Since they became suburban status symbols and the inspiration for countless artists, from Mr David Hockney’s splashes to Mr Terry O’Neill’s shot of Ms Faye Dunaway at the Beverly Hills, hotel pools have also become the symbol to the most lust after hotel hotspot. from hotel horizon-edge pools, to floating high up in the rainforest, these are the waterholes that we’re desperate to dive into.
From rooftop to mountaintop, Los Angeles to the Aegean Sea, have a splash in these beautiful hotel pools.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France
The pool at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the most famous on the Riviera, if not in the world. A saltwater infinity pool cut into the rocks and looking out to the sea beyond is not just beautiful, it is a magnet for beautiful people, from tech billionaires to film stars.
Setouchi Aonagi, Japan
At Setouchi Aonagi, a modern art museum last year transformed into a luxury hotel outside Matsuyama on Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island, the 30m length pool is a feat of immeasurable architectural drama. A single lane of blue, simply tiled and cut into stark concrete, it is as minimalist as it could be while still containing water.
The Chedi, Muscat
Jean-Michel Gathy’s minimalist hotel is already a rarity in traditional Muscat, and his Long Pool is a particularly luxe spot to take in views of the Gulf. At 337 feet, the infinity pool is the longest in the Middle East. Enjoy swimming your lengths whilst gazing out into the ocean.
The Silo, Cape Town
A giant abandoned grain silo on Cape Town’s waterfront seems like an unlikely setting for one of this year’s most exciting hotel openings. But Mr Thomas Heatherwick has worked wonders with the concrete structure, and it’s crowning glory is the pool on the roof, where concrete columns frame arguably the best views in the city.
Lakshman Sagar, India
The pool at this former imperial hunting lodge built along the edge of a man-made lake in Rajasthan looks like part of the rock it sits in. Dug into a single rock and whitewashed, it does away with decks and loungers to create a wild place in which to cool off, unfussed by the accoutrements of the traditional resort.
Soho House, New York
This member’s club rooftop pool has views of downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. Stay on after a day of basking in the sun, as the DJ starts and the party begins, with New York’s cool crew.
The Library, Thailand
Lined with vivid Italian mosaic tiles, coloured orange, yellow and red, the water in the pool is given the illusion of looking red, which tastefully matches the parasols and loungers on the wooden decking that surround it. The water is the centrepiece of a minimalist resort of 26 sprawling studios and suites, and includes a collection of more than 1,400 books, for plenty of poolside reading.
Four Seasons Serengeti, Tanzania
There are two pools of note at the Four Seasons outpost deep inside Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. One is for humans, a sweeping azure infinity pool in front of the terrace of the main lodge, that gives you the perfect view of the other just 10m beyond, a watering hole for the wild animals.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
There are three swimming pools at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a 1910 magnolia palazzo set in gardens on the edge of Lake Como. However, the one you’ll be posting on Instagram until the sun goes down floats in the lake itself, set within teak decking.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah, Oman
The seemingly never-ending infinity pool stretches as far as the sea and the sweep of powdery palm-lined beach. Inspired by Omani fortresses of old, the whitewashed resort houses private plunge pools with each suite, which you will have to step away from to enjoy the main oceanfront pool.
