There are fantastic pools all over the world. Then there are some which take the meaning of the word pool to a whole new level. They’re visually stunning and often in idyllic locations. Yes, they’re the pools you’ve probably scrolled through photos of a hundred times on Instagram and dreamt of swimming in. So what are you waiting for?
To get to swim in any one of those pools, you may need to suffer the hardship of immersing yourself in some indulgent luxury at an elite resort. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? But believe it, choosing which one of these twenty most amazing swimming pools in the world to dive into is not going to be easy. They are all totally incredible.
If you are an avid traveller like myself, you would definitely have a bucket list- so here’s an idea to kick your bucket list up a notch or two by adding one of these swimming pools onto that ever growing bucket list 😊
1. Gold Energy Pool St. Regis Lhasa Tibet
We tend to think of Tibet as a place of humble. Restrained Buddhist sensibilities, but there’s an oasis of luxury in them in the Himalayas. This glamorous, glittery hotel pool is literally lined with gold tiles. Do Kim and Kanye West know about this place ? Soak in the therapeutic salt waters of the Gold Energy Pool, where you can swish away in a liquid gold warmed to a soothing 28-32 degrees Celsius. It’s the ultimate bling swim. With jaw-dropping Himalayan views, a cozy rest area is set nearby with foot massage and catering available
2. Jade Mountain Resort Pool St Lucia
Some things are just not made for sharing, and that includes infinity pools. If you want one all to yourself then you need to go to Jade Mountain in St Lucia. Here you can choose from twenty-four sanctuary-style accommodations which each have their own infinity pool. The pools are super sumptuous and merge visually into one with the Caribbean Sea. The bigger the sanctuary, the bigger the pool.
Can you imagine waking up and strolling out onto your balcony then stepping into your own pool. With no-one else there to interrupt your privacy. You can swim or just float and take in the scenic views of the Piton Mountains.
Sometimes you just don’t want other people around. Maybe you want some intimate time with your partner, and this is the ideal place for couples. Spend time together here, and you’ll really be getting away from it all. It’s pure pool perfection.
3. Havasu Falls Natural Pool Arizona
Like an oasis in the desert in the middle of the thickest rocky tropical forests of Arizona are the Havasu falls which form one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Havasu Creek is fed by a spring, so the water remains at a steady level and is 70 degrees year-round. In addition, it is 120 feet high and is one of the favourite picnic spots amongst the people of Arizona.
4. Chongwe River House Pool Lower Zambezi
As far as private safari houses go, Chongwe House has always been quite unique and one that really works well for slightly more adventurous private groups and families. The location is stunning with beautiful views, a tranquil ambience and wildlife all around. The house has an adventurous feel with open fronted rooms (lower level rooms have yard high walls and rope ‘rigging’ curtains at night), but beyond this the experience is very comfortable and guests are looked after incredibly well. Being totally exclusive is an obvious highlight, whilst the wide range of activities on offer is ideal for more adventurous, active travellers. But for anyone in the group that wishes to be very relaxed, there can be few better places on this planet to sit back and watch the world go by!
Sitting on the deck, under a huge winterthorn tree and next to the large pool, your view across the Zambezi escarpment is magnificent. In the foreground the Chongwe River, a magnet to wildlife.
5. The Cambrian Hotel Pool Switzerland
If the thought of swimming in a pool in the snow-covered Swiss Alps makes you shiver, think again. There’s an infinity pool at the Cambrian Hotel, which once you’re in it you won’t want to get out again even if it’s snowing.
The Cambrian Hotel pool stretches out from the main hotel building into the grounds, and the views of the mountains all around it are just breathtaking. Though the vistas might look like something off a Christmas card, you won’t get goosebumps. The pool is heated to a moderately warm 32°C which is perfect for soothing any aches and pains you might have if you’ve been skiing on the slopes or hiking. You don’t need to brave the cold when you get out either. The pool interconnects with the hotel’s indoor pool, and you can swim straight from one to the other through a special door.
