10 Incredible Hotel Swimming Pools - International Traveller

If the hotel pool is the deciding factor in your holiday plans, we’re about to blow you away.

From sky-high infinity pools to intimate oases that shimmer gold, here are 10 of the best hotel swimming pools around the world. Dive straight in.

1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

This incredible 150-metre-long infinity pool straddles the rooftops of three 57-storey buildings in the tropical city of Singapore and is the world’s largest. The stratospheric pool was described as an architectural feat when it opened as part of Marina Bay Sands Resort in 2010 and it boasts panoramic views of the city from the water’s edge.

The pool opens from 6am, giving early birds an incredible vantage point to catch the sunrise from behind the city skyline, and doesn’t close until 11pm, well after the sky turns to black and the city is illuminated with sparkling lights. Between dips, guests can lounge under palm trees and enjoy food and drinks from a rooftop dining menu designed by renowned LA chef Wolfgang Puck. Open to hotel guests only.

an infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark with sunset on the backdrop — Plunge into the pool at sundown.

2. Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia

Clinging to a hillside in the cultural centre of the Island of the Gods, the Hanging Gardens of Bali is a serene stay surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies. A breathtaking tiered pool lies at the centre of the resort, which was constructed using traditional materials by some 700 local craftsmen.

a pool beside a nipa hut at Hanging Gardens in Bali — Get acquainted with nature.

The pool juts out over the verdant valley below, giving swimmers the feeling of floating above the treetops. As if that isn’t enticing enough, each of the 44 villas has its own plunge pool for a private dip. Located in north Ubud, the resort is a soothing respite from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and co. The main pool is for resort guests, but day passes are available to purchase – and the money is worth the Insta pics alone.

a pool with scenic nature views at Hanging Gardens in Bali — The pool is literally hanging on top of verdant greenery.

3. Aman Amangiri, Utah, USA

If there was ever a time to use the word ‘oasis’, then this is it. Aman Amangari is a luxurious modernist hotel nestled on a 364-hectare property in the Colorado Plateau of Utah – aka the Wild West.

an aerial view of Aman Amangiri in Utah during the day — The property is tucked in a secluded spot within the Wild West.

Surrounded by rugged canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, this remote hideaway is made for luxe-loving adventurers who come to enjoy hiking and canyoning in a landscape that feels like the final frontier.

a close-up shot of the huge canyons surrounding Aman Amangiri swimming pool — Dip beneath towering canyons.

This striking swimming pool is at the heart of the resort and its aqua hue punctuates the neutral palette of the arid desert and rocky terrain that it is built around. Open to hotel guests only.

a swimming pool with loungers in the pavilion of Aman Amangiri in Utah — The pool turns into a magical retreat at dusk.

4. St Regis Lhasa, Tibet

Dreams of bathing ourselves in gold don’t usually occur in the Holy City of Tibet. But here, in the centre for Tibetan Buddhism – just a stone’s throw from the towering Potala Palace and the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple – the luxurious St Regis Lhasa houses a swimming pool that shimmers gold.

a gold pool at St Regis Lhasa — The golden pool seems fitting for royalty.

Aptly named the ‘Gold Energy Pool’, its unique radiance comes from the thousands of glittering mosaic tiles that line it. Part of the hotel’s expansive 11,700-square-foot day spa, the opulent pool is designed for rejuvenation and spiritual healing and is heated year-round.

a woman sitting on the side of the pool at St Regis Lhasa — Dive into spiritual healing.

Foot massages add to the indulgence and are available poolside while reclining on lounges surrounded by Tibetan art. Open to spa guests from noon to midnight.

a woman standing on the side of the pool at St Regis Lhasa Pool — A rejuvenating retreat awaits you.

5. The Siam Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Away from the chaotic streets of Bangkok, this private 39-room stay is an exclusive retreat that feels more like a home than a hotel. With a sophisticated Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, conceived by acclaimed architect, interior and landscape designer Bill Bensley, The Siam is infused with Thai antiques, art and traditions.

a side view angle of the The Siam pool — Lush greenery and a vibrant ambience surround the pool.

