Rooftop swimming pools are de rigeur for the modern luxury hotel: they provide a glittering haven from the hustle and bustle below - and often, some of the best views for miles, as this little selection of favourite places for sky-high dips shows...
Wonderful rooftop hotel pools
The Molino Stucky Hilton, Venice(01 of11)
This 19th century grain-mill-turned-swanky-hotel dominates the Venetian skyline on the Giudecca. The rooftop pool and bar area is one of Venice's top spots with views stretching across to St Marks.
The W Hotel, Hong Kong(02 of11)
The W claims to have one of the highest hotel swimming pools in the world - it's on the 76th floor, a cool 210 metres above Victoria Harbour, with some of the best views in town.
The SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain(03 of11)
Contemporary design with a stylish pool area overlooking the Mediterranean sea and surrounding mountains makes this hotel, set on the Sierra Helada hillside, an ideal spot for taking in the scenery.
The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain(04 of11)
Set on Passeig de Gràcia in an elegant mid-20th Century building with interiors by internationally renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the Terrat rooftop dipping pool boasts panoramic views over the city's famous architectural skyline including the Sagrada Familia.
Hotel Udai Kothi, Udaipor, India(05 of11)
The fusion of ancient grandeur and modern facilities makes this hotel one not to be missed. There's a lot going on on the roof, with a top-notch restaurant and jacuzzi as well as the sensational pool.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore(06 of11)
You'll need a head for heights to swim in this infinity pool, as it's 55 storeys up (665ft, 202 metres above ground, to be precise). At three times the length of an Olympic swimming pool, it also claims to be the largest outdoor pool at this height.
The Hilton Bandung, Indonesia(07 of11)
The Hilton's modern, glass-fronted hotel has a fittingly cool roof top with spa, health club, restaurant and swimming pool all overlooking the lush green mountainous surrounding the sleek city of Bandung.
The Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel, New York(08 of11)
The Ganesvoort's bijou rooftop pool floats in the shadow of the Empire State Building. Note the a mosaic 1940s pin up temptress on the base of the pool. An indoor and outdoor section allowing it to stay open all year round.
The Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg, Sweden(09 of11)
This little gem opened early in 2012. It's housed in a former 1920s post office, a listed building which has been restored and extended into a sleek 500-bedroom hotel with a hip rooftop pool and bar.
(10 of11)
This chic design hotel in the Gothic district has a lovely rooftop pool with a bar that serves a mean cocktail too. Perfect for swims and sundowners.
Ubud Hotel, Payangan, Bali(11 of11)
This tranquil infinity pool floats above the Ayung River valley in Bali's foothills. Nestled in tropical greenery, this is the place to lounge by the pool with a soothing Balinese massage...