Are these the Best Swimming Pools in the World?

Grifco PR’s roundup of pools with epic views to inspire wanderlust

With inspiration for every kind of wanderlust bucket-list, here’s our pick of the world’s most stunning swimming pools - in private, rentable homes and some of the finest hotels big and small around the world. From the deserts of California to the tropics of St Lucia, each pool - be it infinity, wrap around or thermal - has jaw-dropping views in breathtaking locations. We hope they inspire you to plan for brighter days ahead. 

Restored Monastery & Spa in the Tuscan Hills, Italy 

Tuscany, Italy

Suspended from the hillside on which it sits, this saltwater infinity pool appears to merge with the distant Mediterranean Sea, with vast views over the Tuscan landscape. Exclusive to the private membership community Stay One Degree, this 6-suites home has been beautifully restored and can host up to 20 guests.

Price: EUR 10,715 to 19,286 Per Night

Mirrored desert home with an indoor pool spanning the length of the property 

California - Desert Cities, Joshua Tree

Anchored into the spectacular Californian desert, this unique solar-powered home has an entirely mirrored exterior, cleverly blending it into the landscape, leaving the house almost invisible to the eye. A vast swimming pool occupies the entire length of one side of the house -  a stark contrast to the barren surroundings seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. At one end of the pool is a large white screen where films can be projected, and the water changes colours at night, creating fabulous effects under the star-filled skies. Villa exclusive to Stay One Degree, sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms. 

Price: From USD 5,600 to 7,840 Per Night

Vast Outdoor Pool in the Winelands of South Africa 

Western Cape, Franschhoek

Set amongst the vineyards of South Africa’s Franschhoek region, this stunning villa’s private outdoor pool is the jewel in its crown - the perfect spot to soak up the glorious weather. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range and perfect situation in the lush green gardens, guests can truly enjoy the great outdoors in one of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes. Villa exclusive to Stay One Degree sleeps up to 13 guests in 6 bedrooms.

Price: From USD 2,985 to 4,276 Per Night

In-room infinity pools overlooking the majestic Pitons at Jade Mountain St Lucia 

St Lucia

Set high in the hills of St Lucia, five-star luxury resort, Jade Mountain has 24 open-air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which have been built without a fourth wall so that guests have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the most arresting sights in the world, the World Heritage Piton Mountains. Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, all Infinity Pool Sanctuaries are individual works of art and ranges in size from 400 - 900 square feet, each unique in both colour and shape. 

Price: From US$1,110 a night based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT.

Take in the Sea and Mountain Views from the Infinity Pool Villa Sueno 

Mallorca 

Set on a hillside in the Tramuntana Mountains on Mallorca’s west coast, Villa Sueno offers stunning sea and mountain views from its impressive infinity pool that gives the illusion that you are swimming out to sea.  

Price: 2021 rates start from £23,412 for a seven-night stay for 12 people. To book, visit www.oliverstravels.com or call 0800 133 7999.

Swimming With Elephants at Victoria Falls Safari Club  

Zimbabwe 

Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, the whole of Victoria Falls Safari Club offers unparalleled views of the flora and fauna of Zimbabwe from above. In particular, the tranquil pool area is the perfect place to unwind after a day visiting the Falls,  spotting the Big Five on a game drive, or cruising down the Zambezi River. With a cocktail in hand, guests can relax in the two-tiered swimming pool with a view of the endless plains below, where elephants are known to wander.  

Nightly rates from $298 on B&B basis during low season (Jan-June) & from $332 on B&B basis during high season (July-Dec). 

Soak In The World Famous Thermal Waters at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz 

Switzerland

The wellness resort’s Helena bath provides guests with the opportunity to bathe in the world-renowned thermal waters which are sourced from the neighbouring Tamina Gorge. The historic 19th century pool is set in impressive surrounds and offers a relaxing setting for guests, where they can enjoy, and benefit from, these healing waters. Famous for its effect on the body, the water is naturally sourced at 36.5° Celsius and its rare composition is believed to trigger positive reactions within the body, with people travelling to experience the mystic thermal springs since 1242. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is one of Europe’s leading wellness and medical health destinations. 

