The swimming pool is a pretty simple utility when you break it all the way down: a reservoir filled with water — that’s it. However, like all things in life you can have luxury or you can have low end options. When it comes to swimming pools the sky is the metaphorical limit. We decided to take a peak around the world to see if there were some rock star level swimming pool designs that you just had to lay your eyes on before diving in. If you feel up for a trip and a dip then keep on reading because listed below are 12 of the world’s most beautiful and exotic swimming pools.
St. Regis Resort – Lhasa, Tibet
There are many reasons for you to grab a cheap ticket and hotel reservation in Lhasa, Tibet and not the least of which is the Gold Energy Pool located at the St. Regis Resort. When we conceive of luxury hotel spending in America we tend to think of the high end options with almost perfect polish and sleek, modern updates. The Gold Energy Pool takes that hypothesis and turns it on its head. The St. Regis Resort is a gorgeous hotel that caters to both modern audiences as well as fans of the old world of Tibet. The Gold Energy Pool is filled with salt water and warmed up to be comfortable. Massage therapists surround the golden pool and windows to the outside world reveal the majestic Himalayan Mountains. The cost for a night of luxury? Just $300 U.S.D. Beats the heck out of a stay at Trump Hotel, right?
Capella Pedregal Resort – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
You don’t have to twist my arm to get me to go to the beach. However, in Mexico the beach can be brought to you by the excellent designers at the Capella Pedregal Resort. This resort places luxury at a high end focal point while merging modern amendments with natural formations. The Capella Pedregal Resort offers private pools to each visitor to the hotel while dishing up amazing Mexican food, the freshest seafood, and the joys of a waterfront location. The outdoor pool that rings this hotel goes right up to the sands of the actual beach where you can seamlessly switch gears and hop into the ocean. If you want quality hotel reservations then we suggest booking a cheap flight sometime around February for maximum comfort with minimum hassle.
Jade Mountain – Saint Lucia Island
Saint Lucia Island hasn’t garnered enough attention worldwide from travelers, in our opinion. This small island is located in the Caribbean Sea and it is located in the Lesser Antilles. North of Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia Island offers world class views, premier luxury, and one of the finest pool going experiences in the area. If you find yourself traveling to Saint Lucia Island then you need to book a room at Jade Mountain. At Jade Mountain you can take advantage of a beautiful secluded pool that looks out over the Caribbean with mountains seemingly surrounding you. If you fancy leaving the pool then enjoy a trip to your private beach and spa. The cost? Just $1,600 per night. Maybe we’ll have to start saving up now…
Chongwe River House – Zambia, Africa
We highly doubt that many people are looking at a trip to Zambia, Africa as a potential spot for a fine pool going experience. However, if you are looking for an exotic pool to blow all others out of the way then you need to book yourself a trip to this beautiful country. Zambia is known for its rich wildlife and you can experience some of it first hand from the Congwe River House. At this ‘resort’ you can get close enough to the wildlife to blow kisses all while enjoying your own private pool. This resort is definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to being around large animals but the results are just too beautiful to overlook.
Katikies Hotel – Santorini, Greece
There are so many reasons to make a trip to Greece in your life that it almost seems silly to list them. However, we can at least tell you why a pool fanatic would have a good time at the Katikies Hotel. In Santorini, Greece the Katikies Hotel is a five star resort which is considered one of the most popular in the entire country. More than just a beautiful resort, the Katikies also offers you a beautiful private pool carved roight out of stone. This pool, located halfway in a cave, gives you privacy as well as an incredible view of the Aegean Sea. If you want to get out under the sun then go up to the infinity pool which is 300 feet above the Aegean Sea. This infinity pool offers you the kinds of views that seem made only for movie stars and celebrities. Take a trip in the Winter for some mild weather and enjoyable pool weather.
San Alfonso del Mar – Algarrobo, Chile
If you are going to go on a globe hopping expedition to experience some of the finest, most exotic pools in the world then you better make time for the Alfoso del Mar. This pool, located in South America, has the distinction of being the largest pool on the entire planet. The pool itself covers 2/3rds of a mile in size, has a ground area of 20 acres, and possesses over 66 million gallons of actual seawater. The pool is almost impossibly large when you look at it and if you are the kind of person to get freaked out by the ocean, you might end up getting a little shaky here. Still, if you want to really knock it out of the park on your pool hunting expedition then you need to find your way to Algarrobo, Chile in order to dip your toes in this water.
Mardan Palace – Antalya, Turkey
Continuing our theme of huge pools with a view, we head over to Antalya, Turkey in order to check into the Mardan Palace. This hotel has one of the biggest pools in all of Europe and it never feels busy as a result. The hotel rings around this rectangular pool while covering multiple city blocks in terms of size. If you get tired of this gorgeous pool, replete with private islands located in the water, you can head straight to your own private beach. Book your reservations in the off season to experience the hotel in more reserved glory or head there over Winter, as the weather is typically mild in Antalya.
The Cambrian – Switzerland
If you want to take a dip in some water while getting a view straight from God, then find your way to the Cambrian which is located in Switzerland. We’ve all heard the jokes about how Switzerland has the most attractive population on Earth but that joke has nothing on the actual truth of their scenic views. The pool located in the Cambrian gives you front row seats to some of the most glorious mountain and forest views on the planet. There’s something intensely pleasurable about looking over snowcapped mountains while comfortably floating in your swimsuit. This front row seat to the Alps will only cost you $220 per night which is definitely a great deal.
Crocosaurus Cove Pool – Darwin, Australia
Now we are going to talk about a different experience for our pool fanatics. The Crocosaurus Cove Pool should be reserved only for the adrenaline junkie in all of us. This pool is located in Darwin, Australia and it is filled with over 200 different species of animal, including the largest saltwater crocodiles that you’ll ever see. Now, you don’t actually get to swim with the creatures as you are instead put into a protected cage. You can make up to 12 dives per day for just $160. We knew Australians were fearless but this is ridiculous.
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi – Maldives
The Maldives Islands are one of the hottest tourist spots on the planet and they are located in the Indian Ocean. If you find your way in this direction then you need to be prepared to make a reservation at the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Resort in order to take advantage of the Starry Pool. The Starry Pool is an infinite pool that gives way to the ocean while being backlit by various lights. With the stars above you and the light display below you we can find little reason not to call this one of the most beautiful experiences on the planet.
Nemo 33 – Brussels, Belgium
We decided to bring you one more adrenaline filled pool with the Nemo 33. This pool is located in Brussels and holds the distinction of being the deepest pool on the planet, according to the Guinness Book of Records. This pool was designed for divers and you can take lessons there for just $61 per person. If you already have your diving certificate and want to experience this chilling, deep pool then simply pay $30 per dive and enjoy yourself.
Harbour Plaza Hotel – Hong Kong, China
Luxury is a totally different animal to the Chinese. When residents of Hong Kong want to relax they go all out and the Harbour Plaza Hotel is a perfect representation of this idea. The Harbour Plaza Hotel Pool offers a view that is almost beyond compare. This pool is located on the 23rd floor and is available only to guests. Guests who decide to take a dip into its waters will be treated with an unmatched view of the Hong Kong skyline and the mountains off in the distance. This pool is for guests only and will run you around $200 per night for a room.