10 Incredible Hotel Swimming Pools - International Traveller

If the hotel pool is the deciding factor in your holiday plans, we’re about to blow you away.

From sky-high infinity pools to intimate oases that shimmer gold, here are 10 of the best hotel swimming pools around the world. Dive straight in.

1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

This incredible 150-metre-long infinity pool straddles the rooftops of three 57-storey buildings in the tropical city of Singapore and is the world’s largest. The stratospheric pool was described as an architectural feat when it opened as part of Marina Bay Sands Resort in 2010 and it boasts panoramic views of the city from the water’s edge.

The pool opens from 6am, giving early birds an incredible vantage point to catch the sunrise from behind the city skyline, and doesn’t close until 11pm, well after the sky turns to black and the city is illuminated with sparkling lights. Between dips, guests can lounge under palm trees and enjoy food and drinks from a rooftop dining menu designed by renowned LA chef Wolfgang Puck. Open to hotel guests only.

an infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark with sunset on the backdrop — Plunge into the pool at sundown.

2. Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia

Clinging to a hillside in the cultural centre of the Island of the Gods, the Hanging Gardens of Bali is a serene stay surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies. A breathtaking tiered pool lies at the centre of the resort, which was constructed using traditional materials by some 700 local craftsmen.

a pool beside a nipa hut at Hanging Gardens in Bali — Get acquainted with nature.

The pool juts out over the verdant valley below, giving swimmers the feeling of floating above the treetops. As if that isn’t enticing enough, each of the 44 villas has its own plunge pool for a private dip. Located in north Ubud, the resort is a soothing respite from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and co. The main pool is for resort guests, but day passes are available to purchase – and the money is worth the Insta pics alone.

a pool with scenic nature views at Hanging Gardens in Bali — The pool is literally hanging on top of verdant greenery.

3. Aman Amangiri, Utah, USA

If there was ever a time to use the word ‘oasis’, then this is it. Aman Amangari is a luxurious modernist hotel nestled on a 364-hectare property in the Colorado Plateau of Utah – aka the Wild West.

an aerial view of Aman Amangiri in Utah during the day — The property is tucked in a secluded spot within the Wild West.

Surrounded by rugged canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, this remote hideaway is made for luxe-loving adventurers who come to enjoy hiking and canyoning in a landscape that feels like the final frontier.

a close-up shot of the huge canyons surrounding Aman Amangiri swimming pool — Dip beneath towering canyons.

This striking swimming pool is at the heart of the resort and its aqua hue punctuates the neutral palette of the arid desert and rocky terrain that it is built around. Open to hotel guests only.

a swimming pool with loungers in the pavilion of Aman Amangiri in Utah — The pool turns into a magical retreat at dusk.

4. St Regis Lhasa, Tibet

Dreams of bathing ourselves in gold don’t usually occur in the Holy City of Tibet. But here, in the centre for Tibetan Buddhism – just a stone’s throw from the towering Potala Palace and the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple – the luxurious St Regis Lhasa houses a swimming pool that shimmers gold.

a gold pool at St Regis Lhasa — The golden pool seems fitting for royalty.

Aptly named the ‘Gold Energy Pool’, its unique radiance comes from the thousands of glittering mosaic tiles that line it. Part of the hotel’s expansive 11,700-square-foot day spa, the opulent pool is designed for rejuvenation and spiritual healing and is heated year-round.

a woman sitting on the side of the pool at St Regis Lhasa — Dive into spiritual healing.

Foot massages add to the indulgence and are available poolside while reclining on lounges surrounded by Tibetan art. Open to spa guests from noon to midnight.

a woman standing on the side of the pool at St Regis Lhasa Pool — A rejuvenating retreat awaits you.

5. The Siam Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Away from the chaotic streets of Bangkok, this private 39-room stay is an exclusive retreat that feels more like a home than a hotel. With a sophisticated Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, conceived by acclaimed architect, interior and landscape designer Bill Bensley, The Siam is infused with Thai antiques, art and traditions.

a side view angle of the The Siam pool — Lush greenery and a vibrant ambience surround the pool.

Guests can escape the year-round Bangkok humidity in the sophisticated 22-metre-long infinity pool, a monochrome beauty surrounded by manicured gardens right on the banks of the city’s lifeblood, the Chao Phraya River.

a bird's eye view of The Siam main pool — Relax and lounge by the main pool.

