Dramatic pools are the double rainbow of swimming pools where one body of beautiful blue water seems to disappear into the stunning surrounding scenery, whether it be the ocean, cityscape, jungle or whatever your dream destination might be. Creating such aquatic eye candy does not come cheaply. That weightless body of water floating in air effect is the result of intensive structural engineering and tremendous amounts of foundation work. An infinity, dramatic pool is a bit of a contemporary status symbol but in fact the effect was first used in the gardens at Versailles in the 1600s. We take a look at some of the world’s best hotel pools.
Architect Agustin Landa created a dramatic setting atop Hotel Habita in Monterrey, Mexico, by placing two infinity pools under a sculptural concrete canopy. Have a drink at the bar separating the pools and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. From $210/night; hotelhabitamty.com
Guests at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park can be part of the action without leaving the resort’s pool, which overlooks a watering hole frequented by local wildlife as well as the plains beyond. From $1,000/night; fourseasons.com
Amangiri (peaceful mountain) is located on 600 acres in Canyon Point, Southern Utah, close to the border with Arizona. The resort is tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Built around a central swimming pool with spectacular views, the resort blends into its dramatic surrounds where deep canyons and towering plateaus create a raw landscape of immense power. Amangiri’s Aman Spa features a floatation therapy pavilion, water pavilion with sauna, steam room, cold plunge and step pool, fitness centre and yoga pavilion.
The Joule Hotel, which occupies a 1927 building that was formerly the Dallas National Bank, unveiled an expansion and renovation last year that included the addition of a sleek cantilevered rooftop pool. Its glass wall provides an unforgettable view of the city below. From $250/night; thejouledallas.com
You can take small sailboats out on the saltwater pool at San Alfonso del Mar, in Algarrobo, Chile. The pool measures two-thirds of a mile in length—Guinness World Records calls it the largest in the world.
For nighttime swimming at San Alfonso del Mar, head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool’s centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.
Perched on a cliff near Manggis on Bali’s peaceful eastern coast, Amankila is one of three Aman properties on the Indonesian island. The resort’s three-tiered pool recalls the terraced rice fields that are prevalent in the region. From $700/night; amanresorts.com
It doesn’t get much better than the view from the Grace’s pool, atop the caldera on Greece’s popular island of Santorini. The hotel, located in the village Imerovigli, between the larger towns of Oia and Faro, is also the perfect base for exploring. From $436/night; gracehotels.com
Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, this example at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is one of the largest rooftop pools in the world. And at 57 stories up, it offers one of the best views, too. From $383/night; marinabaysands.com
Occupying 50 acres on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India, the Oberoi Udaivilas hotel features a series of private and semiprivate pools inspired by the city’s interwoven lakes and canals. From $825/night;oberoihotels.com
An infinity pool amidst the most dramatic grandeur is that at the Cambrian Adelboden Hotel and Resort in Switzerland. In the summer, the hotel infinity pool looks out at the verdant alpine meadows which cover the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The air is crystal clear, the sky powder blue and decorative alpine cabins dot the hill sides. You could almost expect Heidi and Peter to appear over a hill with their goat herd. But in winter the pool experience becomes another thing altogether, a warm gentle oasis amidst the slow covered mountainsides. The hotel is within walking distance to the ski lifts that take skiers up to the Bernese Oberland fields. Apres ski guests soak in the heated waters and watch as night falls and lights fill the valley.
If the Mediterranean and the infinity pool are a marriage made in heaven then the honeymoon is to be found at the Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. High up in the mountainside above the cliffside town of Ravello, the hotel’s infinity pool has superb views down over the coast and the Mediterranean. The five star Caruso has been built in the ruins a lovingly restored 11th century palace with its original frescos. An ancient wall of the original palace forms an incredible backdrop to the infinity pool framing the view below. Bellissima!
An exclusive infinity pool award goes to the Tortuga House pool in Mustique in the Caribbean. The pool is set at two levels and flows from the top to the one below and looks out over the lush vegetation down onto Britannia Bay. Tortuga is a private 5 bedroom rental villa with an Italian flavor set in a beautiful garden. The privacy and the tropical beauty are a perfect enhancement of this infinity pool experience.
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