When the temperature starts to rise there's nowhere better to chill out than by the pool, but not all pools are equal: some swimming pools are destinations in and of themselves. From amazing infinity pools at resorts in exotic locations to visually compelling pools with awesome waterfalls and special effects built in, these are designed to make you feel cool both in and out of the water. Here's a look at 15 of the most luxurious swimming pools you'll find anywhere in the world.
Perivolas Hotel, Santorini
Perivolas Hotel: It is difficult to tell where the pool ends and the waters of the Aegean Sea begin since the infinity pool at this Santorini hotel appear to stretch all the way to the horizon. The accommodation here are designed to rejuvenate you completely, aided by what is widely considered to be one of the best hotel pools in the world. What an idyllic place to spend a holiday!
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay: If you've never considered taking a trip to Oman then you probably didn't know that you could stay a place as luxurious as this! Since it has only been open since in 2008, you could be among the first visitors to take advantage of the opportunity. There are seventy nine different pool villas so you can really retreat into relaxation in a private area all your own. Yes, you read that correctly. Seventy nine pools.
Joule Hotel, Dallas
Joule Hotel: There have been rumours about this amazing hotel swimming pool for several years (originally under the name Elan Hotel) but the place hasn't actually opened to the public yet. It is due to open this year and crowds are sure to flock to it for the chance to check out the amazing opportunity to swim in the pool, which is located ten stories up and literally hangs off of the edge of the building. The end of it is made from glass so you can essentially swim off the side of the hotel to get a view of Dallas.
Banyan Tree Hotel, Seychelles
Banyan Tree Hotel: Another astounding infinity pool that stretches its way right to the beach is the one located at this hotel in the stunning island nation of Seychelles. It's not often that you're going to get to relax in the wonderful waters of a beautiful pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean just steps away so don't neglect to take advantage of this opportunity if it ever comes along.
Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay
Four Seasons Resort Bali: To get to the awe-inspiring infinity pool on the top floor of this resort hotel, you're going to need to cross a wooden bridge. From the pool, you'll be able to absorb the beauty of the surrounding Balinese jungle and over the beautiful Jimbaran Bay area.
One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah Resort: The Maldive Islands are a stunning destination which is perfect for relaxation because of the fact that the beautiful beaches offer plenty of activity on the water. However, you don't have to leave the luxury of your resort to have a terrific water experience since this place has an amazing infinity pool that can caress your body into relaxation. The massive pool is shaded by tropical trees and leads right out into the ocean so you can go adventuring or just lounge around and relax. A poolside bar adds to the fun.
Intercontinental Hotel, Hong Kong
Intercontinental Hotel: The ideal way to enjoy the pool at this hotel is to book yourself a stay in The Presidential Suite which is 7,000 square feet in size and includes a 2,500 square foot terrace where the private pool is located. However, there are multiple pools to choose from at this hotel and all of them are amazing. There's a basic-but-beautiful outdoor pool inspired by the art of feng shui but what most people want to check out is the trio of infinity pools that are each heated to different temperatures to suit different people at different times.
Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas
Wynn Hotel: There are several different pools to choose from at The Wynn and all of them are luxurious as you would expect from one of the best hotels in Las Vegas. But the best is the one that's only designed for high-rollers. These people spend a lot of money in the poolside casino while topless women swim around to provide Vegas-style entertainment.
Crown Macau, Taipa Island
Crown Macau: Hotel ratings technically only go up to five star but there are a handful of resorts that call themselves six star hot spots because they know that what they have to offer is better than the best out there. This is one of those places and the pool is one of the many things that adds to its luxury.
Gallery Hotel, Singapore
Gallery Hotel: This uber-hip design hotel has a lot of cool features but the one to really enjoy is the spectacular pool that overhangs the hotel. Three of the walls of this pool are glass so it gives you a really unique view of the city and the Singapore River below while you swim.
Hotel Habita, Mexico City
Hotel Habita: What better way to get a view of the largest city in the world than from the relaxing position of your boutique hotel's rooftop pool? The pool's also got some really cool design features that make it a pleasure to lounge in even without the stunning view.
La Casa Que Canta, Mexico
La Casa Que Canta: This hotel has one of the world's coolest infinity pools, featuring rounded ledges so you can sit right at the edge of the edgeless pool and look out over the Pacific Ocean. This isn't the only pool that you'll find at the hotel, though. Some of the suites have their own private pools and there is a free form saltwater pool with a jacuzzi attached to it that can add additional relaxation to your already delightful stay.
The Crater at Homestead Resort, Utah
The Crater at Homestead Resort: Utah is in the middle of the United States, nowhere near an ocean but you can enjoy all sorts of ocean-type activities (scuba diving, for example) in the underground pool at Homestead Resort. It's a natural attraction formed from a limestone wall that's filled with geothermal water. It's healing, relaxing and totally amazing to experience.
Gran Hotel Central, Barcelona
Gran Hotel Central, Barcelona: Many of the world's infinity pools lead straight out into the ocean. This one is a totally urban infinity pool located on the rooftop of a hotel in the center of Barcelona. You'll feel like you're absolutely on top of the world at this place!
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, French Polynesia
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort: The only thing that can enhance the beauty of an already-idyllic location is a resort that has a truly beautiful pool that compliments and pays homage to the surrounding environment. If this part of the world could have gotten any better, it did so when the pools of this resort became an additional part of its landscape.
While Zighy is fine, it is outstripped by the infinity clifftop in Al Husn Muscat. The view from hotel to pool, which is set on a substantial cliff, is uninterrupted from Oman to Antarctica – were the earth flat.