7of the best PLACES

There’s nothing quite like plunging into the crystalclear waters of an outdoor natural swimming pool. But the key word here is ‘natural’ – the basic premise of these chemical-free pools is that they remain clear and clean to swim in, thanks to the swimming area being separated from a regeneration zone where aquatic plants and sand act as a natural filter for cleaning the water. Here are seven places to stay where the owners have installed these wonderful pools in beautiful locations. Jump in – the water’s lovely!

THE SCARLET HOTEL, CORNWALL

It’s the setting of this natural pool that sets it apart – it’s on the clifftops overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth on the north Cornish coast, and next to some wood-fired hot tubs. After a rejuvenating swim, be pampered in the Ayurvedic spa and feast on delicious fresh shellfish and sea herbs washed down with a glass of Camel Valley Cornwall fizz at this stylish, trend-setting, small luxury hotel.

DETAILS Double rooms from £255 a night B&B, adults only. scarlethotel.co.uk

ORION B&B, ST PAUL DE VENCE, FRANCE

One of the pioneering natural pools in France, it’s set among a collection of four smart tree houses opposite the stunning medieval fortified village of St Paul de Vence, a few kilometres inland from the French Riviera. On offer is early morning outdoor yoga followed by breakfast served on the terrace by the pool, as well as a barrel sauna and massage therapy.

DETAILS From €1,400 a week for two adults and two children. orionbb.com

AGROTURISMO CAN MARTÍ, IBIZA

A beautiful, authentic and organic farmhouse in a quiet and idyllic spot on the unspoilt north of the island, Agroturismo Can Martí has long been a favourite of mine. As well as being in a wonderfully peaceful part of the island, far from the crowds of Ibiza Town but near some great beaches, it has recently installed a hammam (Turkish-style bath) and a wonderful natural swimming pool for the exclusive use of the guests in its four suites and casitas

DETAILS Double rooms from €231 a night B&B. canmarti.com

MOAT ISLAND GLAMPING, NORFOLK

Stay in splendid isolation within the moat of an old medieval hall on the Haveringland Estate, ten miles north of Norwich. Choose between the Castle’ (a mobile hut with wood-burner and kitchen), a cabin that sleeps five people, or several large and stylish Lotus Belle tents (that sleep up to six people) adjacent to a wonderful naturally filtered swimming pond.

DETAILS Unfurnished Lotus Belle from £95 (furnished from £145) per night, castle or cabin from £179 per night. moatisland.co.uk

IL PALUFFO, TUSCANY, ITALY

Il Paluffo’s natural pool sits at the heart of a collection of luxurious small villas and B&B bedrooms in a restored 15-century historic building powered by solar energy and other renewable sources. The ecological estate is surrounded by classic rolling Chianti Hills, not far from Florence and Siena.

DETAILS From €238 for two nights B&B for two people. paluffo.com

LE CAMP, VAREN, FRANCE

In this luxury camp of seven safari tents set among oak trees overlooking the green valley of the Aveyron in south-west France, every pitch – on raised wooden platforms – has been carefully chosen for its views, privacy and mood. There are large handmade beds, soft solar lighting, individually crafted tables and chairs, and an outdoor woodland spa shower house, but in pride of place is the glorious 20m-long natural pool. The owners can help plan your journey by train and offer a free transfer to and from the local train stations; they also provide bikes, including trailers and tag-alongs for children.

DETAILS From €1,260 a week for two adults, two children. lecamp.co.uk

LE MAS DE SARIBOU, AVERGNE, FRANCE

The splendid natural pool at this fourbedroom, self-catering ecogîte is just one of the many environmental features amid the rambling gardens of this 400-year-old farmhouse in the Ardèche. Solar panels for electricity, wood from old trees in the orchards for the fuel for heating, and a grass roof and thick walls will keep you snug inside, and there’s also an organic garden for you to plunder for your own veg, fruit, fresh herbs and flowers.

DETAILS From €2,800 a week for up to eight people. masdesaribou.fr