Your Next Date in London
Thinking of your next date in London? When the temperature rises in central London, you can really notice the heat. When you spot in the forecast the heatwave is en route, it’s time to make plans that will surprise and delight the love in your life.
At White City you will find the Soho House replete with fantastic dining options, a gym, and Westfield shopping literally across the road. With beautiful rooms to stay in, being an in house guest gets you access to the spectacular rooftop pool. Buzzing in the middle of the day, and serene early morning and into the evening, with the wonderful knowledge that you can bathroom and flip flop your way to and from your plush boudoir. The most fabulous way to surprise and treat your partner with such ease of access and booking. Caveat you need to be a Soho House member or friend of a member to book. If for your next date you want to experience the urban buzz of Shoreditch then the Soho House there also has a wonderful rooftop pool.
London has some amazing five-star hotels all with swimming pools that are indoors with spa attached. Wonderful quiet underground spots that are perfect for swimming laps or lazing about in the jacuzzi. Overnight stays give full access, and our tip is to grab yourself a bargain on Sunday evenings. Our favourites are The Corinthia just steps from the Thames, The Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, Shangri La at The Shard, and The Connaught in Mayfair. .
If you fancy a bit of wild swimming for your next date, you can hop on the tube to zone 7 or drive to the River Colne at Rickmansworth. With trees leaning over the fresh water, it could be the set of a Merchant Ivory historical romance. Frensham Great Pond in Surrey is fabulous and even has a stretch of sandy beach. Easy to reach by train from central London to Farnham and Bentley, we recommend you book a local taxi in advance to get you to and from the station.
Your Next Date in New York
If you want a hotel pool with a view, then you can’t beat the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge it’s literally the front row seat overlooking Manhattan. Amazing rooms and suites that are not only beautifully interior designed but a short stroll to the rooftop deck, your sun lounger and floating about in the pool taking in the vista of the city before you. Dine in or dine out, it’s a mini adventure without passports and airports to negotiate.
Also, across the river in Brooklyn you can find the largest outdoor pool on offer at the William Vale. Ultra-modern rooms have the benefit of private balcony’s which take full advantage of the spectacular city skyline views. Perfect for room service delivery of champagne to sip outside holding hands watching the sunset over the East River.
Hotels with a rooftop outdoor pool are harder to come by in the city, but there’s something small but chic about the Sixty Les that you’ll find so easy to get to, slip into, and enjoy. It’s where the cool kids hang out, and literally a cab ride away from your own New York pad. For your next date book the summer pool package and dive into the romance of a city poolside liaison.
Also, in town and in the heart of the meatpacking district is the Gansevoort Hotel with it’s Sex and the City famous rooftop pool. You may remember Samantha’s nigh time swim with her first “love” boyfriend slash exercise partner. It’s the perfect spot to while away a day in the sun poolside with multiple shopping and dining options on the doorstep.
If you want to try out wild swimming in the New York area you need to rent a car and be prepared for a one-and-a-half-hour commute. Worth the trip though if you head to Ringwood in New Jersey and the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. Here you will find a spring fed natural swimming spot called The Highlands Natural Pool just on the outskirts of the Norvin Green State Forest which boasts 10 hiking trails.
Alternatively, and also in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong is a boating spot but also has some great swimming spots too. By ram Cove is lovely as is Lee’s County Park both of which don’t require you to have a boat to swim. The upside is that post swim you can indulge in a delicious lakefront restaurant lunch before heading back into the city. It’s a wonderful way to plan a day that will surprise your partner with your sense of romance and adventure.
If you’re spending time thinking about prioritising being in a relationship with someone who’s aligned on values, backgrounds and visions for the future then we can help. Get in touch to see how!
Please note these are just suggestions and ideas, Maclynn (formerly Vida) isn’t affiliated with any of the brands or links mentioned above.
