In the heart of almost all luxury hotels and resorts there is a breathtakingly shimmering pool that invites guests to swim. Here the guests can cool off on a hot day, sit and relax with their favorite cocktail in hand or just float away and forget the madness of everyday life. From pools overlooking those that make it feel like they are in a tropical paradise, to those with breathtaking visits and those that are intricately designed, vacationers love to be pampered, and these pools do the trick. There are 12 distinctive hotel pools from around the world (in no particular order) that are a must see.
(Photo credit: InterContinental Dubai Festival City)
The iconic infinity glass pool of the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Not for the faint of heart InterContinental Dubai Festival CityThe rooftop infinity glass pool is 82 feet in the air. The pool is home to one of the most unique pools in Dubai, if not the world. It has a glass tank section that extends from the side of the building and a 25-meter pool balcony. With a sensation of swimming in the sky, this stunning engineering masterpiece is the best place to relax after a day of sandboarding in the vast Dubai desert. Guests can watch passers-by glow in the sparkling pool and enjoy a different perspective of the skyline of Burj Khalifa and Dubai.
(Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands®)
Marina Bay Sands® infinity pool
The towers 656 feet above the ground Marina Bay Sands® infinity pool is the longest elevated swimming pool in the world. The 478 foot long infinity pool lifts you high above Singapore’s skyscrapers and offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the Singapore skyline. This unique structural masterpiece holds a massive 380,000 gallons of water 57 levels above and is adjacent to three large hydrotherapy spas, a wading pool, and a reflective pool. Ceramic tiles adhere directly to the stainless steel foundation (422,000 pounds of stainless steel were used) and glisten under the calm water near the clouds.
(Photo credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualãlai)
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Ocean Pool and Royal Pond
Surrounded by white sandy beaches and black lava landscapes, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a posh beach resort on the Big Island that perfectly blends grandeur with the harmony of nature. This oceanfront resort has two unique pools, the Ocean Pool and King’s Pond, both of which are great to explore for all ages. The Hualalai Resort’s Ocean Pool is carved out of the lava stone by the sea, has a natural breakwater and is protected from the waves by its natural dam. The famous 1.8 million gallon King’s Pond is also carved out of the lava rock and stocked with more than 4,000 tropical fish. Recently a new raised swimming pool, lounge deck and the Kumu Kai Marine Center were added. Take a snorkeling lesson, feed the Eagle Ray and fish, or relax by the pool with a cocktail.
(Photo credit: Sky Lagoon by Pursuit)
Sky lagoon
Opening spring 2021 just minutes from downtown Reykjavik, Sky lagoon is a brand new Icelandic experience (see video) Here) that show the sweeping views of the sea punctuated by impressive sunsets against the background of dark skies and northern lights. The unobstructed 230-foot infinity pool picks up on the landscapes of Iceland, creating an oasis in the city that blends in with the seascape. This world-class geothermal oceanfront lagoon offers a distinctive guest experience modeled on Icelandic turf houses and a restorative spa-like ritual rooted in Icelandic tradition. The immersive and holistic approach to relaxation and wellbeing allows guests to slow down, relax, cool off, refresh and recharge.
(Photo credit: Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali)
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas Oasis Pool
As one of the most inspiring and exclusive resorts in Bali The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas is surrounded by lush landscapes and luxury villas for the ultimate island vacation. There are seven pools along the dramatic coast of Nusa Dua, each with its own distinctive charm. Most dramatic is the Oasis Pool, reserved exclusively for guests of Villas Mulia and Mulia. Steps from the Indian Ocean, guests can take a dip or book a private cabana next to large Balinese-inspired statues of ladies harvesting rice to create an environment of pure serenity. Other pools include the Ocean Pool with a bar in the pool, the spacious Ladies Courtyard, the child-friendly Splash Pool, the Aqua Pool, the Courtyard and the Cabanas.
