To infinity (pools) and beyond: 12 of the most spectacular hotel pools in the world
Whether perched atop a snow-capped Italian mountain or looking out over an idyllic beach, these striking hotel pools make a splash.
In a world where travel is less impulsive and more considered than ever, the indulgences of a hotel feel all the more precious: four-digit thread-count sheets, luxe-brand bathroom amenities, a newspaper slipped silently under the door before sunrise.
The hotel pool might be a feature you could travel comfortably without, but in some cases it is the deciding factor in your choice of lodgings.
The following sparkling examples are a cut above; in fact, they’re destinations in their own right. Some are storied, doubling as the glittering blue playgrounds of European royalty and ’50s Hollywood icons. Others boast the best vantage points of a destination, or are so peaceful they provide the perfect late-afternoon retreat after a day’s sightseeing.
Here are 12 of the most spectacular hotel pools across the globe.
1. Hotel Belmond Caruso, Ravello, Italy
Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea away from the Amalfi Coast crowds, this 11th-century palazzo is striking for its infinity pool, which feels modern yet steeped in the history of the region. Once you’ve had your fill of relaxation, wander past olive groves and lemon trees to reach the old city of Ravello, with its cobblestoned laneways and sprawling villa gardens.
2. Chateau de Messardiere, St Tropez, France
In prime position atop a hill in St Tropez, this fairytale chateau is the stuff of dreams. Surrounded by a lush umbrella pine forest and with a shell-shaped pool at its centre, the hotel is also within spitting distance of Cote d’Azur beaches. Stone interiors and olive trees dotted around the expansive terrace lend a rustic sensibility, but don’t be fooled – the Chateau de Messardiere is luxury, through and through.
3. The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Set along an exclusive 1km beach in Nusa Dua, The Mulia’s vast Oasis Pool is all about extravagance. Fringed by huge statues of Balinese women carrying rice, it’s the majestic centre point of the secluded, ultra-luxe resort. You won’t need to venture further afield.
4. Qualia, Hamilton Island, Queensland
At Hamilton Island’s Qualia – an Ancient Greek word that translates as “a collection of deeper sensory experiences” – the infinity pool in the resort’s Pebble Beach precinct is the stuff of desktop wallpapers. Look out from the still waters of the pool across to the Coral Sea, and embrace the serenity, perhaps while perusing a book from the shelves of the in-house library.
5. Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus, The Dolomites, Italy
Outdoor pools aren’t just for temperate climes; in the snowy Italian Dolomites, Hotel Hubertus warms guests up even when the temperature dips. The water in the Sky Pool, which juts out 25m towards the evergreen forest and rugged peaks typical of the region, is always a delightful 33C.
6. Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park, Kimberley, WA
Set amid the striking red dirt of the Kimberley, the infinity pool at Lake Argyle stands out like a mirage. The colours of the sky are reflected in the surface of the water, which is accessible to guests of the caravan park and resort as well as day visitors.
7. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, US
When this much history is folded into one place, your experience centres less on its physical attributes (which are plenty) and more on the stories it contains: picture Elizabeth Taylor and Lauren Bacall lolling on the sun lounges, and see where Marilyn Monroe posed for her last Vogue photoshoot with Bert Stern just weeks before her death. The blooming gardens and fig trees of the grounds add to the appeal.
8. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Home to one of the most iconic hotel pools in the world, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is more than deserving of a mention. Perched 57 floors above the city and spanning almost 150m, it’s the template; the infinity pool from which others have drawn inspiration. Delivering vistas of the Lion City’s dramatic skyline, it's a must-visit.
9. Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Chile
Take in views of snow-capped Patagonian peaks from the glass-walled spa of this eco-minded Chilean resort, designed to merge into its surrounds. Look carefully and you might even spot a guanaco, a close relative to the llama, or the emu-like nandu wandering the plains.
10. Oaks Port Douglas Resort, Queensland
This sinuous series of interconnected pools in Port Douglas, north of Cairns, forms the veins of The Oaks resort. Family-friendly and picture-perfect, it ticks a lot of boxes.
11. Mombo Camp, Botswana
At this safari camp on Chief’s Island in Botswana, pools are the ideal place from which to spot wildlife in the surrounding Moremi Game Reserve. Plunge into the private pool at the foot of your suite, and look out over the Okavango Delta grasslands while rhinos, hippos and zebras wander past.
12. Fasano Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Situated above the sands of Ipanema Beach, the Fasano delivers glorious views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the rocky summit of Pedra Bonita and other icons of Brazil’s famed city. Take a dip in the sea, emerge and head up for a splash in the pool, rinse and repeat.