Few things beat a day in the pool. Between the swimming and the sunbathing (and perhaps a tiny-umbrella-adorned margarita or three), it can be hard to return to daily life. But that happens after just a day in a regular pool. What happens if you venture into a completely bonkers, totally next-level, utterly heavenly swimming pool?
From heated spas perched atop mountainous cliffs in the jungle to infinity pools at the apex of urban skylines, these chlorinated havens artfully merge sumptuous living and thrilling adventure unlike any other luxury escape. (Oh, and you’ll find five-star spa treatments at basically all of them.) When it comes time to book your next luxury trip, ditch the romance novel, grab your swimsuit, and dive headlong into one of these completely insane swimming pools. You’ll forget the pool day. It’ll be a pool week. And for more water-based magic, check out these 15 Waterfalls So Magical You Won’t Believe They’re in the U.S.
1 Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands; Singapore
The Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands is the largest of its kind in the entire world—giving tourists and locals alike a chance to take in the city from every point of view. Sitting perched atop the 57th-story of the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, hotel guests can swim around the building and capture impeccable views of the city, that seems to be just within arm’s length. Unfortunately, pool access is only reserved for hotel guests, but a stay here is worth lounging by this revolutionary pool. (Bonus fun fact! It was just featured in the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians.) And for more escapes into the water, check out these 30 Most Magical Islands on the Planet.
Image via Instagram 2 Market Square Tower; Houston, Texas
Located 500 feet above the city of Houston, Texas, this pool, which was added to the building in 2016, is the tallest in the state and one of the first to include a glass-bottomed pool. For those feeling adventurous, this glass-bottomed pool extends ten feet over the side of the building, providing views of the city below. Though the pool is reserved only for residents of the tower, it might be worth a year’s lease to swim in this pool, which isn’t a far cry from floating on air.
3 The Library; Koh Samui, Thailand
This pool, exhibiting a shock of color against the sedated, minimalistic design of The Library resort, is located in Koh Samui, Thailand, right outside of Chaweng Beach. For the perfect pool experience, be sure to go for a sunset swim, when the colors of the pool transform into molten gold. Again, you will have to be a hotel guest to swim in this coveted pool, but the Library offers one of the most posh and fashionable stays in the area. And for more of the most spectacular resorts in the world, check out these 20 Hotels So Outrageous You Won’t Believe They’re Real.
Image via YouTube 4 Katikies; Santorini, Greece
In Santorini—and the surrounding Grecian isles—there very well may be more pools than people. Feel like splashing in winding rivers located inside of your hotel room? Check. Want a cave-ensconced swimming pool? Check. A breathtaking view? Whitewashed stone? Endless bluebird skies whistling with the Aegean breeze? Check, check, and check. But if you want all of the above, there’s only one place that’ll do the trick: the Katikies resort.
Image via Facebook 5 Twin-Tiered Cascading Pool at Hanging Gardens; Bali, Indonesia
Perhaps one of the most photogenic pools in the entire world, the Twin-Tiered Cascading Pool at the Hanging Gardens resort in Bali is surrounded by lush rainforests and the Ayung River. Previously awarded the coveted title of “World’s Best Swimming Pool” by Conde Nast Traveller, it stands just outside of an equally-famous resort, boasting an incredible spa and impressive host of amenities. And for more interesting facts about your favorite pools and waterslides, check out these 30 Shocking Facts about Water Parks.
Image via Facebook 6 Hotel Villa Honegg; Lucerne, Switzerland
At the Hotel Villa Honegg in Switzerland, this pool provides sweeping views of the Alps. No matter the season, visitors can enjoy the heated waters and panoramic views surrounding one of the most picturesque hotels on the planet. Even if you’d rather not stay at the hotel, visitors can still reserve a single entrance pass to enjoy the cliffside spa for up to four hours.
Image via Instagram 7 Riad Yasmine; Marrakech, Morocco
This pool and incomparably fashionable relaxation center located in the Riad Yasmine boutique hotel in Marrakech, Morroco, is the most Instagram-worthy on this list, featuring Morrocan inspired tiles and greenery everywhere the eye can see. Serving as a truly authentic Morrocan experience, hotel guests can lounge on the plush mattresses located by the pool, and even share the space with the friendly felines that provide impeccable service (and cuddles).
Image via Pinterest 8 Tank Pool at Golden Nugget; Las Vegas, Nevada
In this award-winning pool at the Golden Nugget, hotel guests can swim with the sharks—seperated by a thin layer of glass, that is. To further emerge yourself in the 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium, climb 30 feet in the air and slide down the state-of-the-art waterslide, with sharks swimming above and below you. If swimming with the sharks isn’t really your thing, relax at the H20 bar or hang by the rejuvenating waterfalls.