Guests can escape the year-round Bangkok humidity in the sophisticated 22-metre-long infinity pool, a monochrome beauty surrounded by manicured gardens right on the banks of the city’s lifeblood, the Chao Phraya River.

a bird's eye view of The Siam main pool — Relax and lounge by the main pool.

Poolside day beds make for the perfect spot to sip cocktails from the adjacent Bathers Bar while you indulge in people-watching, as locals and tourists alike bustle about on the river.

the entrance to the main pool at The Siam Hotel — Spend a relaxing getaway at The Siam Hotel.

6. Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico

The Baja California Peninsula or the end of Earth? At the Viceroy Los Cabos, it’s hard to tell, with views stretching across the ocean to the horizon from almost every angle of the hotel. Paying tribute to the subtropical locale, the resort comprises not just one but five pools: two on the beachfront, an adults-only option on the rooftop, and two in the central courtyard.

It’s the latter that catches our breath: these circular swimming holes are set within another vast body of water that stretches the entire space between the resort’s sleek white buildings, creating the illusion that they are floating. Guests can reach these refreshing pools via a teak boardwalk, which also leads to a unique nest-like structure that houses Japanese grill restaurant Nido.

an expansive pool surrounded by white structures at Viceroy Los Cabos — The expansive pool is next to enormous structures.

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7. COMO Laucala Island, Fiji

Reached by private charter only, this exclusive island off the coast of Vanua Levu is as close to paradise as you can get in the South Pacific. The island is wild with lush green vegetation, volcanic mountains, mangroves and coconut groves, all flanked by waters that transpose between emerald, turquoise and every shade of blue imaginable.

a huge outdoor pool on the beach at COMO Laucala Island, Fiji — Take a refreshing dip beneath the palm trees.

The COMO luxury resort has a traditional design, constructed with local timber and thatched roofs, and an organic pool set among swaying palm trees and tropical gardens. There are multiple nooks to wade about, as well as a glass-fronted lap pool and sandy beach for small kids to splash about.

palm trees surrounding the outdoor pool at COMO Laucala Island — The resort gives off tropical vibes.

8. Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

Whether you’re basking in sunshine or snowflakes are falling upon your shoulders, this pool is worthy of a dip. Located in the Bürgenstock alpine region in the heart of Switzerland, the 1905-built Hotel Villa Honegg sits at more than 900 metres above sea level and takes in sweeping views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, as well as Lake Lucerne and the storybook villages that are nestled along its banks.

scenic mountain views on top of a pool villa in Switzerland — Soak up scenic views.

The pool is set to 34 degrees year-round, meaning you can take a soak even when the outside temperature dips below zero. It’s part of the hotel spa, which also includes a Finnish sauna, steam bath and relaxing treatments, and is open to the public for an entrance fee.

a 34-degree pool at Villa Honegg, Switzerland — The cold won’t bother you here.

9. InterContinental Hayman Island, Australia

Australia’s largest swimming pool is equivalent to seven Olympic swimming pools. It can be found in the tropical Whitsundays on long-time holiday hideaway Hayman Island. Part of InterContinental Hayman Island, the pool laps at the doorsteps of the resort’s luxurious ground-level suites, inviting guests to dive straight in from their balcony.

Wrapping around the Aqua poolside lounge and bar, where there is another plunge pool, there are luxury cabanas available to hire poolside and boardwalks that connect the different lounging sections. But the hero? That view: a blissful scene of yachts sailing on cerulean waters, speckled with fringing reefs that hide the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

10. The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, USA

It’s good vibes only at the Goodtime Hotel, a South Beach boutique stay owned by hospitality mogul David Grutman and musician Pharrell Williams. Channelling the city’s Art Deco style, this playful hotel is flanked by a 24,000-square-foot pool and lounge, named the Strawberry Moon Pool.

an aerial view of the Goodtime Hotel — Goodtime Hotel is a blissful paradise in the city. (Image: Alice Gao)

Pretty in shades of sherbet and pastel green, the aqua oasis comprises twin pools and a deck lined with private cabanas and striped umbrellas, from which you can chill, sip cocktails from the al fresco bar and listen to upbeat tunes coming from the DJ booth. It’s open from sunrise to sunset daily but it’s only open to those aged over 21 on weekends, which is when the good times really roll on.

a walkway in the middle of the Strawberry Moon Pool at Goodtime Hotel — There’s plenty of space to lounge on. (Image: Alice Gao)

Thousands of readers have cast their votes in a worldwide survey, revealing the best islands in the world to add to your travel radar.

