Sunday, February 20, 2011

The World's Most Luxurious Swimming Pools

 Think about a holiday and one of the first things that springs to mind is lazing by the pool. We've searched far and wide to bring you eight of the most luxurious pools from around the world. We can't make up our mind which we want to dive into first...

To infinity and beyond in Tenerife

Infinity pools are marvellous things, giving a breathtaking impression of the water flowing endlessly into the horizon. Tenerife has Europe's largest infinity pool at the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. The pool is 5000 m2, and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera island. You can lie back and bask in the sunshine or take refuge from the rays in the little thatched pavilions that are dotted here and there throughout the pool to provide shade. Thoughtful!

Swim in the world's biggest pool in Chile

If big is best for you, then pack your bags and visit the world's biggest swimming pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo on Chile's southern coast. The pool covers a staggering 20 acres and holds around 66 million gallons of water! Even at its deep end (115ft!) the saltwater is crystal-clear and you can see the bottom. Too big to swim? Don't worry - small boats are provided!

Make like a millionaire in Spain

Tired of sharing? Bag one of the most stunning pools in Europe all for yourself through Home Rentals in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Frigiliana, Andalucia. Nestled at the foothills of the Almijara mountains, you can rent this little beauty out and enjoy a daily dip overlooking olive groves and vineyards, before settling back on the terrace and trying out the local produce. Cheers!
Urban cool rooftop pool in Beirut

Head to the latest must-visit city-break destination of Beirut to swim in the Le Gray Hotel roof-top infinity pool for a splash of urban style. The pool is made from glass with purple-coloured tiles to give the water a magically mauve-ish tint. While you're taking a dip, you'll overlook Beirut's exciting mix of architecture. Look closely and you can even see ancient excavated Roman and Phoenician ruins!


Swim by the mountains in Switzerland

Keep warm indoors in the infinity pool at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina in Switzerland. In the wintertime, you can watch skaters zipping around the private rink, with the awe-inspiring snowy peaks of the Upper Engadin providing the perfect backdrop. Apres-swim, indulge in a a hot chocolate or a 'vin chaud' (depending on the time of day) or even a Swiss fondue - a cheesy must-do in this part of the world.
Bask in paradise in Mauritius

The paradise island of Mauritius is home to Beau Rivage, which has an outstanding 2,000 m² swimming pool, on the edge of a glittering crystal-clear lagoon. Thoughtfully dotted here and there with palm trees so you can bask in the shade as you splash and admire the turquoise mosaics inlaid into the pool floor. With traditional thatched roof buildings to one side and a white sand beach to the other, this is a real dream-destination pool.
The Singapore pool in the sky

At 200 metres in the sky, the Sands SkyPark Pool at Marina Bay Sands gives an amazing view over Singapore's fabulously futuristic skyline. The pool is on the 55th floor, and three times the length of an Olympic swimming pool. The watery treats continue below in the hotel, where you can ride on a Sampam boat on a canal through its shopping centre!
Be dazzled by Bali

If you like your swimming pool to have that 'Outstanding Natural Beauty' vibe, then look no further than the Alila Ubud in Bali. This stunning pool allows you to get lost in the beauty of the tropical rainforest nestled in the hills of Payangan. It looks out over the Ayung river valley, high over the rainforest, home to waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers - perfect for a spot of post-bathing white-water rafting!