Stay for the Rooftop Pools

Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona stands tall on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, its original neoclassical façade a perfect match for the luxury boutiques that line the boulevard. But the real showstopper is the hotel’s iconic Dolce Vitae rooftop, where the rooftop pool invites you to take a refreshing dip while soaking in magnificent views over Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia. By day, lounge with bar bites and cocktails; by night, unwind with live DJ sets and savor one of the city’s legendary sunsets.

An eco-conscious escape overlooking the East River, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features reclaimed materials, sustainable artworks and plants galore—creating a true city sanctuary. The serene rooftop plunge pool, just three feet deep, offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, perfect for soaking rather than splashing, adding to the hotel’s tranquil ambiance. After a refreshing dip, retreat to the Sky Swim Lounge just below the pool deck, where drinks are served alongside delectable light bites.

Tucked away on a palm-lined boulevard, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills offers a rooftop pool deck with breathtaking vistas of the lush Hollywood Hills on one side, and Downtown LA’s dynamic skyline on the other. The space is as chic as it gets, with private cabanas and flawless poolside service. Soon, you’ll be able to pair your poolside lounging with Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Poza, the new rooftop eatery that’s just one of many exciting updates at the effortlessly breezy property.

At the heart of Austin’s buzzing downtown, the rooftop pool at Fairmont Austin is the city’s ultimate hangout. Perched on the stunning seventh-floor terrace, the pool is joined by a hot tub and 13 private cabanas, each outfitted with a 65-inch TV, stocked cooler and plush towels. Take in sweeping skyline views while you sip on artisanal cocktails or indulge in Latin American-inspired dishes at Rules & Regs, just steps away from the pool.

Spanning six acres of prime lakefront real estate, Hotel X Toronto isn’t just redefining luxury—it’s showing it off. Start at the top with the three-level SkyBar, where a 55-foot partially indoor, partially outdoor rooftop pool comes complete with towel-draped loungers and front-row views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline. Beyond the rooftop, the wealth of on-site activities continue with a state-of-the-art spin studio, nine squash courts, four tennis courts, a 250-seat movie theater and an art gallery.

Few places in Rio can top the views from the rooftop pool and bar at Fasano Rio de Janeiro. Entry to the guest-only infinity pool is so sought-after, it’s not uncommon for São Paulo’s elite to book a weekend stay just to snag a coveted lounger. Guests can sit back with a rum muddled with strawberries—a local favorite—and gaze out at Sugarloaf Mountain and the pristine beaches eight floors below. And thanks to the impeccable poolside service, your next caipirinha is never more than a moment away.

Between the four pools, private beach club and lavish spa, it may be difficult to decide where to spend your lounging hours at 1 Hotel South Beach. But the true showstopper is 18 stories above the shore—the adults-only rooftop bar and pool deck, centered around South Beach’s largest oceanfront rooftop pool. Designed with reclaimed wood and natural fabrics, this space is what tranquility is all about. As the sun sets, sit back in a chaise lounge, sip a handcrafted cocktail to the sounds of live music and take in gorgeous views of the Atlantic.

VIEW HOTEL
This article’s cover shot features the rooftop pool at 1 Hotel South Beach. Credit: Jeremy Austin and Angie Villa on assignment for Passport Magazine’s Destination Guide to Miami.

Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century convent in Cartagena’s Old Town, Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa promises striking views from every corner. Its true crown jewel, however, is the atmospheric rooftop pool, offering a 360-degree vantage point—a prime spot for people-watching with a cocktail in hand. Beside the pool, La Terraza serves elegant Caribbean dishes that perfectly complement the breathtaking vistas, from the city’s historic domes and charming rooftops to the endless expanse of sea stretching below.

The rooftop pool at The Berkeley is where London summer days truly shine. Open-air and open year-round, it’s reserved exclusively for hotel guests—a private oasis with leafy views over Hyde Park and the elegant streets of Belgravia. Mornings call for a cooling dip and a chic striped daybed, best paired with a smoothie or spritz. Come golden hour, the scene shifts to cocktails and small plates served poolside as the city skyline begins to glow.

Housed in a heritage building standing 11 stories—higher than any new architecture is allowed—The Silo Hotel’s rooftop pool quite literally rises above the rest, offering an unrivaled vantage point over Cape Town. The Silo Rooftop is ideal for a laid-back lunch, with a menu of fresh oysters, classic cocktails and a curated selection of South African wines. But it truly shines at sunset, when the poolside transforms into a front-row seat to the city bathed in golden light.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the highest outdoor overflow pool in the world, SLS Dubai takes luxury to new heights with not one, but two rooftop infinity pools on the 75th floor. Swim to the edge and take in the breathtaking view of the iconic Burj Khalifa, one of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks. On this sky-high perch, enjoy signature cocktails, gourmet bites and the beats of resident DJs at the nightclub, all above the clouds.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s 11th-floor pool deck is a sensation: home to a stunning 164-foot heated swimming pool with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. Adjacent to the tranquil Japanese-style spa, this lush, expansive space features a sauna, poolside loungers and plenty of greenery—creating a rare sense of calm in the heart of the city. As day fades to night, the poolside bar comes alive, offering a chic retreat above the harbor for cocktails and conversation.