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Imagine swimming up to the edge of a pool perched 52 stories above Singapore’s skyline. Or peering up from morning laps to find a cheetah wandering by. Or practicing yoga poses in a shallow villa pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and mountains beyond.
At hotels across the world, these and other sensational pool experiences await, elevating a traditional amenity into something remarkable.
We’ve rounded up 35 of the most extraordinary hotel pools — tucked into desert landscapes, island paradises, bustling cities and beyond.
Grace Santorini
Grace Santorini offers the largest infinity pool on the island, where guests can glide up to the edge and gaze out across the caldera and deep-blue Aegean Sea, particularly spectacular at sunset.
For an added poolside experience, sip a sexy cocktail or snack on fresh Greek cuisine al fresco at the poolside bar area, which is open from morning to night.
Location: Imerovigli, a village on Santorini, one of the southernmost of Greece’s Cyclades islands; hotel is just 15 minutes from the island’s airport
Rates: Starting at $650
Additional features:
- Champagne Lounge overlooking the Aegean Sea
- Dedicated yoga and pilates studio
- Villas featuring private spas
Laucala Island, Fiji
Laucala Island’s pool-within-a-pool concept is as innovative as it is striking. At the heart of the resort, a 21,000-square-foot (yes, you read that correctly) lagoon-style pool overlooks the beach, inside of which is a long glass cube pool ideal for lap swimming. The pool’s surroundings stun as well; features include nest-like lanterns, swim-up cocktail bars and tropical man-made islands.
Every villa also comes with its own private infinity pool
Location: Laucala, one of three small islands east of Thurston Point on the Fiji island of Taveuni; accessible via a 1.5-hour Air Laucala hopper flight from Nadi International Airport
Rates: Starting at $4,600
Additional features:
- 18-hole golf course backed by volcanic mountains
- Water Sports Centre featuring a fleet of 14 boats
- Collection of private spa-treatment villas
The Cambrian, Switzerland
Tucked deep in an Alpine valley, The Cambrian hotel is blessed with a spectacular bit of real estate that it takes full advantage with features like abundant floor-to-ceiling windows. But undoubtedly the best place to take in the view of the snow-capped Swiss Alps is from the edge of the hotel’s steamy outdoor thermal pool.
These views are so sublime, you might actually forego hitting the slopes.
Location: Adelboden, a charming chalet village at the foot of Wildstrubel mountain, about an hour from Berne International Airport
Rates: Starting at $195
Additional features:
- Finnish-style sauna and steam bath
- Complimentary breakfast buffet
- Access to some of Switzerland’s best ski slopes
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Living (swimming?) on the edge takes on whole new meaning at Marina Bay Sand’s rooftop infinity pool. Dubbed the largest infinity pool in the world, this heart-stopper looks like it drops straight off the building, 57 stories up.
Measuring almost 500 feet in length and facing the staggering Singapore skyline, you’ll find no better photo op in the entire city, by day or by night. Luxury is built into the experience with poolside loungers, palm trees and a full bar.
Location: The center of the action in Singapore, about 15 minutes from Changi Airport Singapore
Rates: Starting at $380
Additional features:
- Sands Theater hosting Broadway-style shows
- Extensive collection of onsite stores, with personal shopping service offered
- Future World Museum, including Marvel exhibit
Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia
It almost doesn’t matter that each villa at the Hanging Gardens of Bali has its own private pool. Once you see the main event, it’s doubtful you’ll want to leave.
Suspended over the rainforest, this “tree pool” gives swimmers the unique feeling of swimming among the canopies. The pool is lined with Batu Chandi stone, and was designed to emulate the iconic rice paddies that are famous in this region of Southeast Asia. Lovers can even enjoy a romantic dinner for two on a volcanic rock pillar located in the pool.
And, of course, if you should grow tired of these verdant views (though we highly doubt you will), you can always retire to privacy of your own villa pool.
Location: Situated near Payangan, a village north of Ubud, about 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport
Rates: Starting at $492
Additional features:
- Spa located in the jungle, on the banks of the river
- Dining experience that can be complemented with a traditional Balinese blessing ritual
- Views of the Ayung River and sacred Dalem Segara temple
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
When talking about the mind-blowing pool at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, the question becomes — which one?
