Taking a dip in a spectacular pool while enjoying unique, stunning views may require traveling to the most distant corners of the world. Moreover, a good pool with a beautiful scenery seems a good enough reason to book a room at the hotel that offers such pleasure. Here is our selection of the world’s most fabulous hotel pools:

The Hanging Gardens of Bali
The Hanging Gardens of Bali / Indonesia

You have to fly to Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia, to dive into one of the two infinity pools of the five-star Hanging Gardens hotel, nestled in a deep valley. The pools, with straight and angular shapes, are lined with the local volcanic stone called Batu Chandi. They are designed to resemble the paddy fields typical of the area and surrounded by a green landscape that mimics the jungle. The hotel offers 44 private villas decorated in fine Balinese style, some of which have a private pool. It also features a spa along the Ayung River.

The Oberoi Udaivilas
The Oberoi Udaivilas / India

This resort is part of one of the most exclusive hotel chains in the world, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, which has a significant presence in India. It is located in one of the country’s most romantic cities, Udaipur. At the Oberoi Udaivilas water is ever present, not only in Lake Pichola—the city’s largest and most famous lake— but also in its two outdoor pools. One of them caresses the rooms with direct access to the water from their individual terraces. The second pool is in the back of the hotel, where you can take a dip surrounded by massive domes built in authentic Indian style.

The Chedi Muscat
The Chedi Muscat / Sultanate of Oman

In the Sultanate of Oman, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, The Chedi Muscat luxury hotel offers not one but three beachfront pools. One, the Serai Pool is ideal for families; the second, Chedi Pool, is limited to guests aged 16 and older; and third, Long Pool is the longest of all and was added to the hotel in 2011.

The Joule Dallas
The Joule Dallas / USA

This hotel, located in Dallas, Texas, has one of the most impressive pools in the world. One section measuring 2.43 meters (8 feet) protrudes from the facade of the building. A glass wall located on the 10th floor, allows guests to observe passersby as they swim, provided they don’t suffer from vertigo.

The Four Seasons Shanghai Pudong
The Four Seasons Shanghai Pudong / China

The 41-floor skyscraper that houses this Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai, China, hosts this magnificent gem: an 18-meter (60-feet) long indoor pool. From 11 pm, couples have private access with prior reservation. The staff will welcome you with champagne, snacks, and a romantic soundtrack. While it is ideal for couples, you can also enjoy it alone or in a group. Through the windows, you see the entire city at your feet.

The InterContinental Hong Kong
The InterContinental Hong Kong / China

Also in China, we find the luxurious InterContinental Hong Kong. This hotel offers an outdoor pool and several smaller spa-style pools overlooking Victoria Harbor and surrounded by lily ponds. From there, you can admire the spectacular skyline of the city and the typical reed boats riding on the bay. Also, the executive suites—such as the terrace suite— feature an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the city.

The Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands / Singapore

This list would not be complete without one of the world’s most photographed pools. It sits atop Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands hotel. Located in the metropolitan area of this city-state, the hotel boasts three 55-floor towers, joined by a terrace which houses the large 150 meters (480 feet) long pool, from which you can see the entire city.

The Swala Camp Sanctuary
The Swala Camp Sanctuary / Tanzania

Located in the Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, the Swala Camp Sanctuary is a hotel which, as expected, offers fascinating safaris. However, if you wish to see giraffes, impalas, zebras, and lions in utmost relaxation, you only need to sit beside the small pool, where swarms of African wildlife will come to use the pond as a watering hole. The hotel service receives rave reviews for its extremely personalized service since there are only has 14 rooms.

The Cambrian
The Cambrian / Switzerland

And from the landscape of the tropical jungle, we move towards the cold, to the village of Adelboden, Switzerland, where the former Grand Hotel Regina has taken a new personality as The Cambrian. You can find the luxury hotel only two hours from Geneva on the sunny side of an alpine valley. At a very short distance, there is a lift which offers access to the ski slopes. From the warm water of its outdoor pool, you can watch the small houses dotting the snowy mountains. The hotel also features a second cold water indoor pool.

Shangri-La The Shard
Shangri-La The Shard / England

This pool, located in London’s Shard skyscraper, is considered one of the highest in the world. The 52-floor building belongs to the Shangri-La resort chain and is the tallest in the British capital. The swimming pool opens at 6 a.m., and from its large windows, you can enjoy the vibrant rhythm of the beautiful city, as well as the famous Thames River.  ■