To infinity and beyond…these horizon-skimming swims are high on our rooftop wish-list
An all-time Instagram favourite, rooftop pools still continue to take social media by storm. And whether you come to snap some pics or actually swim, there’s something undeniably cool about a rooftop pool (especially when you get the best views in the house). From swim-up bars to cloud-level tubs, take the plunge into our top rooftop pool picks…
Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel, Ibiza
Spend your days at Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel deciding which of the three pools is your favourite – all equally stylish and bathed in Santa Eulalia sunshine on Ibiza’s eastern coast. From the swanky sky-high cocktail bar to the Peruvian ceviche-serving Maymanta rooftop restaurant, the views here are as delicious to drink in as the sommelier-selected wine menu.
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, Dominican Republic
Listen to the gentle background lull of the sea as you relax by the 24-hour rooftop infinity pool at Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, a private beach boutique on the Amber Coast. The four plunge-worthy Jacuzzis put you even closer to sparkling sea views, best enjoyed with a signature cocktail from the terrace-level Acqua Bar.
Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco
The brand’s famed style of Asian-influenced dining flows across the menus at Nobu Hotel Marrakech – head up to the rooftop garden where starlit drinks and Moroccan-meets-Med plates are served with Atlas Mountain views. By day, the beach club-style venue is a sun-bathing and sushi spot, where chic cabanas circle the striking outdoor pool.
Praia do Canal Nature Resort, Portugal
Hidden away in Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Praia do Canal Nature Resort takes connecting with the outdoors to a whole new level. Gaze out from the outdoor infinity pool to the Atlantic Ocean beyond, or reserve the Rooftop Grand Suite for a private plunge pool and panoramic views.
Hotel Palacio de Villapanés, Spain
An authentic Andalusian palace turned boutique hotel, Hotel Palacio de Villapanés puts guests in the heart of historic Seville. The crown jewel in this former aristocratic residence? The rooftop solarium with a refreshing plunge pool, encircled by fragrant citrus trees.
137 Pillars Suites Bangkok, Thailand
Soaring above the streets of Bangkok, the skyline-skimming infinity pool at 137 Pillars Suites is as Instagrammable as they come. When cocktail hour rolls around, you just need to take a few steps from your luxurious lounger to the Sky Bar for a post-swim sundowner.
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Mallorca
Soak up panoramic views of Palma’s old town from the 200-metre-squared rooftop terrace, pool bar and solarium at Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, an urban oasis overlooking the spectacular Palma Cathedral. You’ll be hard pushed to find a better spot for chilled champagne-sipping and all-day pool dipping in Mallorca’s capital.
The Norman Tel Aviv, Israel
Crowning the fourth floor of The Norman Tel Aviv, a twin set of 1920s townhouses surrounded by Bauhaus architecture, this rooftop infinity pool comes with both cityscape and sea views. The wow-factor doesn’t stop at the 360-degree sundeck lined with pretty white parasols, but continues throughout the glamorous interiors which have been designed to bring the outside in.
Nimb Hotel, Denmark
It’s not every day you come across a Moorish-style palace in the heart of Copenhagen, but throw in an expansive roof terrace overlooking Tivoli Gardens and you know you’ve found something special. A glittering gem of green, Italian mosaic stone, the rooftop pool at Nimb Hotel is counter-current for keen swimmers, while boasting an outdoor shower and sun-drenched relaxation area with its own bar.
Ksar Char-Bagh, Morocco
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cooling off at Ksar Char-Bagh, a 14th century riad tucked away in a Marrakech palm grove. Guests are greeted by a mirage-like stretch of palm-lined pool leading to the main building, while The Tower Suite features a private rooftop pool and tent draped loungers looking out onto the fragrant gardens and the colourful cityscape beyond.
ROMEO Napoli, Italy
Romeo Hotel’s waterfront location not only makes it the perfect base for day trips to the likes of Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii, but it counts the island of Capri and Mount Vesuvius as the backdrop for its rooftop pool.
Hotel Arima & Spa, Spain
Rising above the treetops of the Miramón Forest is Hotel Arima & Spa, a boutique retreat in the Basque Country in total harmony with its surroundings. The nature-immersed rooftop pool is set atop a forest-fringed, eco-friendly building that seems to float amidst the leafy landscape.
Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, Thailand
The secret rooftop hideaway at Akyra Manor Chiang Mai is the perfect place to cool off with a cocktail as the sun sets over the mist-topped hills of northern Thailand.
Emiliano Rio, Brazil
The rooftop bar and infinity pool is as minimalist as the rest of this Modernist masterpiece – facing the legendary Copacabana beach, views from Emiliano Rio extend to the glistening Atlantic and Sugar Loaf mountain beyond.
Hotel Bagués, Spain
A swimming pool and tapas bar on top of the historic palace of El Regulador, one of Barcelona’s most attractive buildings on La Rambla? Yes please. La Terraza del Bagués at Hotel Bagués puts you in prime position to soak up the city’s skyline, with sophisticated Spanish sharing plates washed down with some sangria.
Villa Franca, Italy
For a taste of la dolce vita, look no further than the rooftop pool at Villa Franca, a hilltop retreat with quite simply spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. Channel your inner Sophia Loren on a chic sun-lounger as you take in the postcard-worthy views of Positano and the Mediterranean, sampling freshly caught seafood from GOLD Cocktail Bar just steps away from the pool.
Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
A delightful blend of colonial-meets-contemporary, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is set in the most exclusive area of the beautiful walled city of Cartagena – and its rooftop pool with a sky bar and sun terrace does not disappoint.
Diez Diez 1010 Collection, Mexico
Diez Diez 1010’s rooftop infinity pool is the perfect place to cool off after a long day – or late night in in Mérida. Up on the roof, the invitation-only DZ Bar serves up cocktails and gourmet food snacks to a soundtrack of DJ-led beats – and a backdrop of incredible views.
WITTMORE HOTEL, Spain
WITTMORE HOTEL has a modern member’s club feel – with a sociable, stylish vibe on the citrus-yellow striped sun deck that serves poolside cocktails to its adults-only guests in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
