No matter where you are on the planet, the best rooftop swimming pools in the world promise two things: an excuse to laze under the sun, away from the bustle of it all, and unmatched vistas – over the city, the sea, or in the case of Dubai, even the dunes. This is your guide to the most beautiful swimming pools in the world, which you must visit at least once.
Cue Dubai. With the city's penchant for skyscrapers, it should come as no surprise that the best rooftop pools in Dubai promise the ultimate escape: magical sunsets, uninterrupted views of the sea and panoramic vistas of its awe-inspiring skyline. Everything that one expects from Dubai is brilliantly packaged into stunning sky pools that are amongst the biggest and best in the world.
From swimming in the world's highest infinity pool and soaking in unforgettable views of the Palm Jumeirah from the world's tallest 360-degree infinity pool (yes, both are in Dubai), to enjoying Burj Khalifa's dazzling light show from the shimmering rooftop pool of The Lana, and literally swimming above the city in the UAE's longest infinity pool, courtesy of One Za’abeel, this list is your ultimate guide to the most beautiful rooftop pools in Dubai.
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The Best Rooftop Swimming Pools in Dubai
Grab your sunscreen and let's dive into Dubai's top nine sky pools you must book this summer.
- NH Collection Dubai The Palm
- Privilege at SLS Dubai
- Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
- Address Beach Resort
- Address Sky View
- AURA Skypool Lounge
- Cloud 22
- One&Only One Za’abeel
- The Lana
- 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
- The Meydan Hotel
- Thia Skylounge, The Dubai Edition
The Most Beautiful Swimming Pools From Around the World
- Greece: Euphoria Retreat
- Bali: Hanging Gardens of Bali
- USA: Market Square Tower
- England: Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens
- Italy: Y-40 The Deep Joy
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Also read: This Contemporary Swimming Pool Design Makes a Big Splash
NH Collection Dubai The Palm
Crowning the NH Collection Dubai The Palm is a striking 50-metre-long rooftop infinity pool, View 180, that seamlessly connects the hotel's two towers at Palm West Beach. The pool's sleek design offers a temperature-controlled haven with sweeping views of the city's skyline. The spacious sun deck provides ample room for guests to switch between the cool water and luxurious loungers.
Where is the record-breaking highest outdoor overflow pool in the world?
Privilege at SLS Dubai boasts the title of the highest overflow pool in the world, as recognised by Guinness World Records™. This venue features two infinity pools positioned 325 metres above the city, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. Guests can indulge in signature cocktails and light bites while soaking up the sun in this luxurious setting. Privilege offers an unparalleled sightseeing experience, making it a top destination for those seeking a sky-high escape with stunning cityscapes.
Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Situated on the sixth floor of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Tasca offers more than just culinary delights. This rooftop pool, part of José Avillez's one-Michelin-starred restaurant, provides a serene and calm escape. With plush sun loungers and an inviting ambience, the poolside service ensures guests can savour craft cocktails and Portuguese flavours while basking in the luxury of this elevated oasis where the infinity pool seems to merge with the Arabian Sea and the azure sky above.
Where is the world's highest infinity pool?
Certified by Guinness World Records™, the world's highest infinity pool is in Dubai, located at the Address Beach Resort in JBR; it towers 77 floors above the city. Designed by Killa Design, this architectural marvel offers unrivalled views of Dubai's iconic landmarks, including Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Stretching 293.906 meters into the sky, this pool features built-in pits for lounging complemented by palm trees and comfortable sunbeds, creating an exclusive oasis for guests to relax and unwind.
Address Sky View
Perched on the 54th floor, this rooftop pool in Dubai is the crown jewel of the Address Sky View building in the Downtown district — a captivating piece of contemporary architecture from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the masterminds behind the nearby Burj Khalifa — and offers guests a chance to swim amidst the clouds. The pool may not reach the height of the Burj, but its unobstructed vistas of the towering landmark make every dip feel like a sky-high adventure. Exclusively available to hotel guests, this pool is complemented by the chic CÈ LA VI rooftop bar and restaurant, where visitors can revel in a lively ambience while sipping on cocktails.
Where is the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool?
The world's highest 360-degree infinity pool is in Dubai: the AURA Skypool Lounge, nestled on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Suspended 200 meters above ground, this pool offers panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and the glistening Arabian Gulf. The pool's unique design blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating an elegant oasis in the sky. Open to all, guests can choose from morning, afternoon, or full-day experiences while lounging on custom-made sunbeds.
Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal
One of the most iconic rooftop pools in Dubai, Cloud 22 is the place to be seen. Located atop Atlantis The Royal resort on Palm Jumeirah, it was envisioned by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the masterminds behind the city's shiny new architectural masterpiece. From deluxe sunbeds to floating beds, luxurious cabanas and an eye-catching mosaic design on the pool floor, this poolside oasis offers an unforgettable experience.
Where is the UAE's Longest Infinity Pool?
The UAE's longest infinity pool is at The Link, One Za’abeel's record-breaking, gravity-defying cantilevered entertainment block, that floats 100 metres above the city. A feat of engineering, this staggering building was masterminded by Nikken Sekkei, with interiors and terrace by LW Design. Offering a dramatic perspective of Dubai's skyline, the infinity pool's suspended design adds to its allure, creating a sense of weightlessness as guests swim high above the bustling city.
The Lana
Designed by Foster + Partners, The Lana's rooftop lounge, High Society, offers an urban retreat on the 30th floor. With a wrap-around infinity pool overlooking the city, guests can bask in luxury while enjoying personalised service and stunning views. The pool's seamless design blends with the sleek architecture of the hotel, creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is exactly the kind of sophistication we expected from The Dorchester Collection's first hotel in the Middle East.
25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
Transported from Germany to Dubai, 25hours Hotel (known for its locally-inspired interiors) offers a trendy rooftop venue with a spacious terrace and rooftop pool overlooking the Museum of the Future. Its lush surroundings and stunning skyline views make it a must-visit destination where guests can unwind while sipping on tiki-inspired cocktails and savouring Latin American bites from the poolside bar menu.
The Meydan Hotel
Promising a serene escape from the city, with its temperature-controlled waters, this rooftop pool invites guests to unwind from dawn until dusk. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Meydan Racecourse, the pool offers beautiful vistas that stretch to the horizon, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests of the hotel can bask in the sun on the sundeck, complete with plush sun loungers and umbrellas, with the Equus Pool Bar serving refreshing beverages.
Thia Skylounge, The Dubai Edition
Rounding up our list of the best rooftop pools in Dubai is one that offers unexpected views of the city. Located in the heart of Dubai's buzzing Downtown district, Thia Skylounge is an oasis of calm that's surrounded by some of the UAE's tallest buildings. Guests are welcomed into a tranquil sanctuary-like setting adorned with terracotta pots brimming with olive trees and vibrant greenery that creates intimate nooks throughout the terrace. Whether savouring poolside cocktails under the sun or indulging in a sunset dip, Thia is an urban escape unlike any other.
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Stunning Swimming Pools From Around the World
Below are incredible pools around the globe, each overwhelmingly worthy of its cool factor.
Euphoria Retreat (Mystras, Greece)
For the sphere pool at Euphoria Retreat, the wellness retreat tapped more than just calming waters to help rejuvenate guests. When visitors dive below the surface, they’ll hear unique dolphin sounds, designed to further enhance their relaxation.
Hanging Gardens of Bali (Ubud, Bali)
Nestled in the Jungle of Ubud in Bali, the Hanging Gardens of Bali is a picturesque resort made up of a collection of luxury villas. Each comes with a private infinity pool, though it’s the cascading pool that really steals the show.
Market Square Tower (Houston, Texas)
Residents of Market Square Tower, a luxury apartment complex in Houston, Texas, have access to this glass-bottomed pull that juts out into the city skyline. In addition to the unique design, the swimming hole also holds an exciting record: the tallest pool in the Lone Star State.
Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens (London, England)
If your favourite part of swimming is floating, then the Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens might be just the place for you. Stretching 82 feet and suspended between two buildings, the clear bottom offers unobstructed views of London – and everything else – below. The building developers tapped structural engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan and Hal Architects to help bring the impressive pool to life.
Y-40 The Deep Joy (Montegrotto Terme, Padua, Italy)
Located at Hotel Terme Millepini, Y-40 The Deep Joy is one of the deepest pools in the world. Sinking to a depth just shy of 138 feet, the carved-out space, as CNN points out, could accommodate a 13-story building. Designed by architect Emanuele Boaretto, the facility is designed to attract both scuba and free divers.
