Travel experts have identified some of the world’s most stunning hotel pools, each offering a unique experience in its breathtaking setting. These pools not only offer relaxation and leisure but also boast extraordinary designs and views.
This compilation is more than just a list; it’s a journey into the epitome of luxury and design in hospitality. From the serene and historic waters of the Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul to the modern, chic vibe of The Standard in Los Angeles, each featured hotel offers an unparalleled experience.
The article not only highlights the unique features of each pool and suite but also delves into the distinct ambiance and cultural significance that make these destinations so special.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of nature or a glamorous urban oasis, this collection showcases the best in class, promising unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers.
Best Hotel Pools and Over-the-Top Suites
Ravello, Italy – Belmond Hotel Caruso
Belmond Hotel Caruso
Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy, offers a pool experience that is almost ethereal. Located at the highest point of the village, the hotel was a medieval palace, and its infinity pool is a masterpiece that seems suspended between the sea and the sky.
Overlooking the magnificent Amalfi Coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the pool provides a sense of timelessness and romanticism. The property, with its frescoed salons and stone vaults, has a rich history as a retreat for notable figures.
The Belvedere Restaurant offers dining under the sunlit or candlelit sky, enhancing the romantic and historical ambiance of the hotel. Belmond Hotel Caruso is more than a luxury stay; it’s a journey into the heart of Italy’s enchanting past and present.
Lisbon – Ludovice Palace Wine Hotel
At the Ludovice Palace Wine Hotel in Lisbon, guests are treated to an extraordinary suite experience with the Ludovice Prestige Suite.
The suite, located in what was once the home of royal architect João Ludovice, marries modern comfort with the historical essence of the 18th century. The suite’s decor features blue-and-white glazed tiles on the walls, creating a unique contrast with the contemporary furniture.
A massive king-size bed is placed at the center, offering luxurious comfort. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s old rooftops, including the Castle of St. George and the city’s famous funiculars.
The suite embodies a perfect blend of Lisbon’s rich history and modern luxury, providing an immersive cultural and relaxing experience.
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania – Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge in Tanzania is a haven for those seeking an exclusive safari experience. Located in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, the lodge is nestled among giant boulders and acacia trees, offering stunning views of the Arugusinyai River.
The lodge’s design harmonizes with the natural environment, providing a serene and intimate setting. Guests can explore the reserve’s rich wildlife and engage with Tanzanian tribes, experiencing their traditional lifestyles.
The lodge’s pool offers a unique vantage point to observe the reserve’s natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
Mwiba Lodge is not just a luxury accommodation but a gateway to experiencing Tanzania’s vibrant wildlife and cultural heritage.
Istanbul – Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Istanbul – Ciragan Palace Kempinski
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul offers a majestic pool experience, blending the historical grandeur of the Ottoman Empire with modern luxury.
The pool, set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait, offers a unique swimming experience where guests feel as though they are immersed in the strait itself.
The hotel, a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace, exudes a sense of royal elegance. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus while swimming or relaxing by the poolside.
The pool area’s design reflects the palace’s architectural beauty, featuring intricate details and luxurious amenities. This pool is not just a place for leisure but a journey into the rich history and cultural heritage of Istanbul.
Los Angeles – The Standard
The Standard
The Standard in Los Angeles is an epitome of mid-century modern architecture and urban sophistication.
This 207-room hotel is a favorite among celebrities and offers a variety of amenities, including a 24/7 brasserie, ping-pong bar, and a rooftop German-style beer garden.
The hotel’s crowning glory is its heated rooftop pool, which provides panoramic views of the city. The pool area transforms into a vibrant social hub at night, with DJs, a dance floor, and poolside pods with waterbeds.
The rooftop deck at The Standard is not just a place to swim but a cultural hotspot, offering an unparalleled urban pool experience.
