Tag Archives: Cocktails

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A Night on the Town in Perth

Nightlife

While Perth may be best known for its sandy beaches and magical sunsets, the city is also filled with a pulsating array of nightlife spots. From elegant rooftop bars to sprawling nightclubs, these are the places to head to the next time you are out on the town for the night in Perth.

Conservatory Rooftop Bar
Considered to be the city’s original rooftop bar, the Conservatory Rooftop Bar can be found on the corner of Murray Street and Prince Lane, with its location meaning that the panoramic city views from the bar are absolutely spectacular. The open-air garden is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of champagne, while the special guest DJs that spin here every weekend always manage to get the crowd on the dancefloor.

Metropolis Fremantle
A multi-level club, the Metropolis Fremantle’s focus is primarily on live music, hosting a wide variety of both local and international bands. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Metropolis Fremantle turns into one of the hottest dance clubs in the city, with its massive dancefloor filled with a mix of tunes, ranging from R&B to tracks from the 80’s. The club’s outdoor bar is also ideal for taking a breather from the dance floor, cooling off with a drink under the stars.

Ginger Night Club
For those who want to tap their feet to tunes that are not as mainstream as those that many clubs in the city belt out, then the Ginger Night Club, with their emphasis on progressive music, is the place for you. True to its name, the club is decked out in multiple shades of orange, with its stylish interior attracting a hip and stylish crowd.

Must Winebar
Situated just a short walk away from Perth’s Central Business District, the Must Winebar is a chic bar that has won multiple awards over the years. Its French theme gives it an elegance that cannot be beaten, with their Provincial-style plates pairing beautifully with the impressive selection of both local and international wines.

Ambar Nightclub
Regularly touted as being the best club in Perth by some of the hottest international DJs, and with a variety of awards under their belt, the Ambar Nightclub has always been one of the most popular spots in town. The club’s focus on the biggest international DJs and the hottest club nights in the city has never waned, and it definitely deserves its reputation as being a club that always guarantees an unforgettable night out. In terms of music, expect to hear the DJs spinning plenty of broken beats and underground tracks, with its unique music putting the club even more ahead of its competition.

Perth’s varied nightlife caters to just about every taste, from those who want an evening of wine and fantastic food to those who would prefer to dance the night away accompanied by the hottest thumping beats. Since many of the city’s best night spots are located within walking distance of each other, it is easy to combine a few different places in one evening, promising a night on the town like no other.

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How to Live Luxe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It is sometimes all-too-easy to think of Amsterdam in terms of the clichés that surround it, but, when you take the time to look deeper, the city’s vibrant and dynamic heart shines through. From luxurious shops to extravagant restaurants, this is your guide to living luxe in Amsterdam.

P.C. Hooftstraat

lornet / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Shopping
For the most high end and luxurious shops in the city, head to P. C. Hooftstraat, which has frequently been rated in the top three in lists of the nicest places to shop in the world. This has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970’s, and boasts a wide range of international brands, from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren to Gucci. If you are searching for high-end local designers, then the Van Baerlestraat is the place to go, as it is here that you will find a fantastic selection of boutiques from Dutch designers. Willemsparkweg is also home to an exciting array of boutiques, and it is quite easy to spend the entire afternoon browsing through the accessory, fashion and homeware stores.

World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to dining out, Amsterdam has some of the finest restaurants in the world, from classic Michelin-starred fine dining to casual but elegant cafés. La Rive is one of these Michelin-starred restaurants, and while it may not be easy to secure a table here, once you do, you will be amongst the company of dignitaries, royalty and rock stars. Ciel Bleu is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two Michelin stars, guaranteeing you an unforgettable meal. If you decide to pay it a visit, try to request a table by the window on the northern side of the restaurant, because, with the restaurant being situated 23 floors above the city, these are the windows that offer a rare panoramic view down onto the busy streets of Amsterdam.

Bartender making a cocktail

Handcrafted Cocktails
Amsterdam may be packed with bars and clubs, but there are some that pride themselves on being a cut above the competition in terms of the quality of their drinks and the ambiance of their setting. Hiding in Plain Sight is one of these venues, and has been voted as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam on more than one occasion. As elegant as this bar may be, there are always times when you want something more exclusive, and this is when you should pay a visit to Door 74, which is one of the city’s secret bars. A phone number needs to be called to secure a reservation, which can only be done each day itself, and the mysterious décor, coupled with the creative cocktails and custom concoctions, make it a bar that is a delight to spend time in.

Luxury living is synonymous with the heart and soul of Amsterdam, and, if you know where to go, it is easy to live luxe in the city. From dining at Michelin-starred eateries to sipping on one-of-a-kind cocktails, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes those who appreciate elegance and class.

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Key West Nightlife

Key West

When it comes to nightlife, Key West is absolutely legendary, and most bars and clubs in this late night town do not close until three or four in the morning. From upscale wine bars to friendly dive bars, Key West has everything that is needed for an unforgettable night out.

