For the well-traveled, adventurous itineraries and exotic destinations quickly become standard fare. Sometimes, though, a break from a jam-packed schedule is essential.
If you find yourself needed a rejuvenating break, consider indulging yourself at one of these hotels or resorts that feature a luxury swimming pool.
Whether you prefer a refreshing morning swim or a tranquil dip under the stars, a lap pool or one with water features like infinity edges, lazy river, or a swim-up bar, a well-designed pool provides a perfect place to connect with your surroundings. A pool with a view lets you enjoy the surrounding landscape, whether that’s rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, or pristine coastlines. Or maybe it’s a panoramic vista of lush vineyards, a picturesque seascape, or a vibrant cityscape that calls to you. And let’s not forget the beauty of indoor custom swimming pools.
From infinity pools overlooking pristine beaches to rooftop oases amidst bustling cities, these 15 luxury swimming pools at hotels around the world are worth consideration when booking your next vacation getaway.
You don’t need to be a celebrity too book these value-luxury splurge-worthy hotels. So grab your swimsuit and let’s dive in.
Luxury Swimming Pools
Perhaps the most iconic feature of The Joule, am 8-foot cantilevered pool, gives guests the sensation of swimming out beyond the hotel’s edge. Equally voyeuristic for those swimming or those standing on the street below, it gives “hanging out by the pool” a whole new meaning.
The first hotel in Manhattan to put in a rooftop pool, the iconic Gansevoort Meatpacking’s 45-ft plunge pool offers guests exclusive and incredible views of the Hudson River, comfortable lounge chairs and access to drinks and bites from Gansevoort Rooftop.
Heated and open year-round, the pool is only accessible to hotel guests, so it won’t get overcrowded even on hot summer days and guests can take a dip during the colder months, enjoying a front row seat to the iconic neon diver sign that marks the Gansevoort Rooftop. Additionally, the property will be launching a luxury sunglasses lending program, so guests can borrow a stylist pair of sunnies to shade them as they sip their drinks and dip in the pool.
The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas is renowned for its opulent amenities, and its luxury swimming pools are no exception. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and exquisite architectural design, the pools offer an oasis of relaxation and indulgence.
Among the highlights is the spectacular Cypress pool, featuring a fountain that adds an enchanting touch to the serene ambiance. The Cypress pool provides a haven for those seeking tranquility and the epitome of luxury, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors at the Bellagio Hotel. And let's face it, who can resist dancing in the fountain spray.
Situated in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau is one of the most luxurious spa resorts in Germany and also an ideal destination for a true getaway. The resort offers 162 rooms and suites, five restaurants, the largest bookstore in any hotel in Germany, and a concert hall.
There are six separate and lavish spas, outdoor pools heated 24 hours a day. One of the resort’s most gorgeous pools is the Infinity Rooftop Pool at the Badehause Spa at the Retreat at Schloss Elmau, which overlooks the scenic Bavarian Alps.
Nestled in the breathtaking natural setting of Portugal's Douro region, the Octant Douro Hotel boasts indoor and outdoor pools panoramic view of the Douro, where the river's gentle currents blend harmoniously with the verdant hills.
Surrounded by rolling vineyards and embraced by the meandering Douro River, these pools provide a haven of relaxation amidst the stunning landscape. This picturesque backdrop, with its cascading terraces and terracotta rooftops, creates an idyllic environment that harmonizes nature and luxury.
The swimming pools at the Octant Douro Hotel are a testament to the hotel's commitment to providing an unforgettable retreat that allows guests to connect with the beauty of the surrounding region while indulging in the utmost comfort and sophistication.
Located in Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is the premier luxury safari lodge in South Africa. Part of the acclaimed Royal Portfolio collection, the lodge sits on private land in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park and offers modern luxury combined with the beauty and essence of a bygone time.
After safari, guests can unwind at The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa, boasting a heated lap pool as well as hot and cold African baths. Guests staying in the Royal Suites have access to a private deck with their own pool overlooking the South African brush.
You may need to share your pool - elephants often come to the pool waters for a refreshing drink.
Part of the renowned Royal Portfolio, Birkenhead House is the ultimate beach house; seated on the cliffs of the Cape Winelands region, it overlooks the whale watching haven of Walker Bay while offering a luxurious coastal experience.
From the cliffside pool, guests can watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just meters from the shore.
Soneva Jani is the latest luxury resort from Soneva. The brand's newest offering comprises 24 water villas and three island villas.
Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. Each villa’s pool is seemingly suspended over the insanely aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, offering views into the endless horizon.
The G’Day Group Lake Argyle Resort pool in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region near Kununurra features a 115-foot infinity edge with a panoramic overview of the iconic lake. Pool users have a VIP view to its many water birds and rock wallabies. Spa treatments and a private jacuzzi are also available poolside.
In the heart of Wine Country on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Jackalope Hotel’s almost 100-foot long black-tiled pool has an infinity edge with an outlook of LL Vineyards. The surrounding deck features bar service to enjoy a local drop and poolside meal, free w-ifi and a spa pavilion.
And a glass of LL Vineyards' wine of course!
The Langham Hotel in Sydney, Australia, is renowned for its exquisite luxury and attention to detail, and its swimming pool is no exception.
You can swim under the stars in this 65-foot-long indoor heated pool. The ceiling is painted with the Southern Hemisphere night sky and its star constellations. When the water is still, the stars eerily reflect on the water’s surface creating an eerie optical illusion.
The 82-foot saltwater infinity pool provides a calm ocean feel to guests at the Great Barrier Reef’s Orpheus Island Resort. It connects the island’s white sand to its lush lawn, with expansive views across the Coral Sea. The surrounding palm trees shade swimmers as well as allow for white-net hammocks for guests to relax in.
Located on its own private island with 43 acres of pristine grounds featuring Caribbean greenery, natural reefs and marine life, The Aerial, BVI was designed to harmoniously align with the surrounding nature. The resort's infinity pool is situated at the heart of property jutting out over the island's scenic cliff-like rock formations that cascade into the sea.
Guests taking a dip in The Aerial's infinity pool can expect to take in incredible, unobstructed views of the glittering Caribbean sea including the nearby surrounding islands and boats passing by (and if they're lucky maybe even a whale or dolphin sighting).
The outdoor pool area features lounge chairs with umbrellas as well as pool and ping pong tables. Nearby inside, is the resort's recording studio available for any guests to record music or podcasts. New this season the resort has implemented cold plunge pools available for guests to use upon request in the pool area.
The Setai Tel Aviv's stunning Mediterranean Sea-facing infinity pool blesses you with a breathtaking view of the Tel Aviv coastline from the beautiful wooden deck. Stop by the Hamam spa or the poolside bar while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean Sea and Jaffa at this verified luxury spot.
And let's not forget luxury for the whole familiy.
The Omni Orlando offers large pools, lazy rivers, water slides, whirlpools, and a wave pool with more than 131,000 gallons of wave action. There's also a 125-foot corkscrew waterslide for thrill seekers.
You'll also find a more circumspect adult-only pool, with eight private cabanas and a jacuzzi.