Udaipur, India – Oberoi Udaivillas
Udaipur, India – Oberoi Udaivillas
The pool, with its tranquil waters, offers a serene escape overlooking the hotel’s meticulously manicured gardens and the picturesque Lake Pichola.
The pool’s design is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian aesthetics and modern luxury. Guests can indulge in a royal swimming experience while soaking in the breathtaking views of Udaipur’s palaces and lakes.
The Oberoi Udaivillas is more than a luxury hotel; it’s a journey into the heart of India’s royal past.
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Umbria, Italy – Reschio Estate
The Reschio Estate in Umbria, Italy, stands out for its beautifully serene swimming pool set amidst a landscape of olive groves, ancient vineyards, and cypress-peppered vistas.
This oval-shaped pool, flanked by umbrella pines, is part of a 10th-century castle transformed into a heritage-led boutique hotel. The design of the pool appears to seamlessly blend into the manicured lawns, offering a peaceful retreat.
Guests can indulge in various activities like exploring the wine-cellar-turned-spa, enjoying farm-to-table food sourced directly from the estate’s beehives and vineyards, or taking horseback riding lessons.
The surrounding area is rich in history, with medieval hilltop towns like Perugia and Assisi nearby, offering an enriching cultural experience.
The Reschio Estate pool is not just a place for a refreshing swim; it’s a gateway to a unique, luxurious, and culturally immersive Italian experience.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland – The Retreat Hotel
The Retreat Hotel
The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is renowned for its exclusive, geothermal terraced pools. These pools are reserved for hotel guests, providing a serene and private environment to enjoy the famed Blue Lagoon’s steamy, electric-blue waters.
The hotel’s 62 suites offer luxurious accommodations, complemented by the spa’s extensive treatments, including algae masks and lava scrubs.
The serene landscape, characterized by moss-carpeted lava fields, adds to the retreat’s tranquil ambiance. Guests can dine at the fine-dining restaurant Moss and activate a “northern lights wake-up call” for a chance to witness one of nature’s most dazzling displays.
The Retreat Hotel offers an unparalleled experience of relaxation and rejuvenation in one of the world’s most unique natural settings.
Italian Dolomites – Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, is renowned for its striking indoor-outdoor saltwater pool.
Offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks in winter and lush greenery in summer, the pool provides a unique bathing experience.
As part of a 5,000 square meter spa, the resort also features a 20m indoor lap pool, a salt-water lake, and nine types of saunas, each designed to rebalance energies with treatments infused with mountain pine and alpine salt.
The 88 suites and 22 residences showcase contemporary chalet chic, while the on-site restaurants deliver stylish seasonal fare along with stunning views. Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is a sanctuary of wellness and luxury, offering an idyllic escape in the majestic Dolomites.
Bali, Indonesia – Alila Villas Uluwatu
Alila Villas Uluwatu
Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia, is celebrated for its iconic 50m-long infinity pool, perched atop a 100m high clifftop plateau.
This pool provides a legendary vantage point over the Indian Ocean and the rugged beauty of the Bukit Peninsula. Designed to harmoniously integrate with the landscape, the pool area is adorned with striking WOHA-designed wood-slatted cabanas that seem to float above the water.
Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails at the sunset bar or indulge in local cuisine at The Warung. The 65 lava-rock roofed villas feature glass-fronted doors, allowing guests to transition seamlessly from their rooms to their private outdoor pools.
Alila Villas Uluwatu offers a blend of luxurious accommodation and immersive natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination.
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Final Thoughts
The selection of the world’s most exquisite hotel pools and luxurious suites, as recommended by travel experts, offers a glimpse into the pinnacle of hospitality and design.
From the serene waters of the Reschio Estate in Italy to the geothermal terraced pools of The Retreat Hotel in Iceland, each destination provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s the cultural richness of Italy, the natural wonders of Iceland, or the tranquil beauty of the Indonesian coast, these hotels exemplify the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.
They are not just accommodations but destinations in their own right, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural excellence, and exclusive amenities.