Swim & stay: Fab hotel pools in Europe’s lakes and mountains

Whether we’re talking swims surrounded by nature or multi-pool complexes, each one of these hotels has a swim spot that’s extra special. Why not dive into our top picks to find out what makes them stand out?

Best hotel for choice of pools: Hotel Aqualux Spa & Suite, Bardolino, Italy

Best hotel for relaxing to the max: Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa, Bardolino, Italy

Best hotel for panoramic views: Hotel Kristal Palace, Riva, Italy

Best hotel for pools surrounded by nature: Hotel Salzburgerhof, Austria

Best hotel for outdoor dips with a difference: Romantic Hotel in Weissen Rössl, Austria

Best hotel for lazy days by the pool: Unique Resort & Spa, North Macedonia

Best hotel for waterpark action: Hotel Izgrev Spa and Aquapark, North Macedonia

Best hotel for family fun: Danubius Hotel Marina, Hungary

Best for thermal waters: Hotel Grand Toplice, Slovenia

The stylish Aqualux in Bardolino has holiday swim sessions all sewn up. Inside, you can float around the feature pool and listen to the sound of splashing waterfalls as you lay back on a hydromassage bed. Then take things to another level with a soak in the hot tub that’s on a raised deck above the rest.

The watery theme flows into the gardens, and there’s a connected indoor-outdoor pool, so you can swim between the two. Add in a saltwater pool, another hot tub and a kids’ pool outside and you’re all set for some leisurely time in the sun.

Surrounded by greenery and near the lake in Bardolino, the Caesius is your perfect get-away-from-it-all pick. Spend lazy days drifting between the five outdoor pools – try the one with hydromassage jets if you simply want to lie back and relax.

For some holiday wellness, you can’t miss the sleek spa area either. There are bubbling hot tubs and a doubly salty heated indoor pool here you can float oh-so effortlessly, as well as one that’s filled with thermal water that’s said to soothe your muscles and joints.

Best for: Panoramic views

Swim spots: One outdoor rooftop pool with bar

When it comes to dips with spectacular surroundings, the Kristal Palace’s Sky Pool is tough to beat. Make a beeline for the roof and take in the wrap-around views as you mix laidback laps in the water with spells spent lazing on a sun lounger. And don’t miss having a peek through the Sky Eye binoculars to get an up-close look at Riva town, Lake Garda and the mountains beyond.

Then once the evening rolls around, head back up there to listen to live music and sip a cocktail from the Sky Bar as you watch the sun go down.

Best for: Swimming pools surrounded by nature

Swim spots: One outdoor pool, one indoor pool, one natural swimming pool

The pampering doesn’t stop with the pools though. The 5-star Salzburgerhof has a top-notch spa, an award-winning restaurant and service that’s second to none, making this pick your go-to for a luxury trip.

The 16th-century Im Weissen Rössl in St Wolfgang has a traditional look and feel from top to bottom, and they’ve really made the most of its shoreside spot. The heated outdoor pool floats right on Lake Wolfgang itself, so you can easily switch your strokes from pool to lake – all while taking in 360-degree views of the Salzkammergut mountains. Add to that another floating deck, where you can lie on a lounger or soak in a hot tub and lakeside zen time’s well and truly sorted.

For an extra spot of pampering, spend some time in the hotel spa’s sauna, steam room and infrared cabin – holiday zen here we come.

The Unique is one of the biggest hotels on Lake Ohrid and it’s got an outdoor pool to match. Loungers galore line the edge, so spread out your towel and settle in for a day of swimming and relaxing. And if you’re staying with kids, there’s a separate paddling pool where little ones can splash in the shallows.

Nothing adds to the holiday mood like a cocktail or two, so get a round in at the poolside bar – the drink prices in North Macedonia are some of the lowest in Europe.

Swim spots: Four outdoor pools including a kids’ pool and waterpark, one indoor pool

Nothing mixes splashes and smiles quite like a waterpark and Struga's Hotel Izgrev’s got its very own. Kids of all ages can zoom down the array of waterslides to their heart’s content. Or, for a more serene swim, the infinity pool’s just the thing for long lazy laps with lake views stretching out before you. Whichever you pick, there’s a pool bar steps away and plenty of loungers for when you fancy dozing off in the sun.

Swim spots: One outdoor kids’ pool, one indoor pool

The kids’ pool takes centre stage here with winding water slides, a shaded paddling pool and a host of water features. And, with loungers dotted around, grown-ups can kick back while little ones play close by. If you fancy a different view, you can head down to the private beach, edged with lush lawns.

The fun times keep rolling away from the pool with a bowling alley, outdoor play areas and a hotel-run kids’ club and Balatonfüred's nearby if you fancy venturing out. Plus, stays here are all-inclusive, so you’re all sorted on the food and drinks front too.

Best for: Thermal waters

Swim spots: One indoor pool

Wellness at the Toplice goes way back. The first spa was built on this spot in Bled in 1854, after thermal springs were discovered, and people have flocked there ever since. Pillars add a Roman bath feel to the indoor pool and the water comes directly from underground wells, so it’s as fresh as can be. And if you fancy some different scenery to go with your swim, you can wander out to the hotel’s private lido on Lake Bled.