The Best Hotels With Pools to Book in Scotland
Wild swimming might be in vogue, but these hotels in Scotland have pools that will turn the head of any water baby. From stunning views of Highland hills and spa pools with body-massaging jets to heated outdoor pools that let you stay warm while breathing in the fresh air, these mini water worlds take centre stage. Here are Culture Trip’s picks of Scotland’s best hotels with pools.
1. Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow
Spa Hotel, Hotel
2. Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
Hotel, Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel
At the 19th hole of one of the world’s most famous golf courses – the Links at St Andrews’ West Sands Beach – resides this lavish 144-room AA hotel with five red stars. It’s home to the first Kohler bathing experience outside of America, which harnesses the healing properties of mineral-rich waters. Spread across 25,000 square feet (2,323sqm), you’ll find a 66-foot (20m) pool, a hydrotherapy pool, hot-and-cold rooms, a garden hot tub and two ‘wet’ treatment rooms offering Kohler bathing experiences.
3. Golf View, Nairn
Spa Hotel, Hotel
If you love being surrounded by water, you are in for a treat at the leisure club here, as the 46-foot (14m) indoor pool and Jacuzzi, as well as the outdoor hot tub, overlook the Moray coastline. Under the drier and sunnier microclimate of the seaside resort Nairn, the hotel is a sanctuary from which to explore the Highlands, from Loch Ness to a clutch of castles.
5. Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa, Stirlingshire
Spa Hotel, Hotel
Wrap up in fluffy robes and slippers while clinking glasses of prosecco at this countryside escape, which is geared up for spa-package breaks. Full-length windows fronting the 59-foot (18m) indoor pool create the feeling of bathing in nature, with views of the Trossachs National Park. If you’re inspired to get out and explore the surrounds of Loch Ard and Ben Lomond, a crackling fire will await you when you get back to the base.
6. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Hotel, Luxury
Throw open your curtains to a view of the glorious Edinburgh Castle when you wake up at the Sheraton Grand, which is right in the middle of the capital’s UNESCO World Heritage city centre (book a Castle View room or suite). Bathing reaches new heights at the semi-circular rooftop infinity hydro pool, where waterjets target different muscle groups for an underwater massage. If it’s a workout you’re after, the 62-foot (19m) indoor lap pool stays open until late.
7. The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
Hotel, Luxury
8. Portavadie, Argyll
Spa Hotel, Hotel
An eco-friendly building on the shore of Loch Fyne, this hotel built from glass, steel and stone practically brings nature into the leisure zone with its wide views of the water and Kintyre. Pools are taken seriously here. At 872 square feet (81sqm), it’s laid claim to the biggest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland. There are also outdoor spa pools, a 52-foot (16m) indoor swimming pool and a toddlers’ pool with water features.
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