This small tropical escape sits high above the CBD streets.
Sitting atop Bourke Street's infamous late-night haunt The Carlton Club is The Palmz, Melbourne's inner-city answer to Hayman Island, minus the five-star resort and with the addition of a lot more building-side stairs to access.
As with Melbourne's best themed watering holes (Madam Fling Flong and Robot Sushi spring instantly to mind), the idea is not flawless recreation but more of a good-natured nod in the direction of the decor inspiration. The Palmz takes a Melbourne institution - the rooftop establishment - and adds a little bamboo, some palm trees and a touch of paradise in the form of vibrant furniture selection.
Sitting as it is on central Bourke Street, the outlook is not one of aqua, sunlit oceans; instead it's flanked by the muted tones of high-rise buildings. Rather than boasting a soundtrack of live Caribbean band tunes, bar hoppers are privy to the bar's own musical selection, as pumped through the PA.
There are just enough palms (twenty at last count) and tropical regalia to allow you to turn away from the city walls, step up to the thatched-roof bar hut, order yourself a Pina Colada and forget about the city that sleeps below - if only for a little while.
Kat Hartmann
