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 Zabeeel, 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.
This twenty eight night journey is designed for travellers who want to see Australia and New Zealand in depth, following a clear route that links cities, coastlines and standout natural landscapes. Beginning in tropical north Queensland, the trip moves through Australia’s east coast and iconic regions before crossing to New Zealand for alpine scenery, lakes and fjords, finishing in Christchurch.
This ten night journey through KwaZulu Natal is suited to travellers who want to see more of South Africa beyond the main tourist trail. It brings together mountains, battlefields, wildlife and coastline in one well paced trip. With flights from Dublin, a hire car and carefully selected lodges throughout, the route moves easily from the Midlands to the Drakensberg, on to historic sites and safari, before ending by the sea near Durban.
This thirteen night journey brings together the buzz of Japan’s cities and time by the coast in central Vietnam. You move from neon streets and high speed rail to lantern lit evenings and relaxed days near the beach, with a strong balance of food, culture and downtime. Private transfers, well located hotels and key rail and flight connections are all arranged, so each stage runs smoothly while still giving you the freedom to explore on your own.
