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The 36 Best Hotel Pools in the World

No matter how indulgent the hotel, whether it's perched above the jungles of Bali or nestled on the coast of the French Riviera, a quality pool can make all the difference. They're places to relax after a day exploring, or perhaps the very spot to spend the whole day itself. Read on for a roundup of our favorite hotel pools that are destinations in their own right, including the best options for everything from a family-friendly beach holiday to a romantic escape.


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North & Central America

Amangiri, Utah

This impressive swimming pool—which is wrapped around a massive boulder—has become one of Amangiri’s iconic elements, drawing design-lovers, hikers and celebrities to the ultra-luxurious, off-the-beaten-path hideaway.

Related: Indagare Picks: The Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S.

Amangani, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

From its perch on a high ridge, Amangani’s 114-foot pool has 180-degree views over the Snake River Valley. It is heated to perfect temperatures year-round, making it just as popular in the snowy winters as it is during the summer.

Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

Is that Demi Moore in one of the cabanas? And did I just see Leo?…These are the types of questions guests at the see-and-be-seen Beverly Hills Hotel often find themselves asking. Bright colors, bold patterns, swaying palm trees and an A-list clientele make it one of the most glamorous hangouts in Tinseltown.

Related: Our Favorite U.S. Hotels with Private Cottages or Villas

Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island, Hawaii

The ultimate luxury resort on the Big Island, the swanky Four Seasons Resort Hualalai complex has three large pools— including an adults-only pool and a “swimmable aquarium” with fish—where guests can easily while away several days pool-hopping.

Related: Our Favorite Beach Resorts for a Winter Escape in 2023

One & Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit

Finding a seat by the pool is never a problem at this new resort on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. Even when operating at full capacity, its pools feel uncrowded, with plenty of seating options. The reason: every villa or treehouse has its own private plunge pool surrounded by jungle forests, and the resort itself has five main pools to choose from. The adults-only Carao pool is most impressive, on a high bluff overlooking the ocean and the resort’s curved stone jetty below.

Related: Spotlight: One&Only Mandarina Grand Villas

Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

The enormous infinity pool built from Indonesian volcanic rock at Amanyara resort is the property's main hub and most photogenic feature. This is only fitting, as Amanyara is now considered one of the most sleek and luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.

Related: Postcard: A Babymoon at Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

Europe

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

The picture-perfect pool at the Cipriani resort, located on Giudecca, just a private launch ride away from Piazza San Marco, is perhaps the hotel’s most defining feature. The Olympic-size swimming pool overlooks the water and the surrounding city, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast

With a dramatic cliffside setting, Monastero Santa Rosa has only 20 rooms and is still a bit of a secret address. Its most defining feature is the large infinity pool carved into the rock that seems to melt into the ocean in the distance.

Le Sirenuse, Amalfi Coast

Le Sirenuse is an Indagare favorite in Positano for good reason—the property provides a peaceful respite from the overrun and overwhelming narrow passageways of the town, and the pool is no exception. The design holds the classic Positano feel of relaxed glamour, with accented ceramic-tile floors and bright white lounge chairs. The large terrace overlooks the sea, making it an ideal spot to read and live la dolce vita.

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

Perched above the town of Ravello, this sprawling mansion is a choice destination for sophisticated travelers looking for a sanctuary in the Amalfi Coast. The hotel’s iconic infinity pool offers arguably the best views of the region.

Villa d'Este, Lake Como

The first summer home built on the shores of Lake Como in the 16th century, Villa d’Este is not only the standout property in the region, but one of the most indulgent waterfront destinations in all of Europe. Lounging at the pool, a sparkling hub overlooking the water, is the main pastime here.

Related: The World’s Best: 22 Ultimate Hotel Villas

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino

The heated saltwater pool is the social epicenter of Splendido, a chic retreat that fully embraces the classic glamour of the Italian Riviera. Guests wading into its aquamarine waters or relaxing on its white loungers have postcard-perfect views over the yacht-filled harbor of Portofino.

Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc, French Riviera

The seawater swimming pool at this storied resort is nestled into the rock and offers a 180-degree view of the sea. Beside it, a stairway leads to a diving board and swing set (some 20 feet above the ocean), providing all-day entertainment for adults and children.

The Maybourne Riviera, French Riviera

The Maybourne Riviera’s sleek infinity pool is a stylish slice of Riviera paradise providing endless blue sky and Mediterranean Sea views. The property's prime location on the peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin allows for breathtaking views of Italy to the east and Monaco to the west.

Deplar Farm, Iceland

In the rugged wilderness of Fljót Valley on Northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, the 13-room Deplar Farm is a dream hotel for many Indagare members. The main lure is Iceland’s unparalleled adventure opportunities, but another draw is the hotel’s serene pool. The water comes from the valley’s natural springs, geothermally heated to balmy temperatures even in winter, when guests use it as a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

Related: Indagare’s Ultimate Bucket List Hotels: The 55 Most Luxurious Hotels in the World

Central & East Asia

Aman Tokyo

Aman Tokyo’s allure is based in the property’s minimalist design and larger-than-life views—and nowhere else is this style more evident than in the luxurious pool, which is complete with a surrounding lounge and soaring ceilings.