Upscale Wine Bars
Key West is home to a number of upscale bars and lounges, many of them breaking ground in the industry with innovative ideas. d’Vine Gallery @ The Gardens Hotel is doing exactly this, as they make use of a state-of-the-art self-serve wine dispensing system, that gives customers the chance to sample wines from over thirty different intriguing bottles, all while in an elegant and classy setting. Grand Vin Wine Shop and Bar is another popular spot, this time on vibrant Duval Street, with a bar that is great for sitting back with a glass of wine and indulging in some people watching.

Friendly Dive Bars
Key West is packed with dive bars, and The Rum Barrel is always a popular one. This 17th Century tavern-style bar serves up over a hundred different rums, as well as live music every night, and a rooftop deck offering views down onto Key West. For those of you seeking cocktails, The Lazy Gecko on Duval Street offers twelve different types of frozen daiquiris, while the Island Dogs Bar in Old Town Key West specializes in refreshing tropical cocktails, as well as deliciously innovative martinis.

A Night of Dancin
When you want to let loose and spend the night dancing, the Coyote Ugly Saloon always promises to be a good time. With country and rock ‘n’ roll music blaring out while the bartenders and customers dance together on the bar, this is definitely the place to let your hair down. The Bottle Cap Groove Lounge is another great venue, as this has a dance club, a bar and a liquor store all in one place. It has been around since 1934, and its club, The Blue Room, is considered to be one of the hottest dance spots in town, while the bar is thought to be one of the friendliest, and, if you happen to be on your own, you will end the evening with a whole group of new friends.

Sloppy Joe's Bar, Key West

Daniel Korzeniewski / Shutterstock.com

Sunrise Bars
There are always those nights when you just don’t want the party to end, and this is when you will be glad to know about the different bars in Key West that only open their doors in the early hours of the morning. Don’s Place opens at 7 AM, and is a great place to wind down after a big night out with their TVs, video games and jukebox. Another place worth checking out is Schooner Wharf Bar, as they have a happy hour that begins at seven in the morning!

The Florida Keys has more bars per capita than anywhere else in the United States, so it is no surprise that a large number of them are located in Key West. From a one-of-a-kind wine tasting to an ice cold beer at seven in the morning, no matter what sort of nightlife you are after, you will definitely find it in Key West.

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Best Nightclubs in Phoenix

Nightclub

While most of Arizona’s pulsating dance floors are found in Scottsdale and Tempe, there is still some great nightlife throughout Phoenix. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best nightclubs in Phoenix.

Rhythm Room
This cozy, no-frills joint is one of Phoenix’s most-loved music venues, and is the best destination in the valley for those who are fans of live blues music. The Rhythm Room opened its doors in 1991, and, 24 years later, still attracts a wide variety of local blues bands, from the Sugar Thieves to Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns. This is a place that will have you tapping your feet to the beat as soon as you enter, and it won’t be long before you find yourself on the dance floor.

Monarch Theatre
While the name Monarch Theatre may conjure up images of a historic, grand venue, the Monarch Theatre in downtown Phoenix is home to some of the hottest nights every weekend. The venue hosts everything from touring dance producers to fashion shows, with its diversity and eclectic mix of events making it hugely popular with many different crowds. The venue has a warehouse feel to it, and the dancefloor is the focus of every evening.

GypsyBar
A hybrid dance club, bar and game lounge, GypsyBar is home to over 10,000 square feet of space to drink, dance and have a great night. The three-sided island bar is surrounded by plush sofas, ideal for sipping on your handcrafted cocktail. The dance floor is definitely lively, featuring CO2 blasts, a haze machine and confetti canons, while the DJ booth surrounds a raised stage that showcases the silhouettes of the club’s live dancers. OROGOLD reminds you not to forget to check out the club’s game lounge, which features around forty different arcade games to add a bit more excitement to your night.

Bar Smith
Phoenix locals would agree that Bar Smith is one of the hippest dance clubs in the city. While the dance floor may be small and quite busy, the crowd is diverse, making a pleasant change from the student crowds that are found at many Arizona nightclubs. The club is just a short distance from some of Phoenix’s major attractions, and its convenient location makes it the ideal spot to pop in for a drink and a dance after a busy day in the city. OROGOLD highly recommends spending some time on the club’s rooftop bar, where you can enjoy some of the best views that Phoenix has to offer. The rooftop bar can be quite a different experience depending on which night of the week you visit, with weekend nights featuring a fist-pumping energy while mid-weekday nights make it feel more like a laid-back sanctuary in the middle of the city.

Phoenix is full of fantastic nightclubs, each one offering a different atmosphere and genre of music. From the intimate dance floor at Bar Smith to the toe-tapping live blues at the Rhythm Room to the rave-like ambience at the Monarch Theatre, do check out OROGOLD’s favorite nightclubs in Phoenix the next time you are in the city – we are sure that you won’t be disappointed!

