Whether you favor lounging poolside or taking the plunge, a perfect summer holiday is often played out by the water. And with their memory making views and beautiful backdrops, many of today’s outdoor pools have become destinations in themselves.
From panoramic skylines viewed from city rooftops to snow-capped mountains set high in the Alps, these pools offer the ultimate swimming experience, and we've put together a collection of our favorites here:
SWITZERLAND
Where: Cambrian Hotel, Adelboden
Set high in the Swiss Alps, this heated infinity pool boasts snow-capped mountain views across a pine-lined Alpine valley.
OMAN
Where: Chedi Muscat
Twenty one acres of landscaped gardens surround this beachfront retreat which is home to three temperature-controlled pools, including the spectacular 103m Long Pool.
ZAMBIA
Where: Chongwe River House
Elephants, impala and kudu come to drink at the Chongwe River, which runs alongside the pool at this secluded safari lodge.
INDIA
Where: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Take in the amazing sites of Udaipur while taking a dip in this majestic hotel's serene pool, sited on the banks of Lake Pichola.
GREEK ISLANDS
Where: Kensho, Mykonos
Overlooking Ornos Bay, this starlit infinity pool is built into the rocks at this newly opened island getaway.
Where: Katikies Hotel, Santorini
Carved into a white cave with sea views, the Katikies Hotel's inimitable pool is filled with crystal-clear water.
Where: Grace Santorini, Imerovigli, Santorini
Enjoy uninterrupted views across the caldera from this boutique hotel’s infinity pool, the largest of its kind on the island.
NEW ZEALAND
Where: Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island
The heated infinity pool at this cliff top hideaway in Auckland has otherworldly views across Owhanake Bay.
AUSTRALIA
Where: Bondi Icebergs, Sydney
Open all year round, this 50m saltwater pool at the southern end of Bondi Beach has been a local landmark for over 100 years.
SINGAPORE
Where: Marina Bay Sands
Part of everyone's Instagram bucket list, this awe-inspiring roof top infinity pool is the world's largest at 150m long.
ITALY
Where: Hotel Splendido, Portofino
Set along one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline, the saltwater pool at the area's iconic hotel has photo-worthy views across the harbour.
THAILAND
Where: The Library, Koh Samui
Multicolored mosaic tiles give this beachfront hotel’s signature Red Pool its dramatic crimson shade.