Tourexpi
The
creativity of the expert mixologists at these modern hotel bars, located in
some of the world’s most stunning destinations, goes far beyond James Bond’s
classic shaken martini.
“Today’s
modern hotel bars have a high recreational value for guests, which we deliver
through contemporary design, bar talents and a product range tailored to
current bar scene trends,” says Serhan Kusaksizoglu, known as “Papa Charly”
among colleagues and mixology enthusiasts, and Corporate Director of Bars &
Concepts for the international hotel group. ”Developing extravagant bar
concepts and nurturing mixology talents in our five-star hotels are both my
motivation and my passion.” Kusaksizoglu’s passion for bars was inspired by his
grandfather, who owned a tavern in Istanbul. After completing his hotel
management training, Kusaksizoglu was drawn behind some world-famous bar
counters where he gained experience at iconic establishments such as the
legendary Schumann’s Bar in Munich. His 11 years of experience in luxury hotels
across Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, have significantly enriched his
innovative ideas for Kempinski’s bars.
“A
top bar in a luxury hotel must be a destination within a destination,” says
Papa Charly. “However, it’s not just about the look and feel — offerings must
also align with the zeitgeist. Cocktails, in particular, are subject to trends
and influences from pop culture and history. These trends range from the gin
craze, tequila and mescal to crafted cocktails utilising special techniques
like clarified cocktails, fermentations and re-distillations that add an extra
layer of sophistication to each mix.” Here are five standout bars located in
some of the world’s most exciting destinations that attract connoisseurs
nightly. These establishments rank highly on the ambitious mixologist’s list of
the best:
Each
evening, the glamorous Firefly Bar at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, ranked
83rd in “The World’s 50 Best Bars” 2024 (51-100) comes alive. It enchants
guests with a luxurious atmosphere, both inside and on the leafy terrace,
serving lavish drinks accompanied by charming, jazzy live music. The exuberant
energy of award-winning Indonesian bartender Dicky Hartono, who expresses his
joie de vivre by singing while shaking cocktails, reflects the lively and
relaxed vibe of this popular bar. His balloon-like signature drink, the ‘Lady
in Red No. 2’, featuring gin, blueberries, strawberries, elderflower bitters,
citrus fruits, Japanese Umeshu apricot plum liqueur and topped with a bubble to
pop, is a show-stopping highlight at this luxury grand hotel bar.
The
Bar at 15 Stamford in The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is
an intimate venue rich in history and famous for its 160 types of rum and
rum-based cocktail classics, including the hotel’s signature creation, the
“Plantation 1840”. Every Saturday at lunchtime, the bar transforms into a
stylish gourmet paradise, offering a “liquid brunch with alcohol”. Guests can
choose from a diverse selection of cocktails, including speciality drinks like
the Jungle Bird, made with Bacardi Cuatro 4-year rum, pineapple juice, citrus
fruit and bitter liqueur, or Papi’s Punch, featuring Bacardi Ocho 8-year rum,
white wine, citrus fruit and sugar. The brunch menu also includes tender meats,
seafood and vodka-crusted salmon, each served with alcoholic condiments such as
Scotch Whisky Beef Jus and Bombay Gin Hollandaise.
At
the timelessly elegant Jahreszeiten Bar in Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, the
drinks menu evolves with the seasons —summer drinks often include hints of
rhubarb and pineapple, while winter options showcase delicate flavours of
aniseed and cocoa. The true stars of the experience are the drinks themselves,
partly made with homemade spirits or syrups. The lowered bar counter provides a
clear view of the entertaining mixology skills of the expert bar team led by
passionate Bar Manager Aleksandar Vujin. One standout feature is the mobile
cocktail trolley, allowing guests to participate in crafting their own
cocktails directly at their table. The bar’s offerings are complemented by a
range of delicious canapés, including caviar, truffle fries and South Tyrolean
bacon served ‘Alpine slides’, all while enjoying regular live jazz performances.
Balázs
Molnár, Creative Beverage Manager at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest,
delights guests at Blue Fox The Bar — a hotspot in Hungary’s capital
— with inventive, trend-driven creations featuring gin, tequila, mezcal and
other agave-based spirits. “Signature drinks like these shape the distinct
character of a bar and create lasting memories for guests who recall a drink
they’ve only enjoyed here”, explains Molnár. Increasingly, guests are opting
for healthier choices, preferring cocktails with lower sugar or alcohol
content. Premium ice, fresh fruit juices and tea cater to these preferences
without compromising the bar experience.
The
iconic elephant fountain in the lobby of the world-famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin lends its
name to the elegant Elephant Bar. The bar offers an exclusive drinks menu
with a well-stocked variety of spirits and signature cocktails crafted by the
experienced bar team at this noble establishment. All classic cocktails are
part of the intimate bar’s unwritten repertoire and are offered upon request.
