20 Best Hotel Pools in Europe

These days hotel guests are looking for something a bit more than big, blue, rectangular and full of water when it comes to the pool. And there are many hotels only too willing to oblige. Some have created wonderful oasis or jungles in the middle of cities, or offer you sweeping, uninterrupted views of the ocean, tempt with the infinity plunge into nothingness, or have a mini water park in their garden. It's hard to compare these different approaches to creating the best hotel pools in Europe, so this list isn't in order, but is instead grouped around themes.

And while we don't really believe you're going to choose your holiday destination based solely on a photo of a dreamy pool, it might provide inspiration to get booking! If you're feeling inspired don't hesitate to get in touch by phone or email, one of our 'pool gurus' for advice.

A Pool with a View

Why is it so relaxing to stare off into a peaceful distance while letting your feet paddle and your arms bronze? This is the true essence of being on holiday and those moments are precious. Our pick of the best hotels pools in Europe with a view offer this and more - for many on this list, the vista is simply stunning.

• All white boutique hotel dream, Katikies has two legendary infinity pools with views over Santorini's caldera, the beautiful whitewashed town of Oia and the bright blue Aegean.
• Find la dolce vita in the pool of the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, in Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast. The pool and spa facilities overlook the stunning Amalfi Coast and have some of the finest views of the Mediterranean on the planet.
• The Hotel Metropole in Taormina, Sicily is a five star wonder with Michelin starred restaurant, private beach access and one of the best hotel pools in Europe with panoramic views over the sea and Mt. Etna beyond.
• Bill and Coo, Mykonos has another faultless view over Ammos Bay, one of the most picturesque on the island, and a pool lit from the bottom with a starry sky of lights.

• Getting away from perfect ocean views for a moment, check out The Yeatman, in the historic Vila Nova de Gaia district of Porto, which has a decanter shaped pool - it is a wine hotel - with views over the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Town and the Douro River.
• Santorini has several of the best hotel pools in Europe. It's second listing is for Grace Santorini, which is cut into the cliff's edge and has the largest infinity pool on Santorini, with expansive views over the caldera.
• Chromata is Santorini's third offering - another spectacular infinity pool with wonderful views of this spectacular island and its dramatic volcano-forged shape. It's hard to separate the loveliness of these pools, but Chromata has value added to the view by placing a plexiglass bridge across the pool, on which they can set a table for dinner for two. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience, dining on top of one of the best hotel pools in Europe.

• If the sea views are ceasing to dazzle you, try Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provence, which has accommodation in a cluster of atmospheric old buildings at the top of a village, and a pool terrace with views over Provence and magnificent Mont Ventoux.
• La Bandita in Pienza, Tuscany was a derelict farm and is not a beautiful villa, so its a far cry from some of the high end luxury hotels on this list - but La Bandita still has one of the best hotel pools in Europe, with a view into the remarkable green oblivion of the Tuscan hills.
• Hotelito Lupaia in Torrita di Siena also offers panoramic views of the Tuscan hills.

Once in a Lifetime Hotel Pools

This collection of the best hotel pools in Europe qualify because they're one of a kind hotel pool experiences. This is the kind of things honeymoons are made for!

• One of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's pool actually floats atop remarkably beautiful Lake Como. Yes, you read that correctly, it's built into a pontoon which floats on the lake, not in the lake, on the lake. So its water is perfectly clean. And as if that's not enough to guarantee a place on the list of the best hotel pools in Europe, the Grand Hotel has a second pool, tucked away in a quiet part of the garden - it's like a secret pool!
• The Perivolas Traditional Houses is yet another entry from Santorini, but how can our gurus not include this wonderful infinity pool built into the hillside amongst the accommodation converted from 300 year old cave dwellings?
• Masseria Cervarolo, Puglia is arranged around its enormous pool, accommodation is in a collection of trulli, traditional conical peasant's huts which surround the great bright blue lagoon. Traditional peace and relaxation at its most gorgeous, unfussy best.
• You may not expect to see one of the best hotel pools in Europe on an olive farm, but that's what you get in Azienda Agricola Mandranova. This deep well of a swimming pool is surrounded by weathered stone and oil lamps and is a perfect place for a refreshing dive after a hot day in the Italian sun.
• At Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia, when it comes to providing one of the best hotel pools in Europe, size matters. Bring the entire extended family to the pool and don't worry, there'll be plenty of room for all of you. It features the ever important Olympic-sized qualification, of course, and its surrounding area features a two-story sunbathing deck.
• Big, beautiful and convenient, The Belvedere on the Amalfi Coast has a lift which shuttles you through the earth of a hill to its spacious swimming oasis. The swimming area itself juts out of the natural hillside, and there's plenty of room for everyone to get some sun.

Best European City Break Pools

Not all the best hotel pools in Europe are on islands or by the sea. Some can be found downtown. 'Cause sometimes all you need after a busy day exploring a new city is a quick dip before you head out again.

• The Vine, Madeira, deserves to be included in several of these best hotel pools in Europe collections. The breathtaking pool in question is an infinity pool in a luxurious hotel, with a spectacular view of Funchal, but its the wonderful city style of this pool that really grabs you. Dark and inviting, this is a sophisticated place to relax.
• The fact that fashion shows are held on the bridge between Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona's dual pools is a testament to its inclusion on the list of the best hotel pools in Europe. Gardens and giant palm trees completely envelope the area, and the pools themselves collectively measure up as the largest pool in Barcelona.
• The location and design of the Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona's infinity-pool-on-the-rooftop more than makes up for its moderate size. Polished wooden floors and an evening breeze will make you wonder if you're on a cruise, but Barcelona's classic cityscape will bring you happily back to reality.
• Guess where you'll find the pool on the eight floors of the Fresh Hotel, Athens? On the ninth floor, of course. There's really no reason to move from this rooftop plunge pool - except for the poolside bar with its spectacular view of Athens. It's got it all.

Private Pools

What could be more luxurious than arriving at your hotel and finding your suite has its very own pool. More than what most of us have at home. But we bet you deserve it.

• As well as having one of the best hotel pools in Europe outside, the renovated 14th Century Mallorcan castle which has become the Castell Son Claret also has an indoor pool with an indoor garden, for when it's too hot outside. And some of its suites have private gardens with pools. Probably the ultimate when it comes to pool-loving-luxury.
• The Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Agrigento, Sicily is another resort able to offer guests a private pool experience. In addition to the MASSIVE infinity pool with pristine views out onto the 18 hole golf course.

Of course at the end of the day one man's meat is another man's poison, but we do think we've managed to select the twenty best hotel pools in Europe! Still not sure? Check out our recommendations in Greece, the Balearics and the Cote d'Azur.

 

Written by HG Staff

posted Monday, 23rd September 2024