The 11 Most Unique Swimming Pools

most-unique-swimming-pools

Looking to shake things up this summer and hit up a new swimming pool? Perhaps you’ve been itching to live it up in a rooftop infinity pool, or maybe you want to get as close to nature as possible in a freshwater or saltwater pool. 

We understand that researching the best hotel pools and public pools can be stressful, with so many options to choose from. But have no fear; we’ve got you covered.

Today, we have compiled a list of the most unique swimming pools located all over the world for you to add to your summer bucket list. These pools are all different from each other — unique for their spectacular panoramic views, thrilling water slides, picturesque palm trees and sand beaches, unbeatable poolside service, artistic architecture, and Olympic size.

What they all have in common, however, is that they are beautiful pools sure to provide you and your loved ones with special memories to last a lifetime. 

1. Grand Wailea Maui

The Grand Wailea Maui is a Waldorf Astoria Resort bordering the beautiful Wailea Beach in Hawaii. Set on 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, this destination boasts a 4,850-square-foot Hibiscus Pool made from over 630,000 Mexican mosaic tile pieces. 

Adventurous swimmers will find their own personal paradise in the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which features waterfalls, waterslides, meandering lazy rivers, hidden grottos, and a rope swing.

grand-wailea-great-pool-maui

2. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback

The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback is a luxury hotel and spa located in sunny Paradise Valley, Arizona. The resort’s multiple outdoor pools and private poolside cabanas are surrounded by panoramic views of Camelback Mountain. If the heated pool isn’t enough to relax you, visit the 32,000-square-foot spa and wellness facility equipped with saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools.

jw-marriott-camelback-pool

3. Hanging Gardens of Bali

The Hanging Gardens of Bali, nestled in the exotic jungle of Indonesia just north of Ubud, blends the opulence of a luxurious hotel with the tranquility of its surrounding natural environment. Though the fine dining and spa are highlights, the real pièce de résistance is the twin-tiered cascading swimming pool surrounded by incredible views of the Dalem Segara temple. This is a pool you’ll have to see to believe.

hanging-gardens-of-bali-pool

4. The Westin Playa Bonita

The Westin Playa Bonita is located in Puerto Peñasco, Panama, just 20 minutes outside of Panama City. This luxury resort provides beach access plus the unique opportunity to swim in a whirlpool and three infinity-edge pools surrounded by palm trees overlooking the ocean. Swimmers, be sure to build up your appetites and enjoy the all-inclusive snack bar and lunch buffet.

the-westin-playa-bonita-pool-by-the-beach

5. Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop

Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop is located at the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. 

The indoor lounge, spanning the 38th and 39th floors, and open-air rooftop pool provide you with incredible views of the East River and Manhattan skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. When you’re not busy swimming, indulge in poolside bites and dance to the DJ who performs every Saturday.

sn-rooftop-pool-empire-state-view

6. Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach luxury hotel is located in the Sunshine State of Florida, one of the most famous vacation spots in America. This spot provides an entire poolscape to enjoy, featuring 11 distinctive pool experiences. This includes small dipping pools, a bowtie-inspired free-form pool, an interactive children’s waterscape, and a water slide.

fontainebleau-miami-beach-pool

7. The Plunge San Diego

The Plunge San Diego is a historic California swimming pool that opened in 1925 in Belmont Park and reopened in 2019 after a five-year restoration project. Rain or shine, the pool is open year-round thanks to the retractable roof and floor-to-glass ceiling walls that provide guests with incredible views of Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean. 

The Plunge Pool is one of the largest pools in Southern California, with seven swim lanes and a shallow area with a floating obstacle course.

the-plunge-lap-pool

8. Hilton Orlando

Hilton Orlando, situated in sunny Orlando, Florida, is an action-packed, family-friendly resort offering pool experiences that satisfy every age group. There’s a zero-entry swimming pool, whirlpool, winding waterslide, adults-only pool area, splash pad, and 892-foot long lazy river. When it’s time to relax, pick a spot on the 10,000-square-foot pool deck and grab a drink.

hilton-orlando-pools-lazy-river

9. Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Nikko San Francisco is located in the center of Union Square in San Francisco, California. Though the gorgeous swimming pool is technically located on the roof, it functions as an indoor pool enclosed with glass and skylights that show views of the historic city. Other benefits of the cosmopolitan paradise include a 10,000-square-foot health club, steam room, and sauna.

