New horizons: our edit of the loftiest hotel rooftops around the world

Hotel rooftop terraces are a hot commodity these days and nothing beats a lazy afternoon sipping cocktails in the sunshine with panoramic vistas of the city or the sea beyond. So kick back and relax as we bring you the best from around the globe.

Pictured: ME Ibiza, Spain

ME Ibiza, Spain

Spanish hotel group ME by Meliá has expanded to include a beachside sanctuary on a bay near Santa Eulàlia in Ibiza. Outdoor Bali beds, spa treatments, fresh seafood and enticing cocktails are more than enough reason to go, beyond relishing the all-encompassing views of the Balearic Sea.

Urbanización S'Argamassa, Santa Eulalia del Río, Ibiza; tel: 34.97 133 0051; www.me-by-melia.com

Soho House Chicago, USA

Chicago is known for its outstanding rooftop views, and the latest to join the city's killer list is Soho House. Accompanying the long lap pool are a kitchen and bar with a pizza oven, and retractable glass windows that open onto an outdoor area with fireplaces for chilly evenings.

113-125 North Green Street, Chicago; tel: 1.312 521 8000; www.sohohousechicago.com

Sofitel So, Singapore

The main attraction at Singapore's new Sofitel So is HI-SO. With 360-degree views, the rooftop bar offers an urban beach-club vibe with designer cocktails and poolside cabanas.

35 Robinson Road, Singapore; tel: 65.670 16800; www.sofitel.com

Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, USA

The much anticipated rooftop of the Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles features a pool and lounge called Upstairs, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's nearby Ennis House. It serves up an array of traditional cocktails with well-travelled twists featuring raw fruits, teas and spices.

929 South Broadway, Los Angeles; 1.213 623 3233; www.acehotel.com 

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain

Sky Bar on top of Barcelona's Grand Hotel Central is the best place in the city to recline and watch the evening light disappear.

Via Laietana 30, Barcelona; tel: 34.9 3295 7900; www.grandhotelcentral.com 

ME London, UK

Radio Rooftop bar can be found on the tenth floor of the ME London hotel. And with Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament all in frame, it has some of the best views in the city.

336-337 The Strand, London; tel: 44.20 7395 3400; www.melia.com

The Leela Palace New Delhi, India

The rooftop pool and terrace at Leela Palace in New Delhi not only offers the most romantic views of the city but it's the perfect place to cool down after a day sightseeing in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi; tel: 91.11 3933 1234; www.theleela.com

Capella Washington DC, Georgetown, USA

The Rooftop Lounge at Capella in Georgetown offers sweeping views of the city's iconic landmarks. And if that isn't enough, next to the bar is an indoor/outdoor infinity soaking pool with a built-in fireplace.

1050 31st Street NW, Washington DC; tel: 1.202 617 2400; www.capellahotels.com

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Located on the eighth floor, the roof terrace at Hotel Fasano offers panoramic views of Ipanema beach that include city landmarks like surfing hotspot Arpoador, hip neighbourhood Leblon and the Two Brothers mountains. Recline next to the heated infinity pool with a cocktail or simply relax and take in the view of the city.

Avenida Vieira Souto 80, Rio de Janeiro; tel: 55.21 3202 4000; www.fasano.com

Grace Santorini, Greece

The infinity pool at Grace Santorini is the best place to recline with cocktail and enjoy all-encompassing vistas across the Caldera.

Imerovigli, Santorini; tel: 30.22 860 21300; www.gracehotels.com

Parkroyal on Pickering, Singapore

The terrace at Parkroyal on Pickering is the perfect spot to survey Singapore from above. Ensconce yourself in one of the colourful birdcage cabanas or take an evening dip in the infinity pool.

3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore; tel: 65.6 809 8888; www.parkroyalhotels.com 

Viceroy New York, USA

The perfect perch to take in New York City's energy, The Roof at the Viceroy hotel was - like the rest of the property - designed by interior firm Roman and Williams. Food is a menu of small plates, including the hotel's signature burger, which can be washed down with a selection of regionally brewed craft beers.

120 West 57th Street, New York; tel: 1.212 830 8000; www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com 

The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain

Absorb the romantic Barcelona views while nibbling on a Japanese-Peruvian menu on the terrace of the Terrat restaurant, or simply recline with a drink on one of the many pool-side loungers.

Passeig de Gràcia 38-40, Barcelona; tel: 34.9 3151 8888; www.mandarinoriental.com