Not only does the resort feature a spectacular pool for all guests overlooking the dazzling-blue Caribbean Sea and Pitons mountains, but each of the resort’s 24 suite-style Sanctuaries has its own private pool boasting that same view. Moreover, each individual, glass-tiled infinity pool measures 400 to 900 square feet in size. Yes, for just you.
Jade Mountain’s rooms are all open-air, so there’s nothing between you and vistas of the sea, sky and Caribbean jungle. Drink it all in from the expansive bed, or better yet, from the edge of that personal, palatial pool.
Location: The Eastern Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia, accessible via Hewanorra International Airport
Rates: Starting at $1,110
Additional features:
- Cuisine from James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser
- Two soft-sand beaches
- Complimentary yoga classes
Amangiri, Utah
The enigmatic Amangiri is an architectural marvel designed to integrate flawlessly into its desert landscape, thanks to stark, sleek and minimalist touches. The resort also touts an unbeatable location, offering access to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument Valley.
When not visiting those natural wonders, guests can often be found at the property’s pool. Curved around a massive rock formation at the base of a mesa, the pool is particularly striking at dusk, when its delicately lit iridescent aquamarine contrasts beautifully against the red rock desert.
Location: Canyon Point, a secluded region of the desert 2.5 to 4.5 hours by car from St. George, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Las Vegas, and 25 minutes from Page Municipal Airport
Rates: Starting at $1,400
Additional features:
- Desert-facing spa focusing on the Navajo wellness principle of hózhó
- Robust activity roster, including early-morning hot-air balloon rides over the desert
- Private dinners where dishes are served on hot stones
Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
The luxury, eco-friendly, all-villa Six Senses Yao Noi resort, tucked on the secluded island of Yao Noi in the Andaman Sea, is heralded for its stunning resort pool. Seamlessly blending into the sea below, it sits on a perch overlooking the iconic limestone cliffs that this area of Thailand is known for. Plus, each villa also includes its own private pool.
By night, dine poolside as the sky turns from a soft aqua to an inky blue. Then set your alarm clock extra early to watch the sun rise, casting the sky with fiery reds and pinks that are reflected in the pool and sea below.
Location: The small island of Yao Noi in the Phang Nga Bay, accessible via Phuket International Airport or Krabi Airport (hotel can arrange for car and boat transfers)
Rates: Starting at $500
Additional features:
- Chef’s Table for no more than eight people
- Specialty villas featuring two private infinity pools
- Spectacular architecture integrating natural materials
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Indonesia
At the heart of the 65-villa All Villas Uluwatu is a glass-like pool that sits 300 feet over the Indian Ocean, offering dramatic views of endless sea. Each and every villa, showcasing Balinese accents, comes with its own private swimming pool as well.
In the evenings, relax in the sunset cabana overlooking the pool, featuring plush lounge chairs and soft candlelight.
Location: Uluwatu on the southernmost tip of Bali, just 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport
Rates: Starting at $600
Additional features:
- Warung restaurant serving elevated Indonesian dishes
- Spa Alila, which relies on ancient Asian healing techniques
- Access to some of Bali’s most incredible temples
The InterContinental Hong Kong
It’s almost impossible to tell where the pool at the InterContinental Hong Kong ends and Victoria Harbour begins. The property touts three pools, to be exact, each maintained at a different temperature. But all overlook the harbor and iconic Hong Kong skyline beyond.
The hotel’s uber-luxurious presidential suite, spanning 7,000 square feet, also includes a private infinity pool with unforgettable city views.
Our suggestion? Relax by the pool at night, when the city’s towering buildings alight the sky.
Location: The heart of Hong Kong, about a 25-minute drive from the massive Hong Kong International Airport
Rates: Starting at $311
Additional features:
- Presidential suite, the largest in Hong Kong
- Sublime fine-dining options, including a restaurant from acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse
- Access to Kowloon’s popular shopping and dining district
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
The pool at the five-star, Art Nouveau Grand Hotel Tremezzo is literally floating on top of Lake Como, so guests can get up close and personal with one of Italy’s most popular natural attractions. Swimming here feels like swimming the actual lake, surrounded by the forested mountains.
The property has two other pools as well, one flanked by gardens and a third in the onsite T Spa.
