Whether you're on vacation or out on business in a faraway land, you'll definitely be in need of a fine drink - but why not take the experience a little further? From the depths of the Maldives to pre-war Berlin, here's a list of bars across the world that will whisk you away from your comfort zone. Click through for our favorite international hot spots you need to see to believe.
Image: tumblr
Zulunkhuni River Lodge - Malawi
This piece of paradise is about as remote as it gets, and can only be reached by private boat. Located near the small fishing village Ruarwe on the northern shore of Africa's Malawi lake, this eco-lodge is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, mango trees, and jungle canopies. Their restaurant and bar lies within the granite boulders of an ancient waterfall and is lush with vegetarian snacks as well as a myriad of fresh fruit alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Between Nkhata Bay and Chitimba, Boghoyo, Malawi
Photo: Lake Paradise
Orphanage Cocktail Emporium - South Africa
Over the last ten years, Capetown has been carefully crafting itself into one of South Africa's hippest cities. However, given South Africa's rich and devastating history this beautiful bar has a story to tell. The name celebrates the St. Paul's Church that took in groups of children orphaned by a giant flu epidemic in the 1900s. Thriving on tomfoolerywith its Oliver Twist theme, the Orphanage Cocktail Emporium is a magical laboratory serving up artisan cocktails, potions, and elixirs. Private dining is available and reservations are strongly encouraged.
227 Bree Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Photo: Eat Out
Le Comptoir General - France
Known as the "Ghetto Museum," this Parisian gem is full of funk and soul. With it's somewhat dingy yet tropical Williamsburg kitchen vibes, Jaws poster, and various events from hair braiding to all-night dance parties, Le Comptoir is a cultural immersion. Feel free to sit down and have a beer, or rum with fresh juice. They even offer a delicious buffet brunch. Entry is by donation.
80 quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris, France
Photo: Party Earth
Armando All Stars - Columbia
Clearly disco never dies. This advanced retro discoteca is fully equipped with simmering Latin vibes as it rests below Armando Records in Bogota. The inviting open air decor draws you in to party and socialize while the sounds of electro-cumbia, and reggaeton keeps the dance floor alive. Don't feel like dancing? Relax on the patio and admire the hanging plants and sip on a martini with lulo, an exotic citrus native to Colombia.
Calle 85 #14-46, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Photo: Armando Records
Gitano Mezcal Bar & Kitchen - Mexico
Tulum is already a treasured little hunk of Mexico, and Gitano has to be one of the most fun and charming places to hang out and enjoy mezcal. Their bartenders are some of the best out there, true mixologists that prepare delicious cocktails at lightening speed. You will never see someone free-pour with so much precision. Besides the drinks, the vibe is jungle-disco, with glimmering lights and beautiful trees it's a great way to enjoy the tropical forests while grooving to some downtempo tunes.
Boca Paila Road, KM 7, Tulum Beach Road, Jungle Side
Photo: Pinterest
La Purificadora - Mexico
What was a former 19th-century factory is now a black and white architectural conquest in Puebla. This hotel's most stunning attraction is its roof terrace, complete with a clear 30-meter above-ground rectangular pool. Guests can cozy up on big purple couches, enjoy a drink, view the city, and watch their friends swim in full form.
Callejon De La 10 Nte 802 Paseo San Francisco, Barrio El Alto, Puebla, PUE 72000
Photo: Trip Advisor
Rock Bar Bali - Bali
Rock Bar, located in Bali's Ayana Resort and Spa provides one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the world. The bar literally sits on top of a massive bluff, overlooking the Indian Ocean as waves crash into the shore. People from around the world gather here to take in the scenery, dance to some deep house, and enjoy tiki-inspired cocktails.
Rock Bar Bali-Ayana Resort and Spa
Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Kuta Selatan, Bali 80364, Indonesia
Photo: Ayana Resort
Subsix - The Maldives
If you're ready to take the plunge, then Subsix at Niyama Maldives is a must. Known as the world's first underwater nightclub, this whimsical hots pot is like something out of The Little Mermaid. The rich blues and deep purples evoke fantasy, while being able to stare beneath the Indian Ocean's surface is nothing short of extraordinary.
Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Photo: Niyama
GB Roof Garden - Greece
Now here is a place to channel your inner goddess and reap the benefits of the Mediterranean. This restaurant and bar sits on top of the Hotel Grande Bretagne and offers an incredible view of the Acropolis and the Kalimarmo Stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. The GB Roof Garden is the perfect place to gaze upon pieces of history while enjoying a glass of wine.
Syntagma Square, Athens 10564, Greece
Photo: Grande Bretagne
O2 Lounge - Russia
The O2 Lounge is perched atop the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow, providing the best views of this classic city. From the top, guests are treated to panoramic views of the Kremlin and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Even more enticing, whilst gazing upon these breathtaking views, you can also have a bottle of champagne sabered - the best way to get bubbles flowing!
Tverskaya Street 3, Moscow 125009 Russia
Photo: Ritz Carlton
The Library Bar - India
Malts and ancient Armanacs in a Victorian setting? Yes, please. The Library Bar is ancient luxury at its finest. There are opulent lounge chairs, embellished chandeliers and charming pieces of art on the walls. This bar rests in Bangalore's Leela Palace, where pure decadence is not an option.
The Leela Palace Bangalore #23, Kodihalli, Old Airport Road
Photo: Concierge
Museum H.R. Giger Bar - Switzerland
Into the uncanny? The H.R. Giger Museum Bar is a cave of skeletal proportions. Modeled by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, the walls are meant to evoke a biomechanic style similar to Ridley Scott's Alien films. The setting is also meant to echo the tale of Jonah and the Whale - so if you feel as though you are sitting in the belly of the beast, well, you are.
Chateau St. Germain, Gruyeres, Switzerland
Photo: HRGiger
Falk's Bar - Germany
The Falk's Bar located in Germany's Hotel Bayerischer Hof is a true survivor. It is the only room in the Bayerishcer Hof that made it through the Second World War and is named in victory of Falk Volkhardt. The bar is located in what used to be the Spiegelsaal (Mirror Hall) which dates back to 1839. Having a drink in this room is an opportunity to share a drink with history.
Falk's Bar, Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333 München, Germany
Photo: Yelp
The Pink Chihuahua - England
A fun, furry, and pink cocktail hangout beneath London's El Camion Mexican Restaurant is the place to be. Serving up a variety of Mexican beers, tequila cocktails, daiquiris, mezcals, and wines, the Pink Chihuahua is alive with events every night (except Sunday because even chihuahuas need to rest), ranging from mezcal tastings to Pachanga dance parties.
25-27 Brewer St, London W1F 0RR, United Kingdom
Photo: Fluid Style
Pawn & Co. - Australia
Think back to the Prohibition Era, the glamour, the secrets, and the closed-door exchanges. That pretty much describes the flashy decor of Melbourne's Pawn & Co. advertised as the "first bar in the universe where everything is for sale." While sipping on some boozy and intricate cocktails, patrons can purchase a $300 taxidermy chicken, as well as vintage game tables and chairs.
Level 1/402 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Photo: Visit Victoria
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This article was originally published at Guest of a Guest. Reprinted with permission from the author.