Those in need of a quick vacation but can’t find the time to actually travel, the newly opened Las Palmas, found on the 33rd floor (where Urbana was) of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, might just be the panacea you need.
The whole concept of this rooftop poolside bar is to transport you to (you guessed it) Palm Springs, specifically as it was during the exuberant 1960s. If the entire resort city could be condensed into an instance in Singapore, then Las Palmas is it.
Find sorbet and pastel colours splashed across the venue, mid-century modern furnishings sprucing up the space, and an eye-catching rose quartz bar counter anchoring the central area that straddles both indoor and outdoor.
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The cocktail selection here, surprisingly, doesn’t just include refreshing poolside lounge drinks, but serious tipples too for those more in the mood for something strong and brooding. All cocktails are S$25.
We would start with a Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, a mezcal-based drink made bright and fresh with good use of grapefruit citrus balanced with demerara syrup. Or get the Let’s Irish Up That Coffee for a twist on the classic Irish Coffee cocktail using cold brew and oat milk.
The Nighthawk has got to be a favourite. Here, a root beer reduction and chilli is used with flourish to give the twist on a rye-based Sazerac even greater punch and more character. For more straightforward tipples, a sizable selection of wines, beers, and ciders are available too.
For food, both bar bites and larger mains are offered, with an all-day dining menu built around classic Americana, Mexican, and Southern Californian dishes – think tacos, corn on a cob, burgers, and wings.
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Go right for the Clock Out Cluck In (S$15), a trio of decadent tacos filled with buttermilk chicken, grilled onion, pickled chilli, and salted egg yolk. The Fiery Wings (S$16) are rightfully spicy, but worth braving the heat for, especially when dipped in the moreish blue cheese and ranch dressing sauces.
More filling eats come in the form of the Shrimply Satisfying (S$25), a duo of mid-sized shrimp rolls that are buttery and succulent. Meat lovers will enjoy the Juicy Kiss (S$25), that’s actually a baguette sandwich of smoked angus beef brisket, swiss cheese, caramelized onion, and natural jus.
End on a sweet note with the Churros (S$13). A popular option, these bite-sized dough sticks aren’t your usual fare, but rather, coated in five-spice sugar and served alongside salted peanut butter and kaya dip.
Beyond the food and drink, a key allure of Las Palmas has got to be the panoramic views. It’s rare for the Novena area to offer such a unique rooftop bar experience, and the unfettered vantage definitely does it justice.
Just be sure to book early if you’re going for the highly sought after poolside cabana seats during sunset hours.
Las Palmas is located at 99 Irrawaddy Road, Level 33 Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, Singapore 329568.
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