Related: 23 Trips of a Lifetime to Plan this Year

Rosewood Hong Kong

Opened in 2019 in a gleaming new Kowloon tower that offers views of Hong Kong island and the harbor, Rosewood is a destination hotel in its own right. Stop No. 1 when here: the infinity pool on the seventh floor. The pool deck’s open design makes guests feel like they’re hovering over the harbor below.

Related: The 17 Most Luxurious Hotel Suites in the World

Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

Set on 30 acres of wildlife conservancy overlooking Lake Pichola, the Udaivilas epitomizes the splendor and romance of Rajasthan. The two main pools are the resort's aesthetic highlight, and guests should not miss an opportunity to dine poolside with live music at dinner.

Six Senses Punakha, Bhutan

In one of the warmest—and most scenic—corners of Bhutan, Six Senses Punakha has a crescent-shaped outdoor swimming pool that makes an ideal gathering spot after a day of hiking. Its shape also mimics the region’s rice paddy terraces, which cling to the Himalayan mountain sides.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

On a mile-long swathe of sand, Six Senses Zighy Bay’s suites and villas come with private plunge pools, but the oasis-like saltwater pool is the resort’s pièce de résistance. Its rounded edges and miniature islands—complete with palm trees—give the pool an entirely organic feel.

Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Situated in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing culture hub, Habitas AlUla provides an otherworldly experience for visitors—with much of Saudi still undiscovered, guests will feel like they’re glimpsing the past. The property’s luxurious infinity pool faces the expansive desert and sky, giving an immense feeling of peaceful isolation, and creating the perfect setting to watch the stars at night.

Southeastern Asia

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Bali

Perched above a misty tropical forest and protruding out over a verdant valley, the pool at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape (opened 2022) offers the same sense of being swathed in jungle as the rest of the romantic resort—which employs a “no walls, no doors” concept, encouraging wellness-seekers to reconnect with nature.

Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

“It's a natural spring pool that you climb down 200 steps through tropical forests to reach...and then once you’re there, the only thing you see around you is jungle," says Indagare's Jenny Schroder, who visited this 23-acre property—home to one of the world's most desirable destination spas—in September 2022.

Capella Ubud, Bali

High in the rainforests of Bali, Capella Ubud’s cistern pool seemingly floats in the canopy. It stretches 65 feet, and is a dreamy spot for morning yoga, swimming laps, napping to the sounds of bird calls, or gazing up at the night sky.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand

Located 40 minutes from the city of Chiang Mai, where the urban center recedes to country paths winding up into the Himalayan foothills, this peaceful retreat is respectfully built among the rice fields. The two main pools are surrounded by rice paddies and the stunning Thai landscape.

Related: Best Wellness Retreats in the World

Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

This barefoot-chic resort takes full advantage of Phang Nga Bay, a gorgeous marine national park, with its colossal infinity pool—and views of limestone karsts as far as the eye can see (not to mention a waterslide).

Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand

The original Aman—opened in 1988—continues to be a favorite for Aman Junkies. A major part of the appeal: its palm-lined main infinity pool, looking out over the Andaman Sea. Make sure to don your bathing suit in time for afternoon tea, served here daily and accompanied by fresh-made colorful Thai rice cakes.

NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

Nihi Sumba is one of the world’s top destinations for barefoot luxury, with 29 thatched-roof villas scattered amid 560 acres of lush terrain. Along the mile-and-a-half beachfront, the resort’s main pool (many of the villas have their own private options) is where guests mingle over tropical cocktails, while the island’s beloved horses run across the sand and wade in the sea.

Related: How Remote Island Retreat NIHI Sumba is Setting the Standard For Sustainability

Laucala, Fiji

Laucala has become a veritable bucket list-topper thanks to its miles of space for ultimate privacy, lush hills and spectacular coral reefs—not to mention its multi-level pool-within-a-pool (pictured above).

Related: 22 Best Private Island Resorts to Escape to this Year

Africa

La Mamounia, Marrakech

Marrakech’s largest resort is also home to an exquisite pool area, including a large interior pool and a heated pool pavilion—the perfect antidote to the North African heat.

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot’s massive outdoor infinity-edge pool is one of the most beautiful spots to reflect on the dazzling, multi-sensory overload that is Morocco.


Learn the fascinating origin story of Kasbah Tamadot in Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley’s conversation with Sir Richard Branson, the property founder, on her podcast Passport to Everywhere.


Mwiba Lodge, Tanzania

Built into the boulders of a rocky ledge, Mwiba Lodge’s main pool looks out over a natural watering hole frequented by elephants. Grab a pair of binoculars (not that you really need them to see the gentle giants below) and set yourself up at one of the deck’s plush recliners.

Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe

Singita Pamushana stands high on an escarpment with dramatic views over a large dam and the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Reserve—and the best vantage point is from the lodge’s curvy swimming pool.

Related: A Rhino Success Story: Singita Pamushana & the Malilangwe Trust

South America

Tierra Patagonia, Chile

There is no better way to take in the astounding Patagonian landscape than in a heated, full-sized pool with panoramic views of Torres del Paine National Park. At the luxurious-yet-rustic Tierra Patagonia, evenings are spent doing just that.

The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina

From the paper-flat vineyards of Mendoza’s wine country, the Andes form a monolithic wall spanning the western horizon. The area’s best spot to admire it all? From the 1,000-square-foot infinity pool. Another bonus: 300 days of sunshine a year, plus plenty of local wines to sample.

Related: Your 2024 Travel Calendar: Where to Go and When to Book You Trips

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