Dome, Intercontinental, Marine Drive
Few places are more romantic than a rooftop sky bar overlooking the sea and the twinkling lights of the city below. Dome, located on the hotel's eighth floor, captures the mood with an informal, open-air lounge and terrace restaurant offering a selection of international grilled items, cocktails, premium wines and cigars. You can enjoy a drink while soaking in the beauty of the Queen's Necklace.
White is the colour dominating the interiors and the evenings are lit up with small candles and the moonlit sky above. "Most people say we are the most romantic place in Mumbai," says Paul Kinny, executive chef. At night, the view is spectacular. Open from 5pm till 1am, one can hear Woody, the jazz saxophonist play between Tuesday to Thursday and DJ Inaam playing lounge music on other days. Wines are the preferred choice here, along with cocktails and single malts.
Gadda da Vida, Novotel, Juhu
Named after a garbled 1968 song by Iron Butterfly, it means In the Garden of Eden. The Eden here at Gadda da Vida is a view of a cleaner part of Juhu beach. Kick back and unwind before the magnificent Arabian Sea sunset. Full length glass panels enclose the inside from the outdoor area. Whiffs of salty sea breeze and the crashing of waves can best be enjoyed in the outdoor area.
Pink, purple and orange colours dominate the interiors, which are lit up by chandeliers. "We offer a variety of live entertainment over the weekends," informs Suraj Siddhe, bartender. It's live music on Friday, and a DJ playing on Saturday and Sunday. Open from 4pm till 3am, you can try some unusual drinks like -- Coconut Lips (pineapple juice, fresh cream, coconut cream and raspberry syrup), Between the Sheets (Bacardi rum, cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice) and Kingfisher Chicken (whole chicken roasted over a can of beer).
A Bar, Renaissance, Powai
An extension of the lobby at Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre, The A Bar affords a stunning view of the Powai Lake. The bar is flanked by the grand staircase at one end and French windows at the other.It is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying a variety of spirits, wine and soft drinks, including premium scotches and snacks. At night, traffic lights sparkle like jewels from the windows. Huge mirrors giving a Turkish-Iranian feel, purple upholstery for a kitschy look and pillars encased in brass make up the interiors. Open from 5pm till midnight, you can enjoy some English classical music and contemporary songs by pianist Alvin Ondoy.
Vie Lounge and Deck, Juhu
The specks of sand on the wooden slab signals you've arrived at Vie. Opening onto Juhu beach, this bar offers a sweeping view of the ocean and with DJs spinning the latest music and some of the best drinks churned by the trained bartenders, you are sure to feel you are in Ibiza. The special seating areas (balconies), offer a view of both the extremes of Juhu beach. There are bars inside, in an enclosed AC area and outside. "We are known for our huge selection of drinks, particularly cocktails," says Melroy Miles, manager. Fruit blends, wines, beers, liqueurs, shooters, whiskey, breezers and night caps and just about anything related to drinks are available. There is a live station that offers grilled and barbequed food, besides salads and Mediterranean food. It is open from 12pm to 1.30am.
Aurus, Juhu
The entrance to Aurus is misleading -- a narrow dark path leads you inside and suddenly you see light. Once inside, you'll be dazzled by the baroque and opulent interior. Overlooking the Juhu beach, you get a wide angle view of the sea from all sides.
The open outdoor sitting area is popular with young couples. While good food and a selection of liquor and wines is available, for those who want to simply soak in the view but prefer the non alcoholic drinks, the juices, cocktails and mocktails prepared here are fresh and seasonal produce, making them very popular. It's open from 8pm to 1am and there is a DJ performing every Friday night.


