_Making a splash: the best new luxury developments in London with swimming pools

Swimming pools worth splashing out on

Above: World's first 360-degree swimming pool intended to sit atop a London skyscraper designed by Compass Pools.

A new concept for a 360 degree infinity swimming pool is set to make its home on top of a 55-storey skyscraper. The fully transparent pool will contain 600,000 litres of water and double as a skylight.

Guests of the five-star hotel near the top of the building not only get to enjoy the pool, but also its bird's-eye-view of the City below them.

Interestingly, there's only one way in and one way out- and we're not talking about over the edge. There's a submarine-style door which is imagined in the form of a custom-designed hatch. 

However, this innovative idea is yet to find a home.

Luckily, Knight Frank has pools that you can dive into right now- and you won't be left wondering how to get out either.

Lincoln Square, Portugal Street WC2A

Although Lincoln Square is in the cultural, legal and academic heart of London, at the centre of this building is the indoor swimming pool (and spa), perfect for a dip all year round.

Designed by a world-class team of architects, including renowned interior designer Patricia Urquiola, the luxurious building includes a gym, games room and private cinema on top of some of the City’s finest examples of apartment living.

When summer comes around, if you don’t feel like a dip in the pool then maybe an evening stroll around the gardens is for you? After dark, the garden court becomes a peaceful, gently-lit nocturnal refuge.

The 24-hour concierge, security and secure underground car parking are all worth splashing out on, too.

2 Sumray Row, Hampstead Manor, Kidderpore Avenue NW3

Stressed after a long day at work? Sweaty after a work out? This building has the perfect spot for you to cool off.

Residents of leafy Hampstead Manor, just minutes from the centre of Hampstead Village, have exclusive access to a swimming pool and spa. 

If you prefer lounging about then this building’s got something for you too - residents have access to a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

With a swimming pool in the building and leafy pathways leading to landscaped gardens with seasonally re-planted shrubbery outside, you’re in for a summer of all things health and wellbeing.

One Kensington Gardens, Kensington W8

This 25m pool lets you lounge about or become the next Michael Phelps - we’ll leave the choice to you.

Away from the water and into the living area, there are spacious, luxury apartments designed by award-winning architects David Chipperfield.

If you prefer dumbbells to dipping in the pool then there’s a private health and fitness centre, as well as a health spa, sauna and steam room.

Holland Park Villas, Campden Hill, Kensington W8

Although this luxurious new development in the uber prime area of Kensington has apartments and penthouses that’ll make everyone's jaw drop. It’s also got the ‘crème de la crème’ of facilities for those fitness fanatics.

The amenities in this unusually secluded acre of landscaped gardens in central London include a 20m swimming pool with a dedicated area for relaxation, a spa and a Jacuzzi. Leading holistic wellness company Bodyism, manage the sauna and steam room. 

If that isn’t enough, there’s also a fully-equipped gym, a treatment room and yoga room.  Although it’s summer, there’s no doubt that you’ll walk out of there with a spring in your step.

The elegant apartments fill with natural light. The generous balconies and terraces offer views across the gardens and treetops, providing residents with moments of solitude in the bustling city.

Clarges Mayfair, 6-12 Clarges Street, Mayfair W1J

This super-prime development is made up of 34 high spec, luxury residences overlooking Green Park and Buckingham Palace.

Designed by architect Squire & Partners and award-winning interior designer Martin Kemp Design, the development complements the historic architecture of surrounding Piccadilly landmarks, including The Ritz and The Wolseley. 

The beautifully designed swimming pool offers residents solitude from the strain of city life. Dive into the pool and splash around, or if you prefer being on land, head over to the fully-equipped gym and spa.

There’s also a private cinema, residents’ function rooms and car parking.