The Cambrian Hotel pool is in one of the most picturesque settings you will find anywhere in the world. Plus, you’ll find the amazing contrast between snowy landscapes and swimming in the warm pool water is one of life’s unforgettable experiences
6. Infinity Pool at Hotel Caruso Amalfi Coast Italy
Befitting one of Italy’s top luxury spa hotels, their spectacular infinity pool is an architectural masterpiece. Set at the highest point above the town of Ravello, it’s seemingly suspended in the clouds, providing an unparalleled vista and breathtaking views of the coastline below. As you relax in the gently heated water, concierge can bring you an iPod pre-loaded with your choice of music, a fresh fruit appetizer or an Evian vaporizer. Pure, unadulterated indulgence.
7. The San Alfonso del Mar Seawater Pool Chile
When is a pool not a pool? When it’s as big as the San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo. This mega pool measures a staggering three thousand three hundred feet long and covers a surface area of almost twenty acres. Stand on the edge of this pool, and you’ll get the illusion you’re just about to step into the ocean.
The San Alfonso del Mar was once the biggest pool in the world but has now been relegated to second place in the rankings by the City Stars Sharm El Sheikh. That fact doesn’t make it any less impressive. The waters a comfortable 26°C all year round and easily rivals the South Pacific Ocean with its tropical blue coloured waters.
If you love watersports, then this is the pool for you. It’s hard to believe that so many different activities actually take place in a swimming pool, but they do, and it’s still completely uncrowded. At the San Alfonso del Mar, you can snorkel, scuba dive, sail a boat or go kayaking. How many pools can you do that in?
8. Crocosaurus Cove Pool Darwin Australia
Swim with Crocodiles in the Cage of Death in Darwin! You will be underwater in an acrylic cage surrounded by huge swarming saltwater crocs. The only question...do you dare?
The 'Crocodile Cage of Death' experience is located within Darwin's newest crocodile park attraction. This park is a great place to take family, and allows them the totally unique experience of watching you being lowered in the 'Cage of Death'. This crocodile park allows visitors a unique, up close and personal view of massive saltwater crocodiles and their hatchlings in the world's largest display of Australian reptiles.
9. Infinity Pool at One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives
The Serenity pool at the One & Only Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives is an architectural marvel. It juts out into the ocean and appears to reach the distant horizon in a seemingly endless stretch of blue. Its minimalist design is super sleek and sophisticated. Lay in the shallows on the stone bed or slip into the pool’s jacuzzi after swimming a few lengths and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Zen garden with water as its main feature. This one-hundred-foot-long lap pool is reserved for adults only so there are no noisy youngsters to disturb the tranquillity.
The One & Only Reethi Rah Serenity pool has to be one of the most relaxing places in the world to take a swim. Submerge in the waters of your own private paradise surrounded by palm trees and white sand. It’s a total chill out
10. Nemo 33 Pool Brussels
Nemo 33 is kind of an unofficial World Adventure Divers’ headquarters in Europe. I have organised already 4 gatherings there. Brussels, being the capital of Europe, it makes it easy for all our my European friends to join. Since its expansion in 2012, there is now a large space for groups next to a dive shop in addition to the restaurant area.
Be careful, Nemo 33 is a very popular place, so I recommend booking for your group or coming early in the morning to get the last spots of the day.
The Thai food served at the restaurant is incredibly tasty and they have home-made cakes to die for. The cocktail menu is also worth a try and especially the Aqua Lung cocktail! But only if you’re finished diving and if you’re not driving home!
11. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali, Indonesia
There’s only one thing better than an infinity pool, and that’s two infinity pools together. The split-level, freshwater pool at the Ubud Hanging Gardens is an infinity pool to dream about. Swimming in the top pool, you’ll be on eye-level with the tree canopies of the surrounding jungle and be able to look down into the pool below. In the lower pool, you can walk down the stone steps into the crystalline depths, lay on the central island or just chill in one of the semi-submerged seats while listening to the water cascading from above.
