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For travellers’ whose trips are not quite complete without a memorable tipple, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the openings of three new landmark bars across the region, taking guests’ bar experiences to dizzying new heights — SugarSand at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak, INK 360 at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, and Vana Nava Sky at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin.

Clarence Tan, Managing Director for South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “At IHG, we are always committed to raising the bar when it comes to delivering unforgettable guest experiences. These new offerings are no exception; one of the best ways to unwind while travelling, whether in quiet solitude or with good company, is with a masterfully crafted cocktail, complemented by great ambience and thoughtful service. With the opening of these iconic establishments in some of the region’s most beautiful locations, we are excited to bring the quintessential hotel bar experience to more travellers, elevated by the unique charms of each bar.”

SugarSand

Carving a unique spot into Bali’s vibrant Seminyak beachfront, SugarSand is an exquisite two-level beachside bar and restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Reinventing Japanese elements with inspiration from Bali’s wild nature, the structure resembles a ‘jukung’ fishing boat, reflecting the connection to the surrounding land and sea. With poolside daybeds for basking the day away, a beach bar and terrace for those who want their toes in the sand, and an open-air roof lounge to enjoy the heavenly sunset while sipping refreshing cocktails, its striking design offers a feast for the senses and soul.

Spearheaded by Singaporean mixology maestro, Sufian Mahmoud, the cocktail menu at SugarSand is a modern re-imagination of cocktail history and culture. Using novel ingredients, visionary concoctions take guests on a brand new journey in mixology, including Japanese-inspired cocktails, sake and sochu, alongside a broad selection of spirits and a tantalising collection of slow-cooked G&Ts.

Australian-born chef Nic Philip’s innovative Nikkei-inspired menu incorporates locally sourced ingredients, lovingly combined to create something completely fresh for Seminyak. Menu highlights include a selection of ceviche and tiraditos, sushi, king prawns, whole fish and robata grill delicacies, alongside essential ‘comfort food’ dishes — all with a SugarSand twist: ‘food where excellence is always in season’.

Every day, guests are transported into SugarSand time with a warm, colourful tapestry of sound from around the globe. Regular events featuring unique local and international talent adorn the SugarSand calendar, including the weekly Seventh Heaven afternoon poolside session. Inspired by Gwen Guthrie and Larry Levan’s hit 80’s record of the same name, this party session sees an evolving line-up of seven of Bali’s finest soulful selectors — from rare groove to boogie, disco to doo wop, and classics to obscurities, and most-importantly, sunshine music for beautiful people.

INK 360

The rooftop level of the Sky Tower at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Vietnam, is home to INK 360. Designed by world-renowned Ashley Sutton, the creative mind behind numerous successful bars around the world, it is the highest bar on the island and offers unparalleled sunset views, with gorgeous vistas spanning across verdant mountains and the sparkling ocean — creating a luxuriously exclusive ambience.

Keeping spirits high, Italian mixologist Giuseppe Carneli showcases his passion for quality ingredients and engaging flair. Using only the finest spirits and botanicals sourced from around the globe, each bespoke cocktail is inspired by the elements of land, sea and air, celebrating mixology as an art form. The beverage concept combines traditional flavours, styles and textures, reimagining them in a series of contemporary, distinctive cocktails. The bar also serves culinary treats from around the world, including fine caviar and fresh oysters.

Vana Nava Sky

Presenting a world-class bar experience in Hua Hin, Thailand, Vana Nava Sky materialised from the outstanding concepts of Ashley Sutton. Located on the 27th floor — the highest floor of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin — the bar is over 110 metres above ground. Guests can drink up unobstructed panoramic views of the town, sea, Takiab Mountain and Tao Mountain. For an exhilarating bird’s eye view, guests can take a stroll on the Vana Nava Sky Deck — a 60-square-metre, glass-bottomed observation deck.

Celebrity mixologist Joseph Boroski helms the bar with his specially concocted signature drinks. Combining mixology with refined arts, his refreshing creations are available in four categories, spanning over 20 cocktails: CLOUDS, TROPICAL, SOLID and EASY.

Influenced by Sutton’s background in Australia’s pearling and fishing industry, the bar’s luxurious décor celebrates Mother of Pearl, the queen of elegance from the sea. Its ceiling arches represent the curvature of a wave breaking on the beach, paired with crafted timber shell panels to evoke a relaxing seaside atmosphere. Specially selected materials, including Cambodian sandstone, imported European fabrics and authentic leather, as well as white marble from Tibet, lend a touch of finesse.