The best swimming pools in the world

11 July 2025

Imagine the sheer delight of dipping into a crystal-clear pool, the sun glistening off the water as you take in breathtaking views. An unforgettable swimming pool can be among the highlights of your holiday, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites, whether you’re looking for somewhere to cool down after seeing the sights or want a tranquil spot where you can relax and unwind.

Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa

A beautiful infinity pool overlooks a watering hole in the highly regarded River Lodge Spa, the largest of the Kapama camps, with its five charming luxury lodges and the option of romantic sleep-outs. When you’re not busy relaxing, more than 40 species of mammals, including the Big Five, can be seen during twice-daily guided game drives and after-breakfast bush walks.

One&Only One Za'abeel, Dubai

Opened in January 2024, this vertical urban resort includes the world’s longest cantilever, between its towers – and across this cantilever, the UAE’s longest infinity pool unfurls a spectacular 27 storeys above the city. Bathed in year-round sunshine, it’s part of a pool club that is one of the best spots in Dubai for relaxing, socialising, and celebrating. Luxurious cabanas, sunken seating areas, and cushioned day beds encourage you to linger for as long as possible.

Alila Ubud, Bali

A sublime 25-metre infinity pool with valley views is the centrepiece of this hillside retreat high above the Ayung River, with thatched-roof rooms and villas seeming to float on stilts over a ravine. It's also much-loved for its holistic spa offering locally inspired treatments such as the lulur body scrub, an ancient remedy originating from the rice farmers of Bali.

Daios Cove, Crete

This chic property in a secluded bay features a heated seawater infinity pool with cove views and a kids’ area, plus two indoor seawater pools in its fabulous spa. Accommodation itself includes rooms, suites, and secluded villas with up to three bedrooms and their own pools. But Daios Cove also encourages guests to explore the island by biking or hiking in the mountains or hopping aboard a thrilling boat ride around the coast.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Maldives

An indulgent infinity pool with weekly pool parties sits at the heart of this barefoot resort in the remote South Nilandhe/Dhaalu Atoll, although all its 125 airy beach and water villas and suites come with their own freshwater plunge or swimming pool too. Other big draws include an overwater spa with hydrotherapy pools, snorkelling on the house reef, kayaking, sunset cruises, and cultural excursions.

Amangiri, Utah, USA

This secluded resort in Canyon Point is built around a central heated pool curving around an escarpment of a 165-million-year-old Aeolian sandstone rock to blend in with its astonishing desert surroundings. Divided into 34 modernist suites and its satellite Camp Sarika, with ten tented pavilions, Amangiri is perfect for both peaceful desert retreats and adrenaline-fuelled adventures in untouched red-rock country over 900 acres of the Colorado Plateau.

To book your holiday at one of these properties with remarkable pools, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Discover Costa Rica’s wild coastlines: The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast

24 July 2026

Costa Rica may be known for Arenal’s volcano views, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and the beaches of Guanacaste, but some of its most rewarding experiences lie farther from the usual route. In the remote southwest, the Osa Peninsula offers deep rainforest, untamed Pacific shores, and extraordinary wildlife, while the Caribbean coast brings its own blend of beach life, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and easy-going towns. Together, they show two very different sides of the country, making them a strong choice for visitors looking to spend longer in each place and experience Costa Rica in greater depth.

From the Algarve to Tenerife, discover Domes Resorts outside Greece

24 July 2026

Domes Resorts may be best known for its award-winning Greek hotels, but its portfolio reaches into two of Europe’s most appealing year-round destinations. In Portugal’s Algarve and Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, Domes has created two very different stays, each shaped by its setting. One is centred on lakeside calm, spa time, and championship golf, while the other combines spacious suite living with Atlantic views, active experiences, and the freedom of a private residence.

Top tips for the responsible traveller

23 July 2026

Wherever your next Travel Counsellors’ trip will take you, we hope you’re looking forward to the amazing memories you’re sure to create. To help ensure that you tread a little lighter and enrich the places you visit along the way, we’ve gathered some top tips for responsible travelling that we’ve assembled with support from our sustainable tourism charity partner, The Travel Foundation.