Dazzling dips: 12 hotels with unbelievable swimming pools

November 27, 2019

So much more than a laid-back activity option in between adventuring and lazing in the sun, these hotel swimming pools offer views –  from infinite to panoramic – so stunning they’ll push conventional sightseeing further down the bucket list. Check out these 12 swimming pools to dazzle and inspire you.

Ohla Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain

Soaring over the Spanish city, almost in arms reach of the Sagrada Familia, floats the rooftop swimming pool of the Ohla Barcelona hotel. The recognizable façade of protruding porcelain eyeballs, designed by artist Frederic Amat, will grab your attention from the street, but it’s the rooftop terrace that will give you an eyeful with its panorama of the best of Barcelona’s wonders. The rooftop Chill-Out Terrace of this former palace is best savored with a sweet cocktail, your toes dipped in the pool. Early birds can also look forward to occasional yoga classes and green smoothies to kick off a day of sight-seeing. Conveniently situated close to Plaza Catalunya, reach the city center in minutes – if you ever decide to leave the pool!

Hanging Gardens of Bali – Payangan, Bali, Indonesia

Bliss is an infinity pool in Payangan. The Hanging Gardens in Bali, the island of the gods, offers the ultimate luxury pool-side experience. By day, wake up in your grass-roof villa, and soak in the wild surroundings of cocoa trees, coffee trees, and orchids that compose this tropical paradise. By night, devour a refined dinner sitting on a floating pavilion, admiring the candle-lit Dalem Segara Temple, lulled by the sounds of the Balinese jungle. Don’t stop there – immerse yourself in the rejuvenation of body and mind at the award-winning spa. For total relaxation, the spa offers therapies and treatments with high-quality local ingredients and ancient techniques. This paradise awaits a 90-minute drive away from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

In the heart of the world-famous wildlife sanctuary, Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania, you will find the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. The hotel is surrounded by sweeping plains and due to the proximity to a watering hole, you don’t need to go on a bumpy safari tour to see the animals. Just relax by the infinity pool, while elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons and many other creatures appear in front of you, coming to quench their thirst.

Cool down in the crystal clear pool, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, and marvel at the parade of the African animal kingdom.

Who said safari? Book a room at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 

Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

The boutique resort Delamore Lodge is an oasis of luxury, style and privacy. Located on a cliff edge on the Waiheke Island, the Delamore Lodge is built in the shape of a traditional Maori fish hook.

Here relaxation is key. Unwind in the cave-like jacuzzi, get a massage in the luxurious spa, and take a walk in the expansive olive garden. The star attraction, however, is the heated infinity pool, built right on the cliff. The infinite view over Owhanake Bay creates a feeling of being far away, on an isolated island, and not a mere 35 minutes away from Auckland mainland.

Ready to relax? Book a room at Delamore Lodge 

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Tremezzina, Italy

Extravagant, lavish and sophisticated: these are just a few words that come to mind when describing the 100-years-old Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Located on the west shore of Lake Como, this Art Nouveau landmark comes with exceptional views of the Bellagio peninsula and the surrounding Grigne Mountains.

The best way to take in the views is from the floating pool, situated on the lake’s transparent surface. It’s water on water, and the dazzling blue shades will surely awaken your senses.

After taking a refreshing dip, soak up the sun on the private beach facing the pool.

Ready to go? Book a room at Grand Hotel Tremezzo 

Shangri-La at the Shard, London, United Kingdom

The name of this pool says it all: Skypool. On the 52nd floor of London’s iconic skyscraper, The Shard, you’ll find Europe’s highest swimming pool.

As a guest of the 5-star hotel Shangri-La at the Shard, you’ll have access to their magnificent infinity pool, affording fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the Gherkin and Buckingham Palace. Heated to 24 degrees Celsius, you’ll most likely never want to get out.

If you can’t get enough of London’s skyline, get a drink from adjacent Gong bar, lounge around on the soft sofas by the pool and take in the view.

Go for luxury! Book a room at Shangri-La at the Shard 

Thompson Toronto, Canada

The Thompson Toronto opened its doors in 2010 in the artsy King West Village neighborhood, home to the Toronto International Film Festival. This hotel oozes sophistication and luxury, from its ultra-sleek guestrooms to its cuisine that’s known to meet the highest of standards. The cherry on top is the rooftop pool offering a full 360 degrees views of Toronto’s skyline and of Lake Ontario.

Accessible only to hotel guests, this pool sits on a raised platform, meaning you’re at eye level with the water the moment you step out of the elevator. During the summer months, the glass wall separating the pool area from the indoor bar is removed, creating an open space for mingling.

Cool down in the city! Book a room at the Thompson Toronto 

Amanyara Villas, Providenciales, The Turks and Caicos Islands

Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, Amanyara Villas fully lives up to its name. The resort is located in secluded surroundings, on the western shores of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The neighboring Northwest Point Marine National Park guarantees peace and quiet, while being fully taken care of.

Among many luxurious amenities, Amanyara Villas boasts an impressive black infinity-edged swimming pool. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, this pool offers calming ocean views and is lined with sun loungers along a timber deck.

If you’re there between February and April, you’ll be able to spot migrating humpback whales from the comfort of your sun lounger.

Escape it all! Book a room at Amanyara Villas 

Upper House, Gothenburg, Sweden

If you’re staying in Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg – and your budget allows – go for the 5-stars hotel Upper House. Located on the top floors of Tower 2 of Gothia Towers, this luxury hotel has a heated outdoor glass-encased pool, floating high up over the city.

Inspired by the viewing glass platform at the Grand Canyon, taking a swim in this pool will offer spectacular views of the city below and the starry sky above. This might just be one of the best ways to see the city!

Don’t wait anymore! Book a room at Upper House 

Hacienda Uayamon, Campeche, Mexico

Built in 1700, Hacienda Uayamon is a historic boutique hotel just a 30-minute drive from Campeche that made it a priority to preserve the original architecture and decor of the hacienda (a large estate, used for farming or ranching). The hotel exudes a romantic atmosphere with its mix of lush vegetation, overgrown ruins and modern comfort. A prime example of this is their one of a kind swimming pool.

Housed in the roofless ruins of a machine room, the small, but intimate swimming pool has been built around Roman-inspired columns. In the absence of a roof, light embraces the pool all day long, from the warm, bright morning sun to the soft glow by dusk.

In a romantic mood? Book a room at Hacienda Uayamon 

Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas

You may think pools aren’t necessary in The Bahamas, a place rich in sandy, tropical beaches. A stay at the Atlantis Paradise Island might convince you otherwise.

North of Nassau sits this gargantuan ocean-themed resort counting a whopping 11 swimming pools. There’s a pool to satisfy every need: the Mayan temple-themed pool is fit for adventure seekers, the Blu Pool is for lovers of 80s and 90s music, and the Grotto Pool with its cascading waterfalls is perfect for relaxation.

While 10 of the 11 pools are open to families, there is one pool – the Cain at the Cove – only accessible to adults. Here you’ll find an ultra-pool, which consists of two separated infinity swimming pools, surrounded by sun loungers and private cabanas.

What are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Atlantis Paradise Island 

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Atop the magnificent Marina Bay Sands hotel, high up among the clouds, you’ll find a 492-feet long infinity pool, corresponding to one and a quarter football pitch, and boasting panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.

Only accessible to hotel guests, this pool has been engineered with a vanishing edge, giving the impression that there’s nothing between you and the nearby skyscrapers. The pool spans the three towers of the hotel that rise up in the city’s Financial District.

If you’re looking for the ideal place to take a selfie that’ll make everyone at home jealous, this is it.