Words: Alistair MacQueen
While others are busy worrying about wrapping paper and New Year’s resolutions, we’re more concerned with where we can get our fix of the best views from pool this season.
On a secluded and exclusive 800-metre beachfront of Koh Phi Phi Island, the pool of this 4.5 star resort overlooks the aquamarine expanse of the Andaman Sea in front. Beneath cerulean skies, we think you’ll agree it makes for a more pleasant vista than coming out of King’s Cross station in the rain.
The 600 square metres Infinity Pool at Terre Blanche is almost a spectacle in itself and a true centrepiece to the hotel. Of course there’s the breathtaking views of the southern French countryside, but what really ups the ante here is the fact the pool’s heated to an invigorating 28C. And there’s an alfresco poolside restaurant and grill, of course.
As if Monaco wasn’t special enough, this heated sea-water pool is surrounded by a bespoke mural designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself and was unveiled in 2013. The hotel’s Belle Epoque styling evoke a wonderful era of glamour and luxury.
Revel in your best Roman pomp on the 10th floor of this breathtaking hotel. Afforded only to those who book into the presidential suite, this Pompeian-style swimming-pool has muralled walls, marble tiles and dolphin mosaics, much like the Ancient Roman thermal baths, but without the faint sound of car horns in the distance.
It doesn’t get more verdant or stunning than the view from the pool of this 7-star boutique hotel. Not only does it have an infinity pool, but it’s also tiered at several levels to echo the loftiness of the forest in front. If you’re looking for splendid isolation, here’s where to find it.
There’s big pools and then there’s biiiggg pools. And if the olympian length of Point Yamu’s 100m infinity pool doesn’t satisfy your aquatic desires, then perhaps its views and excursions out to Phang Nga Bay where The Man with the Golden Gun was set is enough to tempt you.
If you’re going to get away for the winter, why not venture to the Antipodes where you’re virtually guaranteed baking hot sunshine? Not only that, but at this boutique hotel, it’s hard not to be mesmerised by the view of the Hauraki Gulf from the pool. What it doesn’t have in size, it certainly makes up for the aesthetics department.
See here for our choice of the most glamorous poolsides
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