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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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
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.
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.
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.
Related: Explore Our Upcoming Indagare Journey to Morocco—Magical Morocco—where you will have the opportunity to experience La Mamounia for yourself.
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.
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.
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.
Experience this royal property for yourself, among other indulgent properties, on our upcoming Indagare Insider Journey Love, Rajasthan with Fiona Caulfield, travel writer and world traveler.
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
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.
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
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.
Related: Hotel News & Notes: Indagare Members Return to Europe
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
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
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.
Listen to this episode of Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley’s podcast, Passport to Everywhere, for a deep dive into this legendary property, including inside stories and favorite spots from the du Cap team.
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
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello
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.
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).
Related: Your 2022 Travel Calendar: Where to Go and When to Book Your Trips
Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
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
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.
Related: Be among the first foreign travelers to explore Saudi Arabia on our Indagare Journeys to Saudi Arabia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related: Explore our upcoming Indagare Journey to Bhutan where our intimate group will stay at the Six Senses lodges in Thimphu, Punakha (pictured above), Gangtey and Paro.
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.
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.
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: 7 Up-and-Coming Wine Regions to Know Now
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.
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.
Related: Indagare’s Ultimate Bucket List Hotels: The 55 Most Luxurious Hotels in the World
Cuixmala, Jalisco, Mexico
Open only to guests who are staying in Cuixmala’s suites or bungalows, the checkerboard blue pool at Casa Cuixmala is blissfully private. It’s also exceedingly photogenic: a saffron-hued grand staircase rises up from the pool deck to the Moorish-inspired main hacienda on one side. On the other, a wide sandy beach slopes gently to the piercing blue of the Pacific.
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.
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: 13 Ultimate Wilderness Vacations
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
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
Capella Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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.
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
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.
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