There could be a raging nor’easter outside, but inside the legendary Oak Bar (138 St. James St., 617/267-5300, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat.; 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sun., www.theoakroom.com) in the Fairmont Copley Plaza, it’s always 70 degrees, with the sun just setting over the Indian Ocean, and the distant whack of a cricket bat audible over the veldt. The crisp service of the gold-vested bartenders bespeaks civilization, while the generous martinis whisper pure decadence.

In the basement of the nearby Copley Square Hotel, Saint (90 Exeter St., 617/236-1134, 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat.; 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Sun.,) is like a grown-up version of a “heaven and hell” party—cool and opalescent in one room and devilish red velvet in the other. Insouciant patrons spend their time sampling a fusion tapas menu, listening to cool techno, and making provocative glances across the room.

On Newbury Street, the young and lovely hang out at Sonsie (327 Newbury St., 617/351-2500, 8 a.m.–1 a.m. Mon.–Sat.; 8:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Sun., www.sonsieboston.com), where French doors open up onto the street, the better to check out the handbags and clothing labels of passersby.