Words: Gentleman's Journal
As we edge ever closer to the welcome warmth of summer, we explore the world’s most incredible poolsides – and why you should be visiting them.
Grace Santorini, Greece
This incredible infinity pool at the Grace Santorini offers the best seat in the house when it comes to the stunning caldera views. Opened in June 2008, the boutique hotel sits on the edge of a cliff and is actually carved out of two houses which were destroyed in an 1956 earthquake. gracehotels.com/santorini
Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, South of France
The Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc is not so much a hotel, but an institution. For years it has been the summer destination of choice for the rich and famous. Everyone from Richard Burton, Winston Churchill and Robert De Niro have stayed here. Now with the relatively recent upgrading of its rooms and the celebrated Eden Rock Restaurant, there has never been a better time to go and discover the glamour of the Riviera. hotelducapedenroc.com
La Reserve de Beaulieu, Beaulieu, South of France
La Reserve de Beaulieu undeniably screams 1950s glamour. Situated just down the cost from Monaco and with amazing views over Cap Ferrat (especially at sun down), this Hotel has been entertaining the Cote D’Azur’s most discerning visitors since the 1800s. The 2000 sq foot heated, salt water swimming pool is a favourite of the Cap’s rich and famous residents, not to mention whichever super yacht owner might be parked in the bay. reservebeaulieu.com
Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It has been said that this is the best roof top pool in America. Designed by the one and only Philippe Stark, the Hotel Fasano is all about the ultimate in luxury. Located on the most glamorous stretch of Rio de Janeiro coastline, you can sit round the white marble pool and enjoy the fantastic view, not to mention the seamless service. fasano.com.br
Cala Di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
It is easy to see why they chose Cala Di Volpe to shoot parts The Spy Who Loved Me. Situated on the beautiful Costa Smeralda, which boosts crystal clear blue waters and stunning beaches, this Hotel has a real Mediterranean feel. The hotel also boosts a private beach and has lunch time barbecues round the large pool area, from which you can admire the stunning views over the bay. starwoodhotels.com
Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italy
Portofino is well known as a millionaire’s playground, and the Hotel Splendido is known as one of Italy’s most Glamorous resorts. It is easy to see how this hotel was a favourite of Elizabeth Taylor, with panoramic views over the harbour and Mediterranean from nearly every room, and a salt-water infinity swimming pool. It really is heaven. hotelsplendido.com
Berkeley Hotel, London, England
If you find yourself stuck in London one hot weekend, then why not take yourself off to The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge and lay around the roof top pool. With its panoramic views over Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, it’s the perfect place to escape the sticky city down below. If you’re not a health club member, then you will need to be a resident, but when you’re staying at one of the most luxurious hotels in London, it’s definitely worth every penny. theberkeley.co.uk
The Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, United States
Far off the beaten track of the Hollywood tour buses lies a real bit of Hollywood glamour in the form of Hotel Bel-Air. This hotel, which is part of the Dorchester collection, went through a two year overall a few years ago but feat not, the iconic oval pool where the likes of The Beatles once sat remains un-touched. hotelbelair.com
Hotel Cipriani, Venice
The Hotel Cipriano has become legendary and is located on the small island of Giudecca and only a short cruise away from St Marks Square (on the private speed boat). The Hotel Cipriani has built an outstanding reputation on its exceptional service. With large private gardens, a truly great restaurant and the only outdoor heated swimming pool in central Venice, the Hotel Cipriani is the place to be seen. hotelcipriani.com
Soho Beach House, Miami, United States
Soho House never struggles to pull in the chicest of customers and this bight white 16-story building screams cool. With its art deco feel and sun lounger waiter service, this rooftop has already cemented itself on the south beach map. sohohouse.com
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