Homes & Villas

The Pools at These Vacation Rentals Are Jaw-Droppers — Here’s Where to Take a Dip

by Susan B Barnes

Photograph by Susan B Barnes

pensacola beach villa

This Pensacola Beach villa is a stunner. (Photo: Marriott International)

When it comes to vacation rental amenities, having your own private pool takes your stay to the next level. Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun poolside, swimming laps or floating the day away, having a pool at the tip of your toes elevates any vacation home experience.

Here, we highlight a handful of pools you’ll want to dive into on your next vacation.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

To Infinity (and Beyond!) in Florida

The custom infinity pool is the main attraction at Palacio de Panferio on Santa Rosa Island in Pensacola Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Spend entire days poolside soaking up the warm sunshine, and when it’s time to cool off, jump in!

Steps away is a private beach on Santa Rosa Sound with calm waters for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing. Back at the pool, grab a drink from the poolside bar and watch the sun set while relaxing in the hot tub, complete with fire features to heat up the night.

Inside the three-story, Mediterranean-style home you’ll find a chef’s kitchen, four bedrooms, ample baths, and plenty of room for up to 16 guests.

Embrace the Aloha Spirit in Kauai

kauai vacation home pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

Hale ‘Ae Kai, one of Kauai’s premier estates, is set on 15 oceanfront, clifftop acres. This blissful abode is perfect for families or groups of up to eight, with four bedrooms, plenty of bathrooms and all the privacy guests could desire.

The Balinese-inspired space is composed of four pavilions connected by footbridges and breezeways that meander through lush gardens with fruit trees and tranquil ponds.

The striking infinity pool just off of the central pavilion is the star here. Surrounded by lush lawn with endless views of the Pacific Ocean and Kilauea Lighthouse, it’s perfect for gathering anytime, day or night.

And ultraplush lounge chairs, a dining pavilion and two fire pits mean you’ll never want to leave. But if some beach time is in the cards, a secret path leads to aptly named Secret Beach below.

A Greek Island Hideaway

For anyone who’s ever dreamed of running away to an idyllic isle, Corfu is perfection. For your Corfu escape, check into Villa Aphrodite Corfu City in the Kanoni neighborhood, just 2.5 miles from the town center yet seemingly a world away.

The villa, with its five bedrooms and baths, can accommodate up to 10 guests and has plenty of space to spread out and make yourselves at home.

Outside, an expansive flagstone patio surrounds an inviting pool on the top level of a terraced garden. Nestle in among the olive and pine trees to soak in the Mediterranean sun and views of Corfu Town, the Old Fortress, and of course, miles of glimmering sea.

After a day of Greek-filled fun, dine next to the softly lit pool in the gentle sea breeze as the sky turns gorgeous shades of pink, purple and orange at sunset.

The One Dalmatian You Need

Why settle for one infinity pool when you can have two? That’s just what you’ll find at Grandeur Villa on the island of Korcula in Croatia. Not only are there two infinity pools, but there are two separate villas. Both have plenty of indoor and outdoor living spaces, and together they can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Walk into either villa and you’ll immediately be drawn to the back of the house, where floor-to-ceiling windows and doorways open to spacious sundecks and infinity pools that overlook Zrnovska Banja Bay and the Adriatic Sea.

Huge outdoor couches and an outdoor kitchen and dining area mean you can stay poolside all day long. But if you can tear yourself away, the villa is a 25-minute walk from the center of the town of Korcula and sandy beaches can be found in nearby Lumbarda.

Ooh La La — La Croix

Say “Bonjour!” as you pass through St. Tropez en route to the charming seaside town of La Croix-Valmer. Then make yourself right at home in the French Riviera at a modern, elegant villa with stunning outdoor space, a wonderful pool and fantastic sea views.

Pass through the gates and feel the stresses of the everyday world slip away as you are enveloped by sweeping lawns and immaculate gardens. The villa, which can accommodate up to 20 guests, boasts 10 bedrooms spread throughout the main house and three guest houses. All of the villa’s indoor spaces were decorated with ultimate luxury in mind.

As lovely and comfortable as its indoor spaces are, the villa’s outdoor spaces beckon. Chaise lounges surround the sparkling, azure-tiled infinity pool; an outdoor lounge space invites relaxation; and a large poolside table is perfect for alfresco dining.

Beautiful views of the sea and surrounding vineyards add to the elegant ambience for vacation pool days to truly remember.