Summer’s approaching — and fast! Whether you’ve for a beach vacation or a city break planned, there’s one thing you know you need — spectacular sunsets that illuminate the sky in a rainbow of colours. And what better way to take in the sights and sounds of summer than with a sunset drink during golden hour?
For the best Southeast Asian sunset views, check out these fantastic vantage locations, which include private suites and sunset yacht trips.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa: An uninterrupted vista across sun, sand, and sea
Enjoy the tranquilly of your overwater villa as you take in the sea to sky silhouettes and the uninterrupted vista beyond the horizon. At the soon-to-open Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, spacious lodgings provide visitors with an exclusive haven of elegant calm. Every villa has a private pool and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Another fantastic place to watch the sun set is at the resort’s Eden Champagne & Gin Bar, which offers carefully chosen drinks and a cosy atmosphere. Alternatively, you may eat at a table by the water at Origin while taking part in a sophisticated, cutting-edge seafood dining experience. Enjoy the wide vistas of the azure waves as you observe time pass at a slower rate as the sky changes to spectacular gold hues.
Conrad Bali: A view accompanied by a transformative wellness experience
During your stay at Conrad Bali, you may take your sun salutations to a new level. The resort offers a variety of activities, including yoga and pilates on the beach, where you can enjoy the cooling ocean wind and the comforting heat of the setting (or rising) sun.
Indulge in a variety of holistic treatments, from forest bathing to sound healing, while chasing the sunsets to elevate your experience to a spiritual one. Even better, you may go to Tirta Empul, a sacred Balinese water temple, to cleanse your mind, body, and soul in preparation for a life filled with inspiration and inner serenity. Some believe that sunsets are signs of a heavenly connection since they leave you feeling completely changed.
Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur: For a rooftop lounge with stunning skylines
Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is one of the most recognisable in Asia, and the city’s rooftop bars are a popular destination for tourists. The Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur’s Rooftop 25 Bar and Lounge is the perfect place to up the ante during happy hour and really immerse yourself in the night.
Enjoy a sunset experience that is framed by magnificent views of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower in the city’s Golden Triangle. Enjoy custom cocktails created by the on-site mixologist while listening to smooth music and taking in big-city views. Even dipping your toes into the rooftop pool for an evening swim will make you realise that it doesn’t get much better than this for one of Asia’s most renowned cosmopolitan hubs.
Conrad Koh Samui: The most stunning panoramic cliffside views
If you’re looking for a new kind of experience, this is it! Conrad Koh Samui, which is situated on the southernmost point of the island, provides a variety of cliffside villas with stunning sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand. Imagine visiting a cocktail bar located high above the resort against a sizeable rock wall, where you can lounge in swing sofas and sip on freshly crafted concoctions — all while enjoying in the warm light of the setting sun!
Even the restaurants and bars feature singularly unique views. Enjoy beach kayaking excursions, snorkelling excursions at neighbouring coral reefs, or sunset yacht sails to experience the best of island living. Alternately, retreat to the luxurious spa for relaxing treatments and saunas with views of the ocean.
Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao: Balancing beach and city living
If you’re looking to relax on the beach but want to be close to Phuket’s action, Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is the place for you. As the sun is setting, the surrounds are bathed in a golden glow, making it the perfect time to unwind in your private balcony-equipped king guest room while enjoying a drink.
Take advantage of the opportunity to swim in one of the two on-site outdoor pools while you’re there. You can also stroll over to the neighbouring Bang Tao beach or drive a short distance to the hopping Patong nightlife district for a night out.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok: Sweeping sights from one of the tallest buildings in the city
The city of Bangkok is dotted with skyscrapers and high-rise structures, but none are as magnificent or recognisable as the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The hotel’s restaurants and bars are located throughout various levels of the skyscraper, while the property itself is situated in the city’s core business sector, offering some of the greatest views of downtown Bangkok.
The 55th floor Bull & Bear serves up grilled meats and seafood while you watch the sun go down. Or you can head to The Loft on the 56th level for an evening cocktail and conversation while taking in the city lights far below. During the day, head to the 17th-floor infinity pool for some sun (or shade, depending on your preference!) and views of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s beautiful gardens. The sky changing from the afternoon to dusk to night is something you won’t soon forget, so come in the evening and stay till late.
*All images courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts.