taipei.com
In house
Masterminded by Cheng-Shiou Su, the godfather of nightclubs in Taiwan, In house is a lofty, spacious lounge that's a hit with local celebrities, including A-Mei, Elva Hsiao and David Tao. Chilled-out tracks play out during the week, while a DJ ramps it up with progressive house at the weekends. www.inhouse19.com
Jakarta
Blowfish
Incorporating ethnic Japanese design elements into its contemporary interior, the award-winning Blowfish is a hit with the capital's high society, who come to relax in the unique setting and feast on the modern and refined Japanese cuisine of San Francisco chef Hugo Adrian. www.ismaya.com/blowfish
Bali
Ku De Ta
In a prime beachfront spot in Seminyak, Ku De Ta is Bali's must-visit lifestyle destination. During the day, it's a trendy beach club, where the island's coolest people grab a spot of breakfast and hang out on daybeds; then, as night falls, a sexier atmosphere takes precedence as the space turns into a world-class event venue. www.kudeta.net
Manila
The Establishment
With three distinct venues, The Establishment offers everything night owls could want, all under one roof. Opened two years ago, it was voted by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the best places in Asia and described as "unabashedly swanky". And swanky it is, with high ceilings, sophisticated designs, bespoke cocktails and modern Asian cuisine that are guaranteed to awaken all the senses. www.establishment.com.ph
Salon de Ning
Bigwigs have been gathering at this 1930s Shanghainese art deco-inspired lounge at The Peninsula to sip their scotch and suck on their cigars. Inspired by an elegant private residence from a bygone era, Salon de Ning reflects the glamorous lifestyle of Madame Ning, a celebrated Shanghai socialite, bon vivant, world traveller and international hostess. There's a bit of everything thrown into the interior mix: Shanghai, shoes, zeppelins, fantasy islands and even boxing. www.peninsula.com
Kuala Lumpur
Sultan Lounge
Created by the design team behind the Buddha Bar in New York, the Sultan Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental is elegant and private. The luxurious bar features alcoves draped in sheer fabric that invoke Moorish desert tents and belly dancers and eclectic music and chic eats complete the scene. www.mandarinoriental.com
Rootz Dance Club
On the rooftop of Lot 10, Rootz is a grand Baroque-style space inspired by the architecture of the Russian museums and palaces and perfect for swanning around. With a capacity of more than 400, a whole VIP floor, world-renowned DJs and entertainers and the widest selection of champagne the city has to offer, it doesn't get much bigger than this. And with celebs like Wyclef Jean and Lionel Richie among its fans, what's not to like? www.rootz.com.my
SkyBar
SkyBar is up among the clouds on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel and features huge glass panels that offer intoxicating views of KL. By day, natural light floods in; by night, it basks in the glow of the Petronas twin towers. Chic and contemporary, SkyBar provides the ultimate in cool, satisfying drinks. www.skybar.com.my
Singapore
The Butter Factory
Spread out over two rooms that collectively offer hip-hop, R&B and urban grooves, The Butter Factory attracts a crowd that's always dressed to thrill. This bold, creative vibe runs throughout the club's veins – there's street art everywhere you turn, all contributions from various international artists. www.thebutterfactory.com
Lantern
Conceptualised by renowned interior designer Andre Fu, the stylish rooftop bar Lantern features a five-metre bar at its heart, with lush landscaping to complement the woody elements of the decor. Snag the best view from one of the daybeds that faces the skyline, then lie back and enjoy one of the bar's refreshing signature cocktails. www.fullertonbayhotel.com
Filter Members Club
Opened in September 2010, Filter is Singapore's only private club and caters to a more mature crowd. Entry is by invitation or referral only. A host of fashionistas, society faces and celebrities have already been spotted hobnobbing at this exclusive venue. www.Facebook.com/filterclub
Shanghai
El Cóctel
Mad Men meets Shanghai at El Cóctel, a cocktail bar opened by Spanish chef Willy Trullàs Moreno, who also has Fofo by El Willy here in Hong Kong. Tucked away on the second floor of a non-descript building, El Cóctel is an eclectic and intimate lounge bar with top-notch service. The barman, imported from Tokyo, serves up some of the best libations in the city. And for the peckish, there's the best ham and Emmental sandwich in town. 2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu Tel: +86 21 6433 6511
The Glamour Bar
A stalwart on the Shanghai scene, The Glamour Bar is a second home to the city's glitterati and a must-visit for globetrotters. With an arresting view of the Bund, its sexy and sensual interiors, and endless new entertainments, which range wildly from drag shows and international DJs, to the Shanghai International Literary Festival, this luxurious salon is where it's at. www.m-theglamourbar.com
