A new wave of elevated dining experiences is transforming Thailand’s rooftop hospitality scene, with three sky-high venues offering distinct culinary journeys that pair panoramic sunset views with curated food and beverage concepts.

From Chiang Mai to Bangkok and Pattaya, MAI The Sky Bar, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, and Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar are redefining rooftop dining by blending regional identity, global influences, and immersive design-led experiences.

In Chiang Mai, MAI The Sky Bar at Meliá Chiang Mai presents an “Artisan Thai Cheese & Wine Pairing” experience, available daily from 6 pm. The concept highlights locally crafted cheeses from Chiang Mai-based producer Jartisann, paired with Thai wines from Monsoon Valley in Hua Hin. The experience emphasizes seasonal sourcing and regional craftsmanship, showcasing Thailand’s evolving artisanal food culture.

The bar’s signature cocktails further reflect its creative direction. “MAI The Sky” blends lychee, vanilla, and cava foam into a golden-hour-inspired presentation, complete with a miniature aeroplane garnish. Another highlight, “Temple,” combines Siam Lanna Gin with Niem-Sompoi cordial, drawing inspiration from local botanicals and spiritual symbolism.

Recognized as a Tatler Best Spotlight Bar 2026 by Tatler Asia, MAI The Sky Bar offers 360-degree views of Chiang Mai, spanning the Ping River and Doi Suthep Temple. A glass bridge adds to the architectural experience, enhancing its reputation as one of the city’s most distinctive rooftop destinations.

In Bangkok, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is offering a daily “Social Hours” promotion between 5 pm and 7 pm, featuring two-for-one sunset drinks. Guests can enjoy selected wines, Chang draught beer, and signature cocktails inspired by Spanish and global flavours.

The venue also extends across two levels, including a 34th-floor rooftop space with a pool bar, infinity pool, and terrace overlooking the city. The design creates a unique visual connection between dining levels, offering diners an immersive skyline experience.

The culinary programme at LUZ has been refreshed by Spanish Chef de Cuisine Juan Ignacio García Racionero, introducing dishes inspired by Basque pintxos, Madrid-style tapas, Andalusian seafood, and coastal rice preparations, reinforcing the venue’s Iberian identity.

Further south in Pattaya, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar at Meliá Pattaya Hotel offers a culturally rooted dining experience centered around its signature wood-smoked Peking duck served in Hong Kong style. The restaurant’s concept, “A Feast of Flavour,” focuses on family-style dining designed to encourage shared culinary experiences.

The menu draws inspiration from Chinese communities in Chonburi and features dishes that reflect both tradition and modern refinement. Complementing the cuisine is a cocktail programme infused with Chinese ingredients, including goji berry gin creations, rosella tea blends, and ginseng-based cocktails, alongside thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic options.

Across all three destinations, the emphasis remains on immersive dining experiences that combine food, culture, design, and storytelling. Together, these rooftop venues highlight Thailand’s growing reputation as a global hub for experiential hospitality and sunset-led social dining.

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has unveiled the final phase of its extensive transformation, introducing a refreshed beachfront experience that combines contemporary luxury with the cultural richness of Mahabalipuram.

Spread across 15 acres along the scenic East Coast Road, the reimagined resort features a range of new offerings including an ocean-facing ballroom, expansive beach lawns, luxury suites with plunge pools, new restaurants and bars, a sports pavilion, meditation gardens, and scenic walking trails.

Commenting on the milestone, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “The reopening of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort marks an important milestone for our luxury portfolio in India. This multi-million-dollar transformation reflects our commitment to delivering destination-led, experience-rich stays that combine world-class hospitality with a strong sense of place. We are excited to welcome guests back to a reimagined resort that sets a new benchmark for mindful luxury on the Coromandel Coast.”

Inspired by the iconic Shore Temple and the heritage of Mahabalipuram, the resort blends local influences with contemporary design. Its 110 guestrooms and suites have been redesigned to offer elevated beachfront living, featuring spacious layouts, premium amenities, standalone bathtubs, rain showers, and views of the Bay of Bengal, landscaped gardens, and pool areas.

