Whether you’re experiencing the charm of a quaint hotel in Santorini or relishing the opulence of a lavish accommodation in New York City, often the most memorable feature is the hotel’s swimming pool. Contemporary hotel pools offer a diverse range, spanning from indoor sanctuaries to open-air oases, from infinity edges to secluded plunge pools. Some pools serve as seamless extensions of the natural environment, harmoniously blending with the local landscape. Others prioritize sweeping views and enchanting sunsets that can be enjoyed from the water’s edge. Certain hotels provide rooms that feature their own whirlpools, alfresco pools, or hot tubs. Meanwhile, some pools are so extravagantly designed that they offer every conceivable amenity— from swim-up bars and private cabanas to luxurious daybeds, curated cocktails, and even entertainment screens—all right at your fingertips. Whether it’s an adults-only enclave in Las Vegas or a romantically situated pool sculpted into a Grecian cliffside, these represent the pinnacle of global hotel swimming pools.
Setai Miami
The quintessential Setai Miami Hotel, situated on the illustrious Miami Beach, offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, complete with an in-house gallery for shopping aficionados, world-class dining options, an exclusive spa and sauna, and accommodations that have garnered numerous accolades. While the property does feature its own secluded stretch of sandy beach, there are moments when one may prefer a swim sans the annoyance of sand clinging to your feet. That’s when the Setai Miami’s pool area becomes an idyllic retreat, encircled by lush palm foliage and elegant white daybeds.
Each swimming area within the hotel is equipped with climate control to suit the preferences of its guests. The family-oriented pool maintains a comfortable 90-degree temperature, the relaxation pool is calibrated to 85 degrees, and the lap pool is kept at a more brisk 75 degrees. Uniquely, all three infinity pools are aligned from east to west, providing swimmers with unparalleled vistas of both the morning sunrise and evening sunset.
After you’ve indulged in your swimming experience tailored to your preferred temperature, make your way to the tranquil courtyard. Here, a peaceful pond awaits, framed by dark wooden pergolas— a perfect locale for lounging, meditation, or enjoying a finely crafted cocktail.
Hotel Christopher St. Barths
Nestled on the ultra-stylish St. Barths Island in the Caribbean, this five-star boutique establishment boasts 42 rooms, each characterized by sophisticated contemporary aesthetics and breathtaking panoramas of the Caribbean Sea. Not to be outdone, the on-site Sisley Spa has earned the accolade of being the best spa in the Caribbean. Upon arrival, you’ll likely want to make your first stop the hotel’s spectacular infinity pool.
This expansive outdoor water feature is gracefully lined with palm trees and situated precisely at the water’s edge, creating an illusion of merging seamlessly with the ocean. At the pool’s heart lies an artificial island, adorned with day beds and additional palm trees, offering an ideal setting for soaking up the sun. What sets the pool at Christopher St. Barths apart is that it less resembles a traditional swimming pool and more evokes the essence of a tropical lagoon.
To truly relish the captivating allure of this extraordinary pool, consider reserving one of the poolside villas in advance.
Villa D’este Como
If there exists a more romantic setting than a five-star hotel perched on the brink of Lake Como, it remains to be discovered. Villa D’Este, one of Italy’s most sought-after hotels, sprawls across 25 acres of sumptuous gardens and features two historical mansions, whose origins trace back to the 16th century, now repurposed into award-winning lodging options. While the entire estate is a feast for the eyes, the pièce de résistance has to be its one-of-a-kind floating pool.
Suspended on the azure depths of Lake Como, this aquatic marvel provides incomparable vistas of the lake and its lush surroundings. Encircled by a rustic wooden deck and adorned with white and blue deck chairs, this unique pool experience easily earns its place on any list of exceptional swimming locales. To elevate the experience even further, make a point to take a dip at sunset. As the deck becomes illuminated and the sky adopts shades of pastel pink, you’re granted a swimming experience so idyllic, it’s likely to become a cherished memory for life.
Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel stands as a five-star sanctuary that effortlessly encapsulates the vintage allure of classic Hollywood, a timeless elegance many yearn to experience when visiting Los Angeles. Established in 1912, this emblematic boutique hotel has rolled out the red carpet for an array of legendary film icons, Elizabeth Taylor among them. Upon arrival, you may wish to indulge in some pampering at the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa and Sauna, where aestheticians draw inspiration from the venue’s signature pink-and-white striped walls to provide you with a red-carpet worthy look.
