From cliffside infinity pools to castle courtyards and vineyard views, these design-led escapes invite guests to float through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes one swim at a time.
The art of summer transcends destinations—it’s defined by the emotions they inspire. At these handpicked members of The Aficionados, that sentiment often begins at the water’s edge. Scattered across Europe’s most picturesque regions, these hotels transform the act of swimming into a sensory, architectural experience. From infinity pools that spill into Alpine meadows to sculptural plunge baths tucked within Mediterranean gardens, each pool speaks to its setting’s unique spirit.
A South Tyrolean castle offers a vine-draped swimming oasis with panoramic vineyard vistas, while a Greek modernist retreat lets the Aegean Sea serve as its ever-changing canvas. In Austria, a copper- arched wellness pool pays homage to regional mining heritage, and in Portugal, sky suites feature starlit pools framed by sprawling vineyards. Whether nestled in the Dolomites, perched in the Cyclades, carved into the Tramuntana mountains, or hidden among Alentejo’s olive groves, these waters invite guests to pause, immerse, and breathe. More than mere pools, they are liquid reflections of landscape and culture.
Milla Montis– Italy
Nestled into the Dolomite slopes, Peter Pichler’s minimalist masterpiece echoes the region’s whipped peaks. Its glass-clad silhouette dissolves the line between architecture and landscape, while the steamy outdoor pool—jutting into crisp mountain air—offers a sleek slice of serenity beneath summer sunrays.
Forsthofgut – Austria
Framed by pine forests and jagged peaks, Austria’s original forest-spa retreat unfolds as a wild yet architectural haven. An organic swimming pond, lakeside onsen, and 25-meter outdoor pool sit amid wood, stone, and water—each element designed to anchor guests in pure restoration.
Beausite – Switzerland
This Belle Époque grand dame has been reimagined with bold alpine flair. Its infinity pool perfectly frames the Matterhorn like a vintage postcard, while design-rich interiors and a spa of contrasts make each swim feel like a plunge into mountaineering legend.
Casa Fortunato – Portugal
A century-old townhouse reborn with postmodern charm, Casa Fortunato hides a tranquil plunge pool in its courtyard garden. Beautifully tiled and serenely secluded, it’s a sunlit nook designed for lazy afternoons and inspired daydreams.
Son Brull– Spain
Once a monastery, now a haven amid olive groves, Son Brull’s outdoor pool radiates calm. Dappled by shade and cooled by Tramuntana breezes, it marks the gentle rhythm of island life—a sanctuary of quiet luxury.
Miramonti Boutique Hotel – Iitaly
Perched above Merano, Miramonti’s saltwater infinity pool floats like a cinematic dream, wrapped in volcanic stone. Add a forest sauna on stilts and a spa carved into the slope—and you may never want to leave this Alpine oasis.
Schloss Freudenstein – Italy
A 13th-century castle brought to life, its ivy-clad pool sits amid vineyards and Tyrolean vistas. Here, guests lounge like royalty, swim beneath turrets, and soak in the romance of history.
Amrai Suites – Austria
Where copper, wool, and mountain heritage collide, Amrai’s spa features a copper-roofed indoor pool paying tribute to Montafon’s mining past. Select suites even include private plunge pools—an enticing blend of tradition and trend.
VillaVerde – Italy
In a century-old villa beneath the Alps, VillaVerde balances Art Nouveau soul with contemporary ease. Its outdoor pool and natural pond offer barefoot luxury, where thoughtful design, family warmth, and green living converge.
Éros Kéros – Greece
A quartet of Cycladic-inspired villas invites guests to linger in minimalist bliss. The infinity pool spills toward sacred Keros island—a poetic, hymn-like view where swimming becomes myth made real.
L’AND Vineyards – Portugal
Set among Alentejo’s vines, L’AND fuses architecture, terroir, and wellness. Its outdoor pool dissolves into the landscape, while Sky Suites offer starlit plunge pools—retreats shaped by silence, sustainability, and the scent of wild herbs.
Der Engel – Austria
An alpine retreat steeped in seven generations of Tyrolean heritage, Der Engel is a beacon of grounded luxury and biophilic design. The outdoor pool, immersed in a natural palette of oat and stone, and complemented by suites that feature private saunas, offer a sense of hushed retreat. Rooted in history, yet resolutely modern, this is where the Alps exhale.
About The Aficionados
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes seven printed travel guides: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, Alchemists of Italy, Eclectic Rebels and Design Natives.