Image via Fun Life Crisis 9 Las Grutas Tolantongo; Hidalgo, Mexico
Carved into the Hidalgo cliffside, this collection of pools is filled with “warm, naturally mineral-infused water that’s heated by the surrounding volcanic mountains.” If you need a break from exploring the vast systems of pools jutting out of the cliffside, venture into the surrounding caves and tunnels for more adventure. Even better: this pool is open to anyone and everyone.
Image via Facebook 10 Città del Mare Resort Village; Terrasini, Italy
Eleven slides form one of Italy’s most iconic pools, nestled into the Città del Mare Resort Village in Terrasini. A full trip down these slides takes you through three decks of swimming pool, and then straight into the Mediterranean Sea—with breathtaking views of the iconic coastline along the way.
Image via Facebook 11 Amangiri; Canyon Point, Utah
The spa amenities at the Amangiri Resort in Utah, located 25 minutes outside of any major town, are some of the most luxurious in the country—and offer breathtaking views of the desert to boot. The water pavilion’s sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool are surrounded by the rough rocks of the canyon. To fully experience the beauty of this water-based relaxation, soak in the views during sunrise or sunset, as the sun is bracing itself against the canyon walls.
Image via Facebook 12 The Peninsula Hong Kong; Hong Kong, China
The Roman-inspired design of the pool at The Peninsula Hong Kong leaves little to be desired. Complete with “statuesque columns, friezes, statues, and cornices,” the heated pool provides hotel guests with an unmatched view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. On warmer days, guests can take advantage of the outdoor sun terrace, where 5-star spa-inspired meals are offered.
Image via Facebook 13 Velassaru Maldives Resort; Velassaru, Maldives
This infinity pool, perched right against the ocean, is an unforgettable spa experience that makes guests feel as though they are connected to the blue lagoon surrounding the resort. Along with this infinity pool, certain villas at the resort offer private pools with equally spectacular views.
Image via Facebook 14 Viceroy Bali; Bali, Indonesia
The infinity pool at the Viceroy Bali, set in the heart of the jungle, is the resort’s crown jewel, bringing visitors from all over the country to indulge in its sweeping views. Better yet, guests can enjoy their favorite cocktail, available at the swim-up bar. In fact, when you book a room at this resort, each villa features its own private pool, boasting even more amazing views of the jungle floor.
Image via Facebook 15 Six Senses Yao Noi; Phuket, Thailand
At Six Senses Yao Noi resort in Thailand, a villa with a private infinity pool will get you this spectacular view of Phang Nga Bay, pictured above. Not only that, but a stay at this luxury resort transports you to a more magical state of mind, complete with excellent service and all the island cocktails that one could ever want.
16 The Oberoi Udaivilas; Udaipur, India
A stay in this magical estate, surrounded by Lake Pichola, boasts more than just amazing cuisine and sprawling courtyards with lush, beautiful gardens—it also features a grand infinity pool that nearly encompasses the entire resort. Encapsulated by colorful gardens and authentic tiling, this infinity pool is one of the most extravagant of its kind.
Image via Facebook 17 Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa; Gulmarg, India
Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, those who take a dip into the heated pool at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa among the Himalayan Mountains in Gulmarg, India, will still be able to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a luxurious spa setting. If you’re looking for further rejuvenation, a trip to the Khyber Spa by L’Occitane can provide just the right amount of TLC.
Image via Pinterest 18 Gold Energy Pool at St. Regis; Lhasa, Tibet
Described as the “world’s most blinging pool,” the Gold Energy Pool at the St. Regis in Tibet is completely plated with real gold. Aside from the luxurious dip, hotel guests can enjoy 24-hour butler service, Bose sound systems, large marble bathrooms, and spectacular views of the mountains.
19 Chongwe River House; Zambia, Africa
The Chongwe River House is an intimate private home set against the landscape of the Chongwe River and surrounding mountainous backdrop. Perhaps making this poolside experience the most unique on the list, wildlife is prone to stomp through your camp, giving your stay a safari-like experience—and, as pictured above, you never know who may want to join you in your luxury pool.
Image via YouTube 20 San Alfonso del Mar; Algarrobo, Chile
The private San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile has the distinct honor of housing the biggest pool in the entire world, covering more than 20 acres and holding approximately 66 million gallons of seawater. At its deepest, the pool plunges an impressive 115 feet into the ground. (Though all of this is soon to upstaged by the even bigger Crystal Lagoon in Egypt, still under construction.) And for transcendent nautical escapes, check out these 17 Floating Hotels That Are Simply Magical.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter!
Filed UnderVacation
