Rooftop bars are known for their prestige and exclusivity, and the best in the business are always trying to add new elements to stand out from the crowd. One way that they could do this is through the introduction of high-tech aquariums.
Aquariums have already started to become a key feature of major hotels around the world, with some amazing examples that rooftop bars could turn to for inspiration.
The iconography of fish is everywhere nowadays. They have been especially prevalent in the gaming industry, perhaps because of their long-standing association with relaxing pastimes. Some of the most laid-back mobile apps like Cast n Chill and Fishing and Life lean into aquatic life's more meditative potential. They're also used in more high-octane media like the Fishin' Frenzy slots too, though, which capture the suspense and thrills involved with awaiting and reeling in huge catches.
There's also a widespread interest in fish in the TV market as well, with countless television series about marine life. Some of the most lauded shows of all time include Deadliest Catch, River Monsters, and Jeremy Wade's Dark Waters, highlighting that there remains continued popular intrigue in the mysteries of the waterways.
But it's not merely a recent phenomenon. Aquariums have been popular attractions for centuries, with the first ever one created in 1832 by Jeanne Villepreux-Power. A few decades later, the first public aquarium opened at London Zoo and was called the Fish House. Now, it's estimated that there are more than 4000 public aquariums and ocean life centres operating around the world.
With aquariums enjoying such widespread popularity, and being used as a symbol of opulence, it would make a lot of sense for high-end rooftop bars to invest money into installing them. The luxury hotel industry usually sets the tone for others to follow, and the rising interest in aquariums there suggests that rooftop bars could be next.
If you explore some of the world's elite hotels, you'll find that aquariums have been installed in many of them to take them to the next level. There are various major names in Dubai, the Maldives, and Singapore that have huge displays in their lobbies and rooms.
One of the most notable examples of this is in Singapore, where one of the leading hotels has a 40,000-fish aquarium. Guests are able to view this from their bedrooms, in what could be classed as an extremely luxurious and rare feature. There are even some hotels that are set into the ocean, with rooms with glass walls allowing for views into the clear waters around.
It's clear that aquariums are seen as an element of extravagance, and they can help take an already elite hotel to world-class recognition when they are installed. Indeed, some of the leading aquarium hotels attract visitors from all over the world simply because of this unique selling point. That's why it would make sense for some of the poshest rooftop bars to consider aquariums as well, as they would surely encourage more high-profile people to visit.
Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide
Follow The Rooftop Guide