INK 360, the highest bar on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island, opens with a spectacular mythical design

Redefining the rooftop bar experience, the new INK 360 sky bar offers the most stunning panoramic sunset views on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island with the finest mixology. Australian designer Ashley Sutton has conceived a glamorous yet jaw-dropping design incorporating the aesthetic of a giant sea creature that represents the mysteries of the ocean below.

From here, the 19th floor of the new InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort which opened in June, visitors are invited to sip on signature cocktails as the sun goes down over the sparkling sea, creating a magnificent sunset view second to none on the island.

A sleek, sophisticated take on the consuming might and power of a mysterious sea creature, Ashley Sutton’s design is an ode to mythical maritime tales of yesteryear. The main bar and cocktail lounge uses mother of pearl and white marble to evoke the feel of the ocean floor, while the exterior Deck offers an unparalleled vista over the ocean from the highest point on the island. The shadow play and longitudinal markings of the floor pattern represent a marine chart; further enhancing the maritime theme running throughout that redefines the concept of a sky bar.

A master of one-of-a-kind designs, Ashley Sutton brings a sense of whimsy and a buzzing creative energy to his interiors. From his Iron Fairies bar in Tokyo, a magical wonderland complete with hanging vials of fairy dust, to The Bookshop in Bangkok, where books are suspended in the air as if seconds from falling, and the femininity and decadence of Ophelia in Hong Kong, Ashley realises fantastical worlds for visitors to delight in. And INK 360 is no different to these unique, magical creations – fusing elegance with mythical play that entices visitors and guests to enjoy the best view and the finest cocktails on Phu Quoc.

“INK 360 was conceived in my mind once I was on top of the rooftop parting over the ocean,” says Ashley Sutton. “The shape of the building, with its accommodation wings and its crown, felt like it needed some type of maritime mythical theme. It was extremely hard to build due to each part being hand carved and then pouring in cast aluminium. The parts are huge and therefore aluminium was chosen due to weight and saltwater erosion issues.”

The mixology team at INK 360 have conceived the cocktail menu with a passion for quality ingredients and an engaging flair. Combining traditional flavours, styles and textures, they are re-imagined in a series of contemporary cocktails.

Handcrafted with deference and dedication, the cocktails at INK 360 create a memorable journey of taste. Each of the bespoke cocktails are inspired by the elements – land, sea and air – and each celebrates mixology as an art form, using only the finest spirits and botanicals sourced from around the globe, as well as from Phu Quoc Island itself.

Signature cocktails include Uncle Ho Penicillin, with a scent that evokes the nostalgia of days gone by, including Scotch whisky, lemon juice, Phu Quoc honey, ginger syrup, Lapsang Souchong and black cardamom air. The curious Three Way Mirror is designed to be enjoyed in three ways, with a different taste sensation accompanying each sip, with London Dry Gin, St. Germain elderflower, sparkling wine, and strawberry and turmeric dust. A light and herbaceous Coral Mule is the perfect aperitif, thanks to its mix of Triple Sec, Aperol, Luxardo Fernet Branca, ginger beer, Calamansi and lemon.

A considered selection of fine and sparkling wines, Champagnes, beers and spirits are also available at INK 360, as well as a sharing plates menu with a Japanese Yakitori Selection of chicken & leek, bacon-wrapped asparagus, pork shoulder bell pepper and chicken gizzard yakitori served with roasted garlic, schichimi chili and Teriyaki sauce. The Cured Meats & Cheeses plate features prosciutto, Italian cold cuts and premium French cheeses served with nuts, grapes, raisins and homemade bread. Desserts tempt with a Valrhona chocolate cup, and a citrus raspberry polenta cake with hazelnut crème, to name just two.

As the highest sky bar on the island overlooking the sea, visitors to INK 360 will enjoy some of the most dramatic sunset views on the island. Sit back with a cocktail in hand and relax as the sun disappears over an endless ocean horizon.