Among the standout accommodations are the Grand Presidential Suite, which offers expansive ocean views, a jacuzzi, and a steam room; the Presidential Suite, featuring a private pool and spa room overlooking the sea; and the Rathi Suite, complete with a plunge pool, steam room, and serene garden views.

Reflecting on the transformation, Anand Nair, General Manager, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, said, “This relaunch marks a proud milestone for us, unveiling a truly transformed resort. Envisioned as a coastal icon reimagined, it brings together the richness of South Indian culture with modern luxury. Every space tells a story and each experience is thoughtfully curated to offer guests a more personal and elevated stay. Our ambition is to position the resort not merely as a place to stay, but as a destination in its own right.”

The resort has also strengthened its position as a destination for weddings, celebrations, and large-scale events. The newly introduced Vaibhava Ballroom spans over 12,000 sq. ft. and offers sea-facing views, while the adjoining Vaibhava and Beach Lawns cover over 70,000 sq. ft. Together, the venues can comfortably host more than 5,000 guests, making the property one of the region’s prominent event destinations.

Dining experiences have also been expanded with a refreshed collection of restaurants and lounges. The Melting Pot offers Indian, Western, and Pan-Asian cuisine through interactive live kitchens, while KoKoMMo Tiki Shack presents a relaxed beachfront dining experience. Tao of Peng serves authentic Hunan and Cantonese cuisine, while Viora Sky Lounge offers panoramic coastal views paired with crafted cocktails. The Gatsby Lounge adds a relaxed sports lounge concept with live match screenings, handcrafted beverages, and private gathering spaces.

Wellness remains a key focus at the resort. Guests can unwind at Amrtam Spa, enjoy the fitness centre, explore meditation gardens and nature trails, or participate in activities including beachside yoga and sunrise meditation. The property also features a sports pavilion, pickleball court, ATV trail, and dedicated recreational spaces for families and children through Planet Trekkers and the Secret Garden.

The resort further enhances guest experiences through curated cultural and heritage explorations of Mahabalipuram. Through its Concierge Gallery, guests can discover the destination’s history, art, and coastal character while engaging with thoughtfully designed local experiences.

Located just 60 minutes from Chennai International Airport and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, the resort offers convenient access to one of India’s most culturally significant coastal destinations.

The transformation reflects IHG Hotels & Resorts’ continued focus on expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across India while catering to the growing demand for destination-led travel experiences that combine leisure, celebrations, wellness, and business travel.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has strengthened its sustainability efforts with the successful implementation of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure across the resort. The move marks a significant milestone in the property's ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible operations and aligns with IHCL Goa’s sustainability and social impact framework, Paathya.

The introduction of PNG is expected to enhance energy efficiency across key operational areas, including kitchens, staff dining facilities, and utility services. As one of the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon fuels, PNG helps reduce carbon emissions while improving combustion efficiency and operational safety standards.

Beyond its environmental advantages, the transition also simplifies daily hotel operations. The adoption of a continuous piped supply removes the need for LPG cylinder handling, storage, transportation, and refill management. This not only improves operational continuity but also contributes to enhanced workplace hygiene, safety, and efficiency.

Commenting on the initiative, Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, said that sustainability remains deeply embedded in the organisation’s approach to operations and growth. He noted that the implementation of PNG infrastructure at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa represents an important milestone in the Paathya journey and reflects the company’s commitment to adopting cleaner and future-ready solutions across its hotel portfolio.

He further added that responsible hospitality today extends beyond guest experiences and focuses on creating long-term positive impact through conscious decisions that benefit both the environment and local communities.

The latest initiative further reinforces IHCL Goa’s vision of integrating sustainable practices across its operations while supporting India's broader clean energy goals. Through projects aligned with the Paathya framework, the company continues to advance responsible luxury and environmentally conscious hospitality practices.