Our Favorite 10 Swimming Pools

Small, big, round, square – swimming pools, nowadays, come in all shapes and sizes. The key to success? Choosing a swimming pool that complements the landscape instead of competing with it.

We’ve handpicked ten stunning pools all around the world to get you dreaming about summer.

1. Amangiri, USA

First on our list is the beautiful pool of Amangiri. The collaboration between three architects – Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy – has resulted in a stunning desert pool, which seems to blend perfectly into its dramatic surroundings.

When designing the resort, architects used a mix of local sand and cement, which matched the color of the nearby geological formations.

2. Castello di Reschio, Italy

It’s hard to decide what’s more beautiful – the striking infinity pool or the view it offers. Castello di Reschio, a five-star hotel in Umbria, Italy, was transformed from a crumbling castle to an extraordinary property by architect Benedikt Bolza.

The incredible pool is surrounded by landscaped gardens, which add to the beauty.

3. Grace Santorini, Greece

Greek Islands are famed for their glorious views, which makes them an excellent place for building stunning pools. Grace Santorini boasts an asymmetric infinity pool, which overlooks the mesmerizing Aegean Sea and impressive Skaros Rock.

The contemporary, award-winning design is the combined work of Divercity Architects & Mplusm Architects.

4. Amankila, Bali

Just behind the beach of the award-winning hotel Amankila, you’ll find The Beach Club, which overlooks the resort’s largest swimming pool. The three-tier infinity pool cascades at the property’s heart and is a real treat to look at.

What’s impressive, the stunning hotel was designed already in 1992 by Ed Tuttle and Danilo Cepellini. While more than 30 years have passed, it still remains as gorgeous.

5. Fregate Island, The Seychelles

When you first look at Fregate Island, you’re not sure what attracts your attention more – the good-looking infinity pool or the awe-inspiring surrounding greenery. While you decide, we’ll just mention the fact each of the private villas has its own too.

Not too shabby, right?

6. The Oberoi Udaivilas, India

The glorious hotel set in India was built to reflect the setting of a palace. This clearly showcases also in the design of the pool area. Working for more than a decade and a half, the architects were looking for ways to utilize traditional building methods and materials in a contemporary context.

The beautiful pool includes royal blue and cobalt blue tiles and was inspired by the concept of the ancient Indian step-wells.

7. Soho Farmhouse, England

Imagine a pool within a lake. Sounds impossible? Well, you can book a stay at Soho Farmhouse and experience it yourself. The 25-meter outdoor infinity pool in Oxfordshire, England, was designed to replicate the feel of a working boathouse.

Its beautiful finish was selected to resemble the Cotswold stone, which is used in the surrounding buildings. Who knew a farm could look so luxurious?

8. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Feeling confused looking at this photo? You aren’t the only one! What you see really is a pool-within-a-pool-within-the-sea. The iconic 30-meter Lap Pool seems to stretch out into the lagoon.

Thanks to the smart design, it creates an illusion of you floating in the ocean. Impressively, the pool also includes a built-in Jacuzzi and a carved stone lounge bed.

9. Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

The hilltop of the stunning hotel – Six Senses Yao Noi – has recently overcome an extensive renovation, becoming even better and more beautiful. Inspiration for the design partly came from the nest of the island’s resident Hornbills.

In the process, the hotel’s mesmerizing infinity-edge pool was also given a fresh look.

10. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy

At the edge of Lake Como, you’ll find this gem – the pool of the impressive Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Modern, classy, and elegant – it ticks all the boxes for amazing pools.

Offering a touch of turquoise on the lake’s surface, it really creates the WOW effect many fail to do.

End notes

During the pandemic, the swimming pool industry skyrocketed. Since people were spending more time at home, there was a need for new and smart designs.

In 2023, options for achieving a natural or tropical setting are nearly unlimited. With the help of experienced designers, the right kind of pool can revamp any outdoor space, regardless of size.