It is widely believed, among both critics and guests, that a pool can make or break a hotel; if a hotel’s pool is murky or unimaginative, it can be enough to drown the rest of the first-class amenities. After all, if you can’t enjoy a morning dip, an afternoon lounge or a late-night skinny-dip in turquoise waters, what’s the point of staying at a hotel in the first place?
Jump right in, the water’s lovely.
InterContinental Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China
It’s hardly surprising that one of the best hotel pools in the world is located at InterContinental Hong Kong; after all, the city goes above and beyond in every aspect of design and technology. There are a number of pools to choose from here, with a communal pool inspired by the art of feng shui, a private pool located on the 2,500-square-foot terrace of the Presidential Suite, and a trio of infinity spa pools that are heated to different temperatures to suit different guests.
Hotel Du Cap - Eden-Roc
Cap d’Antibes, France
One of the most impressive infinity pools in the world — if not the most — is the pool at the Hotel du Cap - Eden-Roc, as it overlooks the glittering waters of the Mediterranean in the paparazzi-packed South of France. Afloat with celebrity-crammed yachts during festival season, guests are able to overlook all the action from the comfort of a pool chair, all the while sipping on an ice-cold cocktail or three.
Palazzo Versace
Gold Coast, Australia
With one pool overlooking Australia’s awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and the other pool inside the on-site spa, the two at the opulent Palazzo Versace are exactly what you’d expect from the flamboyant Donatella and her team of equally as extravagant architects. Decked out in a glamorous renaissance style, the outdoor pool is the longest in the southern hemisphere and is always surrounded by couture-clad model-types.
Hotel Ritz
Paris, France
While the Hotel Ritz has always been famous, it wasn’t until Pamela Harriman, U.S. Ambassador to France, suffered a stroke while swimming in its pool that the pool itself became equally famous. Aside from its odd publicity, however, the pool is breathtakingly beautiful in design, with neoclassical features such as murals and pillars at every turn.
Bellagio
Las Vegas, U.S.
As with everything else in Las Vegas, the six pools at the Bellagio are ridiculously over-the-top. Built in an al fresco Mediterranean style, the azure-colored pools are complete with steps, gardens, columns, private cabanas, and an exquisite garden cafe, with stone fountains crowning each pool’s center. What’s more, the pools are heated so that guests can use them come rain or shine.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, U.S.
While Hollywood stars come and go, the palm-lined pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel in L.A. always remains. This hotels pool has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, with 21 crisp white cabanas scattered about its fringes, each equipped with TV, phone and fax, underwater music, frozen towels, sunglass cleaning, full dining, and pretty much anything else you want taken care of.
