There's something about being this high up that sends that tingle in your toes and fingertips. You're in the nosebleeds but yet, right in the heat of things. At a staggering 282 metres above the hotbed of office drones meandering from their offices to the MRT, when you look down, you start to picture humanity as ants. Maybe break off from the line, enter a lift that shoots straight up as your ears pop and rest with a beer in hand at NOVA. Just a suggestion.

It used to be 1-Altitude but left after their lease was up. OUE Restaurants took over and put in NOVA, a panoramic sky bar. From its perch, one can see the surrounding CBD as it stretches off into familiar landmarks like Marina Bay Sands. But your attention is more drawn towards the bar's centrepiece—ASTRA—a hulking stellar installation by KL-based light artist, Jun Ong. As a visual interpretation of a supernova, ASTRA is an amalgamation of natural and urban light. This is a reflection of the spirit of the city; the calm of the night sky.

"At NOVA, we're redefining the nightlife scene by blending world-class culinary offerings with the electrifying pulse of music festival vibes," says Wayne Lee, General Manager of NOVA and HighHouse. "Our aim is to craft memorable nights for both locals and tourists, with an experience that balances refinement with vibrant energy."

So, yes. This is an aerie for drinks, mingling and music. Designed as a third space, NOVA offers more than a night in the air—it is a nexus where creativity, emotion and social connection converge. From way up high, looking down on the rest of the world moving languidly to some unheard tempo of the rat race. This must be what the stars in a constellated wilderness feel like.

NOVA is located at 1 Raffles Pl, level 63