You don’t have to traverse over foreign waters to find some incredible infinity pools – the UK’s poolside offerings allows guests to take a dip while soaking in some spectacular and seamless views.
The meeting of smart design, luxury and holiday fun can be found in some unexpected places on our shores – meaning all you need for that holiday feeling is a car, swimsuit and a free Sunday. Here are our top finds.
1. Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
This double aspect pool looks out to the Atlantic on two sides, giving the illusion that you’re swimming in the ocean (it will be the warmth that might give you away). The bi-folding doors along the length of the 25 metre pool is open on sunny days, further adding to the feel of being out in the open seas.
The pool is also low in chlorine thanks to its ultra violet filtration system and environmental technology – so there’s little guilt in spending a day indulging.
- Rooms start at £145 per night. For more information, see Watergate Bay’s website.
2. Virgin Active, Canary Riverside
Posh-looking infinity pools are usually the domain of many-starred hotels and not gym chains – but Virgin Active both charge and offer that bit more. Their Canary Wharf branch is arguably the jewel in their crown. Aside from its gym floor overlooking the Thames, it boasts an extensive spa area featuring a number of hydrotherapy pools.
Its swimming pool is in a spacious high-ceilinged room, surrounded by deckchairs with snoozing financiers. And the view of the Thames is something else – if that doesn’t make you enjoy doing lengths, nothing will.
- For more information see Virgin Active’s site.
3. Portavadie, Loch Fyne
When architect Brian Stewart came up with the idea of Portavadie’s infinity pool, his initial idea was for guests to feel like they’re submerged on the Loch. “On a clear day, it will feel like you’re swimming over to Arran,” he said. Well it certainly looks successful in its aim.
The spa and pool is just about to open to the public. When it does, it will also feature four treatment rooms, five other swimming pools, a Scandinavian glass sauna that faces the Loch, hydro pool, steam room, Precor-equipped gym, and a 10-bed relaxation area with floor-to-ceiling views across Loch Fyne. A welcome addition to Scotland’s hospitality industry.
- For more information, see Portavadie’s site.
4. King Street Townhouse, Manchester
Another one that’s yet to open, the King Street Townhouse is former bank building which is redeveloping into a boutique hotel, and its unique rooftop infinity pool is set to be its centrepiece. The views will “offer a haven of calm, beauty and peace in sharp contrast to the feverish activity and excitement of the city”, and take in the town hall and the Beetham Tower skyscraper.
The state of the art pool is expected to open by the end of the summer, and likely to be extremely popular with both Mancs and visitors, so book ahead.
- For more information, see King Street Townhouse‘s site.
5. Armathwaite Hall & Spa, Cumbria
Set in the beautiful confines of the Lake District is this popular luxury hotel, which prides itself on its extensive spa facilities, including outdoor hot tub, hydrotherapy pool and aroma room. Its infinity pool is an impressive 16 m long, allowing plenty of room for guests. The views only aid the feeling of decadence – have a swim while taking in views of their stunning gardens. London it ain’t.
- Rooms start at £100 per night. For more information, see Armathwaite Hall & Spa‘s site.
6. St Bride’s Hotel, Pembrokeshire
St Bride’s Hotel certainly knows its best asset: the glorious views over Carmarthen Bay. The hotel’s designed so each of the 35 rooms takes in the stunning vista – as does the outdoor infinity pool. Overcoming the weather requirement for outdoor swimming, it’s heated to body temperature so guests can enjoy the experience 365 days of the year.
- Rooms start t £150 per night. For more information, see St Bride’s Hotel‘s site.
7. Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest
Moving to the top end of the top end, the five-star Lime Wood Hotel is for those who are after a decadent break. Its spa offers more than your ave-er-age hotel, with yoga in a rooftop herb garden, a sauna in the forest, and double treatment rooms for a couples experience.
The infinity pool here offers forest views – ideal if city living leaves you hankering for reconnecting with nature on your days away.
- Rooms start from £195. For more information see Lime Wood Hotel‘s site.
8. Dormy House, Cotswolds
If whiling away time in an infinity pool isn’t relaxing enough, try a candlelit infinity pool. Blowing mood lighting in other hotels out the water (pardon the pun), the candles placed around Dormy House’s infinity pool gives a welcome feeling of serenity. That’s especially the case as times for children to use the pool are restricted, so no yelling and crying to ruin the atmos.
We’d recommend Dormy House for an ideal adults-only break – especially as gals have the option of the pampering at the Veuve Clicquot nail bar…
- Room start from £250. For more information see Dormy House‘s site.
Been in any infinity pools you want to make a splash about? Let us know in the comments section below.