There’s a certain clarity that comes from swimming in the open air. Whether in the stillness of a moorland reservoir, the salty waves of a sunlit beach, or a shaded city river, wild swimming reconnects us to something elemental. Close to our hotels, these wild swims lie within easy reach, beautifully unfiltered, yet just far enough to feel like a world apart.
No matter the destination, our concierge teams can arrange everything from private transfers to fluffy robes and towels, or even picnic baskets for a post-swim feast, so you can enjoy your experience with ease.
Edinburgh
From The Balmoral to the edge of the wild
Just twenty minutes from The Balmoral, Portobello Beach offers a brisk swim beside Edinburgh’s classic seafront. Beloved by locals, its soft sand and Victorian promenade evoke childhood holidays and long summer evenings. The water is clean and often calm, with cafés for warming up after a chilly dip.
For something more secluded, Harlaw Reservoir lies tucked in the Pentland Hills, around 35 minutes by car. Framed by rolling heather and wide skies, its still waters are ideal for longer swims. Even in the colder months, it draws swimmers year-round who seek the freshness of a cold-water jolt, the open views, and the peacefulness of the hills.
Munich
Riverside calm and clear Bavarian lakes
In Munich, the Isar River offers wild swimming within the city limits. At Schwindinsel, a hidden island near Bogenhausen, locals wade in through gentle gravel banks, surrounded by trees and birdsong. The water here is fast-flowing but manageable, and the island itself offers shaded spaces for sun-dappled relaxing between dips - just a 15-minute drive from The Charles Hotel.
For more expansive swimming, Lußsee lies 30 minutes to the west. This man-made lake is among the cleanest in Bavaria, thanks to its spring-fed waters and strict conservation. Its southern bank offers a sandy beach, while the northern side is quieter, edged by grass and reeds. Lifeguards are often present during peak hours, making it popular with families on warmer days, while morning swimmers will find the water cool, glassy, and undisturbed.
Puglia
Sea-drenched moments near Masseria Torre Maizza
A few minutes’ walk from Masseria Torre Maizza, the shoreline around Savelletri shifts between sandy patches and rocky inlets. Some swimmers wade gently from the shallows; others take the plunge from flat limestone ledges. The water is clear and gently bracing, with views of the fishing port to one side and open Adriatic horizon to the other. It’s a simple, beautiful way to begin the day.
A short drive away, Torre Canne stretches long and pale beneath the sun. Backed by dunes and dotted with fishing boats, this Blue Flag beach offers calm, shallow waters perfect for longer swims or gentle paddles. Afterwards, still sun-kissed and salty, settle into a fresh seafood lunch nearby.
From Edinburgh to Munich and Puglia, these scenic wild swims offer the opportunity to take a dip, reset at your own pace, and return refreshed.
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