Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai opens breathtaking Aer bar
From this December, a fresh addition to Mumbai's social scene will keep a small crowd sweet with sunset cocktails, midnight mezzes and chilled-out beats into the early hours. But what really sets this oasis of chic relaxation apart is its mind-blowing, open-air location: 34 floors above the bustling streets of Worli.
Covering the entire rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Aer's panoramic city and sea views and endless ceiling of sky and stars create an atmosphere that redefines the notion of freedom.
“It takes your breath away” explains Aer's Manager, Shaijo Rajan. “There's nowhere else like it in the city. You are so high up, you feel as though you have been transported to a different place. All you can see is the sea and the lights of Mumbai spread out like a blanket beneath you.”
This sense of space is complimented by the avant-garde design that is both contemporary and minimalist. The design team includes names such as Bob Bilkey, Oscar Llynas, Nozer Wadia, Ritu Nanda, Elsie Nanji and Annalisa Beliettati. Together, they have combined black and white, the yin and yang of design, to create luminous appeal.
The forms of the Tokyo pop series of furniture by Driade were the inspiration for the bar's seamless jigsaw shapes of white outdoor furniture, whilst organic industrial designer Ross Lovegrove's Love Bench makes a statement at the entrance. The overall design punctuates the vast transparency with hints of drama to effortlessly bridge the indoors and outdoors.
The high-energy lounge will be kept abuzz by a house DJ, playing nightly sets of modern Indian lounge. Professionally-trained barmen keep the vibe going at the bar, mixing exclusive and even personalised blends of fresh fruit and champagne cocktails alongside an eclectic menu of wines and champagnes by the glass. Champagnes and cocktails drop to around half price during the sunset-friendly hours of 5.30-8.30pm each night.
Dining is equally inspiring, with the emphasis on "sharing plates": innovative selections of hot and cold Lebanese and Middle Eastern dips, Mediterranean tapas and international favourites.
The bar itself may be cooled by refreshing breezes, but the service is firmly focused on creating the warmest of welcomes and an easy, inviting ambience. “Although we'll be operating a strict dress code, Aer is anything but pretentious,” says Shaijo. “Ultimately, it's somewhere to relax with good friends and enjoy the freedom of feeling on top of the world.”
Aer will be open from 17.30hrs - 01.30hrs daily with a maximum seating capacity of 80.
For more information on Four Seasons, visit fourseasons.com.