When it comes to vacation rental amenities, having a private pool really takes your stay to the next level. Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun poolside, swimming laps, splashing around with the kids, or floating the day away, having a pool at the tip of your toes elevates any vacation home experience.
Groups of friends and families looking to make memories together through shared experiences and poolside fun need look no further than Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, which not only offers professionally managed stays with the quality you’ve come to expect from Marriott Bonvoy, but also the added bonus of earning and redeeming points.
Here, we highlight a handful of pools you’ll want to dive into on your next vacation. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Embrace the Aloha Spirit in Kauai
Hale ‘Ae Kai, one of Kauai’s premiere estates, sprawls over 15 acres along a coastal clifftop. This elegantly appointed villa makes for an idyllic destination for families or groups of friends of up to eight traveling together. The Balinese-inspired space boasts four bedrooms and six full bathrooms, plus one half bath — with all the privacy guests could desire — connected by footbridges and breezeways that meander through lush gardens and tranquil ponds.
Hale ‘Ae Kai’s Central Pavilion houses one king-size bedroom along with a top-notch kitchen, dining and living rooms, a state-of-the-art media room, and a fitness studio complete with a Pilates reformer and ping-pong table. The stunning infinity pool just off of the Central Pavilion provides endless views of the Pacific Ocean and Kilauea Lighthouse, and serves as a gathering place day or night. If some beach time is in the cards, a secluded path leads to aptly named Secret Beach below.
The separate, 1,100-square-foot Master Pavilion has its own living area, wet bar, and spa bath, not to mention three lanais with different views. Two Guest Pavilions round out the accommodations, each with its own king suite, wet bar, and lanai.
Bali Beauty
On the outskirts of Bali’s hip surfing towns of Canggu and Pererenan, Villa Mary is the Indonesian retreat of your dreams. Set on nearly a full acre overlooking the beach, with panoramic views of rice fields and the river, this stunning open-air villa sleeps 10 guests comfortably in five bedrooms.
At the heart of the villa is not one but two pools — a 50-foot main pool and a shallow pool for younger swimmers — lined with chaise lounges to soak up the Balinese sun, as well as umbrellas for a bit of shade when needed. Those seeking a bit more activity can play a game of tennis on a court that’s shared with the three other private villas within Pantai Lima estate. Spa services and yoga sessions are also available upon request.
Villa Mary’s five en-suite bedrooms are spread across three buildings —- three in the main house, and two in nearby buildings — for even more privacy. The fully staffed villa includes butlers and a car and driver, plus a private chef if you so desire. At the end of the day, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner in the air-conditioned dining area before retreating to the home cinema that comfortably seats 20.
Idyllically Italian
Tenuta Marilù’s sparkling pool and airy interiors invite relaxation and connection. (Photos: Marriott International)
Simply put, Tenuta Marilù will take your breath away. This three-bedroom home (all en suite) centers around a centuries-old trullo, a traditional whitewashed home made of limestone using prehistoric building techniques — whitewash with a cone-shaped roof — that are unique to, and still used throughout, Puglia. The Trulli of Alberobello are so distinctive that they are included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Surrounded by the tranquil grounds, the freeform saltwater pool provides ample space to relax and features a jacuzzi section.
Though the main house is historic, the rest of Tenuta Marilù is anything but. Inside, an airy living room and well-equipped kitchen lead two en-suite bedrooms. Next door, a new annex houses not only the third bedroom and bathroom, but its own sitting area and kitchenette, too. The entire home can comfortably sleep eight guests, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Tenuta Marilù shines outside, too. Wander the manicured gardens filled with mature trees or dive into the inviting pool As the sun sets, toast another day in the southern Italian countryside on the rooftop terrace, the perfect spot for stargazing, too.
Seeing Stars in Mexico
Discover unrivaled luxury when you arrive at the Five-Star Private Villa in Punta Mita on Mexico’s rugged Pacific coastline. Awash in natural light, the spacious villa comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests in its five en-suite bedrooms. There’s plenty of space to gather in the expansive living and dining areas, all of which are connected by an interior courtyard. The interior spaces are decorated in an exquisite blend of sophisticated, modern neutrals with regional design touches.
The outdoor terrace sets the perfect scene for meals alfresco; additional private outdoor areas provide plenty of space to make yourself right at home. Or, gather everyone together at the oversized, heated infinity edge pool with stunning views of the ocean and horizon beyond — the perfect place to celebrate sunset.
Best of all, guests at this villa enjoy many of the opulent perks. Dedicated butlers, plus housekeepers and a private chef available as add-ons, ensure a seamless stay, making the space feel like your own private luxury resort. Guests vacationing at the Five Star Private Villa also enjoy exclusive privileges at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, including access to the St. Regis Beach Club.
Portuguese Perfection
The Riverfront Douro Villa With Pool In Wine Region sits on the banks of Portugal’s Douro River, with sweeping views of vineyards climbing the surrounding hillsides. Restored to maintain the home’s Old World charm, the space has original stone walls and wine-crushing wells. The pervasive sense of history is paired with modern conveniences, meaning this farmhouse has everything you need to make the most of your time with family and friends. Groups of up to 14 are comfortably accommodated.
Each of the villa’s six en-suite bedrooms boasts views of the river; four of the bedrooms are on the upper level of the main house, with the additional two bedrooms in separate buildings with private entrances.
Spacious, elegant living areas and large outdoor terraces provide plenty of space to gather. After a day of hiking, biking and wine tasting, cool off with a dip in the pool perched next to the river before setting off on a private sunset sail right from your private dock.
Costa Rican Casita
Much more than a casita, Casa Costa Blanca is a seven-bedroom luxury villa on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline that’s the perfect destination for beach-loving groups of up to 22. Guests wake up each morning just steps away from their own semiprivate beach, nestled between Playa Avellanas and Playa Langosta.
After a few hours on the powdery sand, head to the villa’s centerpiece: its stunning, wedge-shaped infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Soak up some rays on the sun terrace or enjoy bites prepared on the barbecue rancho, or outdoor grill. Inside, three of the bedrooms are found on the first level of the villa, with three more on the second level; the seventh bedroom is in a detached casita. Breakfast is prepared daily, as are afternoon snacks and cocktails until 2 p.m. (guests supply the groceries and cocktail ingredients).
In addition to a dedicated concierge, guests staying at Casa Costa Blanca, found within the Hacienda Pinilla gated community, enjoy community-exclusive privileges, including a beach club, fitness center, golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and more. If you’re craving a change of scenery, the stylish JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort is about a mile from the villa.
New York State of Mind
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a stay at Water Mill Wooded Escape in the Hamptons. There’s plenty of room for groups of eight to spread out and relax in the renovated four-bedroom farmhouse that’s situated on more than an acre filled with trees.
Three of the en-suite bedrooms are on the home’s second floor, while the fourth, which features two double beds perfect for kids, is located on the ground level. In addition to a light-filled living room and chef’s kitchen, the 5,700-square-foot home also boasts a den, fitness room, and infrared sauna. An additional 900 square feet of living space is found in the pool house, providing more room for entertaining.
Take a dip in the classic freshwater pool surrounded by lush grass and plush loungers, soak in the hot tub, or play a pickup game on the basketball court. When night falls, gather around the fire pit and toast some s’mores while planning the next day’s outings to nearby Water Mill, Bridgehampton, and Sag Harbor.
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