Nightly rates start from 740 CHF (£590) for a double room at Grand Hotel Quellenhof, with breakfast and access to spa

A Nature Loving Haven at Pangkor Laut Resort 

Malaysia

YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort is an exclusive private island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Nestled comfortably into its jungle island habitat, every element of the resort brings nature and comfort together in perfect harmony.  The resort is not just famous for its celebrity clientele (including the likes of the late Pavarotti, Joan Collins, Nick Faldo and Sir Jackie Stewart) but it's stunning infinity pool.  The crystal clear pool stretches along the front of the resort,  blending seamlessly into the emerald green bay and bright blue sky.  With panoramic views of the Malaysian coastline there is no better place to take a peaceful dip and experience nature's healing tranquility.   

Price: Nightly rates start from £270 per night 

A Tropical Paradise at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui 

Thailand

The Ritz- Carlton, Koh Samui is one of YTL Hotels’ most tropical paradises, tucked away on the northeast coast of the Thai island. Offering exquisitely designed pool villas cocooned in your personal hideaway, guests can relax in their private pool sipping on piña coladas made from local coconuts on the island.  For something more adventurous, the resort possesses the only ocean swimming pool in Thailand and it remains the largest one of a kind swim reef within a resort in Southeast Asia.  

Price: Nightly Rates from £270

Marina Bay Sands - Jean Michel Gathy 

Singapore 

Imagine swimming to the edge of the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool and gazing down on the glittering expanse of downtown Singapore from 57 levels above. This iconic swimming pool - 150m in length - was designed by renowned architect and designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International, and is designed in such a way that its sides are almost completely invisible, leaving the illusion that the water overflows the pool. Achieving this 200 metres above ground required design and engineering precision, and is a feat in itself.

Watch Elephants At The Watering Hole at Wilderness Safaris King’s Pool 

Botswana

Wilderness Safaris King’s Pool Camp showcases the company’s commitment to driving sustainable ecotourism in this remarkable wildlife destination. King’s Pool overlooks a sparkling oxbow lagoon, and its eight rooms and one luxurious suite blend effortlessly with the camp’s pristine wilderness surrounds. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool while catching sight of elephants, zebras and giraffes at the watering holes.   

Nightly rates start from £1,055 per person sharing (based on today's exchange rate). 

Natural Biolago Pool situated at Stunning Tuscan Villa 

Veneto, Italy

Situated just 2km from Padua Golf Club in the heart of the Euganean Hills, this charming stone-built villa sleeps six with a private natural pool and alfresco lounge area. The stunning 'biolago' pool is made from natural resins, purified with Himalayan salts and is shaped like a beach with hydromassage jets for the ultimate relaxation. Its novel design and amazing views of mountains, olive groves and vineyards make it a cut above the rest. Villa exclusive to Tuscany Now & More.  

Price: Weekly rates from £2,433  

Discover Sparkling Sea Views in the Double Level Signature Infinity Pool at OMMA Santorini, Greece

OMMA Santorini boasts the luxury of space, not commonly found with hotels on this Greek island. At the centre of this blissful haven is the extraordinary double level signature infinity pool which overlooks the Caldera and is one of the largest pools on the whole island. With no surrounding properties in sight, OMMA Santorini promises a feeling of sanctuary with boundless splendour, providing a place to escape in pure privacy and peace. OMMA Santorini is opening in May 2021, following a soft launch in 2019.  

Price: Nightly rates at OMMA Santorini start from 670 Euros.

Immersed In A Maze of 17th Century Buildings At Crillon Le Brave 

Provence, France

Crillon Le Brave lies in an exquisitely authentic natural setting, nestled within a maze of 17th century buildings. Guests will feel ultimate tranquility whilst cooling down in the pool while surrounded by gorgeous quaint buildings, with sprawling views of neighbouring vineyards and picture-perfect Provencal countryside. 

Nightly rates at Hotel Crillon Le Brave start from 350 Euros on a bed & breakfast basis.