What is in your mind’s eye as you picture your tropical holiday? Powder-white sand beaches stretching for miles? A warm, crystal-clear, turquoise-hued ocean? Or maybe it is a thoughtfully positioned, exquisitely designed swimming pool with no-one in it but you?
Taking a leisurely dip is part of our relaxation culture, so we have brought together some of the most inviting options that are so much more than just a pool, selected for their position, design and staggeringly beautiful views.
Statuesque Limestone from Infinity Pool Perfection
If you are an active, thrill-seeking soul, then you can take to rock climbing on the classified limestone karsts on the surrounding islands, but if this sounds just a little too much effort, then we’d suggest you take to the resort’s hilltop horizon infinity pool instead. Nestled on the edge of a lush green bluff, you can take a plunge and swim to the brink, marvelling at views of the ruggedly handsome, limestone islands that are scattered like rough diamonds on the ocean. Situated adjacent to a bar and restaurant, we’d recommend that bathing is accompanied by a Coconut Cookie Shake, Treetop Margarita, or maybe a Passionate Squeeze!
To infinity beyond the blue
The Aegean Caldera, with its rugged cliffs, rising almost perpendicular from the clear blue sea, attracts only the most ingenious of creative architects. In typical white design that caresses the landscape like elegant tailored armour, Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel, simply exudes sensuality. Hanging on the volcanic face, high above the ocean, its distinguished infinity-edge pool with brilliant white borders is filled to overflowing. Taking the plunge, you may melt like oil on a magical canvas. The pool sits adjacent to a stone terrace complete with plush loungers un der umbrella shades, from where you will be served signature cocktails and exotic fruits. Floating in water, gazing at water, drinking iced water – soak yourself in blissful rapture.
Amangiri Utah USA
Not only is this exclusive hideaway tucked away within the luminous canyons of the American southwest, but once you have pinpointed it to the nearest metre you could still pass it by – such is the ingenious design that gives the whole, magical resort, the appearance of having been secretly resurrected from the rock of the Arizona desert. It is around one of these raw protrusions that Amangiri’s swimming pool is constructed, like a seat is created around an ancient tree, so the pool embraces this natural formation with ultimate respect. The result is an architectural delight that beckons its visitors to plunge into refreshing waters, wallowing in water with sweeping views of canyons, dunes, plateaus and mountain ridges.
Hideaways – designed for looking out
The Andaman Sea, situated to the west of Thailand, is home to island gems, fertile national parks and charming resort properties. With jungle clad landscapes, edged by powder white sands that fall away to a seascape dotted with curious limestone protrusions, the vision is both spiritual and bizarre. Hardly surprising then, that the delightful Point Yamu By COMO takes full advantage of its position overlooking the glorious Phang Nga Bay, sitting an impressive 100m infinity pool teasingly close to the edge. This sleek, chic, clean-lined resort invites you to stop at the brink of its focal-point pool, gaze out to sea, sip refreshing fruity-ice poles and order lunch. Heaven.
The height and the distance
Situated in the central King West area of Toronto, perfect for wandering out amidst the trendy city scene of eclectic art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and nightlife is The Thompson Toronto. Exploiting its position and height to the full, it boasts a striking rooftop pool and restaurant which offer panoramic views over the skyline and Lake Ontario. We love this swimming pool for its sheer audacity!
Burj Island leisure addition
The iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai continues to push the boundaries by adding to its opulent all-suite, sail-shaped hotel, with an expansive leisure concept called North Deck. Causing minimal inconvenience to guests, the new fan-shaped extension that protrudes into the Arabian Gulf has been constructed in Finland, taking about a month to travel the 8,000 nautical miles by sea. This creative breakthrough in marine design comprises a 10,000sqm private luxury deck with cabanas and loungers flanking one 612sqm fresh water pool and a second salt water pool of 828sqm, there is also a restaurant and bar. The pools sit almost 100m out in the ocean and provide incredible panoramic views of the Gulf and Dubai – yet another feather in the cap of this outstanding property.
Truest of Blues at Hamilton island
As if the Whitsundays were not stunning enough, Hamilton Island’s Qualia’s spoils its guests even more with two irresistible, infinity-edge swimming pools. Alongside the resort’s Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach restaurants, it is hard to believe anywhere could be more relaxing or romantic.
One&Only excels in the Maldives
Occasionally you will see a structure that simply takes your breath away. As your eyes scan from beach to ocean, resting on One&Only Reethi Rah’s adult-only lap pool, you will be totally forgiven for staring. This iconic pool extends 30m into the turquoise lagoon and hovers blissfully over it like a second skin, with an internal Jacuzzi and a carved stone bed at one end. Can there be a better place in the world to do your 50 lengths? Families have not been overlooked as there is an equally stunning freeform pool complete with interesting little islands where any age can swim – they think of everything!
A view with teeth
A pool with a view, with a difference! You may be accustomed to swimming with goggles but when staying at Mahali Mzuri in Kenya’s Masai Mara, perhaps you should also keep your binoculars close to hand? From this luxury lodge’s elevated infinity pool you will have constant bush views, but you will often spot wildlife too as the pool overlooks a seasonal watering hole. It is not unusual to spot a visiting elephant or giraffe – now that’s not something you’re likely to see during your 20 lengths every day of the week.
Parrot Cay’s horizon spectacle
One of the most secluded and exclusive islands in the Caribbean, Parrot Cay by COMO sits on a pristine, white sand beach, adjacent to its blissful heated infinity-edged pool bordered by lush tropical gardens. In an elevated position aside the crystal sea, this lavish pool is edged with greenery, inviting sun-loungers and cool cabanas. Its marvelous design draws your eye to the pool’s brink and out across the water, stopping only at the far horizon for an exquisite bathing experience in this serene, island gem.