The best island escapes have a way of making us feel instantly lighter – whether it be the pink-hued fringing reefs, green coconuts, powdery sands between your toes or crystalline water that shifts between turquoise and aquamarine with the light. Perhaps it’s the easy-breezy atmosphere that makes your worries melt as quickly as a tropical ice block in the sun. But how does one choose which island to visit?

Travel + Leisure has released its list of the best islands in the world as part of its 2026 World’s Best Awards, shining a spotlight on 25 idylls worth adding to your travel radar. More than 661,000 votes were cast across all award categories, including the best train journeys in the world, from more than 207,000 readers, who weighed in to share their opinions. From accessible Pacific gems to volcanic Portuguese outposts and stirring Scottish isles, the top-voted islands have revealed travellers’ appetite not only for relaxation, but also for adventure and cultural discovery.

And taking out the No.1 ranking? A blissful Thai island set in an inlet of the South China Sea.

1. Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, has been named the number one island in the world for 2026, scoring an impressive 95.64 out of 100. Travellers appreciate the island’s diversity – offering everything from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to elephant sanctuaries and breathtaking Buddhist temples.

The destination has received increased attention from tourists over the past year or so, thanks to the hit HBO series The White Lotus setting its third season at the uber-luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (we can dream, right?). Whether you’re checking into this five-star resort or an affordable jungle villa, Koh Samui will no doubt cast its spell on you.

2. Maldives

maldives aerial — The Maldives are known for their overwater villas. (Credit: Unsplash/Ishan @seefromthesky)

The atolls of the Maldives continue to hold universal allure, owing to their unbelievably glassy waters, indulgent overwater resorts and abundant marine life luring the diving crowd. And now they are even easier to access than ever, thanks to Luxury Escapes recently launching Australia’s first direct flight to the Maldives.

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

yellow iguana on Galapagos Islands — Spot the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. (Credit: Simon Berger)

Giant tortoises. Cheeky sea lions. Marine iguanas. With its unique environment where guests can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, unparalleled wildlife encounters and expedition spirit, it’s easy to see why this island group in the eastern Pacific Ocean tops bucket lists the world over.

4. Bali, Indonesia

The River Café at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali — A secluded riverside infinity pool hangs over the sacred Petanu River at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.

Bali is a tried-and-true crowd-favourite among Aussie and NZ travellers not just for its convenient proximity to the east coast of Australia, but for its surf breaks, laid-back beach club lifestyle and delicious food. Plus, prices are a fraction of what they are back home.

5. Phuket, Thailand

Rich in dramatic limestone cliffs, elephant sanctuaries and a dynamic meld of cultures, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one worth planning a tropical escape to.

6. Seychelles

a white-sand beach with giant boulders at La Digue, Seychelles — Etched on La Digue Island are huge granite rocks. (Credit: Getty/Diamond Dogs)

The independent island nation of Seychelles commonly conjures images of secluded beaches studded with oversized granite boulders and lined with shady palms. But it is also home to thriving vanilla plantations, multi-ethnic culture, French and British architecture, as well as island-hopping opportunities.

7. Fiji

Top view of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort pool — Spend warm days soaking up the sun, playing golf or relaxing by the pool at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

Fiji was voted one of the best islands in the world for several reasons: it is convenient to get to (located around four hours from mainland Australia), home to wildly beautiful marine environments and boasts of the friendliest locals in the world.

8. Sri Lanka

sri lanka train — Sri Lanka is known for its lush landscapes. (Credit: Unsplash/gemmafjam)

Located in the Indian Ocean just off the south-eastern coast of India, Sri Lanka beckons with flavour-packed cuisine, lush jungle and relaxed surf scenes that have visitors longing to return.

9. Dominica, the Caribbean

With rainforest covering around two-thirds of the land mass, this Caribbean destination is all about getting outdoors. Swim under thundering waterfalls, hike volcanic terrain and snorkel around Scotts Head.

