Summer… in the pool
The arrival of summer marks the perfect time for many to put away many things: heavy and bulky winter clothes , the feeling of cold, the flu, but also some of the stress, especially for those with children who therefore put school and all extracurricular activities on hold.
Now imagine it’s already summer, close your eyes for a second, and imagine yourself about to dive into a wonderful , elegant, refined, designer pool. Yes, they really do exist, if that’s what you’re wondering: some, in fact, deserve to be considered true design masterpieces, perfect works of art born from the brilliant mind of their creator.
So, if you’re thinking about a vacation this summer or spring (depending on when you go), why not choose a destination that includes dreamy relaxation spots like the ones we’ll present in this article?
Especially if you don’t always like being on the beach, we have some suggestions for spending time in the city even in summer without dying of the heat . Or if you don’t want the chaos of the city even on vacation, some of the ones we’ll show you are surrounded by nature.
Again: some are public, others are private, and remain a luxury that many of you will only be able to indulge in once in your lifetime . So, choose wisely and carefully. And if necessary, start putting something away…!
Dallas (Texas, USA): Hotel The Joule
In the heart of the American South, in a desert city like Dallas, there is what is said to be one of the most fascinating pools in the world : the one located at The Joule Hotel . A one-of-a-kind pool, not only for the view it offers (you can see the city skyline soaking in the water) but also for its structure .
It is in fact made with plexiglass walls , therefore transparent and allowing you to admire the sky and the city even while you are underwater!
Sydney (Australia): Bondi Baths
It’s no exaggeration to call the idea behind the Bondi Baths in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, brilliant. This 50-meter Olympic-size pool is in the ocean, whose waves crash against it, mixing the water with it .
But that’s not even the best part. From the poolside, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can admire dolphins and, in extremely lucky cases, even whales.
Greendavik (Iceland): Blue Lagoon
The idea behind Blue Lagoon , in Greendavik, in fascinating and remote Iceland, is also brilliant. This pool was created by man around a geothermal area (which is a spa) discovered in the 1980s , whose thermal benefits were immediately recognized.
This pool is rich in minerals and is famous for its healing properties, which address certain skin problems . Thanks to the lava flowing nearby and also used to generate electricity, its temperature always hovers around 37-40 degrees .
Simply wonderful.
Berlin (Germany): Badeschiff
Let’s move on to Berlin, home to perhaps the most famous metropolitan swimming pool in the Old Continent. It’s called the Badeschiff , and literally means floating ship . And not by chance, given that it’s a giant boat located in the Spree River .
This pool is therefore a particularly popular attraction in the summer, when people need to cool off and also because it hosts parties thanks to the bar, ping-pong, and DJs who play until midnight.
Vancouver (Canada): Kitsilano Pool
In Canada, in Vancouver, there is a swimming pool designed to be similar to a beach : the Kits , in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of the Canadian metropolis, which among other things also allows a wonderful view of the sea, the beaches, the mountains and the metropolitan panorama .
It is a public swimming pool and its price is quite affordable.
Hearst Castle (California, USA): Roman Pool and Neptune Pool
At Hearst Castle, built on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles , there are two Empire- style swimming pools . The first is called the Roman Pool , and looking at its architecture, you can understand why: its style is in fact inspired by that of the swimming pools of Roman homes, and it is stunning.
Outside there is also the Pool of Neptune , which also recalls antiquity and is decorated with Italian bas-reliefs dating back to the 17th century .
Barcelona (Spain): Olympic Diving Pool
On Montjuic mountain , in the upper part of Barcelona, are the swimming pools built for the 1992 Olympics which are now open to the public and are still used for sporting competitions such as the World Swimming Championships held in the Catalan city in 2013.
These pools allow you to see the city while diving, and best of all, you can see the city from the diving platforms. They’re so beautiful that even Kylie Minogue wanted to film a music video there!
Uccle (Belgium): Nemo 33
It’s called Nemo33 , it contains two and a half million litres of water and reaches a depth of 34 and a half metres: this makes it one of the deepest pools on the face of the earth .
It uses filtered water from a nearby source and is heated by the sun. Furthermore, the Nemo 33 simulates underwater caves , making it ideal for diving enthusiasts and underwater excursions.
Budapest (Hungary): Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Okay, these are very famous. The Széchenyi Baths , in the Hungarian capital, were built in 1913 and are very popular both in Hungary and Europe. They can be visited year-round, but their peak is in winter when you can stay warm in the water thanks to the 37-degree temperature, while outside it’s literally freezing .
New York City (New York State, USA): The Floating Pool
This New York pool, located in Baretto Point Park , offers a view of Manhattan . The floating pool is located on the East River (Bronx) and offers a new and different view of the most famous metropolis in America and the world.
Madrid (Spain): Hotel Eurostar Tower
We return to Spain, but this time to Barcelona’s rival: Madrid, the capital of the Spanish Kingdom. Here, at 120 meters above sea level, lies the Anssora SPA , part of the Eurostar Tower Hotel.
It allows you to escape the chaos of Madrid without giving up a beautiful view of the entire metropolis. The great thing is that it’s open to both hotel guests (included in the price) and non-guests, provided they pay, of course .
Shanghai (China): Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong
Warning to those with a fear of heights: this pool is not for you! It’s located on the 24th floor of the building and is completely transparent , allowing you to see everything beneath your feet, making the experience literally like a ” bath in the air . “