(Photo credit: Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort)
Grand Wailea, the hibiscus pool at a Waldorf Astoria resort
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a sprawling resort set in 40 acres of lush tropical gardens off Maui’s Wailea Beach. The beach resort has two pools and offers the best pools and water activities for all ages, from the lava tube slide to the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool to the huge Hibiscus Pool. The Hibiscus Pool is made up of over 630,000 Mexican glass mosaic tiles and is named after the huge hibiscus flower that is inlaid at the bottom of the pool. The only adult pool, at 4,850 square feet, contains over 2.2 million individual tiles, two hot tubs, and a gorgeous array of fountains and waterfalls on the west end overlooking Wailea Beach.
(Credit: The Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa)
The Tlaquepaque Pool at the Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
In a 14-acre tropical oasis in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, The Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is laden with hundreds of centuries-old palm trees. Formerly used as a palm plantation, the land has been expanded into a resort in lush countryside and has two pools on site. The unique freeform shape of Tlaquepaque, which means “the best of everything” in the Nahuatl language, features a variety of mini palm islands and a convenient poolside bar. The pool is strategically built around the trees to keep its charm. Here guests can enjoy the sun-kissed bliss or relax in a lounger and find the perfect balance between sun and shade.
(Photo credit: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort)
L_O_N_G POOL of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
The resort’s signature infinity pool is, as the name suggests, long. Measured at 164 feet and 23 feet wide, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula ResortThe L_O_N_G POOL is an adults-only pool that offers the best views of the resort and the surrounding peninsula. The pool offers a breathtaking view of the horizon, surrounded by the beautiful Son Tra peninsula and against the backdrop of the South China Sea. It’s a wonderful place to look at the ocean beyond and hear the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. The climate pool is ideal for those who want to take a lap, sit on the edge to see the horizon, or just laze around to see the sky above.
(Photo credit: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa)
The infinity pool at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Offers front-row seating on a stunning beach in the Mexican Caribbean. JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa A $ 40 million renovation was recently unveiled in Cancun, Mexico. Coupled with the interior renovations that highlight the unmistakable blues of the Mexican Caribbean, the resort’s infinity pool fits in perfectly with its surroundings. The pool’s beautiful curvature surrounds lounge chairs and cabanas, and has a delightful poolside bar. The infinity pool for adults only with a view of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea invites you to dream.
(Photo credit: Grand Hotel Tremezzo)
WOW pool at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo
On the shores of the famous Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers its guests three impressive pools, but none is as unforgettable as the WOW pool. WOW stands for Water-On-The-Water Pool and it is exactly what your imagination makes you believe. This pool floats on the water of the lake and offers a tranquil swim along the Grigne Mountains. Other pools include the Flower Pool, hidden next to ancient trees and fragrant flowers, and the Infinity Indoor Pool, which is connected to the T Spa and offers a breathtaking illusion that blends into the limitless lake beyond
(Photo credit: Andronis Boutique Hotel)
The cave pool of the Andronis Boutique Hotel
Carved into the dramatic crescent cliff of Santorini, Andronis Boutique Hotel in the village of Oia offers a breathtaking view of the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea. Steeped in history and rich in culture, the Executive Suite with Cave Plunge Pool is inspired by the surroundings and features a plunge pool built into an authentic cave. The magical private pool is built right into the property and is slightly heated for comfort all day. It is accompanied by a private sundeck where you can lay out and capture the sun’s rays. Overlooking the volcano that formed Santorini, next to the cave plunge pool is a hot tub and elegant, secluded terrace.
(Photo credit: The Langham, Sydney)
The Langham, Sydney’s indoor saltwater pool
Located in the Rocks District of Sydney, The Langham, Sydney is a boutique luxury hotel near Circular Quay and directly across the harbor from the Sydney Opera House. The hotel features a spectacular 65-foot indoor saltwater pool that is reminiscent of a starry night in Sydney with its starry ceiling. It surrounds the pool with pale stone pillars and there are two summer-inspired beach pictures on the adjacent walls. The calm turquoise water is in the basement and invites guests to do a few stimulating laps or to relax with a private reading in the lounges by the pool.