“…Against the ever-shifting skyline of Bangkok, the arrival of ÆTHER on the 44th floor of Central Park Offices represents more than the unveiling of yet another rooftop venue. It is, instead, a deliberate rethinking of the city’s nightlife narrative, one that brings together design, music, and the art of social gathering in a considered and refined manner…”
To understand what ÆTHER truly represents, one must look to its origins. Conceived as the latest cocktail lounge from Watermelon Group, ÆTHER adopts a futuristic design language as its core identity. This vision is articulated through architectural structure, clean lines, lighting, and carefully selected materials, all of which speak to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. Paired with sweeping panoramic views of Bangkok and Lumpini Park, the space feels as though it exists on a different atmospheric plane, suspended gently above the city.
From a design perspective, ÆTHER has been created to become an integral part of Silom’s skyline. Its striking elements include monumental silver speakers that catch the sunlight, furniture that balances a strong visual identity with deep comfort, and a lighting scheme that transforms the night sky into an ever-evolving canvas. Each element contributes to an environment that shifts in mood and energy as the evening unfolds.
The name “Æther” itself draws from Greek mythology, referring to the divine embodiment of light and the upper atmosphere. This reference is subtly woven into the venue’s concept, blending experimental thinking with a sense of modern elegance. The result is a space that is visually compelling while also allowing guests to engage with it on an emotional level.
As the latest concept from Watermelon Group, ÆTHER marks an expansion of the group’s creative landscape into one of Bangkok’s most dynamic urban districts. More than a visually striking rooftop, the venue is driven by a thoughtful dialogue between design and sound, crafted for urban dwellers seeking contemporary experiences and spaces that encourage reconnection with oneself.
“ÆTHER was created as a place where people can rediscover joy in the present moment,”
Pattarit Jittawait, Co-founder of Watermelon Group
At the bar, the experience is defined by a progressive cocktail programme led by Dep–Nopphaset Hiranyawathit, Head Bartender of Rabbit Hole. Known for his modern, experimental approach, he employs advanced techniques such as distillation, precise temperature control, and flavour extraction to create drinks that evolve throughout the evening, mirroring the changing rhythms of the night.
The cocktail menu is structured around three distinct atmospheric phases. GROUND STATE, with creations such as AWAKEN.ING, focuses on fermentation and smoke, gently awakening the senses at the start of the evening. TRANSCEND introduces heightened clarity and playfulness through drinks like CITY FLORA, defined by floral aromas and citrus notes. The journey concludes with EXOSPHERE . BEYOND, where cocktails such as AETHERIA offer light, delicate flavours, an elegant metaphor for weightlessness, silence, and the final glow of the night.
Music forms the other cornerstone of the ÆTHER experience. Anchored in Deep House, the soundscape moves in harmony with light and sky, transitioning seamlessly from sunset into the late hours. The official opening was highlighted by a performance from internationally acclaimed DJ Britta Arnold, whose Berlin-rooted electronic sound set the tone, alongside a rotating line-up of both Thai and international DJs.
With its panoramic views over Lumpini Park, intimate lounge areas, and a concept unlike any other in the city, ÆTHER positions itself as a new destination for those seeking a different perspective on celebration, particularly during the festive season and the transition into the new year. Rather than offering an escape from the city’s pace, ÆTHER invites guests to see it differently: slower, deeper, and with a renewed awareness of the present moment.
