There are two types of people in this world — pool people and beach people. For those adverse to sand in every nook and cranny or that thin layer of salt on your skin after a dip in the ocean, these one-of-a-kind pools are for you. Even if you are a beach person, then the heated pool in the Rocky Mountains or the infinity pool overlooking a misty Balinese jungle will surely make you a convert. Grab a good book, a few cocktails and settle in at any one of these extraordinary pools around the world.
Photo: Hotel Villa Honegg/Facebook
The 11 Dreamiest Swimming Pools in the World You Can Visit This Summer
1. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Photo: Esperanza Resort/Facebook
For the ultimate romantic getaway, take your pick of not one, but two infinity pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez at the Esperanza. Relax in your own private cabana overlooking the pool with a personal Margarita butler for the day or grab a comfy lounge chair by the water. You can wade in the deep end or lay on a lounge chair in the pool while you devour your fish tacos from the Lounge Bar.
2. Marina Bay Sands – Singapore
Photo: Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands is home to what is probably the most iconic pool in the world — for good reason. This is the world’s largest infinity pools with jaw-dropping views of Singapore from 57 stories up. You have to stay here to access the pool, but the sticker price of a room is worth it for the views, the lounge under the palm trees, and the world-class poolside service.
3. Bisha Hotel – Toronto, Canada
Canada’s newest posh hotel has a few surprises on its roof. Apart from the trendy Mexican-inspired restaurant Kost, it has a gorgeous infinity pool for guests. When the weather is right, take to a lounge chair and stare down the famous CN Tower from 44 floors above the city.
4. The Marriott Marquis – Houston, Texas
Photo: Marriott Marquis
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that seems to also be true for their pools. Marriott Marquis takes epic pools to a new level with their lazy river shaped like the state of Texas. Hop in a tube and soak in the city views while you float under bridges and past greenery. There is also a large soaking pool with lounge chairs in and out of the water.
5. Alila – Ubud, Bali
Photo: Alila Ubud/Facebook
Tranquility has never looked so good. Perched high above the Ayung River in central Bali, this infinity pool has lush jungle views for miles. In the morning, have breakfast near the pool as the mist rises over the trees and enjoy a refreshing dip in the afternoon as the Balinese heat creeps in. If you listen closely enough you can hear the river below at this secluded luxury destination.
6. Viceroy Snowmass, Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
Photo: Viceroy/Facebook
Just outside of Aspen’s quaint downtown is this snowy-chic hotel pool at the Viceroy Hotel, suited for both winter and summer. When you’re in town for the Food & Wine Classic or any number of Aspen’s incredible summer festivals, this is the place to relax. If you’re visiting in the dead of winter, warm up with a boozy hot chocolate and then head to the heated pool and watch the chairlift go by right over top.
7. The Marmara Pera – Istanbul, Turkey
Photo: Pera Palace Hotel/Facebook
Sweeping views of Istanbul, including the famous Golden Horn, the Old City, and Marmara Sea, make this rooftop pool well worth a visit. Located on the 17th floor of this Worldhotels boutique hotel is an oasis in the summer months when the sun can be scorching. Come up around sunset with a cocktail and sit on any of the plush, white cushions to watch the sun go down while the call to prayer plays in the distance.
8. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Champagne, France
Photo: Royal Champagne
Opening on July 15th, you can be among the first to take a swim in an infinity pool overlooking some of the world’s finest vineyards with local bubbly in hand. The serene spa area of this brand new hotel has a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool, so you can switch between the two during your stay.
9. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, New York, New York
Pools are a hot commodity in New York City and this uber chic rooftop pool is one of the best. Open all year round to hotel guests, it’s a heated pool with colored lights and panoramic views of the Hudson River and downtown. So go ahead and order that pricey cocktail and a few snacks from the Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge; it’ll help add to an epic New York City summer day.
10. Casa Angelina – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Photo: Casa Angelina/Facebook
Casa Angelina says that about a third of hotel guests get engaged at their property; one look at the pool and you can see why. Nestled into the Amalfi cliffs in the small town of Praiano, the hotels pool has expansive views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the picturesque Italian coastline. With fresh lemons all over the grounds and a few hanging over the pool area, it’s also probably one of the best smelling pool areas out there.
11. Hotel Villa Honegg – Ennetbürgen, Switzerland
Photo: Hotel Villa Honegg/Facebook
Straight out of a James Bond movie, this has an unbeatable heated infinity pool overlooking Lake Lucerne and the towering mountains surrounding it. If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you can go online and make a morning or evening reservation for a four-hour pass to the spa facilities for $90. 