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Boasting a vibrant fusion of African, Arabic and Indian cultures, Zanzibar is a unique place to book for your next island escape. The postcard-worthy beaches harbour dolphins and sea turtles, while the landscapes are home to endangered monkeys, rhinos and antelopes.

11. Golden Isles, USA

Comprising Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles lie along Georgia’s Atlantic coast. Expect sweeping salt marshes, stretches of sun-drenched beaches and landmarks revealing a fascinating southern history.

12. Sardinia, Italy

sardinia boats — Sardinia is blessed with blue waters. (Credit: Unsplash/Fadi al Shami)

If you haven’t yet visited Sardinia, consider this your sign. This relatively undeveloped island, placed 200 kilometres off Italy’s mainland just south of Corsica, offers a distinctive local cuisine and mysterious Bronze Age ruins. An absolute must is joining a boat charter to the La Maddalena Archipelago – I’ve never seen water so clear and blue!

13. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland

Not all islands come ringed with palm trees and tropical waters. In Scotland, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides offer windswept coastlines far from civilisation, historic castles and a Lord of the Rings vibe.

14. Malta

the Valletta city pictured from above — Soak up the Baroque beauty of Valletta City. (Credit: Visit Malta)

One of the world’s best islands for both history and stunning blue water, Malta is famed for its golden limestone architecture, megalithic temples and Baroque buildings. Make sure to visit the striking Blue Lagoon.

15. Grenada, the Caribbean

Dubbed the ‘spice isle’, Grenada’s main hilly island is home to an abundance of nutmeg plantations, along with colourful Georgian buildings and diverse landscapes, from flowing waterfalls to castaway beaches.

16. Madeira, Portugal

coastal views at Porto da Cruz, Madeira — The majestic coastal beauty of Madeira’s Porto da Cruz. (Credit: Lauren de Sousa)

This subtropical Portuguese archipelago is a speck in the North Atlantic Ocean. Praised for its stirring volcanic landscapes, fortified wine and hiking trails, Madeira is a wonderful destination for food lovers as well as nature seekers.

17. Azores, Portugal

A lush paradise in the Atlantic, the Azores comprise nine volcanic islands, with São Miguel being the most popular among tourists. Bubbling geothermal hot springs, green crater lakes, whales, and dolphins are all reasons to visit.

18. Maui, USA

Maui is Hawai’i’s second-largest island and is known for its crystal-clear snorkelling at Molokini Crater, epic sunrises, waterfalls, scenic drives and luxurious beach resorts.

19. Sicily, Italy

sicily architecture — Sicily boasts charming architecture. (Unsplash/Val Vesa)

It’s little wonder Sicily has become such an enviable tourist destination, voted one of the best islands in the world. Not only does it offer sparkling turquoise coves and Italy’s tallest active volcano, but it’s also home to ancient Greek ruins and charming towns dotted with restaurants dishing up twirls of silky spaghetti.

20. Milos, Greece

Ah, Milos. This Aegean outpost in the Cyclades region is proving that the Greek islands will always be a slice of paradise to travellers with its moon-like landscapes, quieter atmosphere and pebbly beaches dotted with sun-baking locals.

21. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Discover vegetation-lined walking trails, nature sanctuaries, luxury yacht trips and famous seawater-flooded grottos on this dreamy Caribbean island.

22. Crete, Greece

a boat moored in the seaside village of Loutro Crete — Loutro is a charming seaside village in Crete that is surrounded by turquoise waters.

The largest and most populous island of Greece, Crete is the place to go for towering mountain gorges, world-renowned beaches, historic old towns and a distinct blend of Minoan, Greek Orthodox, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

23. Vieques, Puerto Rico

The lesser-known Caribbean island of Vieques is where wild horses roam the countryside, wildlife refuges and bioluminescent bays where microorganisms light up the water with an otherworldly blue-green glow.

24. Paros, Greece

The lively main fishing town of Paros gives the island plenty of charm – think whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, vine-draped tavernas and boutique shops. But don’t miss the sailing cruises and unique rock formations dotted around the island.

25. Kauaʻi, USA

Kauaʻi coast — Hike dramatic coastlines on Kauaʻi. (Credit: Unsplash/Jake Houglum)

Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauaʻi is best known for its striking natural beauty, where godly green cliffs tumble into azure ocean and rainbows spring from misty waterfalls.