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World’s Most Beautiful Rooftop Pools

Rooftop swimming pool

Rooftop pools have become quite the trend in the last decade, and are usually at the top of a towering city hotel, offering fantastic skyline views while you relax with a swim. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools.

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While Rio de Janeiro may have its share of world famous beaches, it is sometimes nice to take in the view from above, and this is where the rooftop pool of the Hotel Fasano comes in. The hotel is a favorite amongst many celebrities, including Beyonce and Madonna, with its sky-high infinity pool seeming to flow endlessly onto Ipanema Beach. The panoramic view offers a perspective of Rio that many do not get to see, making it quite the exclusive spot.

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain
The 1920’s Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is a building that combines old world charm with modern design influences, and is located in the city’s central Gothic Quarter. At the top of the hotel is the rooftop pool, offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel’s Skybar makes the experience even better, as you can enjoy a delicious Spanish cocktail while taking in Barcelona’s iconic landmarks beneath you.

Marina Bay Sands pool.

TILT Photography / Shutterstock.com

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The rooftop pool at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is not only the largest in the world, but is also considered to be one of the most stunning. The pool sits 650 feet in the air, at the top of the 55 storey building, and is held up by three iconic skyscrapers. This is one of the best views that you will find in Singapore, as the whole city is stretched out beneath you. However, OROGOLD reminds you that only hotel guests have access to this pool, so it may be worth booking yourself in for a couple of nights to make the most of it!

InterContinental, Hong Kong
The InterContinental Hotel has one of the largest outdoor pools in Hong Kong, and overlooks Victoria Harbour. This rooftop pool is actually made up of three separate infinity spa pools, each of which is maintained at different temperatures – hot, warm and cold. This means that you can have an enjoyable swim even at night, taking in the colorful Hong Kong skyline from one of the best hotels in town. OROGOLD recommends taking a seat in the whirlpool to enjoy Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights show, a nightly multimedia show that involves more than forty different buildings on both sides of the harbour.

Most of these beautiful rooftop pools that OROGOLD has mentioned require you to be a guest of the hotel in order to use them. However, some of the hotels do offer spa packages to non-guests, and this will usually grant you access to a swim in the pool, making this an ideal choice for those who want to take in the views without staying at the hotel.

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Movie Inspired Bars Around the World

Glass of beer in a bar.

With such fierce competition in the food and beverage industry, bars and lounges have had to really step up their game in order to stand out, with many relying on unusual and creative themes, often borrowed from movies. Whether it be an old horror flick or a classic musical, here are some of OROGOLD‘s favorite movie inspired bars around the world.

The Hobbit, Southampton, UK
This Lord of the Rings inspired pub in Southampton, England, may be slightly geeky, but it definitely is popular. With two bars on two levels, a Shire-inspired beer garden, and an extensive menu of themed cocktails and other drinks, Lord of the Rings fans will feel right at home here. If you want to really go all out, OROGOLD recommends trying the Fellowship T-Shirt Quest, which involves drinking each of the 12 cocktails that are named after popular characters, ticking them off on a quest card as you go along. Those who complete the quest are presented with a free t-shirt, as well as the opportunity to sample the limited edition Nazgul cocktail, made up of blackcurrant liqueur, black sambuca and cola.

H.R Giger Bar, Chur and Gruyères, Switzerland
The surreal art of Hans Rudolf Giger will be instantly familiar to any Alien fans out there, and the H. R Giger Bars in Switzerland have been designed by this talented creative himself. Everything about the bars, from their ceilings to the walls to the tables to the floors, are all created in the same biomechanical style that is iconic to the films, with even all of the seats having vertebrae. With added furnishings of props from the films, and extra touches such as the skulls and ribs popping out of the walls, both of these bars are terrifying yet extraordinarily fascinating at the same time.

Lebowski Bar, Reykjavik, Iceland
The Big Lebowski, an American crime comedy movie from 1998, was a huge success, and inspired the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, Iceland. The interior of the bar is divided into four different sections; a 50’s diner, a Southern-style porch, a bowling alley, and a 60’s Playboy-esque lounge. Of course, the White Russian is a cocktail that is focussed on, and there are 16 different varieties of this classic drink to choose from, as well as six different milkshakes. With a bar that is made out of rugs, and quotes from the Big Lebowski plastered throughout, this retro American diner is one that will appeal to just about everybody, even those who have never seen the movie.

Movies have served as inspiration for almost every industry out there over the years, from fashion to food. Whether it’s enjoying a Cocoa Puffs White Russian at the Lebowski Bar in Iceland, or sipping on a Gollum cocktail at a quaint English pub in Southampton, these bars, without a doubt, take the movie experience to a whole new level, and should definitely be visited by fans of the movies.