Slip into the water of an extraordinary hotel swimming pool and you might just find yourself in awe. It’s here you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind views, ambience with a distinctive sense of place, and pinch-yourself moments that present themselves as touchstones to a grand escape.
These five pools accomplish this and more. One needs merely to take that first dive.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Sleeping in the overwater villas at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is magical. And finding every opportunity to swim should top vacation to-do lists for this destination. As it turns out, select villas have private infinity plunge pools. (Hello, floating breakfast!) Catch sight of the resort’s other swim spots, and pool hopping is in order.
Tucked inside a giant “shell” is The Westin Kids Club’s partially shaded swimming pool. The main pool brings with it ocean views and umbrella-shaded loungers. Footing this pool is another whose three round “islands” with cozy daybeds call for canoodling.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
One thing that makes a stay at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas ideal is its proximity to two of Australia‘s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The resort, located on Four Mile Beach, is a special destination unto itself, especially when factoring in its five acres of swimmable saltwater lagoon pools.
Try a unique pool experience to kick off the day: a floating breakfast. Available to guests staying in the resort’s garden-view Mirage Studios, this decadent meal comes complete with lobster. And where better to raise a toast over mimosas than in a tropical lagoon pool?
The Sheraton Grand Mirage’s lagoon pools — eight saltwater, one freshwater — all deserve float time. Have a signature cocktail at the swim-up bar in the freshwater lagoon pool. Or book one of the sleek private cabanas that surround the saltwater lagoon pools. Large enough for the whole family, they include full service and gentle breezes. This is truly a pool-lover’s paradise.
The St. Regis Bali Resort
Lush rainforest, more than 10,000 Hindu temples, golden sand beaches fringing the Indian Ocean … it’s little wonder travelers consider Bali a spiritual destination. And a perfect place to achieve sukha, or bliss, is The St. Regis Bali Resort.
Based on Nusa Dua Beach, The St. Regis Bali Resort has many places that lend themselves to setting spirits alight, especially the resort’s three pools. Sheer relaxation is afoot at the vast saltwater lagoon pool that winds between lush gardens. Featured here are a children’s pool, Jacuzzis, floating loungers and sunken seating. Bring on the meditation.
In the Iridium Spa, you’ll find the tranquil, winding Aqua-Vitale pool. And a third pool allows you to swim up to Vista Bar for a cocktail. Prefer a floating brunch? That’s available, too. Bon appetit!
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
Phuket Island’s dreamy Sirinat National Park features white sand beaches surrounded by towering ironwood trees. Just as idyllic is a stay at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach. Set on a hillside that leads to the Andaman Sea, the resort is all about water views, including a lagoon pool that winds throughout. Some accommodations even come with private plunge pools.
Keep an eye out for other places to take a dip, like a children’s splash pad with bursting jets of water that elicit laughter and water cannons that bring on friendly battles. Where a bevy of rainbow-hued turtles seems to be heading is the main pool on the sand. Here, umbrella-shaded loungers are excellent for catching up on beach reads.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Sun Pool? Sand Pool? Or Shell Pool? Ah, what difficult decisions a guest must make when choosing where to spend a day at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in Vietnam’s An Thoi Town.
After swimming at Khem Beach, lounging poolside is in order. The resort’s three iconic pools were designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, and each one spurs its own unforgettable moods. And though the resort is set on the grounds of what was once a French university in the 19th century, its mosaic-tiled swimming pools scream vacation.
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