Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Opens Sky High Swimming Pool

Guests staying at London’s Shangri-La Hotel can now swim at the top of The Shard thanks to the opening of the hotel’s stunning infinity Skypool in the sleek Gŏng bar.

Located on the 52nd floor of the tower, the 10m skypool – the highest in Western Europe – offers a tranquil escape for hotel guests by day, before the separation screens are drawn back as the sun sets and it becomes a unique addition to London’s highest bar, Gŏng.

Swimmers can enjoy stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Westminster, Wembley Stadium and other iconic London vistas, in between bouts of breast stroke.

The pool area was designed by Andre Fu – the Hong Kong-based interior designer who is also responsible for the hotel’s Gong bar. Expect traditional Eastern design combined with modern Western glamour while an oversized ‘paint scroll’ – measuring a length of 15 metres – appears to float overhead.

Heated to 24C, the infinity pool is open exclusively to hotel guests between 6am-8pm but members of the public can experience the Skypool as part of Gŏng from 8.30pm every evening.

For a minimum spend of £45, Gŏng guests can enjoy a spot of sophisticated poolside glamour while they sip on signature creations from the cocktail bar including the Bermondsey Bubbles – Jensen’s Dry Bermondsey Gin, Rose liqueur, creole bitters and champagne –  or the award-winning Black and Blue Swizzle (think Talisker, honey, lime, PX sherry and blue cheese. Meanwhile champagne lovers can enjoy a wide selection from the champagne bar, from rare grower varieties up to the ultimate Grand Marques, and indulge in luxury bar snacks such as Cornish crab, Foie gras and a selection of the finest caviar.

The 30-cover poolside area can also be hired exclusively for the most spectacular sky-high party.