Article
Heat Waves: Cool Off in Our Hotels' Pools This Summer
Where better to while away a summer's day than by a beautiful swimming pool? Kari Rosenberg dives into each Maybourne hotel.
Kari Rosenberg
Article
Where better to while away a summer's day than by a beautiful swimming pool? Kari Rosenberg dives into each Maybourne hotel.
Kari Rosenberg
From rooftop pools overlooking London's skyline to sun-drenched swimming pools in Los Angeles and infinity pools carved into the cliffs of the French Riviera, Maybourne's collection of hotels is home to some of the most distinctive swimming experiences in the world.
Whether you're searching for a luxury city hotel with a pool, a wellness-focused spa retreat or a Riviera escape with uninterrupted sea views, each Maybourne property offers a unique way to unwind.
California dreaming to its core. Join the glam crowd at Dante Poolside, which draws a discerning audience to its crisp white cabanas from 10am to sunset.
The vibe: This is where LA’s work hard, play hard types come to sun-worship in style. Gleaming sunbeds offer a glorious view of the Hollywood Hills.
The dress code: You’ll find few shrinking violets here. Try a Ulla Johnson one-piece and raffia tote.
The playlist: Pop megastars such as Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift meet a healthy dash of house.
The order: Cocktails from Dante Beverly Hills are essential. Try the refreshing Cosmojito, made with mint, lime, Cointreau and Grey Goose L’Orange. Add a wood-fired pizza or authentic fritto misto.
Top tip: Hotel guests can reserve a private cabana – complete with sofas, a smart TV and mini fridge.
On the idyllic peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, overlooking Monaco and the stunning Côte d’Azur, this intimate infinity pool is an artist’s dream. Bold orange loungers set off the sparkling blue skies, sea and pool, while a terrace ensures discrete sunbathing.
The vibe: International, sophisticated and stylish.
The dress code: In true French style, the daintier your swimwear the better. Throw on a Staud cotton co-ord on top for lunch... around 4pm.
The playlist: Gentle house and Ed Sheeran remixes are ideal for long sunset sessions.
The order: La Piscine restaurant specialises in fresh seafood bites. Try the lobster roll collection, gazpacho and tuna crudo to share.
Top tip: Head to Surrenne Riviera for a revivifying post-swim sauna and cold plunge before dinner.
Pool type: Infinity pool suspended above the Mediterranean, where sea and sky become one.
Access: Open to hotel guests and Surrenne Riviera members for serene days above the Côte d'Azur.
Home to one of London's most sought-after rooftop pools, this space blends spectacular Hyde Park views with stylish poolside glamour. It comes into its own as the spring and summer season awakens.
The vibe: High above lavish Knightsbridge, nautical loungers and expansive views make this a very special hideaway. This summer, a collaboration with Acqua di Parma adds a touch of Amalfi chic.
The dress code: Those not au fait with the British climate may wish to take notes from the locals and invest in layers. An easily thrown on shirt and trouser combo from Altuzarra or floral Zimmermann kaftan, should cover all bases nicely.
The playlist: British summertime calls for British beats: pick Olivia Dean, Harry Styles and Raye for top marks.
The order: Nibble al fresco on Puglian burrata or yellowfin tuna tartare to manifest a heatwave and pair with a limoncello and basilisco spritz.
Top tip: This rooftop is more than just a pool: you can host a party or even get married here.
Pool type: Heated rooftop pool above Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park and Belgravia.
Access: Exclusively for hotel guests, from morning swims to sun-soaked afternoons.
This beautiful pool is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets. Within Surrenne Belgravia – London’s top longevity and wellness club – beneath The Emory, the twenty-two-metre pool offers perfect calmness.
The vibe: Endlessly serene – this is a sanctuary from the outside world.
The dress code: Surrenne’s dreamy Alice Temperley-designed robe and a bold Havaiana flip-flop.
The playlist: Underwater speakers can be connected to your phone, turning your swim into a party or podcast session. We recommend The Longevity Game by Surrenne’s Tracy Anderson.
The order: Anything from Rose Ferguson’s heavenly menu at Surrenne Cafe.
Top tip: Pop into London’s only snow shower, to reset between sauna and steam sessions.
Pool type: Tranquil indoor pool at Surrenne Belgravia, designed for restorative moments.
Access: Open to hotel guests and Surrenne Belgravia members for moments away from the city's pace.
Leave the world upstairs and cocoon yourself, surrounded by gently lit, electrolyte-rich water, pebble-smooth pillars and a high-vaulted ceiling.
The vibe: Soothing and peaceful, a day spent by the pool at Claridge’s is designed to be relaxing and rejuvenative.
The dress code: Silky, floral robes and bouclé hotel slippers are de rigueur. For swimwear, you can’t fail with sleek Hunza G one-pieces.
The playlist: Leave your headphones in their case and instead simply tune into the energy-cleansing sounds of the spa: water gently lapping and the odd page turning.
The order: Unexpectedly, the spa welcomes a decadent order from upstairs. Summon a glass or two of bill-ecart-Salmon to enjoy by the water.
Top tip: With expert residencies at the hotel, a day by the pool at Claridge’s is ideally accompanied by the full spa experience. For a day to remember, choose a welcoming foot ceremony, followed by the signature bamboo and silk ritual.
Pool type: Japanese-inspired pool within Claridge's Spa.
Access: Open to hotel guests and visitors for moments of quiet restoration.
Refined, polished and traditional, this London institution leads the way for spa experts. Hushed and low-lit, the handsome pool within its exotic Aman spa is the place to shelter from the city.
The vibe: With a mix of local members and jet-set visitors, this pool is all about serenity and escapism. Dark tiles create a moody, cosy sanctuary in which to fully switch off.
The dress code: Less is more: a fluffy dressing gown and sliders will suffice. Add an elegant Eres Aquarelle swimsuit in timeless brown when it’s time for a dip.
The playlist: Embrace the quiet and stillness, with nothing but discreet spa chimes and rippling water.
The order: Herbal teas, fresh fruit and nuts are poolside. And when you’ve finished detoxing, a Martini from the world-famous trolley in the award-winning Connaught Bar is a must.
Top tip: Regulars can sign up for membership at the Aman Spa, for everyday access to London’s most tranquil spa, pool and gym.
Pool type: A peaceful indoor pool within Aman Spa at The Connaught.
Access: Welcoming hotel guests, visitors and Aman Spa members alike.