World's 15 most spectacular swimming pools

Swimming is fun. Swimming in a pool that ranks among the most beautiful things you've ever seen ... that's unforgettable.

Whether you want the tropical environs of Bali or a gold-plated pool in the Himalayas, there are swimming pools out there that are destinations in their own right. 

 

1. Alila Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

This spectacular cliff-top infinity pool appears to float in space. The scary-looking cage at the end is actually a user-friendly cabana designed for gazing out over the horizon in comfort.

Wonder why the water is empty? Lovely as this 50-meter beauty is, guests are probably using one of the private pools that come with each of the 84 villas.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl Belimbing Sari,Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia; +62 361 848 2166; www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

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2. The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand

The Library’s pool gets its startling color from a base of mosaic glass tiles in orange, yellow and blood red. The effect is heightened by the red mattresses that line the perimeter, and at night underwater lights transform the swimming pool into a dazzling spectacle on the Chaweng seafront.

The Library, 14/1 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Thailand; +66 77 422 7678; www.designhotels.com/the_library

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3. Pelican Hill, California, United States

Named after the Coliseum in Rome, this is the world’s largest circular pool with a diameter stretching 41.5 meters.

Vaulted arches, corniced columns and an amphitheater of terraced decks sit above the 1 million hand-set glass mosaic tiles which line the bottom, and it’s all surrounded by ultra deluxe private cabanas in a resort that aims to recreate classical Italy in Orange County. 

The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, California, United States; +1 949 467 6800; www.pelicanhill.com

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4. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

This enchanting pool, one of the largest in the Maldives, was the first to employ fiber optics. It’s illuminated by more than 1,000 of the little lights, and its shoreline deck often becomes a backdrop for glamorous events like international fashion shows.

It segues to the only salt-water flotation pool in the Maldives, full of minerals with known therapeutic and healing effects.

North Mahe Atoll, Maldives; +960 6644 222; www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com

5. Nandana Villa, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Private and serene, the pool at Nandana seems to drop straight into the Atlantic and is the focal point of this Balinese-style property.

As it’s a private rental villa, the dramatic minimalism of the pool is not sullied by the clutter of dozens of loungers and parasols which line your average hotel pool; there are just half a dozen teak sun beds and three strategically placed palm trees.

Nandana, Pine Island, Grand Bahama; +212 621 0350; www.nandanavilla.com

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