Taking the plunge into a suitably sumptuous swimming pool is one of the ultimate holiday indulgences. Here are our 10 nominees for the sexiest pools on earth. Dive in!

1. Hanging Gardens, Ubud, Bali

It’s hard to find superlatives to adequately describe the dramatic tiered pool at Hanging Gardens Ubud, so sublime will just have to do. It’s one of the most photographed swimming pools in the world.

With its outlook over the lush vegetation that cascades down the hill on which it is perched, to the intricately beautiful Hindu temple on the hill opposite, this pool is like floating at the edge of paradise.

2. St Regis Lhasa, Lhasa, Tibet

In a land of deep spirituality there’s still room for a little luxury, and the St Regis do luxe ever so well.

At 3,680 meters above sea level, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort sits at the legendary “Roof of the World," overlooking the wondrous Tibetan landscape and the magnificence of the Potala Palace.

The resort is exquisitely opulent, and nowhere is this more evident than standing on the edge of its Golden Energy Pool, a gold mosaic-lined body of gently heated water (28–32 degrees should you be curious), flanked by columns and dragons.

3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

The Taj Lake Palace, a shimmering white confection floating serenely in the middle of Lake Pichola in the Rajasthani city of Udaipur is hands down one of the most romantic hotels on Earth, so ergo this must be one of the most romantic pools on Earth.

With its Mughal cupolas and enchanting views of imposing hill forts and vast city palaces back on dry land, this has to be one of the world’s most spectacularly located swimming spots.

4. Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania

Luxe nomads will be more than indulged by the infinity pool at Singita’s gorgeous turn of the 20th-century Sasakwa Lodge, sitting as it does at the edge of the vast Serengeti Plains where you can witness the annual migration of zebras and wildebeest, one of the wonders of the natural world, from the cool waters.

5. The Beverly Hills Hotel Pool and Cabanas, Los Angeles, USA

OK, it might not be the most spectacular pool in the world, but boy does The Beverly Hills Hotel pool have some history.

Set against a candy pink backdrop, this pool is an LA icon. A veritable galaxy of stars has either soaked in or reclined beside this modest body of water, multi-million dollar film deals have been made, and one or two (dozen) assignations have been conducted in the nearby bungalows.

6. Perivolas Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Really, no list of sexy hotel pools would be complete without a little something from the Greek Islands, where the variations in the colour blue are infinite and fascinating.

Perivolas is an oasis of white between the blue of the sky above and the sea below, with an infinity pool that appears to be floating somewhere in between the two, untethered to the Santorini hill it perches on.

7. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

A pool with a view? Here it is: sitting 57 storeys above the frenetic commotion of Singapore’s streets and straddling two towers, the infinity pool at the flashy Marina Bay Sands complex is a sky high oasis, with palm trees, a beach and a horizon of jutting, shiny skyscrapers. There’s no better place to escape the humidity and the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. HÔtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’ Antibes, France

Don a giant pair of inky black cat eyes glasses and fancy yourself a member of the jet set at this most jet set of European establishments, where the great and the good have gathered for a century.

The pool at the exceptionally plush HÔtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is etched into the rock of the Cap d’Antibes, looking out to the azure waters of the Mediterranean. It’s no surprise that it has become a favourite Instagram spot for the rich and famous.

9. The Villa by Barton G, Miami, USA

Set in the former home of more is more maximalist fashion designer Gianni Versace, the pool at The Villa by Barton G is not big in size but it is over the top opulent, with an intricate mosaic of Greek key borders at its depths and his signature Medusa head casting a mesmerising eye over the hedonistic scene.

Plenty of famous folk such as Katy Perry have enjoyed the delights of this Versace famous pool.

10. The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand

This has to be the most dramatic pool in the world – a bright crimson rectangle sitting in stark contrast to its verdant green surrounds.

The colour of The Library’s pool comes courtesy of the red, yellow and orange tiles lining the expanse and is ramped up at night with red backlighting, creating an arresting focal point in this achingly hip property.

One of these pools won the best hotel pool in 2015. See if you can guess which one.