Wafted from Paradise…

Bali Courtyard Bar

In a city dominated by vast six-lane thoroughfares and skyscrapers seemingly built by giants, it’s always refreshing to find a relaxed and playful little hideaway that’s out of the ordinary, and judging by the crowds at Bali Courtyard we’re not the only ones. Now to be sure, this rooftop aerie perched on the 7th floor above the hubbub of happening nightlife and retail zone Sanlitun, has had other, less salubrious incarnations, but this time the look, the feel and more importantly the vibe is just right. Based around a large central pool with low-lit ambient lighting, the tables are individualised with wafty, wraparound cabana-style drapes for added privacy, and the walkways dotted with potted palms and banana plants.

With a little imagination, the help of the faux, sand-effect concrete underfoot, and DJ house sounds pumping through the night air, you could, with a squint and a pinch, be on the Island of the Gods, were it not for the towering edifices surrounding you. The signature cocktails wink from the menu with fun and fruity names like Sex on the Bali, and Balitini, but if you’re in a group, opt for the discounted bottles of Grey Goose. Is it paradise? Well, possibly not, but in the middle of a megalopolis, it’s a sandal in the right direction.