Every destination in the world features impressive swimming pools. Following the release of a book that reviews the world's 200 best pools, we added some travel locations to our bucket list. These pools aren't just for swimming, they are so much more.
About two months ago, Stephanie Waldek published the book: The World's Best Swimming Pools which compiled amazing locations around the world ranging from skyscrapers to the epitome of relaxation and tranquility. Some of the relaxing pools are deep in the jungle or blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings within stones or natural springs.
Each of these 200 pools is an architectural achievement, emphasizing innovation and breaking the boundaries of traditional pool design. Through captivating photographs and informative text, the book highlights the architectural and design aspect that led to the creation of these pools. It offers readers an opportunity to appreciate the aesthetic beauty, functional aspects and cultural significance of the selected pools, while also serving as a source of inspiration for travel, design and leisure.
Therefore, the book serves as a travel guide specially adapted for those looking for an extraordinary pool experience on their trip. Get a sample of 14 pools from the book, which Waldek says are nothing less than architectural gems, from a pool in a hotel in Beverly Hills to a pool in Chile that is so big you can swim in it.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Bora Bora
The St. Regis resort is a 5-star hotel in Bora Bora in French Polynesia, which includes several pools. In the main pool, you can enjoy a bar with cocktails and drinks (Aparima Bar) without leaving the water, or enjoy a more intimate experience, in the pool designed for adults only (Oasis Pool), in a perfect experience for a charming little date in the pool.
Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi Hotel, Maldives
The perfect Maldives paradise experience gets a bohemian and unconventional twist, at an extraordinary resort. The venue boasts the longest pool in the Maldives, which appears to extend into the sea. You can find the Coralarium a few dozen meters from the end of the pool, a coral regeneration project. Those who choose to stay in the pool, will enjoy the poolside bar services or stretch out on the bamboo armchairs and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
San Alfonso del Mar Resort, Chile
Imagine a pool so big that you can sail in it. As far-fetched as it sounds, this is real. The resort near the city of Algarrobo on Chile's Pacific coast provides a unique experience thanks to the spectacular pool that was inaugurated in December 2006, or rather thanks to its size, since it covers an area of 80,000 square meters, reaches the maximum depth of 3.5 meters and 250 million liters of seawater. The water is pumped from the ocean, filtered, and treated before being fed into the pool. During the summer months, the pool water is kept at a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, higher than the nearby ocean's temperature.
Le Cascate del Mulino, Italy
Although Tuscany is famous for its hills and vineyards, Waldek's book proves that Italy is proud of its hot springs, such as the one near the spa town of Saturnia. The picturesque waterfall Cascate del Mulino, which is part of the hot springs of Saturnia and is free for the public to enter, is the highlight of the location. As a result of the water flow, light blue thermal pools were formed between the green hills over hundreds of years.
The hot springs flow at a rate of 500 liters per second and maintain a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The water is rich in salts and minerals (especially sulfur) and people believe that it has healing properties. The waterfall features terraces further down where you can enjoy small pools all year round.
La Mamounia, Morocco
In Marrakesh, you can have a legendary experience in a 100-year-old Moroccan kingdom that has been preserved and renovated into a luxury hotel that emphasizes the smallest details. The hotel resides near the Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakesh. It is designed in a Moroccan style, including arabesque decorations influenced by Berber and Andalusian architecture.
Among the popular facilities offered by the magical kingdom, you can also find an indoor pool with an adjacent bar. Waldek noted in her book that this is the place to be in Marrakesh since it opened its doors in 1923 and showed a breathtaking pool that only enriches the place.
Taj Lake Palace, India
Originally built in the 18th century, the palace became a resort and is located on an island in Lake Pichola in the city of Udaipur. The hotel is built of marble and offers regal architecture, but is also familiar to James Bond fans, as it appears in the Octopussy movie. The architecture combines design techniques from different cultures and is also exemplified in the adorned decorations in the peaceful pool.
Hotel Zannier Omaanda, Namibia
This property is located in Ondekaremba, an hour's drive from Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Besides the accommodations located in the heart of a wildlife reserve, the place provides an infinity pool overlooking the savannah, which gives the place its uniqueness. In addition, enjoy the hotel's meals and drinks, excursions in the surrounding area, and various spa treatments.
Beverly Hills Hotel, USA
Los Angeles and swimming pools go hand in hand. The tall palm trees serve as scenery, at the heart of which are the exclusive blue pools. The Beverly Hills Hotel was opened on May 12, 1912, by Margaret Anderson and her son Stanley Anderson, who ran the Hotel Hollywood. Since the city's early days, the hotel has been a central meeting place for locals and business people, especially from the Los Angeles film and television industries. Therefore, the pool at the hotel was an attraction for celebrities, including the well-known film, television, and theater actress Katharine Hepburn, a successful award-winning actress.
Villa Honegg Hotel, Switzerland
On the summit of Bürgenstock mountain, we can find the Villa Honegg Hotel with a rating of 5 stars. The hotel, which has stood there since 1905, underwent a massive renovation and renewal in 2011 and is now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the highest level of hospitality, but still manages to preserve its classic charm. The hotel has luxury rooms with balconies and a heated pool overlooking Lake Lucerne. Villa Honegg is considered one of the most intimate and quiet boutique hotels, offering a luxurious hospitality experience.
The hotel's surroundings are breathtaking and guests are offered many hiking trails for enjoyment and relaxation in the picturesque mountainous terrain. The hotel's heated pool, which is also an infinity pool kept at a temperature of 34 degrees, offers an amazing view of the lake, and its luxurious spa is one of the fanciest in Switzerland. Also, the hotel has 23 rooms which are priced differently according to size and luxury level and is designed in Art Nouveau style.
Katikies Chromata Hotel, Santorini, Greece
Located on the cliffs of Oia, 90 meters above the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, this hotel features two restaurants: Botrini's Santorini and Katikies Lower Deck Lounge, and has pools that overlook the spectacular view of the caldera (a large cauldron-like hollow that forms shortly after the emptying of a magma chamber in a volcanic eruption). Those who wish to stay by the pool but prefer a calmer stay can relax at the poolside bar.
Ol Malo Lodge, Kenya
The Ol Malo Lodge in northern Kenya is nestled in the heart of a wildlife haven and is family-owned. With only four buildings, the venue provides the perfect combination of comfort, luxury, and harmony with nature. The pool at the Kenyan lodge, which is also designed in the style of an infinity pool, is not only located in the heart of nature but offers breathtaking views of landscapes that combine hills and valleys, alongside animals that roam freely.
The Library (SHA Extra Plus), Koh Samui, Thailand
The Library features a bold red pool, which is designed in a modern minimalistic style that blends into the green tropical area around Thailand's Chaweng Beach. There is a huge library with over 1,400 books that can be borrowed and a health and spa complex.
