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A truly great hotel pool is more than just a place to swim; it is an architectural statement, a social centerpiece, and a sanctuary for the soul. While new hotels constantly vie for attention with gimmicks, there remains a pantheon of “classic” pools that have stood the test of time. These are the waters that grace the covers of coffee table books and top the bucket lists of seasoned travelers.From the volcanic cliffs of Greece to the urban skyline of Hong Kong, these ten iconic pools define the concept of luxury. They are not just amenities; they are destinations in their own right.
- Hotel Perivolas – Santorini, Greece
The Ultimate Infinity Edge
Often cited as the pool that launched the “infinity” craze, the pool at Perivolas is an exercise in absolute serenity. Carved into the volcanic cliffside of Oia, the water appears to spill seamlessly into the Aegean Sea hundreds of feet below. With no railing to interrupt the view, swimming here feels like floating in the blue sky. It is the definition of Greek island minimalism.
- Amandari – Bali, Indonesia
The Jungle Sanctuary
Designed to mimic the shape of the surrounding rice paddies, the pool at Amandari is a masterclass in harmonizing with nature. Perched on the lip of the Ayung River gorge, the pool is lined with emerald-green tiles that reflect the lush jungle canopy. As dusk falls, traditional gamelan music often drifts across the water, creating a spiritual atmosphere that is quintessentially Balinese.
- Le Sereno – St. Barth
Caribbean Chic
Located on the pristine Grand Cul-de-Sac, this pool is the heart of the hotel designed by the legendary Christian Liaigre. It is low-profile, sleek, and framed by swaying palms, extending toward the turquoise lagoon. The pool’s shallow, calm nature makes it perfect for wading with a cocktail in hand, embodying the effortless, stylish relaxation that St. Barth is famous for.
- The Peninsula – Hong Kong
Roman Grandeur in the Sky
While many classic pools are outdoors, The Peninsula offers an indoor sanctuary that rivals them all. Located on the 8th floor, this pool is styled after a Roman bath, featuring classical columns, friezes, and statues. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, swimmers are treated to a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the Victoria Harbour skyline. It is a regal escape from the bustle of the city below.
- One&Only The Palm – Dubai, UAE
Arabian Opulence
In a city known for excess, the main pool at One&Only The Palm stands out for its elegant symmetry and sheer scale. Surrounded by oversized daybeds and private cabanas, the pool is framed by Andalusian-style architecture and lush palm trees. It offers a sense of absolute privacy and calm, contrasting sharply with the skyscrapers of the Dubai Marina visible across the water.
- The Chedi – Muscat, Oman
The Longest Luxury
The Chedi is famous for having not just one, but three magnificent pools. However, “The Long Pool” is the icon. Stretching a staggering 103 meters (337 feet), it is the longest pool in the Middle East. Lined with black tiles and flanked by symmetrical palm trees and low-hanging lanterns, it offers a striking, moody aesthetic that is dramatically beautiful, particularly at night.
- COMO Point Yamu – Phuket, Thailand
A Design Masterpiece
Designed by Italian visionary Paola Navone, this pool is instantly recognizable by its vivid turquoise tiles which perfectly match the color of the Andaman Sea. The pool sits on the tip of the Cape Yamu peninsula, offering panoramic views of the dramatic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay. It is a vibrant, contemporary classic that celebrates the colors of Thailand.
- Four Seasons Punta Mita – Mexico
The Pacific Horizon
The “Nuna” pool at the Four Seasons Punta Mita is a free-form infinity pool that blends indistinguishably with the Pacific Ocean. The design focuses on unobstructed views of the horizon, making it a prime location for whale watching during the season or viewing the flaming red sunsets of the Riviera Nayarit. It captures the relaxed, sun-drenched spirit of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
- Amanyara Resort – Turks & Caicos
Architectural Zen
Amanyara is celebrated for its peace and precision. The main swimming pool is a dark, volcanic rock rectangle that acts as a mirror for the changing sky. Surrounded by timber pavilions and lush vegetation, the pool emphasizes silence and reflection. It is less about splashing and more about the meditative beauty of water meeting architecture.
- The Faena – Miami Beach, USA
Artistic Glamour
The Faena brings the golden age of Miami glamour back to life with a surreal twist. The pool area is legendary not just for its red and white Art Deco umbrellas, but for the massive sculpture that sits centrally in a glass case: Damien Hirst’s “Gone but not Forgotten”—a 24-karat gold woolly mammoth skeleton. It is eccentric, bold, and undeniably iconic.
