Many hotels today spend thousands, if not millions, on their pools in hopes of attracting customers. In recent years the stakes have gone up dramatically, so now designers are getting even more creative than before to combine architectural elements that couldn’t have been dreamed of just a decade or two ago.
1. San Alfonso Del Mar, Chile
The pool at the San Alfonso del Mar is a mini ocean in and of its self. This pool is large enough to enjoy water sport activities like paddling and sailing. The pool measures two thirds of a mile in length—Guinness World Records calls it the largest in the world. For night time swimming, you could head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool's centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.
2. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
You'll swim with five species of sharks (16 sharks in all) at the Nugget's $30 million pool complex. While the pool might not seem too cool at first glance, notice the salt-water aquarium complete with sharks that is flush with the pool. There is also a clear tube slide that goes through the aquarium and into the pool.
3. Crown Tower, Macau
This is a cool infinity pool that looks out over a breath taking skyline from several stories up. This is definitely a great place to enjoy the sunset in Taipa Island.
4. Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman
This small infinity pool might not look like much at first, but when you take into account that the pool comes with your own private section of beach, cabana, pool, and more; it gets pretty luxurious.
5. Taj Hotel Resort and Palace
In a massive, 347-room palace overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this serene, temperature-controlled swimming basin takes advantage of natural candlelight—with rose petals sometimes strewn on the surface. The hotel is run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, which shares the property with the palace's owner, the Maharaja of Jodhpur—who has been known to swim laps with the guests from time to time.
6. Blue Lagoon Geo Thermal Resort, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an important part of your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater.
The water’s temperature is 37-39°C / 98-102°F. The lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Regular sampling shows that “common” bacteria do not thrive in this ecosystem, thus additional cleansers such as chlorine are not needed. The geothermal seawater comes into contact with cooling magmatic intrusions and captures the earth’s minerals, resulting in this unique natural source known for its healing power and actives.
7. Al Bustan Palace Inter Continental Muscat, Muttrah, Oman
Inter-Continental property in Oman had gone through an extensive renovation with a major pool upgrade. The spacious, 164-foot-long infinity pool is flanked by shady, palm-studded islands. The water is temperature controlled, so it's always an oasis-like 84 degrees.