Swim in the sky: the world’s best boutique hotels with rooftop pools

Because there is something undeniably cool about a rooftop pool

The most exclusive places to watch the sun rise or set over a city skyline, whether you’re doing laps or taking a dip. Lounging high above the hustle and bustle, cocktail in hand from a swim-up bar. Not to mention having the best views in the house. There’s no shortage of reasons why we love a rooftop pool, but these boutique hotels are taking things up a notch (or three)…

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.

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.

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.

Ovolo The Valley Brisbane, Australia

Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s ultra-hip entertainment district, Ovolo The Valley has an urban edge meets creative contemporary vibe which extends all the way to the sleek rooftop pool – and if you thought this trendy retreat couldn’t get any cooler, Ovolo guests are given complimentary access to the state-of-the-art gym, in-room mini bar and all day snacks.

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.

Grand Hotel Central, Spain

Historic sites can be spotted out of almost every window at Grand Hotel Central – but no view compares to the rooftop terrace. Here you can drift in an infinity pool while gazing over the Barcelona skyline.

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 Hotel, 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.

Akyra Hotels & Resorts, Thailand

The super sleek rooftop pool at Akyra Thonglor is in keeping with the hotel’s modern metropolitan feel, where you can swim above the sounds of one of Bangkok’s most dynamic districts. Meanwhile, the secret rooftop hideaway at sister property AMANOR Hotel 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.

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.

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 O’RO Sky Terrace Cocktail Bar & Osteria just steps away from the pool.

The Wittmore, Spain

The Wittmore has a modern member’s club feel – with a sociable, stylish vibe on the citrus-yellow striped sun deck that serves cocktails poolside to its adults-only guests.

Grand Hotel Yerevan, Armenia

The private open-air Zanzibar rooftop at Grand Hotel Yerevan was made for warm days and balmy nights, where you can take in the sights of Armenia’s capital from the panoramic pool.