12 Spas with Rooftop Pools

Whether you’re soaking beneath the stars, gazing across a glittering city skyline or taking in sweeping coastal or countryside views, there’s something undeniably special about a rooftop spa experience. Scarlet Spy shares 12 of the UK’s best spas with rooftop pools to add to your bucket list

1. THERMAE BATH SPA

The modern Thermae Bath Spa is built on the footprint of the old municipal pool; the square stone and glass building rises up above the old honey-coloured stone buildings in the centre. From the eye-catching rooftop pool, you can bubble away whilst gazing out across the city’s chimney tops to the surrounding hills. A beautiful, clever piece of design (by world-renowned architect Nicholas Grimshaw), it elegantly blends ancient and modern while still retaining the feel of a public bath.

2. ONE SPA AT THE SHERATON GRAND

You’ll find One Spa at The Sheraton Grand in a separate building across from the Sheraton Grand Hotel. From the outside use the external staircase or lift; from inside take the skybridge from the 5th floor. The spa is spread over an incredible five floors with the stairs and lift in the centre - glass walls keep everywhere light and bright. Make a beeline for the spa’s centrepiece: a rooftop hydropool with delightfully warm water, leading you out into the sunshine.

3. RUDDING PARK SPA

Allow plenty of time to enjoy the Rooftop Garden at Rudding Park Spa, including the views and the stylish loungers with umbrellas set out among the fragrant salvia. Call an attendant – or order via barcode - for a glass of fizz to sip in the sunshine. We could have spent all afternoon in the bubbly 11-metre hydrotherapy infinity pool, with its warm water and powerful jets, and the hot Panoramic sauna with its wooden and glass exterior.

4. CAMERON HOUSE ON LOCH LOMOND

Head up to the top floor of Cameron Spa at Cameron House on Loch Lomond and you'll find a spectacular rooftop infinity pool looking over Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills. The spa is in one of the loveliest settings in Scotland and you can enjoy the views from lots of different spaces, including the tepidarium, swimming pool, relaxation room and, of course, the rooftop terrace.

5. ESPA AT HALE COUNTRY CLUB

ESPA at Hale Country Club is a purpose-built health club set in the leafy Manchester suburb of Hale in the Cheshire countryside. The lighting inside the spa is low and moody, complementing the slate grey and white tiling used throughout. Four white marble tepidarium beds have been conveniently placed either side of the statement chrome vitality pool – use the sliding door from here to drift outside and bubble away on a recliner or under a swan neck fountain. The view of the Cheshire parkland is enchanting.

6. THE PARKGATE HOTEL AND SPA

Panoramic skyline views come as standard at The Parkgate Hotel and Spa. The best place to take in the city vista? From the rooftop spa, located on the sixth floor, with its own thermal suite and Herbal Steam Temple for two. The hydrotherapy infinity pool at the end steals the show with its heated volcanic zones and two swan neck pipes to pummel tired shoulders. Bubble away while soaking up the city skyline; landmarks such as the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle can be spotted through the floor-to-ceiling glass.

7. ST BRIDES HOTEL SPA

St Brides Hotel Spa is a stylish property with spectacular views over Carmarthen Bay. The hotel has been designed around its clifftop location with floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant, some hotel rooms and the spa. There are relaxation rooms, thermal facilities and marine-themed treatments, but the jewel in St Brides' crown is the infinity hydropool where you can enjoy the warm water looking out over the beach and sea below; it’s as stunning in the winter as it is in the summer.

8. HOAR CROSS HALL

The all-singing elevated spa terrace at Hoar Cross Hall opened to much acclaim. The three balmy spa pools take centre stage; there are stylish cabanas for shade, an outdoor bar lounge with estate views (a whopping 43 acres), a Juniper Log Sauna, cold ice water barrels and an outdoor relaxation room which combines with ambient lighting and cedarwood scents to create an alfresco spa experience under the sky – and stars.

9. ART’OTEL LONDON BATTERSEA POWER STATION

Located on the 16th floor of art'otel London Battersea Power Station, you'll find a heated swimming pool, overlooking the famous Battersea Power Station chimneys. Swim up to the edge to sit face to face with this restored London icon, or simply get horizontal a lounger, with a drink in hand. Open year-round, hotel guests are welcome to take a dip.

10. SHANGRI-LA THE SHARD

Floating 52 floors above London, Shangri-La The Shard’s Sky Pool is the highest swimming pool in the capital and Western Europe. Sitting alongside the Sky Sauna and gym, the panoramic skyline views over the River Thames are hard to beat. Just don’t expect to do much swimming.

11. ARIA SPA

You’ll find Aria Spa's thermal suite on the second floor – head up the stairs or push 2 in the lift. There’s a lot here to try including an attractive Lava Sauna with orange Himalayan salt brick wall and two levels of wooden seating for 10 - a wall of glass from here looks out onto the indoor/outdoor infinity pool. Step into the water from the inside and push the glass to head out. At 37 degrees, it's super toasty and bubbly, with an infinity edge to lean on.

12. RAGDALE HALL SPA

Water babies will love the choice of pools at Ragdale Hall. The 25-metre version allows you to stretch out for a serious swim, then relax under the cascade or in the warm whirlpool. Join the aqua classes in the exercise pool or head up to the restful rooftop pool (our favourite) where you can just lie back in warm bubbly water and admire the green views.