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There’s a moment in every vacation, once the suitcase is unpacked and dinner plans are sorted, when you can finally exhale and utter five glorious words: let’s go to the pool. For many travelers, relaxation doesn’t truly kick in until you’ve secured your sun lounger, smeared on the SPF, and pulled out your book. At the best hotel pools, a slower rhythm takes hold and all is right in the world (at least for that afternoon).
While you might not book a hotel solely for its swimming facilities, one can tell a lot about a property based on the pool. If the views and amenities for swimmers are top-notch, it’s likely the rest of the resort follows suit. Keeping this in mind, continue ahead for our guide to the best hotel pools around the world, stretching from the untouched vistas of Africa to the zinc-hued rooftops of Paris.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
Time stands still at this no-walls, no-doors hotel planted in the middle of a central Balinese valley. At Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, the feeling of being at one with nature is an ever-present sensation, but especially at the main pool, which juts out into dense, misty jungle. If that’s not enough, each of the property’s 16 villas comes with their own private pool, further ensuring magical swims throughout your stay.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Although Alila Ventana Big Sur is famous for its views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort’s pool (and infinity-edge hot tub) positions swimmers up close and personal with a grove of ancient Redwood trees, which depending on who you ask, is even more awe-inducing than the glimmering California coastline.
Canaves Epitome
Santorini has more than its fair share of photogenic pools but Canaves Epitome in Oia, with its volcanic stone architecture, is nothing short of magic. The property sits above the colorful fishing village of Ammoudi and features a floating pool deck.
Few Far Luvhondo
This just-opened safari lodge in South Africa s UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve has just six cliffside suites that look out at 62,000 acres of remote bush. When you’re not taking a dip in your private plunge pool, head on down to the infinity pool, which looks out at a peaceful mountain range.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Burrowed within 2,000 acres of lush Sri Lankan plantation lies a collection of five historic bungalows called Ceylon Tea Trails. Each bungalow has its own swimming pool, like the Dunkeld, which comes with an infinity-edge pool and hot tub affording views of Castlereagh Lake and the Great Western mountain range.
Naturhotel Forsthofgut
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Journey to the Austrian Alps for a swim in the remarkable year-round heated outdoor pool at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel, which gazes upon the soaring Leogang Mountains. If you’re after something a bit more active, the hotel also offers an 82-foot sports pool for swimming laps and is kept at a slightly cooler temperature.
Castello di Vicarello
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The scenery at Castello di Vicarello is like something from a dream. The boutique property is tucked away in the Tuscan countryside and occupies a 12th-century castle complete with nine suites and two outdoor swimming pools—one of which looks out at vineyards, rolling hills, and even the coastline on clear days.
The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur
It’s hard not to feel like royalty while taking a dip in the 50-meter pool at The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur. The property’s main pool is sandwiched between the Aravalli Hills and lush gardens, making for a truly cinematic swim. When you’ve toweled off, enjoy a private poolside dinner beneath intricate Rajasthani architecture, complemented by live traditional music.
Playa Grande Beach Club
This Dominican Republic hideaway feels more reminiscent of an artist friend’s vacation home than a traditional hotel. There are just nine pastel-hued bungalows at Playa Grande Beach Club, all surrounded by lush jungle, plus a charming lap pool flanked by white latticed cabanas.
Grand Hotel Minerva
It doesn’t get much more dramatic than the pool views at Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence. Guests enjoying a refreshing rooftop swim are treated to sightings of the Duomo in the distance, as well as numerous other iconic structures across the historic city’s skyline (all with a traditional Negroni in hand, of course).
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo
In 2012, Karl Lagerfeld designed the pool for this iconic Côte d’Azur property, now known as Odyssey at Hôtel Métropole. It features a fresco-styled glass installation that tells the story of Ulysses, wrapped around a heated sea-water pool.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Immortalized by the infamous guests of The White Lotus season one, this adults-only pool at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea remains a highly covetable swim. Even better: there’s a swim-up bar serving up tropical concoctions, which can be enjoyed while trying to spot whales and dolphins in the distance.
Le Bristol Paris
Paris is known for many things but rooftop pools are not one of them, which is why the iconic swim at the top of Le Bristol Paris feels all the more special. The design nods to the prow of a yacht and features teak decking as well as a nautical mural. Take in 360-degree views of Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower at this little oasis perched beside iconic Parisian rooftops.
Torre Vella
Wild and rugged Menorca is always a good idea, especially when you’re setting off to Torre Vella in the countryside. This Fontenille Collection retreat features a mineral swimming pool that is enveloped by the scent of olive trees and aromatic plants. Post-dip, indulge in an outdoor massage under the nearby holm oaks.
TWA Hotel
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The TWA Hotel’s year-round rooftop pool is based on the 1960s surfing documentary, Endless Summer and is among the most unique swimming experiences around. The pool and its 10,000-square-foot observation deck looks directly over stretches of tarmac where jets regularly take off, which is best experienced with an aviation-themed beverage like the Jet Fuel, made with cucumber mint water, Aperol, fresh lemon juice, and muddled watermelon.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
In the heart of Kyoto adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle, this luxury property occupies what was once a family estate for over 250 years. Among the more distinct amenities is the natural onsen pool, which is sourced from a hot spring located 100 meters directly below the hotel. The experience is deeply relaxing, with a gentle rain curtain that activates every 30 minutes.
