Golden Hour Rituals

Some chase sunsets, but at El Fuerte Marbella, you simply settle in. At sea level, Soleo serves Andalusian seafood classics on a breezy terrace beside the Med, ideal for an apéritif as the sky begins to blush. Later, head up to Edge by Paco Pérez, the rooftop restaurant and bar where panoramic views and a Michelin pedigree make saying adiós to the sun feel effortlessly elevated.

Tucked beside a pristine curl of white sand, the COMO Beach Club at COMO Parrot Cay invites easy days and stylish nights. By day, guests enjoy fresh, beach-inspired cocktails and light Caribbean bites. When evening falls, the soundtrack comes alive and sultry sunset cocktails crafted by the island mixologist complete the scene. This private island resort is where the sun sets on stress.

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The article’s cover shot features COMO Parrot Cay.

Step aboard Regent Phu Quoc’s Serenity yacht for a three-hour cruise where Champagne flows as freely as the sea breeze. Beneath the waves, vibrant marine life shimmers; above, panoramic views reveal islets and coral reefs. But it’s the sunset painting sky and sea in soft gold that captivates most. Return to land and tuck into Bar Jade, the resort’s hidden speakeasy cocktail bar—if you can find it.

The palapa-roofed private cabanas at Kempinski Hotel Cancún sit directly on the sand, a rarity for restaurants on this stunning stretch of coast. As night falls, Casitas on the Beach becomes the ultimate refuge—artisanal sunset cocktails in hand, waves lapping nearby and the promise of freshly caught seafood and flame-grilled fare to follow. The only thing more spirit-lifting than the drinks is the setting itself.

Venture into the Namib Desert aboard a private 4×4 for a breathtaking sundowner beside rolling dunes and rugged terrain. After golden hour, return to Zannier Sonop’s main lodge, where the infinity pool, cocktail lounge and cigar bar await. Sip crisp South African wines or expertly mixed G&Ts beneath vast, uninterrupted desert skies. Kiwi Collection partner, Michelle Halpern, has some advice, too.

Photo credit: Michelle Halpern of @livelikeitsthewknd on assignment for Passport Magazine.

On the 13th floor, Sir Elly’s Terrace at The Peninsula Shanghai offers commanding views of the Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. Known for its Art Deco aesthetic and contemporary cocktails, the rooftop becomes particularly atmospheric at sunset. Order a jasmine- or lychee-infused cocktail and settle into the elegant atmosphere as the city lights begin to flicker to life below.

Located along a strip of coastline nicknamed Billionaire’s Beach, Malibu Beach Inn’s breezeway and beachfront deck come alive at dusk. The Pacific horizon burns coral and pink as guests toast with spicy margaritas and Napa reds, the ocean’s gentle hum wrapping around this understated California refuge. Here, sunsets are always on the house.

An Italian summer is best spent suspended between sky and sea. At Villa Franca’s GOLD Sky Lounge, sunset cocktails and rare vintage Champagnes pair with sweeping views of Positano’s pastel rooftops. Poolside, live music gives way to DJ sets as the sun melts into the horizon. It’s effortless glamour, where every sip and glance is framed by one of nature’s most captivating panoramas.

Sunset invites a quiet nightly ritual at the Club InterContinental Lounge at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa: a pause for adults-only cocktails and canapés framed by Natadola Bay’s vast expanse. This hilltop refuge offers a private infinity pool, wraparound terrace and cozy poolside rest nests. Fijian-inspired entertainment gently ushers the evening in as the sun peaces out.

Santorini’s iconic evening glow steals the show, and Beefbar at Andronis Arcadia offers a front-row seat. Perched above the Oia caldera, this sleek spot serves sunset cocktails paired with bold bites like Kobe beef bao buns, truffled wagyu quesadillas and mini smashed burgers. Raise a glass as the sun takes a bow—here, global flavor and fading light meet in effortless harmony.