If you love Italy as much as I do, I know you’re dreaming of the sparkling sunshine of an Italian summer, spending your days walking cobblestoned streets, discovering hidden treasures, and perhaps enjoying a little gelato or a glass or two of wine.
A day in the Italian sun wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the pool, and thankfully, Italy has no shortage of stunning piscine ideal for una bella nuotata.
To be honest, I started with a list of Italy’s ten most dazzling pools. But believe me, it was pretty hard to narrow down this list, so much so that you’re getting a bonus number eleven because a top ten list just wasn’t enough.
There are many beautiful hotel pools in Italy, so how did I choose the ones on this list? First, I considered pools that were spectacular in some way: they either have incredible views or capture the essence of a destination. They also needed to embody style and glamour—these are the pools where you’ll want to lounge and spend some time.
In fact, these pools are so spectacular they’re possibly the raison d’etre for your whole vacation—to swim in that pool. Naturally, the hotel had to be as stunning as the pool itself.
With those criteria in mind, I set to work. Now that the hard part is done, all you need to do is choose.
Here’s the list. Let me know where I can send the waiter to deliver your Aperol Spritz.
11. Hotel Miramonti
South Tyrol, The Dolomites
Located at the forest’s edge in the world-famous Dolomites, the heated (104 degrees year-round) saltwater pool at the Miramonti is therapy all its own, to say the least.
This is the perfect spot for a wellness retreat because this charming boutique hotel features a yoga and wellness room. On top of that, their “forest bathing” experience and the incredible mountain views from the pool give you a chance to connect with your jaw-dropping surroundings to find that much-coveted inner peace.
© Miramonti Hotel (image used with permission)
10. Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa
Ischia, off the coast of Naples
I just couldn’t leave this incredible hotel and pool off the list. Tucked away in the off-the-beaten-path isle of Ischia, you’ll find the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa and its gorgeous pool, which is nestled right into the cliffside looking out at the sea.
The pool and its location bring to mind the glamorous hideaways of 1950s Capri, and the water in the spa bubbles up from the natural thermal spring.
© Mezzatore Hotel & Thermal Spa (image used with permission)
10. Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Venice
This Italian staple luxury hotel is full of old-world charm and all the glitz and glamour of times past. With a long and celebrated history, the Cipriani’s Olympic-sized swimming pool is the only one in central Venice. Filled with heated filtered seawater, the pool offers outstanding views over the Venice lagoon and into St. Mark’s Square.
Once you’re done swimming like an Olympian, why not take the hotel’s on-demand private shuttle boat into St. Mark’s for a wander?
© Belmond Hotel Cipriani (image used with permission)
9. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Tuscany
Under the Tuscan Sun, indeed. There’s nowhere in Tuscany I think I’d rather enjoy the sunshine than Rosewood’s Castiglion del Bosco gazing out at this view.
The heated pool looks out over the hilltop town of Montalcino, and during the summer, waves of purple lavender at the pool’s edge create the kind of postcard Tuscan panorama you see only in the movies.
I’d recommend ordering some fresh Italian fare to enjoy poolside in the sun. Dreamy.
© Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (imagew used with permission)
8. Borgo Egnazia
Puglia
Borgo Egnazia has not only one but three massive heated pools, and a pool is a necessary addition if you’re spending any time in Puglia during the summer months, and absolute luxury in the off-season.
One of the pools is designated for little ones, meaning the hotel is family-friendly, and all three are set in light local stone, perfectly situated for you to enjoy the sights and scents of the Mediterranean while enjoying a few hours of peace.
Why not watch the infinite-seeming sky poolside at sunset with a Puglia-flavored cocktail in hand?
7. Grand Hotel Minerva
Florence
A trip to Florence is usually centered around art and culture, but if you can sneak a swim in too, why not?
The luxury of a swimming pool in Florence, especially in the summer months, cannot be overstated. And if you have kids, there’s really is no question that the GH Minerva is the best place to stay.
From the hotel’s cozy rooftop pool, you’ll enjoy unrivaled views of the Duomo and historic Florence. After 7pm, the pool area converts into a swanky bar for guests and locals.
© Grand Hotel Minerva (image used with permission)
6. Verdura Resort
Sicily
It should tell you something about how special Verdura’s main pool is that it outshines their four thalassotherapy pools…and it does.
Their main outdoor pool is over half the length of a football field, if you can believe that! It sits between the hotel and its private beach, and a lifeguard is on duty all summer to ensure your family’s safety as you bask in the Sicilian sunshine.
image used with permission
4. Hotel Caesar Augustus
Capri
Sometimes, it’s nice to feel like an emperor (or empress!), and here’s your chance.. The pool at the Hotel Caesar Augustus has views befitting royalty that look out over the Capri coastline.
This double-level infinity pool is the only one of its kind in Capri, and its views of the sea would leave even Caesar Augustus himself feeling awestruck.
© Hotel Caesar Augustus (image used with permission)
3. Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake Como
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, in the Lake Como region, was always going to be high on my list because it has three pools that simply beckon.
Perhaps the most breathtaking is Water-on-the-Water (playfully called WOW!), a private lido floating on Lake Como itself which overlooks the village of Bellagio.
Connected to this incredible floating pool is the T Beach, which has been expanded and renovated to immerse visitors into the glamor of a golden age, bringing La Dolce Vita to life as you sip your aperitivo in your tailor-made lounger, admiring the glorious sunset over Lake Como.
Also not to be missed are the tranquil Flowers Pool, secluded in the hotel’s Palace park, and the indoor infinity pool, which also enjoys views of the lake and Bellagio. This is one you don’t want to miss!
© Grand Hotel Tremezzo WOW Pool (images used with permission)
Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s Flowers Pool
2. Hotel Monastero Santa Rosa
Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is much-loved for its authentic Italian feel, the picturesque villages on the cliffs have inspired many artists over the years.
The vanished-edge infinity pool at the Monastero is the epitome of the dramatic, vertiginous views that this region is famed for, especially as it seems to be sculpted right into the cliff.
Taking in views of the village below, you’ll feel as though you’re perched, bird’s eye, at the infinity-edge as you take in the breathtaking views of your surroundings. The pool seamlessly blends into the sea, and your eye won’t be able to tell where sky meets horizon.
This hotel, with this pool and this view, is a show-stopper, If you need to reach me, I’ll be taking all my calls poolside at Monastero Santa Rosa.
© Monastero Santa Rosa (images used with permission)
Monastero Santa Rosa’s infinity pool. No words needed.
1. Hotel Hubertus
The Dolomites
The Sky Pool. You barely need more than that to know this one is special.
A truly jaw-dropping piece of architecture, the Hubertus’s Sky Pool is aptly named, as it is a cantilevered pool with a glass floor that will leave you feeling as though you have taken a swim in the sky.
You will never forget the feeling of freedom as you bask in the heated waters, taking in earth, water, and sky all at once. Given its vantage point, you won’t be surprised to hear that the views are to-die-for. The pool itself is a completely unique experience.
As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel features four other pools, all heated, with indoor and outdoor options—even in winter. The relaxing outdoor whirlpool in particular enjoys incredible mountain views.
Do you have heart eyes yet? 😍 I know I do. With so many hotels (and pools) to choose from, let me help you choose which one is best for your summer, or even winter, adventures. Get in touch to start planning.