Seven of the Best Pools

Words Vidula KotianDate 27 July 2022

Nothing quite heralds the dawn of summer like tiny swimwear and the coolest of blues: pools.

Dive headfirst into these seven stunning aqueous spots, from horizon-edge infinity views, a lake-like oasis, to an iconic rooftop, and beyond, and you will stay chilled while the temperatures soar.

Solar-powered design sanctuary

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Coaxing a connection with the Oaxacan coast, the Brutalist-inspired Hotel Terrestre encourages its guests to look outward and upward. Each of the 14 villas offer an upstairs terrace with a private plunge pool and lounge area, along with a lush ground-floor garden and an outdoor bathroom. The solar-powered design sanctuary also has a wellness area with a circular communal pool, a long pool among the desert plants for swimming laps, a hammam, and a star gazing deck.

Dramatically perched social hub

Los Angeles, U.S.A

With its spectacular city skyline views, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel’s multilevel pool is the ultimate place to socialize or quietly absorb the scene. Intimate corners, a checkered tile firepit, and all-day dining and drink mean the pool setting is alive under the sun and the stars. A terraced layout and just the right amount of added greenery define one of the most dramatically perched hotel pools in Los Angeles.

Minimalism on the water

North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Designed by prolific Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is visually stunning with its warm minimalism. Each villa comes with its own pool, either on the beach or on the expansive terrace on stilts looking out onto the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The ebb and flow of water is central to the spa’s concept where a floatation zone, cold and hot showers, yoga on paddleboards, and an aqua spinning class all help you rejuvenate, re-energize, and release.

Tropical modernist escape

Zakynthos, Greece

Greek island pools lend themselves well to arguably the most envy-inducing insta posts. At Olea All Suite Hotel, a 4,000-square-meter pool that resembles a lake is the heart of the sprawling 93-suite property. Water is ubiquitous at Olea, with streams and pools meandering between island-like clusters of tropical-modernist cube structures, communal areas under skylights, hidden gardens, and age-old olive trees.

Green urban escape

Cape Town, South Africa

Celebrating South African art and design, Tristan du Plessis has created a world at Gorgeous George that feels uniquely local. The crown jewel here is the indoor/outdoor rooftop space with its restaurant and a beautiful pool. One half of the pool is in a covered area painted by artist David Britz, while on the other open-air side is a lit-up sign that says, “Hello Gorgeous,” with pots and pots of plants in every corner. This singular green refuge comes alive in the evenings with locals sipping delicious cocktails from the mixology bar.

Tucked away oasis

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

A tucked away oasis that combines a sunny terrace with an outdoor pool and gardens, Concepció by Nobis’ patio area is one of Palma’s best kept secrets. The distinctly Mediterranean terrace, with its local plants, shaded pergola seating, and sun loungers, is exclusive to hotel guests in the daytime and open to all for tapas and wine in the evening. Situated in an enviable location, where the Old Town meets Santa Catalina, Concepció is perfectly placed to explore the city.

Wellness in the mountains

Merano, South Tyrol

Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, forests, and with a panoramic view of the mountains, Arua Private Spa Villas is a luxurious world set high above Merano. The hotel gently mediates a feeling of slowing down with a wellness focus that includes private spa areas in each of the six villas, as well as an infinity saltwater pool with a panorama so wide it dissolves any borders. The sloping ground gives one the impression of enjoying the spectacular view from a preferential standpoint, where the everchanging light and colors are reminiscent of a theatrical show.