hotel-nikko-pool

10. Mandalay Bay

The Mandalay Bay Resort, though situated in bustling Las Vegas, Nevada, is designed to feel like an escape from the city into a tropical paradise. Guests can enjoy several unique pool options, including an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, lazy river, 1.6 million gallon wave pool, and sand beach pool containing 2,700 tons of real sand. Take your pick and cool off under the hot desert sun.

mandalay-bay-las-vegas-pool

11. The Pool at The Joule

Spend the day surrounded by luxury at this urban resort in the heart of downtown Dallas. The Joule‘s unique 8-foot cantilevered pool provides the sensation of swimming out beyond the hotel’s edge — equally voyeuristic for those swimming or those standing on the street below. 

With 360-degree views, The Joule gives “hanging out by the pool” a whole new meaning. Relax on sun loungers or indulge in a private cabana, the perfect spot for a day of leisure. Grab a day pass or a cabana for the ultimate daycation.

the-joule-rooftop-pool

What Is the Most Luxurious Swimming Pool in the World?

Whether you’re in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, you are sure to stumble upon beautiful pools all over the globe! This means that finding the most luxurious swimming pool in the world is a tricky task. You could visit Africa, India, America, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and Dubai, and there are still a hundred other countries to assess in order to crown a winner.

On the off chance you don’t quite have the time to travel the entire globe but are still hoping to check “luxury swimming pools” off your bucket list before the summer comes to a close, The Pool at The Joule is a good place to start.

Located in Dallas, Texas, The Joule Hotel is a renowned boutique hotel and neo-gothic landmark that features one of the most luxurious, distinctive pools in the world. 

While most luxury pools are renowned for their large size and capacity, this spot thrives on exclusivity. Coming in at just eight feet long, the pool is cantilevered, meaning that a portion of the rooftop piscina hangs off the side of the building. Mainly see-through with a 360-degree view, this pool is an attraction for both the lucky swimmers inside and any passersby down below.

More on The Joule

The Joule is a popular vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. In combination with the iconically designed pool, this is in large part thanks to its blend of trending fashions and historical preservation. 

The building was first built way back in 1920 and originally functioned as a bank. Fast forward to the 21st-century and the once bustling building was left vacant until beautifully renovated and reopened in 2008 as the opulent property we recognize today. 

This renovation was spearheaded by designer Adam D. Tihany, who approached the project with a contemporary take on classic Texas culture. The result of his work was a stylish boutique hotel featuring 106 hotel rooms, penthouses, ballrooms, retail outlets, a rooftop terrace, the famous infinity edge pool, and unique dining options. 

Among these options are the Italian restaurant Sassetta, a modern Texas brasserie named CBD Provisions, and an in-lobby third-wave coffee shop called Weekend.

Alongside the museum-worthy cuisine, The Joule also features a museum-worthy art collection. Spectacular pieces from the hotel’s proprietor Tim Headington’s own personal collection are displayed all throughout the hotel. These include works by the famous contemporary artists Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, and Tony Tasset.

To sum it up, The Joule is the epitome of luxury whether you’re looking at the architecture, cuisine, artwork, or pool.

What Are the Benefits of Swimming?

Aside from being loads of fun, there are several benefits to swimming that can make your next pool visit all the more worthwhile. 

Swimming is believed to provide mental health benefits like improving mood and decreasing anxiety. Recreational activities like swimming can also allow couples, friends, and families to enjoy time together and strengthen their bond. Quality time is important!

Water-based exercise also offers physical benefits. Swimming is a very effective option for calorie loss. Harvard Health approximates that a person who weighs 155 pounds can perform just 30 minutes of general swimming activities and burn up to 223 calories. 

On top of that, exercising in water decreases strain on joints and muscles. This allows all age groups to be active for a longer period of time.

How ResortPass Can Help

Swim in twice as many unique and luxurious pools this summer with the help of ResortPass!

Using the ResortPass website, browse through different daycation locations and gain access to the world’s best hotels and pools without having to pay the price for a full night’s stay. With your Day Pass, you will be able to indulge in a resort’s amenities before moving on to the next one.

Thanks to ResortPass, you’ll be swimming all summer long!



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