Top 10: world's most spectacular rooftop pools

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (March 17, 2015): Top 10 most spectacular hotel rooftop swimming pools in the world.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of taking a dip with a city beneath you. Here’s my guide to the 10 best hotel rooftop pools in the world, from Munich to Chile. Dive in!

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite rooftop pool in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUNICH, GERMANY

Tucked away in a quiet side street, Mandarin Oriental Munich offers an enticing mix of Oriental style, German charm and internationally renowned service. The stunning rooftop pool, which is open during the warm summer months, enjoys incredible 360 degree views over Munich. Heated to a comfortable temperature, you can take a leisurely dip or do laps to stay in shape.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Munich
Review: click here to read my review of the Mandarin Oriental Munich.

9. HOTEL UNIQUE SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

Located in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins in São Paulo, Hotel Unique is a must for savvy architecture fans and well-traveled urbanites alike. Upstairs, São Paulo’s best rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of the South America’s largest metropolis; that is, if you can take your eyes off the fabulous swimming pool that runs along its edge.

Hotel website: Hotel Unique Sao Paulo

8. HILTON MOLINO STUCKY, VENICE, ITALY

Going down the canals on a gondola is not the only aquatic pleasure you can have in Venice. You can also swim above the city at the stunning rooftop pool of Venice’s largest hotel, Hilton Molino Stucky, which offers breathtaking panoramic city views, described as “the best views in Venice, bar none” by Lonely Planet.

Hotel website: Hilton Molino Stucky

7. W SANTIAGO, CHILE

After a day of strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Chilean capital and scoring some coveted shopping finds in the Providencia neighbourhood, the heated rooftop pool and bar with expansive views of the Santiago and the snow-capped Chilean Andes will have you dizzy with excitement.

Hotel website: W Santiago
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

6. MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE

A fusion of elegant style, cutting-edge design and peerless standards, Ce La Vi, located on the 1 hectare rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, mocks all other rooftops in the neighbourhood. The rooftop, with an amazing infinity pool, offers spectacular views over the Singapore skyline while guests can enjoy the finest dining, drinking and entertainment.

Hotel website: Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Other top 10 accolades:Marina Bay Sands also features in my top 10 lists of the most Instagrammable hotels in the world, the world’s most amazing hotel pools, the world’s best urban resorts, the world’s best hotel rooftops, and the best hotels in Singapore.
Review: read my review of Marina Bay Sands here.

5. SLS BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA

In the land of the rich and famous, SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills and its phenomenal interiors designed by Philippe Starck proves that you don’t need star power to attract attention. Surrounded by spectacular views of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, the jewel-like Altitude Pool deck offers a seductive environment of glamour and comfort.

Hotel website: SLS Beverly Hills
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

4. THOMPSON TORONTO, CANADA

Featuring stunning 360-degree views of Toronto’s skyline, Thompson Toronto’s rooftop lounge is a chic and exclusive retreat for hotel guests and lounge members. By day, you can dip in the infinity pool, and by night, you can lounge in the poolside cabanas, while enjoying creative cocktails and an upscale atmosphere at Toronto’s best rooftop bar.

Hotel website: Thompson Toronto
Other top 10 accolades: Thompson Toronto also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops.

3. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BARCELONA, SPAIN

The Mandarin Oriental group is doing well with a second hotel in my top 10 list. The Barcelona property’s rooftop terrace has a stylish pool, with trendy loungers besides it, from which to absorb the city views as you take a dip. Some of the landmarks visible from the terrace include Antoni Gaudí’s legendary La Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.

Hotel website: Fasano Rio De Janeiro
Other top 10 accolades: The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona also features in my top 10 lists of the most amazing hotel lobbies in the world and the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops.

2. FASANO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Located on the eighth floor of the Fasano Hotel, the chic rooftop infinity pool offers a unparalelled panoramic view of Ipanema beach from an angle that captures Arpoador, the Morro Dois Irmãos and the Corcovado, exclusively for hotel guests. The bar menu offers a wide array of fresh-squeezed fruit juices, cocktails, and delicious al fresco dining throughout the day.

Hotel website: Fasano Rio De Janeiro
Other top 10 accolades: Fasano Rio De Janeiro also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

1. PARK HYATT ROOFTOP, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

There’s a lot to love about Sydney’s Park Hyatt, but the jewel in this hotel’s crown is the heated outdoor rooftop pool, with spa, private sun-deck and cabanas. This is one very special place to swim, with sweeping views of the Harbour and city. Lie back on a poolside lounge and pinch yourself because you’re not dreaming!

Hotel website: Park Hyatt Sydney
Other top 10 accolades: Park Hyatt Sydney also features in my top 10 lists of luxury hotels loved by celebrities, the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops, the world’s best luxury hotels, and the best luxury hotels & lodges in Australia.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, $100 USD spa credit, early check-in and late check-out).
Review: click here to read my review of the Park Hyatt Sydney.