If you’ve got a bucket list of places you want your photograph taken, the Ubud Hanging Gardens pool just has to be on it. Once you’ve snapped a shot of yourself here, you can honestly say, you’ve had your picture taken in one of the most photographed pools in the world. You may need to wait your turn to get that amazing shot, but it’ll be worth it when you post it on Instagram and get all those envious reactions.
12. The Red Pool at Library Resort Koh Samui
On one hand, this exotic Thai pool separates itself from the rest by going with a signature scarlett shade for its beachfront bathing oasis. However, there’s something about the pretty mosaic tiles of red, orange and yellow jewel-tones squares that have a wonderful effect on you.
Chaweng Beach is inches away if you can tear yourself away from this glittering spectacle of vibrancy for a soothing soak in the big blue sea.
13. Floating Lake Pool at Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como Italy
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo has three pools –one in the peaceful gardens behind the hotel, an indoor infinity pool which is part of the spa and wellness facilities, and of course the iconic floating pool. “Is the floating pool heated?”. It turns out yes, but when you sit a warm cup of tea on top of a bucket of ice-cold water, you can imagine what happens!
You can easily spend a day roatating between the hotel’s three pools. The pools are both close to the beach at the T-Beach Champagne Bar. If all that swimming and sunning activates your appetite, the T-Pizza restaurant and car is within a few flip-flop paces of the pool. And finally, the adults-only indoor infinity pool is heated, directly connected to the T-Spa and has a panoramic relaxation lounge overlooking the lake
14. Pamukkale Thermal Pools Turkey
One of the things that drew us to Turkey was the chance to see the famous natural hot water travertines in Pamukkale. The Cotton Castle, as it’s known in Turkish, is aptly named and from a distance, its huge white slopes are more reminiscent of snow than rock. The Turks say that bathing in the pools will cure illnesses such as nutritional and chronic disorders, digestive and circulatory problems, eye and skin diseases, etc. Because of this, Pamukkale has been a flourishing spa resort since ancient times. Even Cleopatra bathed in the healing pools. Apart from the healing properties of the water, the travertine pools of Pamukkale are surrounded by some gorgeous ruins and historical sites. One of these sites is the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis located above the pools.
The pools are made when naturally occurring hot water bubbles up from under the ground. As it reaches the surface, the water percolates through a layer of limestone, dissolving calcium into the hot water. By the time the water reaches the surface, it’s chalky white with dissolved calcium, or more technically calcite (CaCO3), from the limestone.
And it’s insanely gorgeous.
15. Como Shambhala Estate Spa Pool Bali
Picture serenity, and it's likely you’ll imagine COMO Shambhala Estate. Set deep within the lush Balinese forest overlooking the Ayung River, this "retreat for change" offers a life perspective as tranquil as the waters below. Five multi-suite residences are themed after nature’s elements, with a variety of private villas for a sense of oneness with the pristine setting. Each features butler service and an infinity swimming pool. Enjo healthful and energizing COMO Shambhala cuisine and the aid of professional nutritionists; de-stress in the springs and the holistic spa; and renew with renowned healers, yoga masters and life coaches
16. Bondi Iceberg Public Pool Sydney
If you’re heading to Sydney and fancy a swim then Bondi Icebergs should definitely be on your must-swim list. Sydney has many beautiful open air rock pools, but this is the most famous. Icebergs also boasts the title of most photographed swimming pool in the world. Come in summer to soak up the beach vibes and watch the beautiful people. But if you swim in the winter, that’s when you see the best of Bondi. Bondi Icebergs Club was founded by winter swimmers, life guards who wanted to keep fit.
Bondi Icebergs Club has two outdoor pools, a sauna and multiple places to eat. It sits on the headland at the southern end of Bondi Beach. The very first Bondi Baths were built in the 1880’s, nowadays, there’s a 50 metre adults pool with a shallower 25 metre children’s pool that sits adjacent. Plenty of adults swim in the kids pool too. The pools are open all year round and there are lifeguards there at all opening hours. The rather grand building at Icebergs houses a typical Australian club, with bars and a brasserie. Anyone can use this facility, you just need to sign in.