Location: The shores of iconic Lake Como, about an hour’s drive from Milan and its airports
Rates: Starting at $700
Additional features:
- Access to Villa Carlotta’s famous gardens, directly adjacent to hotel
- Dining menus designed in collaboration with legendary Italian chef Gualtiero Marchesi
- T Spa offering panoramic views of the lake
Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
What started as a 16th-century residence for the European elite has become a stunning hotel on the shores of Lake Como. Villa d’Este is known for its world-class cuisine, stunning gardens and, like its Grand Hotel Tremezzo neighbor, its striking pool. The “floating pool” concept sits perched on the lake, with a built-in jacuzzi and views for days.
Location: The shores of Lake Como
Rates: Starting at $476
Additional features:
- Surrounded by a 24-acre park
- Each room decorated in its own style
- Beauty Center with menu of intensive treatments for face and body
Kensho, Mykonos
Kensho is both perfectly tailored to its Mykonos surroundings, and in a world all its own. Whitewashed walls, light wood and stone accents make for a beguiling aesthetic, and the property features tucked-away bars, swimming pools and beach clubs.
But the real jewel of this resort is its infinity pool, particularly distinctive once the sun goes down. The floor of the pool is elegantly lit with tiny twinkles at night, giving the impression that you are swimming among the stars.
Location: Ornos Beach in Mykonos, one of the most popular of Greece’s Cyclades islands, just 11 minutes from Mykonos International Airport
Rates: Starting at $330
Additional features:
- Interior design done in collaboration with several high-profile artists
- Fine-dining restaurant serving Cycladic and Cretan cuisine overlooking Ornos Bay
- Spa services set inside a cave
The Chedi Muscat, Oman
Lavish doesn’t even begin to describe the scene at The Chedi Muscat in the Oman desert. This 21-acre oasis is teeming with posh playgrounds, including tennis courts, an exclusive spa — and three outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools.
The infinity Chedi Pool is perhaps the most breathtaking, while the aptly named Long Pool stretches out for 330 feet. Both pools have cabana areas for cooling off. Finally, The Serai Pool is tucked among the gardens for a more private atmosphere.
Location: The heart of Muscat, the capital of Oman, just over 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport
Rates: Starting at $290
Additional features:
- Balinese spa with 13 private suites
- Arabian Courtyard serving authentic local dishes under starry skies
- Easy access to striking sights like Wahiba Sand dunes
Singita Boulders Lodge, South Africa
Singita Boulders Lodge is situated within the 45,000-acre reserve that belongs to the safari group Singita, on the banks of the Sand River. Wisely, it makes every effort to integrate the outdoors into its design, with walls of glass and ample open-air areas.
But the focal point of this impeccable lodge is, no doubt, its private pool, showcasing jewel-colored turquoise water and wood and stone accents. Most importantly, this is prime real estate for spotting the wildlife South Africa is famous for.
Location: Mpumalanga, a province in Eastern South Africa, about five hours from Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport; private jet service is available for guests
Rates: Starting at $870
Additional features:
- Access to Kruger National Park, located adjacent to the lodge
- Daily game drives led by professional guides
- Sterling selection of African wines
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania
The pool at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania is more than just a place for a refreshing dip — it’s a wildlife experience. The lodge sits next to an animal watering hole within a wildlife reserve in the Serengeti, known for the Big Five — lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros.
The stunning free-form infinity pool overlooks this watering hole, so it’s not uncommon to enjoy a casual elephant sighting as you take your morning laps.
Location: Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Rates: Starting at $1,061
Additional features:
- Suites with infinity-edged plunge pools overlooking the savannah
- Champagne breakfasts and hot-air balloon adventures
- Local Masai act as guides and park rangers for walks in the Serengeti
Amankila, Bali, Indonesia
Amankila, one of the most coveted Aman properties in the world, sits perched on a hilltop with Bali’s sacred Mount Agung as its backdrop. The resort is threaded with touches of Balinese culture and boasts a design inspired by the water palace at nearby Ujung.
There are 33 suites, nine of which have private pools, but the highlight water feature at this resort is the gorgeous infinity pool that cascades in three tiers down the hillside, evocative of one of Bali’s many iconic rice paddies.
Location: Bali’s east coast, a 90-minute drive from Denpasar International Airport
Rates: Starting at $514
Additional features:
- Private stretch of black-sand beach
- 34 free-standing suites, each with a private terrace
- Stunning excursions to water palaces of Tirtagangga, Ujung and Besakih temple
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
Jazz Age glamor comes alive at this French Riviera playground. And the focal point of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Rock is none other than its posh pool, carved out of the basalt cliffs surrounding it. The infinity-edge pool is regularly refreshed with natural seawater, and is near a diving board and trapezes that hang over the Mediterannean.
