The best swimming pools in the world

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.

The best swimming pools in the world

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.

5 exceptional Italian villas for your next escape

18 September 2026

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers plenty of memorable settings for a villa holiday. These five homes combine characterful architecture, private pools, spectacular views, and easy access to some of the country’s most-loved towns and landscapes. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, each villa brings its own take on relaxed Italian living, with plenty of space for long lunches, lazy afternoons, and exploring beyond your front door.

A closer look at One&Only in Dubai

18 September 2026

Dubai is known for its glittering skyline, desert adventures, and impressive choice of luxury hotels, but One&Only offers a more refined way to experience the city. At both One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm, guests can enjoy private beaches, exceptional dining, beautifully designed accommodation, and thoughtful experiences, while still being within easy reach of landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah.

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen: The Riviera Maya all-inclusive that feels anything but ordinary

17 September 2026

There are all-inclusive resorts where everything you need is conveniently in one place, and then there are resorts where exploring the hotel becomes part of the holiday itself. Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen very much falls into the latter camp. This adults-only retreat on Mexico’s Riviera Maya brings together contemporary design, 485 suites, an impressive collection of restaurants and bars, and some far less expected touches. Think cenote-style pools hidden amongst stone and greenery, an interior lagoon beach, rooftop swimming, taco tastings, and a nightclub you need to know how to find. Better still, Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue is around ten minutes away by car when you do feel like venturing beyond the resort.

Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

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