17. Ik Kil Cave Pool Yucatan Mexico
Ik Kil Cenote is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico! It is also known to be one of the more popular cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula so make sure you get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds!
What makes Ik Kil Cenote one of the best ones in Yucatan is that it resembles a fairy tale scene! Featuring leaves and vines hanging beautifully down from the top of Ik Kil Cenote and covering the walls until they reach the water.
Cenote Ik Kil itself forms an almost perfect circular shape and there is an internal concrete staircase making it very easy to access the inside. On the way down the steps, there are a couple of viewpoints worth stopping at to take photos.
Once you reach the bottom, simply set your belongings down in a dry area against the wall and jump on in for a swim. Its highly recommend swimming out to the middle of the natural pool, floating on your back and marveling at the open-air circle above! You will be in awe and it’s the perfect opportunity to simply take it all in.The temperature of the water is quite fresh but once you get swimming around you will warm up in no time. There is also a wooden ladder built-in making it easy to get in and out of Ik Kil Cenote.
18. Purobeach Pool Montenegro
After Marbella, Mallorca and the Algarve in Portugal it is now time for Montenegro to have its own elite beach club. Welcome to Purobeach Porto Montenegro located in a spectacular and beautiful location, on a mini peninsula, in the middle of Porto Montenegro, with its own 180-degree view.
Suspended above the Bay of Kotor with spectacular views of Porto Montenegro marina and the surrounding mountains, this new South Beach style luxury beach club is designed to appeal to fashionable travellers as well as hippest partygoers looking to spending all day and evening in a relaxing atmosphere. Purobeach Porto Montenegro features a 64-metre pool with an outdoor bar, a restaurant with a more formal dining room with cool all-white décor for evening dinner service and yacht-side lunches, a private beach, a poolside beauty salon and two rooftop terraces all for the pleasure of its guests. And if you think this is enough, the property also offers sunset yoga and sea-side spa treatments and a private pier especially very good for those guests arriving by boat, yacht, as they are able to anchor directly next to Purobeach.
Purobeach is definitely the place to be seen while vacationing in Porto Montenegro as DJs will be playing blissful tunes and Balearic dance beats from sun-up until the wee hours.
19. Marina Sands Bay Singapore
The rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore as well as being one of the marvellous pools in the world is one of the most elite. The pool, which looks almost like an artificial river backed by tropical palm trees, reaches right to the edge of the building. Look down if you dare as it’s fifty-seven stories up from ground level.
You need to be a guest at the Marina Bay Sands before you can swim here. The pool area can only be accessed if you have a room key card. That doesn’t mean it’s not a busy pool though. To avoid the masses, you need to go in the early morning. Day or night, the pool is open until eleven in the evening, one of the things that makes this pool so special is the incredible views over the city.
If you’re going to take a selfie in Singapore, then this is the place to do it. As well as being seriously Instagram-able, you’ll have taken your selfie in the biggest rooftop infinity pool in the world. Enjoy your swim!
20. Giola Natural Pool Thassos Island Greece
Everyone who has ever been to Thassos island knows about Giola – the stunning natural pool between the rocks, filled with seawater. In high season it is probably impossible to see it without many people around. Story goes that in 80s even local people didn’t know it existed until a shepherd told them accidentally.
The small natural pool is surrounded by beautiful rocks with flat and comfortable terraces. It is relatively easy to go there. From the main road you need to take the dirt road near Aeria hotel, close to Astris village. There is a makeshift sign saying GIOLA. A few kilometers by the dirt and sometimes steep road and you reach a parking with a tavern below. The owner of the tavern is always extremely happy to see early tourists and is always ready to show you the path to the gorgeous Giola Natural Pools. A hard 2km walk but once you get there , diving from 8-meter-high cliffs to these perfect turquoise water seem worth it.
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