TOAST FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD: DRINKS WITH A VIEW

By: Christian Stan

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as clinking glasses while you look out at an inspiring vista, whether it’s a sparkling cityscape or a tranquil ocean view. Here’s a roundup of some picturesque Four Seasons places to drink and relax — here’s to a travel-filled 2015!

The sights at Capa, the 17th floor steakhouse at the new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort are, in a word, explosive. That’s because you’ll have an unobstructed view of the theme park’s fireworks display from your perch on the terrace. Gather at the railing to “ooh” and “aah” over the show with a cocktail in hand to make this nightly occurrence feel like a special event.

You’ll be ready to say “Cheers!” when the night sky is your “ceiling” at the new Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The ultra-hip Mercury Lounge sits on the sixth-floor rooftop and its focal point is a giant glass sphere – a specialty vodka bar – surrounded by intimate seating pods and private lounges and towers with alcove seating. Though vodka cocktails are the house specialty, you can also order Champagne and shisha cocktails to enjoy while taking in the panoramic views punctuated only by Dubai’s famous skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa.

If you’re looking to get some fresh “AER,” we know just the spot. Step into the elevator at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai and press the “34” button because you’re going up where the views are postcard-perfect. At AER, the Hotel’s high-energy lounge, you’ll survey the city, sea, and stars while you partake in the nightly Sunset Happy Hour menu, where Champagne is offered by the glass and all cocktails are half-price.

“Awestruck” is the word that’ll come to mind when you stroll out onto the terrace at A’YA Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. With the city’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque as the backdrop, this neo-Ottoman rooftop is the newest spot to take in the Old Town while sipping Turkish wine and and sampling savoury bites.

Floating just below cloud level, Tian Bar is on the breathtaking 99th floor of the skyscraper that houses Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou. This venue is the very peak of chic, from its agate bar, sleek furnishings and wall of windows.