WESTERN EUROPE - Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World - page 47

natural SwimminG poolS

Compared with a chlorinated hotel swimming pool, a dip in a natural pool feels like
swimming in Evian - and thankfully European hoteliers are recognizing the draw of
these natural, eco-friendly alternatives. Designs vary, but natural pools all work on the
same premise: a wall separates a foil- or rubber-lined swimming area from an aquatic
plant garden, whose marsh plants and sand act as a natural filter for oxygenizing and
cleaning the water. Here are four of our favourites.

061 casanuova, tuscany
On the large lawn by the water's edge at
Casanuova, you can sunbathe to the sound of frogs
croaking while butterflies dart among the reeds.

Then it's just a 200m towel-covered stroll back to
the organic farm on the hills above the Valdarno,
the valley of the Arno River. Plants and wildlife
dominate the estate: ivy, wild vines and roses cover
the walls while oleander bushes, oranges and
bergamot grow everywhere. You can stay in one
of fifteen rooms in the beautiful farmhouse or in
two apartments, 800m from the main house on the
edge of the small hamlet of La Bifolca; both will
give you access to this wildlife oasis.

A family day out at Schwoich's
Banana Lake; The wildlife-rich
garden around the pool at
Casanuova

Need to know From Florence take the train
towards Rome/Arezzo to Figline Valdarno, from
where it's a 5km walk to the house (or you can
arrange to be collected). For prices, reservations
and further info see W www.casanuova.info; T +39
(0) 559 500 027.

062 Schwoich's banana lake,
austria
Below Mount Poelven at the edge of a pine forest,
Schwoich's banana-shaped lake was Austrian
Tyrol's first public natural bathing pool. From its
wooden jetties and pebble beach you can enjoy
a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water with
wonderful views of the surrounding mountain
slopes. The average water temperature is
22°C, which is usually warm enough for young
children. One of the best places to stay nearby
is Ferienwohnung Steinbacher, a self-catering
farmhouse apartment in Schwoich, where you can
buy organic eggs and milk from the farm.

Need to know Take the train from London and
Paris (via Mannheim) to Kufstein and then the local
bus to Schwoich (20min; E 2.50). The lake is open
daily from 10am to 6pm in the summer and costs