Poolside day beds make for the perfect spot to sip cocktails from the adjacent Bathers Bar while you indulge in people-watching, as locals and tourists alike bustle about on the river.

the entrance to the main pool at The Siam Hotel — Spend a relaxing getaway at The Siam Hotel.

6. Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico

The Baja California Peninsula or the end of Earth? At the Viceroy Los Cabos, it’s hard to tell, with views stretching across the ocean to the horizon from almost every angle of the hotel. Paying tribute to the subtropical locale, the resort comprises not just one but five pools: two on the beachfront, an adults-only option on the rooftop, and two in the central courtyard.

It’s the latter that catches our breath: these circular swimming holes are set within another vast body of water that stretches the entire space between the resort’s sleek white buildings, creating the illusion that they are floating. Guests can reach these refreshing pools via a teak boardwalk, which also leads to a unique nest-like structure that houses Japanese grill restaurant Nido.

an expansive pool surrounded by white structures at Viceroy Los Cabos — The expansive pool is next to enormous structures.

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7. COMO Laucala Island, Fiji

Reached by private charter only, this exclusive island off the coast of Vanua Levu is as close to paradise as you can get in the South Pacific. The island is wild with lush green vegetation, volcanic mountains, mangroves and coconut groves, all flanked by waters that transpose between emerald, turquoise and every shade of blue imaginable.

a huge outdoor pool on the beach at COMO Laucala Island, Fiji — Take a refreshing dip beneath the palm trees.

The COMO luxury resort has a traditional design, constructed with local timber and thatched roofs, and an organic pool set among swaying palm trees and tropical gardens. There are multiple nooks to wade about, as well as a glass-fronted lap pool and sandy beach for small kids to splash about.

palm trees surrounding the outdoor pool at COMO Laucala Island — The resort gives off tropical vibes.

8. Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

Whether you’re basking in sunshine or snowflakes are falling upon your shoulders, this pool is worthy of a dip. Located in the Bürgenstock alpine region in the heart of Switzerland, the 1905-built Hotel Villa Honegg sits at more than 900 metres above sea level and takes in sweeping views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, as well as Lake Lucerne and the storybook villages that are nestled along its banks.

scenic mountain views on top of a pool villa in Switzerland — Soak up scenic views.

The pool is set to 34 degrees year-round, meaning you can take a soak even when the outside temperature dips below zero. It’s part of the hotel spa, which also includes a Finnish sauna, steam bath and relaxing treatments, and is open to the public for an entrance fee.

a 34-degree pool at Villa Honegg, Switzerland — The cold won’t bother you here.

9. InterContinental Hayman Island, Australia

Australia’s largest swimming pool is equivalent to seven Olympic swimming pools. It can be found in the tropical Whitsundays on long-time holiday hideaway Hayman Island. Part of InterContinental Hayman Island, the pool laps at the doorsteps of the resort’s luxurious ground-level suites, inviting guests to dive straight in from their balcony.

Wrapping around the Aqua poolside lounge and bar, where there is another plunge pool, there are luxury cabanas available to hire poolside and boardwalks that connect the different lounging sections. But the hero? That view: a blissful scene of yachts sailing on cerulean waters, speckled with fringing reefs that hide the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

10. The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, USA

It’s good vibes only at the Goodtime Hotel, a South Beach boutique stay owned by hospitality mogul David Grutman and musician Pharrell Williams. Channelling the city’s Art Deco style, this playful hotel is flanked by a 24,000-square-foot pool and lounge, named the Strawberry Moon Pool.

an aerial view of the Goodtime Hotel — Goodtime Hotel is a blissful paradise in the city. (Image: Alice Gao)

Pretty in shades of sherbet and pastel green, the aqua oasis comprises twin pools and a deck lined with private cabanas and striped umbrellas, from which you can chill, sip cocktails from the al fresco bar and listen to upbeat tunes coming from the DJ booth. It’s open from sunrise to sunset daily but it’s only open to those aged over 21 on weekends, which is when the good times really roll on.

a walkway in the middle of the Strawberry Moon Pool at Goodtime Hotel — There’s plenty of space to lounge on. (Image: Alice Gao)

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.

10 of the world’s most incredible hotel swimming pools