Inside the Rooftop Experience that’s Raising the Bar for Evenings in Mumbai

Mumbai’s iconic skyline can offer the perfect backdrop for celebrations that stretch into the night or intimate evenings that call for connection and intention. When it comes to pre-wedding dos and special occasions, it has become synonymous with a kind of luxury that is less about spectacle and more about experience: meaningful spaces, thoughtful design and sensory detail. Among the city’s elevated destinations, AER at Four Seasons Mumbai has consistently held its position as a favourite for sundowners, proposals, pre-wedding soirées and impeccably crafted after-parties, thanks to its panoramic view that sweeps across the city on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Now, the rooftop has introduced two distinctive experiences, each offering its own mood and culinary journey: Gimlet Garden and Yacht Club.

City-facing Gimlet Garden is an intimate sanctuary of lush greenery, warm lighting, and garden-inspired charm suspended above the urban sprawl. Here, cocktails become culinary explorations, drawing inspiration from ports and coastal traditions worldwide. From squid-infused gin paired with shiso leaf to tamarind brightened with green apple, or truffle layered with basil, each drink is layered, inventive, and full of personality. Signatures like the Oaxaca Me Margata, smoky with agave, cacao, and chilli, or the Siren’s Cove, a blend of coconut tequila, mulberry liqueur, sloe gin, and black tea, transport the palate while complementing the city’s skyline below.

The small-plate menu mirrors this global sensibility, from the spiced indulgence of Bombay Guac to the citrusy freshness of Salmon Ceviche with Peruvian Tiger’s Milk, and the decadent Truffle and Parmesan Fries—all designed for sharing and discovery. Gimlet Garden is ideal for pre-dinner cocktails, intimate toasts, or after-parties that favour sophistication over spectacle.

By contrast, the sea-facing Yacht Club offers a breezy, coastal-inspired escape where the horizon stretches wide and evenings unfold at an unhurried pace. The cocktail menu here channels the ever-changing moods of the sea: Tranquil Tides, with cucumber, screw pine, and cacao, evokes calm waters, while #AER Picante, bright with orange, jalapeño, coriander, and cucumber, brings lively energy. For a touch of intrigue, Nocturne of the Deep mirrors the quiet mystery of moonlit waters. Culinary offerings match the relaxed, maritime vibe, from banana leaf-wrapped Konkani fish to Mangalorean lobster curry bowls, Mediterranean-style lamb chops, and globally inspired comfort dishes such as Delhi Butter Chicken Flatbread and Mexico City Pulled Lamb Sliders. It is the perfect setting for slower-paced gatherings, whether it’s an intimate rehearsal dinner, a sunset proposal, or a sophisticated after-party where conversation flows as freely as the sea breeze.

The dual-concept rooftop introduces a rare versatility for celebrations. Guests can begin with the vibrant energy of Gimlet Garden before moving seamlessly into the tranquillity of Yacht Club as night falls. It is a space where mood and moment dictate the experience — whether an engagement sundowner, a welcome dinner, or a post-ceremony celebration. And for couples seeking cinematic backdrops, the combination of city lights, sunset skies, and the sea horizon creates a picture-perfect setting.

At AER, every detail, from inventive cocktails to globally inspired small plates, is designed to elevate the experience. Gimlet Garden and Yacht Club together redefine how Mumbai celebrates above the skyline, where atmosphere, craft, and panoramic views turn an evening into a memory that lingers long after the last sip.