Rooftop bars may be all the rage these days, but there are other types of alfresco, roof-top spaces to host memorable events. Here are five ideas from around the region.
OPEN-AIR DINING: THE CATHAY ROOM & ROOFTOP TERRACE, FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL
Shanghai, China
Outdoor dining at The Cathay Room (left); the Rooftop Terrace on the 11th floor
What’s it like? The Cathay Room, Shanghai’s premier fine-dining destination that dates back to the 30s, reopened in May this year. The newly renovated restaurant on the ninth floor connects to an outdoor area that offers breathtaking views of the Pudong skyline, which can be enjoyed from an intimate, elegant setting. The hotel, situated on the Bund, also overlooks the Huangpu River. Classic European dishes are served in The Cathay Room, specially prepared by Chef de Cuisine Trevor Macleod.
In addition, there is the 11th floor-Rooftop Terrace, a standalone venue that may be booked for corporate events.
Group size: The restaurant seats 76 while the adjoining veranda has room for 30. On the 11th floor, up to 200 guests may be accommodated.
Contact: www.fairmont.com/peace-hotel-shanghai
AMIDST A NATURE-INSPIRED SETTING: SERENITY GARDEN, HOTEL CHINZAN-SO TOKYO
Tokyo, Japan
What’s it like? The current Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so will reopen in January 2013 as Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, and its open-air rooftop will take the form of an artificial oasis. Dubbed Serenity Garden, the 1,500-sqm venue will be a purpose-built events facility set against the backdrop of the Tokyo metropolis, as well as the 7-hectare, Japanese-style garden in which the hotel is located. The function area can accommodate different seating arrangements, including banquet, theatre and cocktail receptions.
Group size: A maximum of 150.
Contact: http://hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.jp
AT A WORLD-CLASS RACETRACK: SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
Selangor, Malaysia
What’s it like? Overlooking the F1 track on one side and the Paddock Area on the other is the Sepang International Circuit Rooftop venue, which covers 10,290 sqm. The massive space works for product launches and outdoor concerts. In the distance, guests can see the Kuala Lumpur International Airport just 30 minutes away, and watch as planes take off and touch down on the runway. The deck is also well-positioned for sunset views.
Group size: A maximum of 800 can be accommodated.
Contact: www.sepangcircuit.com
THE ALL-IN-ONE CONFERENCE HUB: MAX ATRIA
Singapore
What’s it like? The rooftop at MAX Atria convention centre, measuring 460 sqm, is ideal for hosting intimate gatherings. The view from the top encompasses the Changi precinct. The purpose-built facility, located in the Singapore EXPO complex, also houses a range of pre-function and meeting areas, from spacious foyers to pillarless rooms. Planners conscious of eco-friendly event practices will be interested to know that MAX Atria is a certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.
Group size: Groups of up to 200.
Contact: www.maxatria.com.sg
CLASSY AND CULTURAL: MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Australia
What’s it like? The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s expansion was unveiled in March this year, along with three new rooftop venues: the Harbourside Room and Quayside Room on the roof of the original building, and the Sculpture Terrace on top of the new Contemporary Wing.
The Quayside Room covers 290 sqm, while the Harbourside Room welcomes bigger groups across 360 sqm of floor area. Both halls come with their own balconies and boast views of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The Sculpture Terrace, on the other hand, occupies 420 sqm of open-air space amidst panoramic views of the city.
Group size: The Quayside Room accommodates groups of up to 150, while the Harbourside Room welcomes 300 at most, as does the Sculpture Terrace.
Contact: www.mca.com.au
Johna Baylon
