The best rooftop retreats to visit this summer

For stylish alfresco dining, head to this slick, seasonally opening rooftop restaurant and bar. Its glorious wrapround views take in the Old Town’s spires and gabled roofs, along with the turreted town hall and twin domes of the cathedral. Sights ticked off, settle into a stylishly low-slung sofa, and consider the polished cocktail list. (You can’t go wrong with a Lychee Spritz, or glass of Perrier-Jouët.)

Whether you’re into poolside lounging or racking up the lengths, the eighth-floor terrace at Mandarin Oriental, Doha delivers. Curtain-swathed cabanas edge two dreamy rooftop pools; settle into a cushioned daybed with a Pomjito mocktail, laced with fresh mint and fig jam. Staff are on hand with fresh towels and cool drinks, while the sun-dappled terrace at Mosaic is perfect for lunch. The view takes in Al Bidda Park and the glittering skyscrapers of West Bay; at sunset, look out for traditional teak dhows, sailing across the bay.

Set between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this opulent, Edwardian grande dame is the ultimate London crash pad. Waking up to a view of the park is the biggest luxury of all – especially if you’re checked into its ninth-floor penthouse suites, the Mandarin and the Oriental (better still, they can be connected to form a three-bedroom super-suite). Floor-to-ceiling windows offer cinematic views, while each suite has a private terrace – the best spot in the city for breakfast, backdropped by birdsong from the park.