10 of the Best Rooftop Pools in the World

That first toe-dip in the hotel pool when you go on holiday is pretty seminal. After all, that refreshing feeling of the water under the beating sun is something you’ve been looking forward to for weeks. And when you know that swim is high up, on the lofty rooftop of your hotel, or paired with a panoramic vista of the city, coastline or the desert savannas, it’s even more satisfying. Try these 10 rooftop pools to add to your travel itinerary:

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The highest and largest infinity pool on the planet, floating in this iconic body of water will have you feeling like you’re on the roof of Singapore itself. A whopping 57 floors high, from your vantage point in the clouds you can admire the city skyline while keeping cool in the pool, glass of bubbly in hand.

Andaz West Hollywood, USA

The Andaz West Hollywood not only boasts the highest rooftop pool in Los Angeles, but also the one with the best views: you can snap the perfect picture of the Hollywood Hills from here. Not just that, but the hotel has a pretty cool history, having once put up music legends like Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and Rolling Stones’ frontman Keith Richards. So you can feel pretty rock and roll when you take the plunge.

Four Seasons Serengeti, Tanzania, Africa

Okay, so we’ve cheated a bit with this one – it’s not on a rooftop. But the infinity pool at this plush safari lodge does look straight out onto the vast scrubland and, every now and again, offers glimpses of the wildlife within. So if you like your pool lazing with a side of elephant viewing, this is the spot for you.

Delamore Lodge, New Zealand

When your infinity pool commands unrivalled views of the yacht-studded Owhanake Bay, you know you’re onto a winner. Not just that, but as this hotel is located on the secluded Waiheke Island, you won’t have to fight too hard for a spot in the water either.

Okura Prestige Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok does rooftop bars, restaurants and swimming pools by the bucket load – so much so that you’d think that’s the only way they do things. But no place does it quite as well as the Okura Prestige. Sunrise, sunset, or when you’re cooling off from the searing midday heat, the rooftop cantilevered pool at this stylish five-star hotel is all about its impressive views of the city skyline, uninterrupted for 25 blissful metres.

The Gansevoort Park Avenue, New York, USA

Drifting in the water, staring up at the sky, is one of my favourite swimming pool pastimes. But when your sky view is also peppered with fairy lights, skyscrapers and the changing colours of the Empire State Building, well, that just about tops it off doesn’t it? This one is a must for lovers of the Big Apple.

The Thompson Hotel, Ontario, Canada

Staring out at every skyscraper in Toronto, the rooftop pool at this boutique property sits on the 16th floor. And, if you prefer to stay dry, it’s not just about the water either – grab a drink at the rooftop bar and laze in the adjacent lounge. Together, the pool and the lounge boast a 360-degree view of this beautiful Canadian gem.

InterContinental Hong Kong

Soaring high above the freneticism of the streets below, the InterContinental Hong Kong’s pool terrace boasts great views of the island-city. It’s also the perfect place to kick-start your morning with yoga and tai chi classes – complimentary to guests. How’s that for Zen?

Hotel Emperador, Madrid, Spain

Fringed by a rooftop garden, as well as hammocks, lounge chairs and a snack bar, the rooftop pool at Hotel Emperador is one of the best in Madrid. We would even be so bold as to say it’s one of the best in Spain! Enjoy a cocktail, rooftop barbecue or just relax by (or in) the water – this pool is as laid-back as it gets. And with views of city landmarks like the Gran Via and Almudena Cathedral, you don’t even need to leave your sun lounger to get cultural.

Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia

Getting that perfect snap of the Sydney Opera House can be tricky… if you’re staying anywhere but the Park Hyatt Sydney, that is. From the hotel’s private sun deck you can gaze across the Harbour, take in the city skyline, laze in a cabana and swim in the heated pool. Oh, and if you can tear yourself away from all of that, the photo opportunities here are second-to-none.