12 amazing swimming pools from around the world
These pools aren’t your average run-of-the-mill rectangular hotel pools. With jaw-dropping views, unique concepts, and even terrifying experiences, curiosity will definitely get the better of you when it comes to pool time. Here are some of the most unique pools our world has to offer.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
In Grindavik, Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous spots in the country because of its transcendent geothermal features. Heated water is vented naturally from the ground and remains at around 37 degrees Celsius. Some say that the water has healing powers for various skin diseases.
San Alfonso del Mar
Chile’s San Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in the beachside city of Algarrobo, and boasts one of the world’s largest man-made swimming pools. Spanning over 1000 metres, the deep end plunges to 35 metres. The annual maintenance fee is said to be over US$3 million.
Ubud Hanging Gardens
Sharing its name with one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens swimming pool in Ubud is located in a luxurious Balinese resort. The pool clings to a precipitous edge of the densely forested valley, allowing swimmers to overlook the trees from the elevated waters above.
SkyPark, Singapore
Skypark at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore boasts an infinity pool 55 stories above ground. At the world’s most expensive hotel, the water flows over the edge of the building giving swimmers a jaw-dropping view of the city.
Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Africa
At the top of Victoria Falls in Africa, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, this natural formation called Devil’s Pool can safely hold swimmers and give them an amazing view of the natural wonder. A rock wall sits at the edge of the pool preventing the water from pulling swimmers over the side.
Pamukkale Pools, Turkey
The white calcium and limestone deposits of the Pamukkale Pools in Turkey serve as shelves in the water. The pools are known for their abundance of minerals, with many visitors believing they have healing powers.
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
This resort in the Maldives is known as ‘sensory heaven’. The pool mimics the clear night sky and fireflies, making this a truly romantic spot.
Mona Vale Beach Rock Pool, Sydney
This pool on Sydney’s northern beaches is located at the tip of a sand spit at the northern end of Mona Vale Beach. At high tide the pool becomes surrounded by water, creating the illusion for swimmers of floating in the middle of the ocean.
Cave pools, Santorini
Carved into the mountains slopes of the Greek island of Santorini are villas and hotel suites – or ‘caves’. The cave hotels come in numerous shapes and sizes, many with their own stunning lagoons that provide jaw-dropping views across the Aegean Sea.
Gellert Baths, Budapest
Founded over 100 years ago and located in the Gellert Hotel in Budapest, the Gellert Baths has 10 pools of different sizes and temperatures, all in an Art Nouveau setting. With mosaic floors and stained-glass windows, this is one of Hungary’s most photogenic spots.
Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico
This stunning natural pool is in Ik Kil Archeological Park in Mexico. About 30 metres wide and 40 metres deep, the pool has waterfalls and wild jungle plants. And it only costs US$6 to swim here!
Written by Emma Taubenfeld. This article first appeared on Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.