The palatial escape on the Cote d’Azur has rooms, suites and villas, all overlooking the sea, parkland and Riviera, as well as the secluded Les Deux Fontaines residence.
Location: Antibes, France, just 11 miles from the airport at Nice and 15 miles from Cannes Mandelieu private airport
Rates: Starting at $658
Additional features:
- Onsite chocolate atelier who creates handmade treats for guests
- Spa with products from luxury line, La Prairie
- 33 cabanas, including two dedicated to spa treatments and yoga classes
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
The Maldives is not short on places to take a dip, seeing as the entire nation is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean. And Indian Ocean aside, there are also plenty of playful pools to peruse — including the particularly dazzling offering at the One&Only Reethi Rah.
The adults-only serenity pool overlooking the lagoon is nearly 100 feet long and has a built-in Jacuzzi and a carved stone bed. Surrounded by glittering turquoise water, it is a feast for the senses.
Location: Near Velana International Airport, from where luxury transfers via yacht, shared seaplane or private yacht charter are arranged
Rates: Starting at $2,000
Additional features:
- New treehouse dining venue serving a seven-course menu high above the canopy
- High-stilted wooden walkways leading to overwater bungalows
- Bespoke diving experiences offered in some of the world’s best diving areas
The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali
It’s pools on pools at Bali’s The Mulia. From swimming to reflecting, this beach resort is all about its bodies of water. The most notable, however, is the Oasis pool, around which are 20-foot statues of Balinese women holding goods on their heads.
It is one of the longest oceanfront infinity pools in all of Bali, and also one of the most photographed.
Location: The southern end of Bali, about 25 minutes from Denpasar International Airport
Rates: Starting at $439
Additional features:
- Nine restaurants and bars offering unique dining experiences
- Personalised butler service
- Framed by secluded white-sand beach
The Berkeley, London
You wouldn’t think to look in London for one of the world’s most amazing pools. But at The Berkeley hotel, you’ll find just that by looking up.
The rooftop pool, atop the seventh floor, is tiled in white and gold mosaic and is surrounded by a statuesque colonnade. A sliding roof makes it swimmable year-round, which is perfect for London’s rather predictably rainy weather.
From the pool, guests enjoy skyline views high above the city streets of Knightsbridge.
Location: The residential district of Knightsbridge in London
Rates: Starting at $622
Additional features:
- Decadent afternoon tea featuring delicious canapés and sandwiches
- Champagne welcome for all guests
- Michelin-starred meals at onsite restaurant, Marcus
Sol de Oriente at Costa Careyes, Mexico
Traditional Mexican craftsmanship meets exquisite luxury at this one-of-a-kind hilltop villa perched over the Pacific Ocean.
Sol de Oriente, one of the rentable private villas in the luxury-resort development of Costa Careyes, is a pineapple-colored palace ringed in a stunning 360-degree infinity pool. The six-bedroom villa features panoramic ocean views, and is made of four completely separate, private structures including a castle, two bungalows and a tower. The villa is fully staffed with a live-in personal butler, chef and maids.
Location: Halfway between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, and about a two-hour drive from either airport
Rates: Rates at Careyes begin at $245 per night. Rates for the villas are dependent on season and number in the party.
Additional features:
- Compound sits on 20,000 acres of nature preserve
- Enclave includes restaurants, theaters and galleries, all available to guests
- Private beach at Careyes hosts annual large-scale, invitation-only arts festival, Onda Linda
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
A pool with a view takes on a whole new meaning at Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong. Not only does the pool sit loftily on the 29th floor, but a portion of the water cantilevers over the edge for a view that is both totally stunning and not for the faint of heart.
The hotel is all about the views in general, as rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the Wan Chai neighborhood. There is also the Skybar, from which guests can enjoy creative cocktails while taking in panoramics of the skyline.
Location: Hong Kong island, about 30 minutes from the Hong Kong International Airport
Rates: Starting at $147
Additional features:
- Location in the Wan Chai neighborhood, a juxtaposition of old world Hong Kong and modern Asian metropolis
- Just around the corner from Fook Lam Moon, one of Hong Kong’s best dim sum restaurants
- Near many local markets
