Listopedia: cool pools from around the world

From infinity pools perched on cliff sides to private plunge pools big enough to swim laps in, here’s some of our favourite hotel pools.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como Italy

You can’t get more luxe than this historic five star hotel on the banks of Lake Como in Italy’s north. The pontoon pool is definitely the spot to be – sit back and enjoy the view across the lake. Appropriately named Water on Water, the pool is one of several on the property.

Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali

Home to Bali’s famous Rock Bar, this hotel is used to perching its facilities out over the cliff. The Ocean Beach Pool gives you the best of both worlds – a stunning infinity pool and a stellar view.

FAENA Hotel, Buenos Aires

Housed in a grain storage silo built back in 1902, the FAENA Hotel was given a new lease on life when it was turned into a hotel. Designed by interior guru Philip Stark, you can expect plenty of dramatic flair. Including a giant crown in the pool.

Angsana Velavaru, Maldives

You can’t get much closer to the water than at these over water villas in the Maldives. Just a tiny spec in the South Nilandhe Atoll, this resort is famous for its InOcean Villas, where you can pop from your private plunge pool straight into the ocean.

Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai

More fish tank than hotel pool, this uber cool see through pool is just what you’d expect from a hotel in Shanghai. New, modern and made from acrylic, the 15m pool is located in the hotel’s Optime Spa.

Hotel Villa Honegg, Lake Lucerne Switzerland

When you have a view like the Hotel Villa Honegg, how do you make the most of it? You perch a pool right out over the edge and keep the temperatures nice and warm. Sit back and soak up the heat and the views across Lake Lucerne.

Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas Mexico

With some of Cabo’s famous beaches right nearby – Solmar Beach, Cannery Beach, The Arch, Lover’s Beach and Marina Cabo San Lucas – plenty of guests will still find it difficult to tear themselves away from this cool pool. Grab a drink at the swim up bar or sprawl out on a deck chair for the day.

Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood Thailand

Got a large group? Book into the Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, where the Private Cliff Pool Reserve has six bedrooms, a tree house (for kids) and a water slide so you can pool hop between villa pools.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Sitting in a private lagoon on Villingili Island, this resort makes the most of its natural assets. Villas are perched over the water, tucked into the treetops and spread out across the shore. For an extra special stay, check into the Villa Muthee and make the most of one very beautiful infinity pool.

Alila Villas, Uluwatu Bali

Tucked into the hills of Uluwatu, these stunning villas are a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s busy cities. The infinity pool perches out over the cliffs and is a great spot to spend the day, but the Sunset Cabana is an even better spot for a few drinks as the sun goes down.