we want to see the world and what better way than navigating the globe for restaurants with legendary views and hotel lookouts that take your breath away. For those of you highly-visual aesthetes who equally love a lavish swimming pool with stunning infinity edge designs, we garnered a collection of the best places to sip, dip and marvel over the view without ever having to leave the pool. Float above the “Land of the Gods” in Bali and dine amongst Mexico’s tiered “water mirrors” in these 11 lavish destinations centered around aquatic masterpieces. Go ahead, dive in!
TRS YUCATAN | Riviera Maya Mexico
Wading into romance, whether you are solo or coupled up, is exactly what the exclusive infinity pool at TRS Yucatan feels like. The adults-only retreat located on the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast answers all of our wishes to enjoy an all-inclusive resort experience without the crowds of families and young ones. A crescendo of luxuriant beauty comes in the form of three curvilinear infinity pools cascading from one to the next, leading the eye across the sandy white beach and off into the aqua waters beyond. The infinity pool can be a place of peace as much as a mecca for entertainment and fitness. High-energy aerobics classes are led by local instructors bumping current pop tunes while the excellent wait staff is ready to fix you up a daquiri by your cabana and ensuring your protected under the sun with complimentary SPF-lotion.
GRACE HOTEL SANTORINI | Santorini, Greece
Ah, Santorini. The Grecian mecca where white-washed towns weave above the Aegean Sea greeting infinite skies of blue. Perched above the lava-formed landscape, the aquamarine pool at Grace Hotel Santorini offers a refreshing dip in a place seemingly made of one’s travel dreams. Enjoy the hotel’s sleek digs that showcase modern suites and villas adorned in all-white as you look out to the scattered islands and the beaches comprised of black and white lava pebbles. Try your hand at an outdoor yoga class above the caldera followed by sunset happy hour by the geometric infinity pool that blends comfort and high-altitude in one breezy lookout.
ALILA UBUD | Bali
Situated in the misty Balinese foothills in the Ayung River valley lies the jungle retreat of Alila Ubud. Known as the “Land of the Gods” Bali is the breathtaking island of Indonesia where both spirituality and biodiversity are present. So, we can’t really think of a better place to spend the day poolside, especially when said pool is a designed infinity-edged masterpiece that juts between the canopy for a secluded place to wade without losing any sight of the views. The retreat has villas on stilts fixed with interiors crafted of modern and natural materials like glass, stone and wood that all open to the landscape outside. With organic and seasonal dishes at the on-site restaurant, Tai Chi classes, and holistic spa treatments, we would happily fly across the world for a dip into this tranquil getaway where Balinese wellness meets contemporary amenities.
VICEROY LOS CABOS | Mexico
One of the most visually breathtaking infinity pools is this series of “water mirrors” displayed at the Viceroy Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Designed by Mexican native, Miguel Angel Aragonés, the glittering pools reach to the edge of the Sea of Cortez, offering a feeling of boundless tranquility. Cut with elevated walkways and flanked by white-washed modern structures that lead to sand beaches where guests can dine and drink while immersed in the infinity-edged waterways.
“Nido” Cevichería + Bar is the iconic dining spot situated amongst the pools and wrapped in a cocoon that resembles a high-end nature hideaway where their famous wagyu nigiri and custom cocktails can be savored. Don’t miss the robatayaki feature—a tableside Japanese grill—that sets the mood for an international tasting in a magical setting.
SILVADEE POOL SPA RESORT | Koh Samui, Thailand
This jungle oasis begs for honeymooners to take the plunge on the secluded island property where you can find romantic accommodations with illuminated swimming pools, palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters that are home to some of the best diving in the region.
Set over the pristine Laem Nan beach in Samui Island in southern Thailand, the Silvadee Pool Spa Resort is a treat for aquaholics with a variety of private pools integrated into the villas crafted from bamboo and teak with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Choose from infinity pools poised above the ocean just steps away from the bedroom or pick the duplex villa with a pool set amongst the tropical rainforest for some R&R under the canopy.
FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE | Serengeti, Africa
Iconic Life is all about the luxury safari experience, and the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in the Serengeti is the ideal blend of luxury with close proximity to local wildlife like elephants and giraffes. Four Seasons are one of the leaders in sophisticated travel in remote parts of the world and here at their African outpost, they infuse contemporary design with native influence to reflect the culture of the Massai people. Imagine plush couches under thatched roofs, creamy drapes adorning beamed beds with the best views of the rugged and expansive landscape. The lodge’s sparkling blue-tiled infinity pool gives guests the chance to cool off in the Serengeti heat in between safari treks, Jeep cruises and even a hot-air balloon ride across the plains. We recommend taking a libation, or two, above the pool at the Maji Bar, which offers an elevated look out to the natural watering holes where you may spot some of the Big Five taking a sip for themselves.
FAIRMONT | Maldives
The coral atolls that make up the intimate nation of the Maldives is another tropical destination worth adding to your dream travel list. For pleasure seekers in search for far-off locales, we recommend the Fairmont Maldives as your place of refuge. Located on the “secret water island” the prestigious property is a dreamscape of perfect beaches and a 200-meter infinity pool that cuts through the property with glittering grandeur. Whether you are an active spirit or more of a lazy-day sun tanner, the epic pool lets you take what you need. From aggressive laps in the morning to tranquil paddles around the brink of the blue waters—this is one pool we will risk pruning up for. In addition, sushi bars and poolside mixologists offer freshly caught fish served in Maldivian and Japanese dishes along with a selection of classic cocktails.
MARINA BAY SANDS | Singapore
Ranked as the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, Marina Bay Sands Singapore exaggerates the hotel swimming experience by situating their glitzy digs high above the city lights. The pool is set at a staggering 57 stories high and is 150 meters long, spanning the top of the three towers that comprise this impressive piece of real estate. The Southeast Asian locale invites international travelers and luxury-seekers alike offering a lengthy list of amenities and entertainment. Peep the museums, endless restaurants, high-end shopping and even a rainwater canal that guests can float down in a Chinese wooden boat.
BANYAN TREE | Seychelles
Head to the Indian Ocean where the sparkling cerulean shoreline is met with swaying Takamaka trees in the breeze. The island is an oasis for pristine beaches, botanical gardens, and home to vibrant flora and fauna that is seen nowhere else in the world. The resort at Banyan Tree Seychelles is the kind of place you see on postcards stating, “wish you were here!” And we really do wish we were there. Step foot into the Colonial-style resort where private pools adorn the elegant villas and suites poised against the dense hillsides above the beach. Choose from accommodations with pools just feet away from the powdered sand beach, infinity-edged pools that seem to tip into the ocean below, and swimming pools with integrated hot tubs that are set amongst the canopy. Some villas have their own massage pavilions, personal steam rooms and sprawling sundecks to witness the golden skyline at dusk.
THE JOULE | Dallas, Texas
Take a dip stateside under the forever sunny skies of Dallas, Texas. The Joule Hotel has a glass-encased rooftop pool that peers over the edge of the hotel offering guests the chance to swim over the sparkling metropolis beyond. The neo-Gothic inspired hotel bridges award-winning food and drinks with sophisticated and posh interiors where the city’s elite come to jubilate. Hanging out at the striking infinity pool lined with chaise lounges and sleek cabanas is the place to be on high-temp weekends where poolside Bellini’s, coconut margaritas, and savory and salty eats are served-up. We have already rounded-up the best pools for summer across the U.S. and this gem makes the list twice for its cantilevered pool as our top choice for a regal dip in the south.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU A KO OLINA | Kapolei, Hawaii
This list would be incomplete without paying homage to the lush and abundant kingdom of Hawaii’s own Oahu island. The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is an especially breathtaking setting at dusk. Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed from the infinity-edged pool set below swaying palms and beneath the mountainous Wai’anae Range. As day melts to evening, the shifting colors transform turquoise waters to an illumination of gold all while immersed in the pool. Dry off in a private cabana and wait for the night to settle in around with a cocktail in hand.
