The hotel pool. Three words that can make anyone’s ears perk up in excited anticipation. The lounging, the cocktails, the plain ol’ kicking back. But some hotels go a step further than just having clean swimming pools with friendly waiters, they have views to go with it. I’m not talking about simple rooftop views either, I’m talking about straight up mountains, oceans and freaking deserts!
Dive into some of the best hotel pool views in the world.
1. Four Seasons Shanghai, China
The vibrant, panoramic views available at the private after-hours pool of the Four Seasons in Shanghai are not easily matched. Lounging in the 59-feet infinity design while admiring the glittering skyline through oversized windows sounds like a pretty sweet Sunday (or any day for that matter).
2. Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, France
Just outside of Cannes, the infinity pool at Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc is built into the cliffs of the Cap d’Antibes coast, and looks out at the spectacular Lérins Islands and the Cannes Bay. It looks like paradise, and probably feels like it too. Also, there’s a rope that lets you swing into the ocean water below.
3. Hotel Casa Palopó, Guatemala
Set in the steep hills surrounding Santa Catarina Palopó, this hotel, strangely enough, only houses 9 guests at one time. That’s a pretty good deal though, considering you wouldn’t want too much distraction while gazing at the view of the three volcanoes that their pool affords, or the stunning Lake Atitlan right below.
4. The Cambrian Adelboden, Switzerland
Bang in the middle of the pristine Swiss Alps, this hotel, like most things Switzerland, is pretty much a postcard come to life. The heated outdoor pool is on a whole different league though, with a ridiculously perfect view of snow capped mountains, along with their reflection in the waters below.
5. Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland
While we’re on the subject of Swiss hotels, might as well mention another stunner. The Hotel Villa Honegg in Lucerne has more than a few spa options, but the alpine panorama of the main pool is what really makes it special. Words can’t do it justice, but a picture might.
6. Delamore Lodge, New Zealand
Their luxury swimming pool overlooking the Hauraki Gulf has frequently been named one of the best in the world, and with good reason. Located in Waiheke Island, this lodge’s pool is built into the side of a cliff, and looks out on to a cove off Owhanake Bay.
7. The Amangiri Hotel, USA
This hotel in Utah is located in a remote part of the Colorado desert, and it’s a getaway in every sense of the word, with barely anything apart from the gorgeous natural surroundings all around. The pool itself offers a phenomenal vista of looming canyons, blue skies and an endless desert.
8. Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania
Billionaire Wall Street trader Paul Tudor Jones II created this one of a kind resort. It’s got an infinity pool with a view of the Serengeti Plains in all it’s glory, and you can frequently catch sight of various wildlife. Each of the 9 cottage suites here also have pools with similar views.
9. Hotel Fasano Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Across the street from Ipanema Beach, this hotel has a pool with a view, and what a view it is. Located on the terrace, the pool offers a beautiful view of the blue Arpoador beaches as well as the twin mountains in the distance.
10. Four Seasons Resort, Mexico
The location of this hotel automatically implies that the pool views leagues beyond normal. It’s in the Pacific coastline, and surrounded by white sand and clear blue waters. The pool in this hotel offers extensive views of said beaches, and a pristine look at the horizon.
11. Thompson Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Sun splashed luxury hath no name like the Thompson Playa Del Carmen and their rooftop pool. Offering a great view of the town, as well as the beach in the distance, this place is famous as much for its breathtaking views as it is for its nightlife.
12. Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia
If this resort wasn’t spectacular enough as it is, the fact that it’s actually once held the tag of the best swimming pool in the world by Tripadvisor only adds to the charm. Their magnificent infinity pool overlooks a lush green forest paradise, and is also designed in an aesthetically unique manner.
13. Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
This beach and spa resort on Koh Yao Noi can only be reached by speedboat, and the views from the rooms themselves are divine. What really stands out is the view at the pool though, which looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a turquoise dream.
14. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
Located on St. Lucia’s south-western coastline, the Jade Mountain resort has a reputation for romance, and with a pool this magnificent, why shouldn’t it? Swimmers can enjoy a gorgeous view of the island’s iconic Petit and Gros Piton Mountains a stone’s throw away while doing the backstroke (I’m exaggerating but you get the drift). If that’s not romantic, I don’t what is.
15. The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
One of the most luxurious resorts in the country, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Rajasthan is set within a wildlife sanctuary. It’s set on the bank of Lake Pichola, and the outdoor pool here offers a great view of this lake, as well as the surrounding greens.
