10 Stunning Swimming Pools from Santorini to the Seychelles

The right swimming pool can turn a good holiday into a truly great one. Whether you're in the mood for a poolside party or a laidback infinity pool with glorious views of the ocean or an iconic cityscape, here are ten perfect pools to transform your holiday plans.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Italy

Relish in the romance of Renaissance Italy at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (Photo: Marriott International)

Venice is made to be admired. One of Italy’s finest cities, Venice truly is a beauty, and the infinity pool at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa makes the very most of it. Perched on the 4th-floor rooftop, this impressive pool has 360-degree views of the city skyline, so you can spot St Mark’s Campanile in Piazza San Marco and the domed roof of St Mark’s Basilica as you swim. The waters are surrounded by smooth wooden decking and comfortable loungers, and there’s a cocktail bar to keep you suitably hydrated. This one’s for adults only, though the children will love the splash zone at the family pool, and there’s yet another pool in the spa.

The Bodrum EDITION, Türkiye

Bask in the contemporary luxury and stunning Aegean views at The Bodrum EDITION, Türkiye (Photo: Marriott International)

You’ll struggle to leave the gorgeous indigo infinity pool at Türkiye's The Bodrum EDITION, which leads your eye seamlessly out across the Aegean Sea that lies beyond. Grab one of the chic white loungers around the pool’s edge or wander down to the exclusive beach club – set on the hotel’s own private beach – where the jetty is lined with private cabanas, and you can slip into the sea for a swim. You can order champagne from your lounger and a chilled-out vibe prevails.

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini, Greece – where Cycladic charm meets breathtaking sunsets (Photo: Marriott International)

With its spectacular cliffside setting, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini is one of the most strikingly sited hotels in Greece. The pool here matches the hotel’s jaw-dropping architecture perfectly: a pebble-shaped marvel perched amid sculptural, creamy-stoned terraces. Its waters are the perfect place to hide away and relax while admiring the active volcano that created this magnificent island. This is one that's perfect for the honeymooners.

Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain

Experience vibrant Catalan culture and spectacular views of the Mediterranean at Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain (Photo: Marriott International)

Sure, there’s loads to see in Barcelona, but those gaps between museum visits and cultural tours will surely widen once you've discovered the infinity pool at the Hotel Arts Barcelona. This is one of Spain’s finest swimming spots, affording unique views of Frank Gehry’s iconic golden fish sculpture El Peix. You’re right on the seafront here too, which makes for a lovely, cooling breeze, and there’s a sophisticated lounge bar for cocktails and sundowners. The infinity pool is adults only but there’s a second pool for families, as well as some 1,000 square metres of gardens.

Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili, Autograph Collection, Georgia

Experience a fusion of Georgian hospitality and modern luxury at Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili, Autograph Collection, Georgia (Photo: Marriott International)

Few swimming spots have the flair of the saltwater pool at the Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili, Autograph Collection on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Built on a deck that extends out above the crystal-clear waters of the sea itself and featuring a futuristic-looking swim-up bar, this is one worth getting the designer swimwear out for. Relax on a squishy daybed above the Black Sea or even take a yoga class on boards that float on the waters.

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Oman

Immerse yourself amidst lush gardens and the turquoise sea at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Oman (Photo: Marriott International)

A palace in the midst of a desert oasis, the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel close to the capital city of Muscat has not one but six serene swimming pools. This is one of Oman’s leading hotels and it’s a blissful place to stretch out on a lounger in the dappled light beneath the palms, or to take a dip in waters surrounded by verdant gardens. Naturally, there’s a gorgeous infinity pool with views of the Gulf, and families will love the children's pool, complete with slides. 

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

Enjoy a slice of paradise with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Photo: Marriott International)

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is home not only to an incredible lagoon-style swimming pool surrounded by dreamy loungers perfect for relaxation, but also a spacious lap pool and a children's pool shaded with a canopy. On the same property you’ll even find the Jungle Bay Waterpark, complete with tube slides, splash pads and a wave pool suitable for the whole family.

Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa

Unwind in the therapeutic waters at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa (Photo: Marriott International)

Jordan’s Dead Sea is the world’s lowest body of water, at nearly 400 metres below sea level, and the pools at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa offer a unique viewpoint out over it. There are several pools here, including one just for children, plus two separate whirlpools and a poolside lounge bar. It’s just a short walk down through the bougainvillea to the resort's private beach, too, where you can treat your skin to the mineral-rich Dead Sea muds.

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

Surrender to the indulgence of Arabian luxury at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha (Photo: Marriott International)

The appropriately named Grand Pool at the Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha in Qatar is the sort of superb swimming spot that reels you in and won’t let you leave. Turquoise-pillowed loungers complement the appealing waters that run between the palms, while a series of comfortable sofas invite you to sit a while in the shade and enjoy the tranquility. The upscale Wa’Ha Pool Lounge serves cocktails at its swim-up bar.

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles

Embrace the serenity of island living at North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles, where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony (Photo: Marriott International)

If you're seeking a honeymoon spot, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic place for a dip à deux than the infinity pool at North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles. This stunning expanse of water curves around granite boulders and has vast palms growing so richly around it that they practically skim the water. Your view here is one of the best in the Seychelles too, looking out over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and there are pillowy loungers in the same calming shade to retire to afterwards.

Published: June 07, 2023

Last Updated: June 28, 2023