Each of the pools in the list we have compiled, we believe, has something that marks it out- something above and beyond what anyone has any right to expect from a pool.
1. Golden Nugget Hotel, Las Vegas
Look closely at the centre of the pool
At first glance, a pretty pool in a pretty hotel. Look closely however and it becomes clear that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Las Vegas resort. As well as poker and slots, as well as the lights and the shows, something else lurks in the deeps of the Golden Nugget. Look carefully and you can see the salt-water aquarium lying in the centre of the pool, which houses a variety of large, carnivorous sharks. Not only that – there is also a clear waterslide that snakes its way through the shark infested aquarium.
She's not even a little afraid
A truly lavish cocktail of opulence and thrills.
2. Hotel Chocolat, St Lucia
One of the most astounding infinity pool views we have ever seen
The Hotel Chocolat, owned and branded by the same Hotel Chocolat that make luxury chocolates, boasts these incredible views from their quartz-tile-lined pool. In the foreground, the lush leaves of the forest struggle for your attention against the majestic mountain backdrop. Now your favourite chocolatiers can not only lay claim to some of the best chocolate in the world, but also one of the most high-class swimming pools on the planet.
3. San Alfonso del Mar
Easily the largest swimming pool in the world
For most Western tourists, Chile isn’t famous for much – unfortunate con carne puns not withstanding. However, as our next pool demonstrates, the rewards for exploration are great. This pool is of such a scale that sailing, paddling and even windsurfing are possible.
Fit for a Pharaoh
When night falls and the sea, lapping at the beach only a few yards away, gets too cold for comfort, the glass pyramid crowning the pool makes it a most majestic option.
4. Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello
Roman ruins and panoramic coastal views – pool paradise
As pools go, most offer either the luxurious or the dramatic – here is one pool that has both in abundance. From the picture, the first thing you’ll notice are the ancient Roman ruins that crest the edge of the pool. They themselves are more than a thousand years old. In person, the first thing you’ll see are breathtaking views of a most stunning coastline. The infinity pool effect means your viewing pleasure won’t be hampered by sun loungers, and the choice is yours – admire the ruins, built a thousand years ago, or the coast, hundreds of millions of years in the making.
5. Four Seasons, Costa Rica
Beauty without limit
One thing that sets a number these pools apart from pretenders is the presence of a staggering view. On that front, the pool at the Four Seasons in Costa Rica is undeniably well ahead of the pack. The infinity pool at the Four Seasons seems to flow into the ether, seemingly brushing against the oceans, islands, coast and all that lies beyond.
Tropical Tranquillity
On a warm, sunlit day, the combination of serenity and awe brings this pool to the pinnacle of greatness.
6. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort, Iceland
Winking at you from beneath the steam, the Blue Lagoon
There are a number of things that put the Blue Lagoon into a league of its own. Firstly, it is the only pool on our list to be surrounded by a thick, fresh layer of snow. Secondly, it isn’t manmade. What makes up for these ‘shortcomings’? Well, we would argue neither are actually shortcomings. The place resembles something from a fantasy land, replete with snow, steam and rustic wooden bridges. The bleak, desolate and utterly beautiful surroundings serve only to propel this resort far and above many more typical settings
7. The Joule Hotel, Dallas
Once more, a completely different kind of pool
The Joule Hotel sits ten stories above central Dallas, and its pool is remarkable not only for adding beauty to an otherwise drab looking building, but more so for its views over the town. The pool itself juts out from the building, extending eight feet over the sidewalk, offering guests a completely unique pool experience.
Floating in space
You may not be able to view all that nature has to offer, but the novelty of seeing a working city from a pool is something offered by very few.
8. Harbour Grand, Hong Kong
The mountains provide a glorious backdrop to the skyscrapers of Hong Kong
Without doubt, this is another example of the amazing views you can take in while relaxing in a hotel swimming pool. The Harbour Grand sits in Hong Kong’s bustling Victoria Harbour and offers simply astounding views of the bay, of the buildings and of the mountainous countryside beyond
A busy day at the Harbour Grand
The weather may not hit the perfect conditions that so often grace some of the more exotic pools on this list, but for location, for city views, for mountain views and for bay views the Harbour Grand delivers without fault.
9. Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
Views literally collapse into your field of view
It is arguable that the Marina Bay Sands belongs higher on this list. It is arguable that the views from the top of this 55 story hotel are more impressive city views than either the Joule or the Harbour Grand
A truly amazing view
In fact, while the above picture captures the thrill of the night, it is difficult to illustrate just how far one can see – just how incredible it is to be there. While lacking a poolside bar, a mountainous backdrop and a bikini-leaden beach to gaze across, it is without doubt one of the world’s premier pools.