Once you’re refreshed, meander to the iconic pool deck. This aquatic retreat dates back to 1938 when it first debuted as the Sand and Beach Pool Club, complete with imported sand to emulate the beach experience. It’s played host to a veritable who’s who of Hollywood royalty— from Gregory Peck to Katharine Hepburn, who once took a fully-clothed plunge, and Lauren Bacall. Nowadays, this outdoor oasis continues to be a magnet for Tinseltown’s elite, offering a stylish setting to enjoy curated cocktails.
Before basking in the California sun, be sure to consult the front desk to secure one of the chic striped lounge chairs that epitomize the hotel’s blend of retro charm and modern luxury.
Canaves Oia Suites
Do you ever fantasize about having an entire swimming pool just for yourself? Well, you’re not alone, and the Canaves Oia Suites in Santorini have designed their accommodations with precisely this wish in mind. Each secluded room in this five-star sanctuary epitomizes privacy at its finest. The Pool Suite, for example, offers sweeping vistas of the Aegean Sea, a plush king-sized bed, an expansive living area, a well-appointed bathroom featuring a rain shower, and even commodious walk-in closets.
However, the showstopper is undoubtedly the private veranda that features an infinity pool perched above the shimmering Aegean. Imagine a retreat where mere footsteps separate your bed from your personal pool, where complimentary Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected, and where room service can set up a private, candlelit dinner right on your own terrace.
While most suites at Canaves Oia come with either a private infinity or plunge pool, those who prefer a swim without the exposure to the Grecian sun can opt for the Executive Suite. This unique space features a Cave Pool, a semi-indoor aquatic haven carved directly into the cliffside.
Aman New York
In New York City, where space is a premium and the summers can be scorching, securing access to a top-tier swimming pool is almost akin to striking gold. The Aman New York takes this to a new level with its 65-foot indoor reflective pool that serves as a haven for wellness. This aquatic sanctuary is beautifully adorned with fire pits, plush day beds, and soft, mood-enhancing lighting. The intent is palpable: to transport visitors away from the frenetic energy of Manhattan streets and into a world of tranquility.
The Aman New York epitomizes luxury, offering a unique blend of Western opulence and Eastern holistic wellness practices. Far from being merely a hotel with a grand pool, the Aman provides a comprehensive experience that includes a well-equipped business center, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and even a jazz club. It’s a one-stop destination for those seeking an elevated New York City experience.
Amangiri
Nestled amidst America’s untamed frontier, Amangiri stands as a five-star haven of luxury, sprawled across more than 900 acres of dramatic red-rock terrain and sun-scorched desert. So harmoniously does Amangiri meld with its natural backdrop that it seems almost as if the earth itself gave birth to this architectural wonder.
The resort’s centerpiece, a captivating outdoor pool, evokes the essence of a desert mirage, ensconced by majestic rocks and undulating dunes. Designed around a stunning 35-foot main swimming area and adjacent hot tub, the pool gracefully wraps around a 165-million-year-old Aeolian sandstone formation. The design of this aquatic sanctuary pays meticulous homage to the colors and textures of the enveloping desert, skillfully employing a blend of sand and cement in its construction to echo the indigenous hues.
Beyond its main pool, Amangiri offers opulent suites, a substantial number of which boast their own private plunge pools. For those intrigued by the heavens, telescopes are available for an evening of celestial wonder, adding yet another layer of luxury to this unparalleled resort experience.
Circa in Downtown Vegas
While many aquatic retreats on this list cater to families, there are times when you might crave a pool experience free from the energetic splashes of children. Cue Circa, located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, offering a rooftop pool that’s an absolute dream for adults. This colossal pool is not just adults-only; it’s ingeniously designed like a stadium, featuring six separate pools all oriented toward a towering 40-foot high-definition flat-screen. Known as the Stadium Swim, this aquatic amphitheater has the capacity to host an astounding 4,000 guests, providing a unique setting to relish both championship games and swim-up bars.
Surrounding the pool area, you’ll discover a plethora of luxurious daybeds and private cabanas that are perfect for lounging, TV-watching, absorbing panoramic vistas, or sipping craft cocktails. Open throughout the year, the Stadium Swim isn’t just a hub of entertainment; it’s also a mecca for social media aficionados. Designated “selfie walls” are strategically positioned around the space, offering vibrant backdrops for those quintessential rooftop pool snapshots.
Searching for more Sin City accommodations that dazzle? Take a look at the top Vegas hotels perfect for a bachelorette extravaganza.