The world’s 5 most captivating mountaintop pools

For pure escapism, you can’t do much better than enjoying incredible views from the swimming pools at any of these mountaintop retreats.

Wildflower Hall, India

In the grand, landscaped grounds of this turreted Himalayan retreat, lies an outdoor whirlpool with some of the most magnificent mountain views on earth. At 8,250 feet above sea level, Wildflower Hall can be found in Shimla, the old summer capital of the British Raj and a city of astounding beauty. In summer, rivers rush through the steep valleys covered in cedar forests, while rocky mountains of gargantuan scale form the backdrop. In winter, snow covers everything in sight but don’t worry – the outdoor pool is heated, so swimming is very much still in order.

Villa Honegg, Switzerland

At 914 metres above sea level, the pool at this early 20th-century villa built atop Mount Bürgenstock is quite spectacular. A mountaintop retreat of the utmost tranquility, it feels like you’ve got the Alps all to yourself. Take a dip in the evening when the setting sun tints the jagged mountain peaks a vivid pink. The outdoor pool is heated to a balmy 34 degrees, so swimming when surrounded by a blanket of snow is also totally doable.

Werdenfelserei, Germany

Perched in the middle of the Bavarian Alps, the infinity pool at this luxury hotel boasts an unblemished, panoramic mountain vista. Whether you want to bathe looking out onto snow-covered scenery or sun-kissed summer wildflower meadows, this pool is captivating at any time of year. For an even better vantage point for the surrounding region, take the cable car up the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak (not far from the hotel).

Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa, Jamaica

For a tropical mountaintop haven, look no further than this boutique property set in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. Arriving via a winding, precipitous road, you’ll find yourself gasping at the view from this collection of handcrafted wooden cottages dotted around the hills. And it feels even more special when floating in the serene, tear drop-shaped infinity swimming pool. Sat at 3,100 feet above sea level, the air here feels much cooler than in Kingston, but it’s still worth taking a night-time dip with the sparkling lights of the city below.

Vigilius Mountain Resort, Italy

Reached only by cable car, this mountaintop sanctuary sits high up in South Tyrol’s Dolomites. There’s a whole host of things to do, from hiking through forests to exploring local hot springs – but most guests will be inclined to soak up as much as they can of the glorious infinity pools, hot tubs and spa. Everything is designed in harmony with nature; even swimming in the indoor pool you’ll feel like you could be in a forest, surrounded by wood, stone and floor-to-ceiling windows with tall fir trees just outside.