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17 Most Insane Swimming Pools in the World

Take a dip in these tranquil waters.

From heated spas perched atop mountainous cliffs in the jungle to infinity pools at the apex of urban skylines, these chlorinated havens offer some of the best views in the world. (Oh, and you'll find five-star spa treatments at basically all of them.) When it comes time to book your next luxury trip, ditch the romance novel, grab your swimsuit, and dive headlong into one of these completely insane swimming pools.

1
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Infinity Pool Singapore Most Insane Swimming Pools
Shutterstock

The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands is the largest of its kind in the entire world—giving tourists a chance to take in the city from every point of view. It's part of the over-the-top Sky Park, perched atop the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore. Unfortunately, pool access is only reserved for hotel guests, but a stay here is worth lounging by this revolutionary pool. (Bonus fun fact! It was just featured in the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians.)

2
Chongwe River House, Zambia

Chongwe River House Africa Most Insane Swimming Pools
Shutterstock

The Chongwe River House is an intimate private home set against the landscape of the Chongwe River and surrounding mountains in Zambia. This poolside experience is the most unique because wildlife is prone to stomp through your camp, giving your stay a safari-like experience—and, as pictured above, you never know who may want to join you in your luxury pool.

3
Katikies, Santorini

Katikies pool bar overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Katikies Santorini

In Santorini—and the surrounding Greek isles—there very well may be more pools than people. Feel like splashing in winding rivers located inside of your hotel room? Check. Want a cave-ensconced swimming pool? Check. A breathtaking view? Whitewashed stone? Endless bluebird skies whistling with the Aegean breeze? Check, check, and check. But if you want all of the above, there's only one place that will do the trick: the Katikies resort.

4
Amangiri, Utah

amangiri utah pool
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

The spa amenities at Utah's Amangiri Resort are some of the most luxurious in the country—and offer breathtaking views of the desert to boot. The water pavilion's sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool are surrounded by the rough rocks of the canyon. To fully experience the beauty of this serene dip, soak in the views during sunrise or sunset, as the rays bounce off the canyon walls.

5
Hanging Gardens, Bali

Infinity pools set in a unique design from Bali, Indonesia
iStock

Perhaps one of the most photogenic pools in the entire world, the twin-tiered cascading pool at the Hanging Gardens resort in Bali is surrounded by lush rainforests and the Ayung River. Previously awarded the coveted title of "World's Best Swimming Pool" by Conde Nast Traveller, it stands just outside of an equally-famous resort, boasting an incredible spa and impressive host of amenities.

6
Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

infinity pool overlooking the alps
Hotel Villa Honegg

The pool at the Hotel Villa Honegg in Lucerne overlooks the Swiss Alps. No matter the season, visitors can enjoy the heated waters and panoramic views surrounding one of the most picturesque hotels on the planet. Even if you'd rather not stay at the hotel, visitors can still reserve a single entrance pass to enjoy the cliffside spa for up to four hours.

7
Riad Yasmine, Morocco

marrakesh Riad Yasmine courtyard pool
Riad Yasmine

This stylish pool in the Riad Yasmine boutique hotel in Marrakech is the most Instagram-worthy on this list, featuring tiles and greenery everywhere the eye can see. Serving as a truly authentic Moroccan experience, hotel guests can pass out on the plush lounges around the pool, and even share the space with the friendly felines that provide impeccable service (and cuddles).

8
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India

The Oberoi Udaivilas Pool Most Insane Swimming Pools
Shutterstock

This magical estate on Lake Pichola boasts more than just amazing cuisine and sprawling courtyards—it also features a grand infinity pool that nearly encompasses the entire resort. Encapsulated by fragrant gardens and authentic tiling, this infinity pool is one of the most extravagant of its kind.

9
San Alfonso del Mar, Chile

San Alfonso del Mar, Guinness World Record of the biggest swimming pool of the world
iStock

The private San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile has the distinct honor of housing the second biggest pool in the entire world, covering more than 20 acres and holding approximately 66 million gallons of seawater. At its deepest, the pool plunges an impressive 115 feet into the ground.

10
The Library, Thailand

The Library Koh Samui Thailand Most Insane Swimming Pools
Shutterstock

This pool exhibits a shock of color against the sedated, minimalistic design of The Library resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, right outside of Chaweng Beach. For the perfect pool experience, be sure to go for a sunset swim, when the colors of the pool transform into molten gold. Again, you will have to be a hotel guest to swim in this coveted pool, but The Library offers one of the most posh and fashionable stays in the area.

11
Market Square Tower, Texas

market square tower sky pool
Market Square Tower

Located 500 feet above Houston, this pool is the tallest in Texas and one of the first to include a glass-bottomed pool. Feeling adventurous? You can swim to the glass section that cantilevers 10 feet over the side of the apartment building, providing views of the city below. Though the pool is reserved only for residents, it might be worth a year's lease to swim in this pool, which isn't a far cry from floating on air.

12
Velassaru Maldives Resort, Maldives

infinity pool velassaru Maldives
Shutterstock

This infinity pool, perched right against the ocean, is an unforgettable spa experience that makes guests feel as though they are connected to the blue lagoon surrounding the resort. Along with this infinity pool, certain villas at the resort offer private plunges with equally spectacular views.

13
Viceroy Bali, Indonesia

viceroy hotel ubud Bali
Shutterstock

Set in the heart of the jungle, the infinity pool is the crown jewel of the Viceroy Bali resort, bringing visitors from all over the world to indulge in its sweeping views. Better yet, guests can enjoy their favorite cocktail, available at the swim-up bar. In fact, when you book a room at this resort, each villa features its own private plunge, boasting even more amazing views of the jungle floor.

14
Golden Nugget, Nevada

The Tank Golden Nugget Nevada
Golden Nugget

Everything in Vegas is extravagant, including this award-winning pool at the Golden Nugget. Here, hotel guests can swim with the sharks—separated by a thin layer of glass, that is. To further emerge yourself in the 200,000-gallon aquarium, climb 30 feet in the air and slip down the state-of-the-art waterslide, with sharks swimming above and below you. If Jaws isn't really your thing, relax at the H20 bar or hang by the rejuvenating waterfalls.

15
Las Grutas Tolantongo, Mexico

natural mineral pool Tolatongo, Mexico
Shutterstock

Carved into the Hidalgo cliffside, this collection of pools is filled with "warm, naturally mineral-infused water that's heated by the surrounding volcanic mountains." If you need a break from exploring the vast systems of pools jutting out of the cliffside, venture into the surrounding caves and tunnels for more adventure. Even better: this pool is open to anyone and everyone.

16
Città del Mare Resort Village, Italy

citta del mare resort Italy pool
Trip & Travel Blog/Flickr

Eleven slides form one of Italy's most iconic pools, nestled into the Città del Mare Resort Village in Terrasini, Sicily. A full trip down these slides takes you through three swimming pool decks, and then straight into the Mediterranean Sea—with breathtaking views of the craggy coastline along the way.

17
Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

infinity pool overlooking phang nga bay
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

At Six Senses Yao Noi resort, a villa with a private infinity pool will get you this spectacular view of Phang Nga Bay. Not only that, but a stay at this luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand, transports you to a more magical state of mind, complete with world-class service and all the island cocktails that one could ever want. And for more spectacular resorts, check out the 17 Most Exotic Off-the-Grid Hotels in the World.

Ashley Moor
Ashley hails from Dayton, Ohio, and has more than six years of experience in print and digital media. Read more
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