Places to Visit: Rooftop Pools
In Arizona, everyone and their mother has a pool. They are really dime a dozen around here, but since they are readily available I have a deep love and appreciation for them. I am always down for a good pool or pool day. Lately, just like hotels, my Instagram and social feeds have been filled with the most gorgeous pools and scenery I have ever seen. But there is one thing they all had in common: They were rooftop pools. And nothing feels more serene not to mention cool than looking at an iconic skyline while enjoying the fresh water of a pool. There are so many different cities, hotels, and places where pools complement everything from design to the city it resides and even the beaches near it. How perfect does a relaxing day in the sun with drinks and incredible views sound right now?
Three House Hotel, Madeira
The Three House Hotel pool sits atop a building with over 50 years of history and is a prime spot in Funchal. The pool is one of the best features of this property and is found on the very last floor. The rooftop covers 1,000 square meters and is a gorgeous Mediterranean garden. The perfect place for privacy and amazing views of the city, mountains, and the sea. There are relaxing corners and comfortable sunbeds to relax on, but the real selling point is the salt water and natural stone pool - filled to the brim with crystal clear water. Talk about stylish relaxation…
Aguas De Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel, Ibiza
This hotel is eco-friendly and innovative which is bringing style and comfort to a brand-new level. The Aguas D e Ibiza Grand Luxe features multiple pools all of which are perfect for whatever you’re looking for. There are two rooftop pools so there is no shortage of great views. The infinity pool is located right near the rooftop bar and overlooks one of the busiest harbors of Ibiza. No matter which pools you choose, each one has comfortable sofas, sun recliners, and umbrellas to escape the sun.
The Fives Downtown, Playa Del Carmen
My Instagram feed has been going Playa Del Carmen crazy all of a sudden, but just look how serene this is! The Fives Downtown is located in the heart of the city in the Riviera Maya in Mexico. This pool is something special because the infinity pool stretches across the terrace and overlooks the Caribbean Sea. In between swims, there are loungers for enjoying the sun and drinks by expert mixologists and innovative food. This pool is perfect for laid-back enjoyment of the Mexican sun and at night a DJ will bring up the vibe to create an incredible hot spot.
The Ned, London
Apparently, there is no rooftop pool that contains as much history as the Ned. This pool is 11 floors high and part of a building that used to be a bank. The bank has been transformed by Soho House & Co into a 252-room hotel overlooking the city skyline. The domes on the roof have outdoor terraces for alfresco dining and one bar has a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment. From what I hear, the view only gets better as the sun goes down.
Le Bristol Paris, France
When this one crossed my path I was obsessed with its vintage Titanic-ish feel. It just looks like all the photos I’ve seen of it. It might seem a bit off to have Paris on a rooftop pool list as they are pretty darn rare. The Le Bristol Paris pool is on the 6th floor and at one of the most magnificent hotels in the city. While I personally may get Titanic vibes, the hotel was actually designed with the 1980s in mind by Professor Pinnau, the designer of Aristotle Onassis’ superyacht. The pool has the perfect amount of sunlight and overlooks the Eiffel Tower.
Soho House Rome
Soho House has some of the best rooftop pools, or at least that’s what I have seen on Instagram. Each one offers a special variation of their signature retro loungers surrounding the pool. The Soho House Rom is located on the 10th floor and features panoramic views of Rome. This particular design features olive daybeds, scalloped umbrellas, and gorgeous red pool tiles.
Address Beach Resort, Dubai
This rooftop pool is so incredible it’s in the Guinness World Record books. It’s 77 floors up at the Address Beach Resort in Jumeirah Beach and is the world’s tallest infinity pool. It takes swimming to new heights and is an exclusive oasis for guests of the hotel. The pool is surrounded by sunbeds and gazebos not to mention an incredible view of the iconic Ain Dubai. Even if you’re not a guest, you can gain access to this record holding pool by reserving an air-conditioned cabana or you can visit the rooftop bar next door.
Grand Hotel Principe De Piemonte, Viareggio
This hotel isn’t the largest of the bunch, but it is apparently a chill, calm oasis with amazing views of the Sea of Versilia. It is located in the 5-star Grand Hotel Principe Di Piemonte and has a rooftop bar, a rooftop restaurant, and even a hot tub for the colder season. In between swims, there are comfy loungers that are just begging to be enjoyed with a delicious cocktail.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Phoenix
A little gem closer to home is the Hotel Palomar. This pool is located on the 3rd floor where the sun is already starting the party by 9 am. The rooftop bar is chic and adds to the experience with poolside bar service. There are different DJs and live music events not to mention a happy hour Monday through Friday. It’s a chill place in the middle of an ever-changing and growing city.
The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
The Silo pool occupies 6 floors above the Zeitz Museum for Contemporary Art Africa and overlooks the V&A Waterfront of Cape Town. This is one of the coolest rooftop infinity pools in the world and is known for its luxurious lounging. The pool may be for hotel guests only, but the bar is open to everyone and truly nothing sounds better than grabbing a lounger and enjoying a cocktail (or a South African wine). There is also access to the Sky Terrace which provides 360 views of the mountains, harbor, ocean, and the city.
Belmond hotel caruso, aMALFI coast
This pool isn’t really considered a rooftop pool, but it is carved into one of the highest points above Ravello. It promises incredible views of the Amalfi Coast which visitors don’t get tired of. I for one think it looks absolutely serene and gorgeous. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a concierge standing by ready to provide reading materials and refreshments.