Passalacqua
The views of Lake Como are simply unmatched at Passalacqua, a luxury hotel set within an 18th-century villa that was once the abode of composer Vincenzo Bellini. The outdoor pool is a destination all on its own, complete with lily-petal parasols and bespoke design touches by JJ Martin of La DoubleJ.
Hotel Unique
Like a frame from a Wes Anderson flick, the pool at this spectacular São Paulo hotel is an imaginative feast for the senses. While the celebrated Ruy Ohtake was the mastermind behind the architecture of the property, the interiors were guided by designer João Armentano and include an indoor swimming pool complete with an adult slide and underwater music.
Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
You’d never guess Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa was minutes away from Johannesburg’s hectic hub—this oasis sits on 10 acres and is a stylish respite from the city’s fast pace. The infinity pool is especially of note, gazing out at indigenous gardens and designed with a terrace for enjoying drinks and meals post swim. If you’re heading out on safari to somewhere like Kruger or Sabi Sand, ease into your journey with a night or two at this all-suite resort.
Hotel Le Grand Mazarin
Frankly, it’s unsurprising that a Parisian hotel inspired by Gertrude Stein’s salons would have an exquisitely designed pool. Indeed, swimming at Le Grand Mazarin’s is a stylish affair, beginning with an eye-catching mural by local artisan Jacques Merle that stretches across a vaulted ceiling all the way to the striped mosaic tiles within the indoor pool itself.
Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô
In a province known as the ‘land of the rising sun,’ this design-forward hotel tucked inside a breathtaking bay is everything you’d want out of a secluded beach resort. The property’s main pool places swimmers right on the hillside with panoramic views of the bay, while guests in beach and hilltop villas also enjoy private infinity pools with equally mesmerizing vistas (including fishermen in the distance securing the daily catch).
Paradero Todos Santos
Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is a spectacular landscape to behold, particularly if you’re doing so from the half-moon pool at Paradero Todos Santos. The infinity design blurs the line between hotel and desert, while still offering guests creature comforts like shade-sail parasols and cozy loungers.
Azura
Journey to Bermuda’s breathtaking south shore to stay at this new oceanfront resort, designed with an ocean-fed saltwater pool right on the cliffside. The swimming pool is positioned right at beach level, which means you can take in the sound of crashing waves while peacefully wading around (perhaps accompanied by a refreshment from the property’s beach bar).
The Yeatman Hotel
Porto is the gateway to the famed Douro Valley, land of prestigious Ports. Any visit to this historic wine region should begin with a night or two in Porto at The Yeatman Hotel, which has a pool cleverly shaped like a decanter. But the silhouette isn’t even the best part as the pool is positioned directly across from the old city, offering the most spectacular views in town.
Borgo Santandrea
Panorama enthusiasts know and love the Amalfi Coast well. This iconic stretch of Italian scenery is home to numerous lovely hotels that take advantage of the ocean views, including Borgo Santandrea, which has a saltwater swimming pool look directly over the Mediterranean’s rippling waves.
Alila Uluwatu
The line between ocean and pool is blissfully blurred at this luxury resort on the south-western tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. The distinct wooden lattice work for the property’s sunset bar contrasts beautifully with the nearby infinity pool. It’s the perfect spot for a dip and perhaps an even better one for watching the sun descend into the Indian Ocean.
Raffles Jaipur
Catch the one hour flight from Delhi and escape to the capital city of Rajasthan. At Raffles Jaipur, you’ll find yourself gravitating toward the rooftop infinity edge pool that looks across at the Aravalli Hills (the oldest mountain range in India). While you’re on property, might as well pop into the hot and cold mineral pools after a “World of Wellness” spa treatment to round out the experience.
La Mamounia
This luxury palace hotel in Marrakesh is nearly a hundred years old and abundantly atmospheric. The indoor pool enchants guests with its opulent tile work, Moorish arches, and marble columns. While swimming, take a moment to gaze upward at the vaulted ceiling, which features carved wooden beams.
Tierra Patagonia
There’s nothing quite like a view of the Andes Mountains to cement a perfect swim. At Tierra Patagonia, this is an everyday affair thanks to the heated indoor infinity pool (complete with hydro-massage and water jets, no less). The space is designed with tall glass walls so swimmers can look directly out at the Chilean Patagonia landscape, before slipping into a robe for a wellness treatment.
The Setai, Miami Beach
One doesn’t come to The Setai for an ordinary Miami Beach getaway. Rather, this transportive resort is where you go when top-to-toe pampering is the only thing that will do. Aside from the jaw-dropping suites and heaven-adjacent spa treatments, the pools are an epicenter of the hotel’s action. They’re oriented from east to west to capture sunrises and sunsets, and include three separate infinity pools, each with a different temperature.
Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé
Historic, atmospheric, and tranquil—the pool at Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé in the Loire Valley is the epitome of a serene swim. The circular pool is planted in the middle of a garden and is situated next to an original greenhouse and orangerie, which both date back to the mid 1700s when the estate was built.
Mwiba Lodge
