OZONE Rooftop Sky Bar: Hong Kong

After a day of exploring glorious Hong Kong, we spent the evening at OZONE, a luxury rooftop sky bar and lounge, situated above the International Commerce Center of The Ritz-Carlton in Kowloon. Located 18 floors above the Sky100 Observation Deck (which is already on the 100th floor), OZONE is currently known as the highest bar in the world, overlooking Victoria Harbor and giving a wonderful view of the glowing skyscrapers at night.

I knew I’d be in for a treat since it was, after all situated inside the Ritz-Carlton but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see. Lining the fort were the shiniest of Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and Rolls Royce’s, waiting to transport guests at the simple swipe of a credit card. Starting from HK$1,200 per car, per trip for a simple Mercedes Benz S350, you can roll out in style to wherever it is you need to be.

Guests are treated like absolute royalty from the moment of entering The Ritz-Carlton. There is a separate reservation desk for OZONE. Thereafter you are personally escorted to a separate private black-leather lined elevator leading to the 118th floor. Up you go to mystery and sheek. Who knows what’s waiting for you on the other side.

Once there, it’s like you’ve been transported into the night life of the rich and famous. Glitz and glamour surround you from head to toe with people dressed in Prada and Versace. The terrace of OZONE itself is fully equipped with a telescope, overlooking Victoria Harbor. It’s downright beautiful at night.

There is a wide range of signature cocktails, wines and champagnes to choose from, all prepared by an expert mixologist. Many of these drinks have been given a personal Asian twist too. A dragontini for example, is a funky take on the regular martini and is lined with pieces of sweet pink dragon fruit. Asian tapas and sushi are also available on request and a DJ is out and about playing the latest music creating a club-like vibe. Don’t be shy to try the oysters (HK$800 a dozen), tempura and Iranian black beluga caviar which I might add is going to cost you a pretty penny. Expect to pay at least HK$130 for a simple cocktail and well over HK$60 for a bottle of water. There is a minimum spending fee of HK$500 but they’re not too strict with this on busy nights and we didn’t have to pay this either. But, this is the highest bar in the world and that is the price of luxury. Class doesn’t come cheap.

If you’re ever in Hong Kong, the OZONE rooftop bar should be at the top of your list when it comes to exploring the night life. Get there early in the evening so you can secure a table on the outdoor terrace because this does get pretty full and after all, you do want to grab a cocktail and relax… in the most glamorous way possible of course.

DRESS CODE:

 Smart casual. No shorts or open toe shoes. No sleeveless shirts for gentlemen at OZONE after 9 pm.

OPERATING HOURS:

5 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Monday – Wednesday)
5 p.m. – 2 a.m. (Thursday)
5 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Friday)
3 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Saturday)
12 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Sunday)

HOW TO GET THERE:

118/F, International Commerce Center, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon (If travelling by metro: get off at Kowloon Station. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is located right above Kowloon Station)