These are the most beautiful hotel pools in the world

Apr 3 2019, 6:11 am

Swimming pools are arguably the heart and center of any luxury hotel. They’re a place to relax, put a dent in that book you’ve been meaning to start for, well, ever, and socialize with other guests. So, it comes as no surprise that hotel properties have seriously been stepping up their swimming pool game in recent years with awe-inspiring designs and unique amenities.

In fact, Architectural Digest has just released its roundup of the most beautiful hotel pools in the world, and the list has given us a serious case of wanderlust. From the rooftops of Hong Kong to the snow-capped Swiss Alps, these 25 standout pools perfectly marry their environmental surroundings with a unique design for results that are equal parts beautiful and creative.

Let’s be real, is there any point in staying at a luxury hotel without a gorgeous swimming pool? We think not.

25. Capella Ubud, Indonesia

 

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Nestled in the rainforest of Ubud, Bali, this saltwater pool — dubbed the Cistern — features a trippy zigzag interior and an epic palm tree canopy. Not a single tree was cut in the building of the resort and pool, leaving guests feeling truly immersed in the jungle.

24. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

 

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An infinity pool with views of wild elephants and zebras? Take our money. This safari lodge in Tanzania sits just beyond a popular local watering hole, so guests are treated to views of passing wildlife without having to leave the hotel.

23. Belmond Hotel Caruso, Italy

 

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One thousand feet above the town of Ravello sits this vast infinity pool with views of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. An extension of the recently renovated 11-century palace turned hotel, this is the place to go to fulfill your boujee poolside dreams.

22. Aman Tokyo, Japan

 

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For some peace and serenity high above bustling Tokyo, look no further than Aman Tokyo’s indoor pool. Perched high up in the Otemachi Tower, the elongated lap pool boasts large windows overlooking the financial district — perfect for that coveted Instagram shot.

21. Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Monaco

 

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Designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, the heated saltwater pool at the Hotel Metropole serves some serious haute couture vibes. Think private cabanas, terraced gardens, and an 18-panel LED-lit art installation. C’est chic!

 20. The Mulia, Indonesia

 

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The much-Instagrammed Oasis pool at this Bali resort is truly stunning, due in part to the 20-foot statues of Balinese women who line the sweeping pool’s perimeter. Oh, and did we mention the immersed sunbeds in the shallow areas of the pool? We’re already packing.

19. The Cambrian, Switzerland

 

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Ever heard of a hot pool? We hadn’t either, but it’s now at the top of our bucket list thanks to The Cambrian in the Swiss Alps. In the winter, steam rises from the long infinity pool as guests take in sweeping views of snow-capped mountains. Brb, booking a flight to Switzerland ASAP.

18. Four Seasons The Nam Hai, Vietnam

 

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Designed using the ancient feng shui philosophy, the pools at The Nam Hai in Vietnam are mesmerizing, to say the least. Infinity edges of the three large pools blend seamlessly into the East Sea, while rows of palm trees adorn their perimeters.

17. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Chile

 

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Designed by Chile’s leading architects and designers, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa sits on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding dramatic landscapes. If you look up ‘tranquil’ in the dictionary, we’re pretty sure this is what you’ll find.

16. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

 

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This private island resort in the Indian Ocean has no shortage of places to cool off. While some overwater bungalows have their own private pools, the adults-only Serenity pool overlooking the lagoon is really where it’s at, at almost 100 feet long with an internal jacuzzi.

15. Grace Hotel, Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection, Greece

 

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Almost 1,000 feet above the Caldera in Santorini sits the island’s largest infinity pool with some of the best views in town. But get there early, sun seekers — there are just 14 lounge chairs available at this surreal spot.

14. Mombo Camp, Botswana

 

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The pools at Mombo Camp are where luxury meets necessity. To combat the intense midday heat, guests are treated to their own perfectly circular plunge pool overlooking a floodplain full of wildlife.

13. Hotel Bel-Air, California

 

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The Hotel Bel-Air’s luxurious oval pool dates back to the 1940s and was a horse-riding ring in its previous days. Surrounded by palms and blooms, this is the perfect place for a poolside cocktail.

12. The Berkeley, UK

 

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Designed to be a sanctuary within the city, the Hayburn spa boasts a rooftop pool, skyline views and plenty of greenery. One hour in this serene oasis and you’ll completely forget you’re amidst the hustle and bustle of London.

11. Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico

 

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If sleek, modern and minimalist designs are your thing, then Viceroy Los Cabos is for you. Designed by Miguel Angel Aragonés, pools within pools wrap around the resort to create an optical illusion from above.

10. Post Ranch Inn, California

 

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The clifftop infinity pool at Post Ranch Inn sits 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning vistas of Big Sur. Plus, the basking pools, as they’re called, are heated to a comfortable 40 degrees year round, making for a downright heavenly experience.

9. Amanera, Dominican Republic

 

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Just in case the private 32-foot pool of your casita isn’t quite enough to satisfy, Amanera in the Dominican Republic is also home to an immense 130-foot infinity pool with epic panoramas of the mountains, cliffsides, and waves. You’ve gotta have options, right?

8. Villa d’Este, Italy

 

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A cardinal’s residence built in 1568 and the birthplace of the floating pool concept, Villa D’Este on Lake Como is truly iconic. Since the original pool first floated in 1966, guests have been flocking to the hotel for a photo op on the sizable deck that supports the pool, jacuzzi, and sleek loungers.

7. Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas, India

 

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Heated indoor pool or infinity-edge outdoor whirlpool? At the Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas, once you make your choice, all that’s left to do is take in the stunning flora and fauna of the immense surrounding cedar forest.

6. NoMad Las Vegas, Nevada

 

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Inspired by Marrakech’s Majorelle Garden, the brand-new pool of Vegas’s NoMad Hotel is the oasis you need after a wild night on the strip. Lush landscaping, private cabanas, and Moroccan rugs promote ultimate relaxation — until the weekends, when DJs take over for JEMAA, NoMad’s resident pool party.

5. The Silo, South Africa

 

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For 360-degree views of Cape Town (and the best sunset views in town), the Silo’s pool is the place to be. Only guests of the 28-room boutique hotel have the pleasure of floating in the rooftop pool while taking in views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city skyline.

4. Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

 

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Perched on the 29th floor overhanging the busy streets of Hong Kong, the pool at Hotel Indigo offers unmatched views of both the city and mountains. Feeling daring? The glass-bottomed balcony is sure to make your heart skip a beat.

3. Laucala Island, Fiji

 

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A pool within a pool? Count us in. As if the lagoon-style pool on Laucala Island wasn’t picture perfect enough, an 82-foot glass cube right in the middle makes it utterly stunning. Perfect for living out your mermaid dreams.

2. The Lake Argyle Resort, Australia

 

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Western Australia’s border with the Northern Territory sets the scene for this 115-foot infinity-edge pool that overlooks mountains and a vast lake below. The out-of-the-way paradise is embedded into the rugged hillside of the Carr Boyd Ranges and is seriously gorgeous.

1. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France

 

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Jutting over the Mediterranean Sea is the pool of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, blasted out of the surrounding cliffs with dynamite in 1914. C’est magnifique, non?

Katherine BertrandKatherine Bertrand

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