You’ve Never Seen Pools Quite Like These Before

If there’s one thing Dubai loves to do, it’s break a record. The city is home to the tallest building in the world, the largest mall and the biggest observation wheel. Recently, it added the highest outdoor infinity pool in a building in the world to its roster courtesy of Address Beach Resort. Measuring in at 964 feet above the ground up on the 77^th floor, the resort’s Guinness World Record-breaking pool gives the appearance of a massive lake in the sky. It’s 311 feet long and 54 feet wide—almost double the amount of an Olympic-sized pool and about nine-tenths the height of the Eiffel Tower. There’s a reason we named it the Best Pool View in our 2023 Kiwi Collection Awards. And this spectacular feature isn’t the only record that the hotel holds. The resort is part of a twin tower with the buildings joined from the first to 13th floors and again by a skybridge from the 63rd to 77th floors, which holds the record as the highest occupiable skybridge floor at 965.7 feet high.

The great pool debate is forever ongoing at Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa: indoor or outdoor? Luckily for swimmers, this resort on the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea offers the best of both worlds. Outside, you’ll find the biggest pool on the island of Corfu. Honored with the prestigious Prix Villégiature 2022 for the Best Pool in the World, the hotel’s curved outdoor infinity pool blends into the blue sky and sea, encapsulating the heart of the resort’s beauty. A wooden boardwalk extends into the middle with cabanas and sun beds, the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from the Sunrise Pool Bar. Meanwhile, indoors, a 25-meter heated pool overlooking the distant Grecian mountains is a sanctuary to unwind.

Hôtel Molitor Paris – Mgallery has a long, fabulous history. Piscine Molitor first opened its doors in 1929 and over the course of 60 years, it was Paris’ most popular swimming bath for swimming, bathing and socializing year-round . The indoor, art-deco pool solidified its place in the history books in 1946, when French designer Louis Réard unveiled a daring two-piece swimsuit–making Piscine Molitor the birthplace of the bikini. Now, Molitor is much more than just a swimming pool. It’s a hotel with 124 rooms and suites, all designed by the architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. It’s no wonder Emily and Mindy of television hit Emily in Paris had to visit for one of their stylish Parisienne outings.

There is so much to lay your eyes on in Mexico City—the Angel of Independence, the Castle of Chapultepec, Palacio de Bellas Artes. The best spot to see it all is from the city’s highest saltwater pool at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Plunge in and enjoy the capital’s breathtaking skyline from the 38th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows. Sit and relax in one of the lounge areas, surrounded by soothing living green walls, or melt into the relaxing hot tub while soaking in awe-inspiring views. The pool is also conveniently located next to Cityzen Bar, so hotel guests can enjoy a cocktail at one of the best elevated bars in the city.

Fusing the alluring grace of Halkidiki with the dazzling beauty of the Aegean Sea, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort is as natural as it gets. So natural in fact that the resort sits on a mineral-rich underground hot spring, making it a true haven of wellness. The crown jewel of the resort’s state-of-the-art spa is the large thalassotherapy pool. It’s directly linked to the Aegean Sea, with water that’s heated and maintained at a stable temperature. Outdoors, guests will find a warm, salty and adults-only thermal water swimming pool that’s surrounded by tropical palms. It’s the best spot for soaking up the Greek sun.

A delicate balance between Haussmann architecture and Vicenza stone, Boscolo Hotel & Spa Lyon flaunts its history beautifully. But perhaps it shows most extravagantly in the privacy of the basement where the property’s historic pool resides. Inspired by the Roman baths, the thermal pool is surrounded by stone walls and vaulted cellars, creating an intimate setting for bathers. Beyond the waters, a sensory experience can be enjoyed in the spa’s hammam, sauna and massage cabins. It’s an environment so tranquil that many of history’s most prominent figures, including Martin Luther King, the Duchess of Kent and Edith Piaf, have visited.

When it comes to #instafamous hotel pools, Alila Ubud’s mystical infinity pool is certainly near the top of the list. Sitting hillside on the edge of the Ayung River Valley, the visually dramatic 25-meter pool looks as if it hangs over the edge of the lush green gorge, the perfect position for a photo opp. Sun-loungers positioned on the stone-tiled sundeck invite the utmost relaxation, if swimming lengths sounds a little too tiring.

A lover of the cold plunge trend? This pool’s for you. Inspired by the fishing port of Carrasqueira built by local fishermen, Sublime Comporta’s Bio-Pool Suites are nine cabanas overlooking one of Europe’s largest biological pools. Each suite includes a private terrace allowing guests to directly plunge into the freshwater. And don’t worry, swimmers: the water is solely treated with aquatic plants; no chemicals are used whatsoever. It’s an actual living ecosystem where plants and animals coexist in perfect harmony—prepare to hear the symphony of resident frogs.

If swimmers are looking for a wading experience unlike any other, then Wakax Hacienda Hotel Tulum should be in their sights. Surrounded by the Mayan jungle, this oasis is an aquaphile’s dream with three pools dotted throughout the lodge, together with two lakes. But perhaps its most unique feature is the three breathtaking cenotes, all of which are connected to the world’s largest underground river system, resulting in freshwater lagoons for guests to dip into. Not to be forgotten are Tulum’s white coral sand Caribbean beaches just steps away.

Udaipur may be known as the City of Lakes, but at The Oberoi Udaivilas, you’ll feel as if its reflecting pool reigns superior. Akin to a traditional Indian royal residence, the property features an iconic pool placed on the banks of Lake Pichola which embraces the city’s history with its Mughal-inspired design. Surrounded by elegant arches and domes, blooming flowers and manicured courtyards, the 10-meter infinity pool will make all guests feel like they’re a king or queen.