Drinks served in John Jenkins glasses add a touch of royalty, as the brand is
famously used in Buckingham Palace. Every Thursday, cigar enthusiasts can enjoy
rum or whisky tastings in the Smokers Lounge, where the flavours of the drinks
are expertly paired with a selection of fine cigars. A state-of-the-art
ventilation system ensures a smoke-free lounge atmosphere for all guests.
Image
Credit: © Kempinski Hotels
The most interesting news
TUI Airline becomes even stronger player in the leisure flight market
Peter Glade joins as new Chief Commercial Officer.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius inaugurates RIU’s two new hotels in this destination
RIU's two new hotels in Mauritius—the Riu Palace Mauritius and the Riu Turquoise—went all out for the official opening ceremony.
Hyatt Announces Plans for Two Hotels in Magna, NEOM’s Luxury Coastal Destination
Park Hyatt and Andaz brands are set to debut in Jaumur, a cosmopolitan luxury marina community located in Magna on the stunning coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.
World Tourism Day 2024: A Global Message of Tourism for Peace
Tourism has committed to embrace its unique role as a pillar of peace and understanding.
Highgate Portugal Announces Rebranding Of Four Properties in Algarve
Highgate, an industry-leading hotel management, investment, technology, and development company, today announced the rebranding of four of its managed portfolio assets in Algarve, Portugal under the Marriott International umbrella.
Ich flieb’s! or That’s fly!: Eurowings launches humorous and ironic brand campaign
Value airline presents new brand essence “More ease for everyone”.
Hilton Launches the World’s First Hotel Loyalty Debit Cards
Turn your everyday into a stay by collecting Hilton Honors Points while spending at home and abroad. Additional welcome bonus of up to 12,000 Points, for sign ups before November 30.
UN Tourism and easyJet holidays advance partnership towards ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses
UN Tourism and easyJet holidays have stepped up their collaboration as they develop a groundbreaking ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Framework for businesses across the sector.
Hyatt Completes Acquisition of Standard International and Its Iconic Hotel Brands
Recently opened The Manner sets a new standard for lifestyle hotels in SoHo, New York; The Standard, Singapore; Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston and The StandardX, Bangkok are slated to open this year.
Flights from Istanbul to Iran, Iraq, Jordan canceled
International airlines cancel flights from Istanbul, Sabiha Gokcen airports because of recent escalation between Iran, Israel,
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts Vignette Collection brand in Egypt, at a Landmark Heritage location
With a brand promise of curating one-of-a-kind stays, the latest Vignette Collection signing strengthens IHG’s growth in the luxury and lifestyle segment across the MENA region.
IHG to Transform Six Adjoining Hotels into an Integrated Luxury Resort on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection will open during Q4 2025 on Yas Island, one of the UAE’s leading tourist destinations.
Radisson Hotel Group strengthens Middle East presence
Radisson Hotel Group, a global leader in the hospitality industry, is set to make a significant impact at this year’s Future Hospitality Summit, announcing major growth milestones across the Middle East.
Shining bright: IHG celebrates diamond anniversary in Japan – and reveals growth plans
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today proudly celebrates the 60th diamond anniversary of its entry into Japan – and reveals its commitment to further growth.
The legendary Dusit Thani Bangkok reopens after a landmark transformation
Dusit’s reimagined flagship hotel returns, redefining luxury in the heart of Bangkok.
China announces visa-free travel for Danish citizens
Agreement aims to strengthen ties ahead of 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Türkiye's Cappadocia sees tourism boom with visitors from around globe
‘Cappadocia has no rivals when it comes to its cultural significance, fairy chimneys, and (hot air) balloon tours’, says Abdullah Inal, official from Cappadocia Tourism Region Infrastructure Service Union.
Lufthansa Group, TUM and Munich Airport: Working together for the future of aviation
An innovative research location that connects industry and student engagement: the Lufthansa Group, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Munich Airport are planning a new center of cooperation and innovation with the ‘TUM Convergence Cent
WTM London to Prioritise Practical and Positive Steps to Drive DEAI in Travel
World Travel Market reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity by expanding its coverage on diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and intersectionality (DEAI).
‘Night Museum’ initiative attracts over 361,000 visitors to western Türkiye
Türkiye to expand Night Museum project to new locations, reaching wider audiences with country's cultural riches, says tourism minister.
Responsible Meetings and Events by Kempinski: A Sustainable Toolkit for the Global Events Industry
Kempinski Hotels has celebrated the latest milestone on its journey to a more sustainable future with the launch of Responsible Meetings & Events by Kempinski, empowering meeting planners and organisers to assess and reduce the environmental impact o