Sunset cocktails, midnight mezzes and chilled-out beats into the early hours define Aer, the newest addition to Mumbai’s social scene, set to open December 11, 2009. What really sets this oasis of chic relaxation apart is its mind-blowing open-air location – 34 floors above the bustling streets of Worli.

Covering the entire rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Aer offers panoramic city and sea views and an endless ceiling of sky and stars, creating an atmosphere that redefines the notion of freedom.

“It takes your breath away,” explains Aer’s Manager, Aditya Ramani. “There’s nowhere else like it in the city. You are so high up, you feel as though you have been transported to a different place. All you can see is the sea and the lights of Mumbai spread out like a blanket beneath you.”

This sense of space is complemented by an avant-garde design that is both contemporary and minimalist. The design team – including names such as Bob Bilkey, Oscar Llynas, Nozer Wadia, Ritu Nanda, Elsie Nanji and Annalisa Beliettati – has combined black and white, the yin and yang of design, to create luminous appeal.

The forms of a series of Tokyo pop furniture by Driade were the inspiration for the seamless jigsaw shapes of the bar’s white outdoor furniture, and organic industrial designer Ross Lovegrove’s Love Bench makes a statement at the entrance. The overall design is punctuated with hints of drama to effortlessly bridge the indoors and outdoors.

The high-energy lounge will be kept abuzz by the house DJ Shaan, playing jazz, funk, world and club. Professionally trained bartenders keep the vibe going at the bar, mixing exclusive – and even personalised – blends of fresh fruit and champagne cocktails alongside an eclectic menu of wines and champagnes by the glass. Champagne and champagne cocktails drop to around half price during the sunset-friendly hours of 5:30-8:00pm each night.

Dining is equally inspiring, with the emphasis on plates for sharing – an innovative selection of hot and cold Lebanese and Middle Eastern dips, Mediterranean tapas and international favourites.

The bar itself may be cooled by refreshing breezes, but the service is firmly focused on creating the warmest of welcomes and an easy, inviting ambience.

“Aer is anything but pretentious,” says Aditya. “Ultimately, it’s somewhere to relax with good friends and enjoy the freedom of feeling on top of the world.”

Aer will be open daily from 5:30 pm to 1:30 am with a maximum seating capacity of 80. For inquiries, please contact 91 (22) 2481-8444.