Our Luxury Travel Associate Carla has just returned from exploring...
Read MorePools are often seen as a simple luxury — a place to cool off or unwind. But the pools we’re drawn to reveal something deeper about the places they belong to, and the stories they tell through design, setting, and atmosphere. These pools are extensions of their landscapes, architectural statements, and crafted escapes that reflect the spirit of their surroundings.
Take the floating lido on Lake Como, for example, where the pool doesn’t just sit beside the water, it becomes part of the lake itself, offering a seamless connection between man-made and natural beauty. Or the rooftop pool in London’s Shard, where the city stretches out below in a sprawling mosaic of history and modernity, visible from the calm water’s edge.
In each case, these pools embody the careful dialogue between luxury and location. They balance precision in design with an effortless sense of place — offering a moment to absorb, reflect, and feel grounded in the environment.
Welcome to a tour of some of the most striking pools in the world — each one a quiet masterpiece waiting to be discovered…
The pool’s bold geometry—an oversized diamond set within scented gardens—cuts a striking modern shape against the Atlas‑framed landscape. By day, water shimmers like a jewel; by night, lanterns dance across its facets. It’s a serene, sculptural retreat that feels both artfully designed and deeply Moroccan. No, you can’t swim in every section of this expansive lagoon, but the atmosphere and the private pools in your suite more than make up for it.
With its sleek, minimalist design echoing the hotel’s cool coastal style, The Bodrum Edition’s infinity pool spills effortlessly toward a private Aegean cove. Olive trees and bougainvillea shade crisp white sunbeds where chilled rosé flows, perfectly matching the hotel’s laid-back yet polished vibe. Spa treatments are also available poolside for added indulgence.
Perched on the 52nd floor of one of London’s most iconic hotels, the heated infinity pool pairs Shangri-La’s Asian-inspired elegance with breathtaking views of London landmarks like St Paul’s and the Thames. Guests can enjoy curated Asian teas and light bites served poolside, enhancing this rare urban retreat high above the city.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s legendary Lido floats directly on the surface of Lake Como, offering an extraordinary swimming experience unlike any other. Surrounded by the hotel’s timeless Belle Époque architecture and framed by the dramatic alpine backdrop, this historic floating pool allows guests to feel fully immersed in the lake’s pristine waters while enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and villas.
In the middle of Amsterdam’s buzz, Manon Les Suites’ turquoise indoor pool is like finding a secret garden in a warehouse. Surrounded by tropical plants and artisan tiles, it’s a lush splash of calm that turns industrial grit into green paradise.
In the heart of the Dolomites, Miramonti’s thermal pool is a haven for those who crave warmth wrapped in nature’s raw beauty. The pool’s organically shaped basin is edged with natural stone that complements the surrounding peaks, while the mineral-rich thermal water produces a soft steam that rises into the crisp mountain air. It’s a sensory experience like no other.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s pool is Riviera glamour personified. Nestled between perfectly manicured gardens and the shimmering Mediterranean, its clear, cool waters reflect the sky in shades of blue that rival the sea beyond. The pool’s design is timeless — simple, symmetrical, and elegant — perfectly complementing the Belle Époque grandeur of the hotel itself.
Alila Ubud’s pool is a quiet triumph of nature and design. Perched on a riverbend, the infinity edge seems to pour out into the lush jungle below, where thick greenery spills down steep hillsides. The pool’s organic shape, framed by natural stone and bamboo, mirrors the contours of the surrounding rainforest. Open-air and breezy, the space invites you to swim enveloped in green, with the distant sounds of the Ayung River weaving through the leaves.
The pool at Cali Mykonos is a study in restraint that delivers maximum impact. Its pristine white surroundings and sharp geometry create a stunning contrast with the endless Aegean blue visible over its infinity edge. Clean lines and minimal detailing emphasize light, space, and the horizon, letting nature take center stage. This is a pool designed for those who appreciate understatement with a view.
Tucked away in the Umbrian hills, Reschio’s pool feels like a natural extension of its centuries-old estate. Surrounded by olive groves and gently rolling countryside, the pool’s simple stone edging blends perfectly with the rustic architecture of the property. The still water acts as a mirror to the sky and trees, inviting moments of quiet reflection in a landscape defined by timeless beauty. Here, the pool is less about spectacle and more about a deliberate, slow connection to the land and history around you.
Singita Lebombo’s pool is as bold as the African landscape it overlooks. Sharp, angular lines and smooth surfaces extend visually into the boundless savannah, where horizon and sky merge in endless blue. The pool’s design is unapologetically modern yet respectful of its environment, framing the wild plains like a living artwork. Swimming here is a profound experience — a moment suspended between luxury and the vast, untamed wilderness beyond.
Rabot Hotel’s pool is a warm, earthy retreat framed by lush tropical foliage, with natural stone edges that feel rooted in the island’s rich volcanic soil. The real showstopper? The iconic Pitons — those soaring volcanic peaks that rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea just beyond the horizon. This view gives every swim a sense of grandeur and place, making the pool a perfect spot to soak in Saint Lucia’s signature blend of rugged beauty and laid-back luxury.
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