Filed under: World travel
Image courtesy of Intercontinental Hotels Group
It took us a second or two to work out what was happening in this image. But yes, it really is a glass-bottomed swimming pool in the sky.
The Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao's pool is suspended from the 24th storey, offering swimmers a bird's eye view the beautiful scenery of Pudong below.
The pool measures 30m long and 6m wide and was designed by Singapore company Chan Sau Yan Associates. Guests who have tried it say the feel as if they are flying and swimming at the same time... but it's probably not the best place to take a dip if you suffer from vertigo.
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Inspired by the idea of a pool with a view? The Shangai isn't the only hotel with a wonderful vistas with a splash. Check out our delectable pool gallery below.
Wonderful rooftop hotel pools
- The Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel, New York<p> The Gansevoort Park Avenue has a bijou rooftop pool in the shadow of the Empire State Building with 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. Doubles from £250. Visit <a href="http://www.gansevoortpark.com" target="_blank">gansevoortpark.com</a></p>
![The Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel, New York]()
- The Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg, Sweden<p> This little gem opened early in 2012. It's housed in a listed former 1920s post office which has been restored and extended into a sleek 500-bedroom hotel with a hip rooftop pool and bar. Doubles from £116 B&B. Visit <a href="http://clarionpost.com" target="_blank">clarionpost.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![The Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg, Sweden]()
- The SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain<p> Set on the Sierra Helada hillside the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante uses contemporary modern design with a stylish pool area overlooking the Mediterranean sea and surrounding mountains. The award-winning Spanish spa combines Eastern and Western therapies. Doubles from €275, <a href="http://www.shawellnessclinic.com" target="_blank">shawellnessclinic.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![The SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain]()
- The Molino Stucky Hilton, Venice<p> The five-star Molino Stucky Hilton is a 19th century former grain mill turned swanky hotel dominating 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. Doubles from £150 B&B, <a href="http://www.molinostuckyhilton.com/" target="_blank">molinostuckyhilton.com</a>.</p>
![The Molino Stucky Hilton, Venice]()
- The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain<p> 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 has panoramic views over the city’s famous architectural skyline including the Sagrada Familia. Doubles from £212, <a href="http://www.mandarinoriental.com" target="_blank">mandarinoriental.com</a></p>
![The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain]()
- The Hilton Bandung, Indonesia<p> This 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. Doubles from £73 B&B, <a href="http://www.hilton.com" target="_blank">Hilton.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![The Hilton Bandung, Indonesia]()
- Hotel Udai Kothi, Udaipor, India<p> 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: a top-notch restaurant and jacuzzi as well as the sensational pool. Rooms from around £60 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.udaikothi.com/" target="_blank">udaikothi.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![Hotel Udai Kothi, Udaipor, India]()
- Marina Bay Sands, Singapore<p> 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. Doubles from £200 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/" target="_blank">marinabaysands.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![Marina Bay Sands, Singapore]()
- Grand Central Hotel, Barcelona<p> This chic design hotel in the Gothic district boasts some of the best views over the city - and the bar serves a mean cocktail too. Perfect for swims and sundowners. Doubles from 230 Euros per night during the summer. Visit <a href="http://www.grandhotelcentral.com/" target="_blank">grandhotelcentral.com</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![Grand Central Hotel, Barcelona]()
- The W Hotel, Hong Kong<p> This is surely the highest hotel swimming pool in the world - it's the 76th floor, <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify; ">a cool 210 metres above Victoria Harbour. If you know of a higher one, let us know! Doubles from around £160 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1965" target="_blank">starwoodhotels.com</a></span></p>
![The W Hotel, Hong Kong]()
- Ubud Hotel, Payangan, Bali<p> Definitely one of our faves! This tranquil swimming pool floats above the Ayung River valley in Bali's foothills. From $260 for a double. Visit <a href="http://www.uma.ubud.como.bz/">uma.ubud.como.bz</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
![Ubud Hotel, Payangan, Bali]()
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