There’s something about getting to the roof of a building that brings a nautral high with it that just doesn’t go away as you get older. Slap on a pool, some delicious slurpy cocktails, music, unbelievable cityscapes and you’ve got a righteous summer there. Design Hotels™ presents five cool rooftops to indulge in leisure and enjoy some sun-fueled chill-out sessions.
Designer comfort
A gateway to the old and new Jerusalem, the Mamilla Hotel takes this role quite seriously. Combining the genius of internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie and interior designer Piero Lissoni, the result is a striking modern design housed inside Jerusalem stone. Dramatic floating metal staircases, sloping glass and steel ceilings and a minimalistic aesthetic exalt contemporary design. At the Rooftop outdoor lounge and restaurant this play continues with an awe-inspiring vista over the Old City, while enjoying Lissoni’s elegant, comfortable seating and welcoming, wood-panelled bar area. This comfort extends into the Mamilla Café, where the informal dining atmosphere includes a long Carrera marble table intended for communal dining, and a charming sofa terrace lounge.
Wooded haven
It’s not often that the exterior of a hotel steals the show, but in the case of Hotel Omm thanks to sections of the unusual limestone façade teasingly peeling back, the rooms looks like pages of a book about to be revealed. Inside, simple lines, natural materials and a fine balance of colors and volumes provide a calm backdrop to elements of surprise in the form of futuristic lighting for example. On the terrace, the swimming pool and solarium are fashioned from dark wood, and where the drama comes in is from the fantastic panorama of the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milá. Come June, celebrate summer evenings Barcelona style with cocktails and tapas by the poolside and catch performances and special treats during Hotel Terrace Week between June 5-9. Moet & Chandon will host launch parties for its new champagne on special dates through the summer!
Marrakech on my mind
Located in the heart of the meandering streets of the souk, The Great Getaway Medina is the perfect picture of what one might hope for on a trip to exotic Marrakech. An intimate six-room property, housed in a former Riad, the magic begins the moment you enter the grand circular courtyard with high columns and arches, detailed craftsmanship and fluttering white curtains. The style is carried through the rest of the hotel with jewelled tones on walls and handcrafted furniture dotted around. But up on the roof is where it really feels like Aladdin’s paradise with views of the ornate historic part and the Atlas Mountains, and the aroma of spices wafting from the grill. Choose from kebabs or fresh seafood to Moroccan staples such as beef tagines with dried plums or home style terrines.
Earthy luxury
Nest, the al fresco lounge at Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, does exactly that – invite you to relax and sit around for hours enjoying a cozy atmosphere and having all your wishes fulfilled. There’s a distinctive African pride throughout the spaces of the property where a treasure trove of tribal art from all over the continent is proudly on display in the public spaces. This theme is also carried through to Nest, where warm tones lend a cheerful air to the setting while ornate lanterns cast a gentle glow. The laid-back seating provides the right perch from which to enjoy the innovative house-blend of shisha flavours such as James Blonde, blending watermelon and mint. There’s also a range of signature martinis to gently ease into the sultry night.
Poolside glam
It isn’t just that Five Hotel & Spa is located in one of the most glamorous spots on the Cote d’Azur – behind the famous Croisette in Cannes, it also exudes the sophisticated charm and singular spirit there. Taking inspiration from five continents, artisans were commissioned from around the globe to create luxurious, handcrafted pieces for this 45-room hotel. On the rooftop, this journey also offers guests one of the best views of the old city and a Zen pool area. A stainless steel infinity pool is complemented by blonde cumaru decking, big comfy day beds, turquoise walls and three waterfalls. To satiate your hunger post a nice swim, try the world fusion menu created by Michelin-starred brothers Jacques and Laurent Pourcel at the on site Sea Sens restaurant.