If you love swimming, you know that besides the sensation of being in the water, your surroundings are important, too. Looking up at the sky is always better than looking up at the ceiling of the local community pool–not that the community pool isn’t awesome in its own right. Here are some pools that take aquatic bliss to a whole new level (sometimes literally), with breathtaking views, impressive sizes and exclusive access. They can be found all around the world, but it might be a bit pricey to just go for a dip, as they’re all attached to resorts and five-star hotels.
Oh well. Take a look at them anyway and use your imagination. They might just give you some travel inspiration, too!
1. Capella Pedregal Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Not only does this spa resort offer private pools in the suites, it also has a huge outdoor pool that opens out onto the private beach. There’s a swim-up bar incorporated into it, too, and it’s known for fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine.
2. The Joule Hotel, Dallas, Texas, USA
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This hotel is located in the Dallas National Bank’s old building, and features a rooftop pool that juts out eight feel from the edge of the balcony, giving swimmers the sensation of swimming right off the building. Though the hotel is in the heart of the city, the pool’s far-up location makes it a retreat.
3. Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort, Crete, Greece
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Inspired by ancient Minoan palaces, this resort on the island of Crete features a seawater pool (Olympic sized, of course) that opens into the sea, and can be accessed from private suites.
4. San Alfonso del Mar Resort, Algarrobo, Chile
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This resort boasts the largest pool in the world at over half a mile long and, at its deepest, 115 feet. You can swim, but also kayak and sail in it. As the Pacific can be quite rough, it’s an ideal solution for enjoying the water safely.
5. The Oberoi Udaivialas, Udaipur, India
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Designed like a traditional Indian palace, this hotel is located on the bank of Lake Pichola, and while it has several pools, one is only accessible from the suites.
6. One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
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It’s a pool in a pool! The big pool jets into the ocean while the smaller pool offers a more enclosed space. The hotel can only be reached by boat.
7. Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy
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This hotel’s infinity pool is located 1,150 feet above the ocean and looks out over the famously picturesque Amalfi Coast. The hotel itself is established in a renovated 11th century building.
8. The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand
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This hotel is located near the beach, but the pool offers something unique in that it features little private “islands” with drapes, so swimmers can enjoy privacy.
9. Katikies Hotel, Santorini, Greece
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The pool here is carved right into a caldera (a crater left over from a volcanic eruption), so it’s like swimming in a cave with a great view. The infinity pool is situated some 300 feet above the Aegean Sea.
10. Mardan Palace, Antalya, Turkey
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This hotel boasts one of the largest pools in Europe (it’s on the European side of Turkey, so it counts), so you never have to worry about that crowded feeling. If pools aren’t your thing, the hotel also has a private beach and a specially-designed swimming reef for snorkeling.
I don’t know about you, but I think I need to fill the bathtub and have an imaginary vacation now.
