Are these Italy’s most spectacular hotel pools?
Some of the country’s best swimming spots can be found at these luxurious lodgings.
Italy’s 7900km of coastline make it a perennial holiday favourite for lovers of sand and sea. But with some of the world’s most opulent hotels positioned to take in sweeping views over ocean, lakes and cities, there is an alternative to crowded beaches on a hot summer’s day. Here, we unveil some of the most breathtaking hotel pools, from the Dolomites to the Amalfi Coast and the heart of Rome. La dolce vita awaits.
1 Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
With three pools, each with a different vibe, lakeside Grand Hotel Tremezzo gives guests the option to follow their mood. For serenity and rejuvenation, head to the tranquil, shaded indoor-outdoor pool in the wellness area. The travertine-clad Flowers Pool, surrounded by verdant gardens, is perfect for an al fresco dip or a post-lunch sunbed siesta. But for the signature Tremezzo experience, dive into the famous WOW (water-on-water) pool that sits on Lake Como itself – surely one of the most iconic pools of Italy. The lake-facing pool at sister property Passalacqua, No 1 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels awards, is superb too. Fans of the hotel’s aesthetic can choose from a curated collection of Made in Italy items at the online Sense of Lake boutique; rooms from €900 ($1445) a night (peak season).
2 Bulgari Hotel Roma
Bulgari’s Rome hotel opened to great fanfare in 2023 and, as befits a luxury brand of its stature, the interiors are gorgeous. The opulence extends to the pool, which is on the lower level and acts as a centrepiece to the spa. Inspired by the grandeur and decadence of Ancient Rome, the decor takes elements from the Baths of Caracalla to create an extravagant space with glittering golden mosaics, musing statues, multi-coloured stained glass and a trickling bronze fountain. In the 20m pool are eight immense, marble-clad columns to float between, transporting you back to the glory days of the Roman empire; from €1530 a night.
3 Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, Ischia
The quiet, considered luxury of Mezzatorre takes a prominent position on a rocky promontory on the dreamy island of Ischia. The main building, with its pink-hued tower, leads down to a series of terraces, decks and platforms studded with tropical gardens and relaxation areas. The lowest level features a heated seawater pool, located on a deck right above the rocky cove and the sea. Blue-striped chairs and umbrellas (available at the Issimo online boutique) impart retro, jetset style, while the adjoining La Baia bar and restaurant keeps guests replenished. The spa also uses the island’s thermal waters in a selection of pools and water therapy treatments; from €722 a night.
4 Villa Igiea, Sicily
Belle Epoque grandeur is the order of the day at Villa Igiea hotel, housed in a magnificent 19th century palazzo with a colourful past on Palermo’s waterfront. The villa, with its Liberty-style interiors, belonged to the flamboyant but ultimately financially flawed Florio family before being sold in 1929 and falling into decline. It was bought by the Rocco Forte group in 2019 and given a thorough makeover. The kidney-shaped pool, with its folly of Grecian columns, sits amid lush gardens and tidy lawns looking out over the Bay of Palermo; from €1500 a night.
5 Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast
Housed in an 11th-century palace with original frescoes and vaulted ceilings, Caruso also boasts one of the world’s most extraordinary swimming pools thanks to its astonishing location on the clifftops above Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. The heated infinity pool looks out over the town and seems to cling to the mountainside, giving the impression of being suspended between sky and sea. A pool concierge is on hand to provide refreshments, magazines or newspapers, and salads and pizzas are available for poolside dining; from €2100 a night.
6 Forestis Dolomites, Trentino Alto Adige
The sublime Forestis stands 1800m above sea level in the South Tyrolean Alps, opposite the Dolomite Mountains, and the beauty of the natural environment pours into the interiors through floor-to-ceiling glass. The pursuit of wellness is in this hotel’s DNA; a tuberculosis sanatorium was built on the site in the early 1900s. The modern-day property takes a serene, minimalist approach to interiors of stone and timber. The long, luxurious indoor-outdoor pool is fed by mountain spring water and is perfectly heated for comfortable dips even when encircled by snow; from €754 a night.
7 Lupaia, Tuscany
The epitome of rural Tuscan chic, Lupaia is blessed with a dazzling hilltop location near the medieval town of Montepulciano. Accommodation is in 12 suites and guestrooms with exposed timber beams and brickwork, and a gentle creamy palette. The alluring pool and jacuzzi are set in a leafy garden of fragrant herbs, shrubs and flowers that offers panoramas of rolling hills and vineyards. Sun lounges and parasols are dotted between the shady trees, and the friendly staff can be contacted by WhatsApp to bring cocktails and other refreshments. Early evening swims are perfect for watching the sun set, bathing the valley in a golden light; from €750 a night.
8 Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda
The forested mountains and glassy waters of Lake Garda form the backdrop to Lefay Resort, which capitalises on its location with glorious gardens affording panoramic views. Here, among 11ha of woods and olive groves, the resort’s 25m outdoor infinity pool blends into the horizon and the blue of the lake. A second pool has indoor and outside areas, and there are several additional bathing spots and a jacuzzi in the huge award-winning spa. For extra decadence, reserve the Royal Pool and Spa suite, which has its own private garden and infinity pool; from €1060 a night.
9 JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Venice
For a fairytale stay in Venice head to the Marriott, sprawled across 16ha on a private island, Isola delle Rose, in the Venetian Lagoon. Just 20 minutes by boat from St Mark’s Square, this spacious resort has three swimming pools, including a secluded vitality pool in the spa, and a larger family pool with water play area for children. But the piece de resistance is the rooftop adults-only infinity pool, whirlpool and bar where grown-ups can retreat from the tourist bustle and admire the Venetian skyline while sipping a cocktail; from €585 a night.
10 Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
Designed to resemble a sizeable historic Italian village, Borgo Egnazia celebrates Puglia’s architecture, culture and cuisine. Built using the local limestone, accommodation ranges from guestrooms in the main building to cute cottages and luxurious villas, many of which have private pools. There are four communal pools dotted around the complex, and each is equally impressive. As well as a dedicated children’s option and the peaceful indoor pool of the spa, there are two large stone-clad outdoor pools lined with comfortable sun lounges and surrounded by Mediterranean herbs and plants. There’s a touch of Disney fantasy about this place but it’s sophisticated and cleverly constructed; from €1760 a night.
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