swimming (6)

After a long flight from Heathrow (or anywhere else for that matter), there's nothing better than an outdoor swim in a rooftop pool without even leaving the airport. If you have a few hours stopover in Singapore airport, follow the signs for the spa - it's a bit of a trek, but very much worth it. For about GBP8 you get a swim, a towel and a free cocktail by the pool. Generally very quiet and wonderfully relaxing. Even better if it rains!

If you have a long wait/stopover at Singapore airport go to the rooftop swimming pool on top of the terminal - Airside. It costs approx $10 and you get a locker and towel. There is also a cafe there. You'll feel so good afterwards!

The Japanese love their open spa/baths. There are many around Tokyo and all over Japan in fact. You can pop in for just an hour, get clean, relax, and get a massage if you wish. Perfect before a long flight. If you have a bit longer, why not take a train to Nikko, about 2 hours away, where you can relax in the Japanese alps!

Great view. If you're from out of town, you can sign in as a guest downstairs for free.

If you need a morning swim to pep you up, then you should book into the Intercontinental, which has one of largest swimming pools you’ll find in a hotel – it’s junior Olympic size and heated (a leftover from when this used to be an athletics club).

Fancy a swim? Believe it or not, you can swim outside in London. Shoreditch House – owned by Nick Jones, the man who brought us Soho House – is situated in east London and has a heated rooftop pool.

It also has a fabulous set of places to drink inside, an onsite bowling alley and a Cowshed spa. Very possibly the best place to chill out in the capital.