Infinity pools. A reflecting or swimming pool presents water flowing over one or multiple edges, producing the visual effect of blurring the natural with the man-made. Often designed to make the edge (or edges) merge into a larger body of water or landscape in the background, these pools create an exceptional experience. All around the world, these top hotels offer the best of the best, inviting guests for a refreshing dip overlooking the beautiful natural surroundings.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, French Riviera
Open daily exclusively for the use of hotel guests, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has transformed a winter-only destination after Antonie Sella used dynamite to carve the now-iconic seawater swimming pool out of natural basalt rock. With breathtaking views of the French Riviera from Juan-les-Pins off the coast at Cannes, the pool is perched on a ridge overlooking the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The Belmond Hotel Caruso is a luxurious retreat between sea and sky, set on a cliff edge 1,000ft above sea level in the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy. At the highest point in Ravello above the Mediterranean Sea, guests walk down a pathway flanked by roses to find the large heated elliptical-shaped swimming pool. The picturesque pool blends into its natural surroundings of luscious green mountains over the edge for one-of-a-kind views.
Caesar Augustus Hotel, Anacapri, Italy
One of the premier features at the Caesar Augustus luxury hotel in Capri is the double-level infinity pool (at 985 feet above the sea), which faces the sea. Creating the illusion of seamless transition between the pool, the sea, and the sky, the pool blends into the natural surroundings with views of Mount Vesuvius, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Bay of Naples, presenting truly special sunsets along the horizon.
Chromata Hotel, Santorini, Greece
On the edge of one of the most picturesque backdrops in Greece, the Chromata boutique Hotel property is perched atop the Aegean Sea with a breathtaking view. Over the glistening waters of the Aegean Sea, the pool ends right where the cliff begins along the Caldera, presenting views of the sea below and the volcano in the distance.
InterContinental Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
The celebrated InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel on the Kowloon waterfront, with spectacular views of the island, features an infinity pool with magnificent views of Victoria Harbor. The pool is situated just a few floors above the harbor, which gives the feeling that guests are floating right along the harbor waters. Those looking to ramp up their visit can book a suite with a private terrace that includes a jacuzzi to complement the pool’s impressive views.
Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Set in one of the world’s highest concentrations of tropical plants and wildlife in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the Nayara Springs is an adults-only resort that surrounds guests in lush vegetation and secluded luxury villas. Along with a private plunge pool in every room, the resort features two oversized pools, a lap pool, and a swim-up bar in the midst of the forest. With great views of the nearby Arenal Volcano, guests can spot toucans, hummingbirds, or macaws, which frequent the area.
Regent Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro
The luxury retreat located on the shores along the Adriatic coast offers an indoor and stunning outdoor pool with views of the Adriatic Sea and its surroundings. Offering a panoramic view of the marina and scenic Boka Bay, guests have access to the infinity pool as well as access to the exclusive Porto Montenegro Yacht Club. Set amid landscaped gardens, the main pool, lap pool, and two children’s pools offer a perfect place to enjoy cocktails poolside and watch the sunset over the bay.
The Leela Palace, New Delhi, India
With the only terrace pool in the city, the pool at The Leela Palace is also the highest pool in all of New Delhi. The exclusive temperature-controlled pool is open year-round, giving guests a panoramic, seamless view of the iconic city’s skyline. Set between a green fresco and a decorated stone wall embossed with bronze artwork, this pool provides an urban oasis in the middle of the bustling city. Guests of the hotel will enjoy an indulgent pool basket laden with everything to enjoy a relaxing day by the pool
The Vine Hotel, Funchal, Portugal
The Vine Hotel is a modern hotel in Funchal overlooking the port and the bay, where the time-honored tradition of fortified wine is woven into the architecture and interior design. Its outdoor rooftop heated swimming pool is a 360º panoramic swimming pool offering views of the bay and sparkling lights of the hillside and city in the evening.
Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon, Israel
This boutique luxury hotel sits atop Israel’s Negev Desert, placing itself as one of the country’s most exclusive hotels. Overlooking the breathtaking Ramon Crater – the world’s largest erosion crater – and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, the magnificent Beresheet‘s pool features lounge chairs and cabanas alongside the contrasting bright blue pool to the desert brown which surrounds the hotel.
