The best rooftop retreats to visit this summer

By Elizabeth Winding

April 14, 2023

Show-stopping views come as standard at these rooftop hideaways – along with destination dining, sun-dappled pools and loungers you’ll never want to leave.

One of the greatest pleasures of summer in the city? Retreating to a rooftop hideaway, to dine alfresco, drink in the views, or cool off with a swim. We’ve rounded up five exceptional addresses, whether you’re dreaming of a pool with a view or dinner beneath the stars.

Candlelit tables and views over the city from Mahjong Roof Garden at Mandarin Oriental, Munich

The Munich Sushi Club at Mandarin Oriental, Munich

For stylish alfresco dining, head to this slick, seasonally opening rooftop restaurant and bar. Its glorious wrapround views take in the Old Town’s spires and gabled roofs, along with the turreted town hall and twin domes of the cathedral. Sights ticked off, settle into a stylishly low-slung sofa, and consider the polished cocktail list. (You can’t go wrong with a Rooftop New Fashioned, or glass of Veuve Clicquot.)

Bottles on ice and sea views from the terrace at Tasca restaurant, Mandarin Oriental, Dubai

Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Walking into this beachfront address is an experience you won’t forget: think doormen in frock coats and fedoras, and an avenue of crystal-leafed bronze trees. The ace in its sleeve, though, is the rooftop. A glinting infinity pool meets the blue of the Arabian Gulf, while Tasca is the city’s hottest table. Portuguese chef José Avillez is behind its Michelin-starred menu; don’t miss his creamy Avocado Tempura, or the specially-imported Blue Lobster. And for dessert? The fleur de sel-spiked hazelnut ice-cream, or an extraordinary, ice cream-filled mandarin.

Daybeds and a guest swimming in the rooftop pool at Mandarin Oriental, Doha

The Pool at Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Whether you’re into poolside lounging or racking up the lengths, the eighth-floor terrace at Mandarin Oriental, Doha delivers. Curtain-swathed cabanas edge two dreamy rooftop pools; settle into a cushioned daybed with a Pomjito mocktail, laced with fresh mint and fig jam. Staff are on hand with fresh towels and cool drinks, while the sun-dappled terrace at Mosaic is perfect for lunch. The view takes in Al Bidda Park and the glittering skyscrapers of West Bay; at sunset, look out for traditional teak dhows, sailing across the bay.

The chic terrace with dining area and dipping pool at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Terrat at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

A gold lift whisks you up to Barcelona’s most glamorous rooftop, bordered by an elegant, guests-only dipping pool. Bask on a sun-warmed lounger or get an aerial view of the city, including the filigree, fairy-tale spires of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. Its bar and restaurant Terrat has second-to-none views across the city, and also serves the finest Pisco Sours this side of Lima. Craving a tapas hit? Order up some croquetas, or blistered caviar.

The luxurious penthouse terrace at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

The Penthouse Suites at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Set between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this opulent, Edwardian grande dame is the ultimate London crash pad. Waking up to a view of the park is the biggest luxury of all – especially if you’re checked into its ninth-floor penthouse suites, the Mandarin and the Oriental (better still, they can be connected to form a three-bedroom super-suite). Floor-to-ceiling windows offer cinematic views, while each suite has a private terrace – the best spot in the city for breakfast, backdropped by birdsong from the park.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.

About the Author

Elizabeth Winding

Elizabeth is a lifestyle and travel journalist, whose work has appeared in Times Travel, Condé Nast Traveler and The Telegraph.