Words by Lucy Thomas
You’ve heard the old holiday adage of a ‘room with a view’ many times before but its likely that many of those so-called ‘rooms with a view’ have been, disappointingly, anything but. So, now is the time to forget 'rooms with a view' as you need to be considering swimming pools with a view when it comes to choosing your next holiday. Pick from mountains, beaches, tropical bays, countryside and lakes – this essential edit of the best hotel swimming pools literally has it all. Best of all, you can book your stay at each and every one courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith.
The Les Roches Rouges in Côte D’Azur, France
Les Roches Rouges was the Smith Awards 2018 Pool with a View Runner-up, and it’s pretty obvious why. Effortlessly understated, the hotel emits minimal and simplistic design features throughout. The interior colour palette consists of whites, oranges and browns which maintain the refined atmosphere, while adding a sprinkling of character from the Mediterranean. Speaking of which, each room looks out onto the vast sea and the shore provides the site of one of two swimming pools.
Only a rocky boundary separates the natural stone-hewn saltwater pool form the sea, joined so closely the pool is kept topped up by the lashes and splashes from the surf. A pontoon bridge provides access from the pool to the open water making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. The second pool is a sleek 30 metre swimming lane cut into coastal rock, for those who take swimming more seriously. Either way, both pools have a carefully considered aesthetic that matches the interior of the hotel too, making Les Roches Rouges a truly sophisticated experience.
The Mihir Garh in Jodhpur, India
As if the location and exterior of the hotel isn’t extraordinary enough, think sandcastle that you can live in and you’re pretty much there, the inside is just as spectacular boasting a jewel-bright palette that fortifies an array of Indian interiors. Laced with luxury, the mirror-flecked fire places and hand-knotted rugs just prove that not one aspect of detail has gone unnoticed, although the most impressive detail remains to be the swimming pool.
There is no better place to take a dip than in the hotel’s infinity pool. Mihir Garh means ‘Fort of the Sun’, and the majestic colours of the sunset can be taken in while reclined on the sunbed, or floating on an inflatable as the pool looks out over 180 degrees of Indian desert, home to Marwari horses, peacocks and blackbuck deer, just to name a few.
As if that wasn’t enough, each of the nine suites has its own private swimming pool or Jacuzzi, allowing you to relax and unwind in the privacy of your own designated balcony, and drink in the magical wonders of Mihir Garh.
The Borgo Pignano in Tuscany, Italy
Italy is known for its culture, good food and scenic views; and this hotel encompasses all those aspects. The twenty-three rooms each boast fine Italian design, packed with art and unique furniture which gives each room their own personality. Chef Vincenzo Martella provides inventive Italian dishes that guests can eat on the Belvedere and look out upon the breath-taking views of the Tuscan countryside and medieval city of Volterra.
But the real star of the show at Borgo Pignano is its pool, carved from an ancient limestone quarry that provides views as far as the eyes can see. Looking out from the pool, guests gain a real perspective of the Tuscan countryside and its beauty, the dense forests and rich green hills span for miles. The pool area lends itself as the perfect location to sunbathe, with sun loungers and parasols available on the limestone terrace as well as a pop-up bar and a well-kept lawn.
The Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa in Atacama Desert, Chile
The minimal interior downplays the exceptional exterior and surrounding location. The outside spaces, such as the pool area and the terraces exude tranquillity and allow guests to look out onto Licancabur volcano in the distance, which gives the location it’s Mars-like vibe. At sunset, the setting is enhanced by the pinks, reds and oranges that swirl in the sky.
The swimming pool is nestled in between poolside decking and amongst rushes and reeds is an overwhelming outdoor oasis; and the perfect place to take in all these colours and monoliths. The view can also be taken in on land, from the unearthly crescent-moon shaped wicker sun loungers. Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa is a rightful winner of the ‘Smith Awards 2018: Best Pool with a View’ and a truly out-of-this-world experience.
The Other Side in Eleuthera, Bahamas
Located in the quiet town on Eleuthera, glamping has just been redefined. This luxurious retreat is powered entirely by the sun, and the tents, if you can even call them that, back on to the hotel’s private beach where views of the crystal-clear waters can be observed for miles. It may be canopies galore, but the hardwood floors and bespoke interiors add luxury and the Bahamian personality to each of the tents and the three shacks, making it a truly unique setting.
Along the shore lies the hotel’s stunning saltwater swimming pool which seems as though it is suspended above the ocean. Take a dip and absorb the turquoise, green and blue hues that dominate the landscape and provide the perfect setting to relax after a long day in Harbour island exploring the busy bars and boutiques.
Book your stay at one of the best hotel swimming pools in the world now with Mr & Mrs Smith.
