Worlds Top Ten Extraordinary Hotel Pools

By Olivia Thompson | Published on  

Drenched in breathtaking views and often coupled with extravagant amenities, the world’s most extraordinary hotel pools transform a simple dip into an unforgettable travel experience. Whether it’s immersing oneself in a hillside infinity pool in Switzerland or plunging into a glass-bottom pool suspended over the cliffs of Bali, these pools are sure to create a splash.

Luxury doesn’t always require grandeur. Sometimes, it’s all about the location and the view. Perched on the slope of a hillside near the picturesque town of Ittenboygen, the infinity pool at Hotel Villa Honegg, a boutique five-star establishment, embodies this notion to perfection. Though not the largest, this pool’s 90-degree heated waters provide a relaxing backdrop to the serene views of Lake Lucerne and the majestic Swiss pre-alps. Enjoy the captivating panorama as you paddle to the edge or lounge on the underwater couch.

Situated on Mexico’s Costa Alegre, the Ocean Castle Sol de Oriente offers an unparalleled 360-degree infinity pool experience. This remarkable pool, a crown jewel of the private estate resort, encapsulates ocean views that match the resort’s hefty price tag. An ideal getaway for the Hollywood elite, the pool is part of a villa complex that features a seaside tower accessible via private funicular. And if the color isn’t to your liking, a green counterpart awaits you at Sol de Occidente, just across the bay.

For thrill-seeking swimmers, The Edge in Bali, Indonesia, delivers an unforgettable heart-racing experience. The villa’s turquoise lagoon extends 21 feet out from the cliffside, showcasing a glass bottom that offers a vertigo-inducing 530-foot drop below. Part of an emerging trend in cantilevered pool design, The Edge’s pool is a thrilling aquatic adventure sure to excite any daredevil.

Imagine rolling out of bed and directly into an infinity-plunge pool. At the Danavilas Hotel in Santorini, Greece, this fantasy becomes a reality. With some pools accessible directly from the bedroom or bathroom, guests can start their day with a plunge while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Santorini caldera. Complete the experience with a glass of Assertico wine, while witnessing the sun sinking into the Aegean.

Perched atop a hill on the Amalfi Coast, the infinity pool at Belmond’s exquisite Hotel Caruso seems to merge into the azure Mediterranean sea. The hotel, restored from the ruins of an 11th-century palace, also features beautifully frescoed salons and a baroque 16th-century chapel. But the true showstopper is the pool, situated at the hill’s pinnacle, providing guests with an unmatched view over the sea.

Nested in thick tropical rainforests outside Ubud, the Hanging Gardens of Bali presents an awe-inspiring split-level infinity pool that mimics a cascading jungle waterfall. This pool, named world’s best swimming pool by TripAdvisor in 2014, is designed to make you feel suspended over the forest, offering an immersive, naturalistic experience unlike any other.

Imagine cooling off from the scorching savannah sun while watching elephants frolicking at a watering hole. The Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania offers just this with its unique pool, providing a front-row seat to the enchanting spectacle of local wildlife. The pool’s strategic placement allows guests to continue their safari experience even when relaxing at the hotel.

In a city known for its extravagance, the Golden Nugget Hotel’s pool, aptly named ‘The Tank’, stands out. With a three-story waterslide passing through a 200,000-gallon shark-filled aquarium, The Tank promises an exhilarating encounter with the marine life. The addition of elegant waterfalls and an infinity pool on top only heightens the luxury.

The San Alfonso del Mar’s seawater pool, once the world’s largest, is so vast that guests can kayak, sail, or even scuba dive in it. While it might seem peculiar to have a pool next to the sea, the calm and warm waters of this pool provide a unique twist to the typical seaside experience.

Situated atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool offers an unparalleled view of Singapore’s sparkling skyline. Exclusive to hotel guests, this pool, perched 57 levels up, creates an unnerving yet beautiful sensation of floating over the city. It’s an extraordinary pool that you just can’t miss when in Singapore.

In our extraordinary world, travel isn’t merely about reaching a destination; it’s about immersing oneself in the essence of a place and soaking in the beauty of unique experiences that etch a lasting impression in our memory. These stunningly designed hotel pools offer more than just a luxurious swim—they encompass stories, adventures, and memories in their mesmerizing depths.

Whether it’s the tranquil charm of Switzerland’s Hotel Villa Honegg, promising serenity coupled with stunning natural vistas, or the adrenaline-fueled adventure at The Edge in Bali, each pool whispers a tale of its own. The fascinating blend of nature and luxury, as seen in the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania and the Hanging Gardens of Bali, serves as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of man-made marvels and breathtaking landscapes.

Not to forget, the splendor of man’s architectural achievements, as evidenced by the rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and the colossal seawater pool at San Alfonso del Mar Resort in Chile. These stand as embodiments of human ambition, showcasing how the boundaries of luxury and leisure can be continually expanded.

When planning your next getaway, remember that a hotel is not just a place to rest your head—it can also offer transformative experiences that elevate your journey from memorable to unforgettable. So why not select an accommodation that includes an extraordinary pool? After all, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip to recharge your senses after a day of exploration, and there’s certainly no better way to do that than in a pool that presents a spectacle in itself.

As we traverse through this diverse world and delve into its various cultures, landscapes, and architectures, let’s not forget to take a moment to enjoy the unique gems these hotels have to offer. Each pool on this list presents a different hue of luxury, a different tale of adventure, and a unique canvas for creating memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

The Hotel Villa Honegg is a year-round destination, but for the most picturesque experience by the pool, you might want to consider visiting during the summer months (June through September), when the weather is generally mild and the views over Lake Lucerne are particularly enchanting.

The rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands is a special privilege reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Therefore, to enjoy this breathtaking feature, you would need to book a stay at the hotel.

Indeed, the Golden Nugget Hotel is a great option for a family vacation. Apart from its extraordinary ‘The Tank’ pool that features a shark aquarium and a three-story waterslide, the hotel also provides a variety of family-friendly amenities and activities.

Apart from its extraordinary pool that overlooks a wildlife watering hole, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge offers guests a variety of unique experiences, such as guided game drives, hot-air balloon safaris, and cultural visits to local Maasai villages, making for an unforgettable African safari experience.

San Alfonso del Mar’s seawater pool, once the largest in the world, spans an impressive 20 acres and reaches depths of 115 feet. The pool is so vast that guests can enjoy various water sports activities such as kayaking and sailing. There’s even the option for scuba diving for those looking for an extra dash of adventure.