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.

Two sides of the Maldives: which Six Senses island is right for you?

10 July 2026

The Maldives has no shortage of exceptional resorts, but Six Senses has carved out a reputation for doing things a little differently. Here, luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, wellness is woven into every stay, and experiences are designed to help guests reconnect with nature rather than simply admire it. Two of the brand's most remarkable island escapes are Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura. While both deliver the barefoot luxury that Six Senses is known for, each offers its own distinct personality. Whether you're dreaming of pristine reefs, laid-back island living, or some of the Maldives' finest beaches, here's how these two extraordinary resorts compare.

An island-hopping adventure through the Gulf of Thailand

10 July 2026

Thailand has long been a favourite for island escapes, but rather than choosing just one destination, why not experience several? Island hopping through the Gulf of Thailand allows you to discover a different side of the country, where each island has its own personality, from lively beach towns and world-class diving to hidden bays and peaceful luxury retreats. With reliable ferry connections making travel between the islands straightforward, it's never been easier to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable holiday. Start with a few days in Bangkok before heading south to Koh Samui, then continue your adventure to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, creating a trip that balances culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Island-hopping in Japan: discover the country's best-kept tropical secret

10 July 2026

When most people picture Japan, they think of cherry blossom, ancient temples, neon-lit cities, and snow-capped Mount Fuji. But venture a little further south and you'll discover a completely different side of the country. Welcome to Okinawa and the Yaeyama Islands, a chain of subtropical islands where white-sand beaches, coral reefs, lush mangroves, and crystal-clear seas replace bustling city streets. It feels worlds away from Tokyo and Kyoto, yet it's still unmistakably Japan, with the same warm hospitality, exceptional food, and effortless way of travelling. If you're looking to add something unexpected to a Japan itinerary, or simply want to experience a side of the country that many international visitors miss, island-hopping through Okinawa is one of Japan's most rewarding adventures.