With inspiration for every kind of wanderlust bucket-list, here’s our pick of the world’s most stunning swimming pools – in private, rentable homes and some of the finest hotels big and small around the world. From the deserts of California to the tropics of St Lucia, each pool – be it infinity, wrap around or thermal – has jaw-dropping views in breathtaking locations. We hope they inspire you to plan for brighter days ahead.
Restored Monastery & Spa in the Tuscan Hills, Italy – link
Suspended from the hillside on which it sits, this saltwater infinity pool appears to merge with the distant Mediterranean Sea, with vast views over the Tuscan landscape. Exclusive to the private membership community Stay One Degree, this 6-suites home has been beautifully restored and can host up to 20 guests.
In-room infinity pools overlooking the majestic Pitons at Jade Mountain St Lucia – link
Set high in the hills of St Lucia, five-star luxury resort, Jade Mountain has 24 open-air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which have been built without a fourth wall so that guests have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the most arresting sights in the world, the World Heritage Piton Mountains. Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, all Infinity Pool Sanctuaries are individual works of art and ranges in size from 400 – 900 square feet, each unique in both colour and shape.
Take in the Sea and Mountain Views from the Infinity Pool Villa Sueno – link
Set on a hillside in the Tramuntana Mountains on Mallorca’s west coast, Villa Sueno offers stunning sea and mountain views from its impressive infinity pool that gives the illusion that you are swimming out to sea.
Swimming With Elephants at Victoria Falls Safari Club – link
Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, the whole of Victoria Falls Safari Club offers unparalleled views of the flora and fauna of Zimbabwe from above. In particular, the tranquil pool area is the perfect place to unwind after a day visiting the Falls, spotting the Big Five on a game drive, or cruising down the Zambezi River. With a cocktail in hand, guests can relax in the two-tiered swimming pool with a view of the endless plains below, where elephants are known to wander.
Soak In The World Famous Thermal Waters at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – link
The wellness resort’s Helena bath provides guests with the opportunity to bathe in the world-renowned thermal waters which are sourced from the neighbouring Tamina Gorge. The historic 19th century pool is set in impressive surrounds and offers a relaxing setting for guests, where they can enjoy, and benefit from, these healing waters. Famous for its effect on the body, the water is naturally sourced at 36.5° Celsius and its rare composition is believed to trigger positive reactions within the body, with people travelling to experience the mystic thermal springs since 1242. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is one of Europe’s leading wellness and medical health destinations.
A Tropical Paradise at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui – link
The Ritz- Carlton, Koh Samui is one of YTL Hotels’ most tropical paradises, tucked away on the northeast coast of the Thai island. Offering exquisitely designed pool villas cocooned in your personal hideaway, guests can relax in their private pool sipping on piña coladas made from local coconuts on the island. For something more adventurous, the resort not only possesses the only ocean swimming pool in Thailand but the largest one of a kind swim reef within a resort in Southeast Asia.
Immersed In A Maze of 17th Century Buildings At Crillon Le Brave – link
Crillon Le Brave lies in an exquisitely authentic natural setting, nestled within a maze of 17th century buildings. Guests will feel ultimate tranquility whilst cooling down in the pool while surrounded by gorgeous quaint buildings, with sprawling views of neighbouring vineyards and picture-perfect Provencal countryside.
Mirrored desert home with an indoor pool spanning the length of the property – link
Anchored into the spectacular Californian desert, this unique solar-powered home has an entirely mirrored exterior, cleverly blending it into the landscape, leaving the house almost invisible to the eye. A vast swimming pool occupies the entire length of one side of the house – a stark contrast to the barren surroundings seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. At one end of the pool is a large white screen where films can be projected, and the water changes colours at night, creating fabulous effects under the star-filled skies. Villa exclusive to Stay One Degree, sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.
