The Most Breathtaking Swimming Pools in the World

We are all dreaming of the moment when summer arrives and we can remove the layers of winter clothing and step into bathing suits and sandals. Let’s dream a bit and imagine ourselves diving into a glamorous swimming pool! The truth is, with summertime aproaching, now is the time for eager travellers to start planning their summer journey. Why not plan by booking a holiday where there’s a cool escape? If a beach-only holiday is not your thing, but you still appreciate a refreshing dip in the water, find out on our blog which destinations have epic swimming pools worth visiting.

Who’s ready to plan a holiday? Grab your towel and swimsuit, because today we’re going to show you the best pools in cities worldwide, some located in some of the world’s best hotels, and others a bit more secluded from the city and just as amazing. Some of these pools are also public and a few others simply serve as motivation for the dreamers (or for the big spenders!).

The Joule Hotel, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

Ranked as one of the most amazing swimming pools in the world, The Joule Hotel pool is unique in both its structure and the views it offers. The pool bottom and the front wall are made of plexiglass, allowing guests to gaze out over the Dallas skyline while they swim.

Bondi Baths, Sydney, Australia

The ocean waves break onto this spectacular 50-meter olympic pool. It is open to members and the public alike. From the pool deck you can see dolphins and even the occasional whale!

Blue Lagoon, Greendavik, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is a man-made, geothermal spa that was discovered in the 1970s, but only popularized in the 1980s when the many benefits of the waters was established. Rich in minerals including sulphur and silica, the Blue Lagoon has a reputation of providing healing from certain skin diseases. The water temperature averages at 37–40 °C, with heating coming from the ground near a lava flow, which is used to generate electricity.

Badeschiff, Berlin, Germany

This is one of the most popular city pools in all of Europe. The Badeschiff, which literally means “floating ship”, is a giant barge floating in the waters of the River Spree. It is a very popular attraction during the summer months to not only cool off, but to party, as the pool area is decked out with a bar, ping-pong tables and a DJ until midnight.

Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver, Canada

Made to resemble a beach, the “Kits” Beach pool in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver gives you views of the surrounding sea and beach, mountains, as well as the city skyline. It is open to the public for a small entrance fee.

Hearst Castle, California, U.S.A.

This stunning pool is called the Roman Pool, an indoor swimming pool located in the Hearst Castle. Styled to emulate the grandeur of an ancient Roman bath from Rome in the years 200 CE, this pool was completed in 1934. This castle is also home to the most famous of the two, the Neptune Pool. The Neptune is a 104-feet long, 58 feet wide and 95 feet wide at the alcove outdoor swimming pool that also dates to the early 1900s, and is adorned with four 17-century Italian bas-reliefs on the sides of the pool’s colonnades.

Olympic Diving Pool, Barcelona, Spain

On top of Barcelona’s Montjuic mountain, you can find the pools that were built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The pools are open to the public and are also used for sporting competitions like the World Aquatics Championships, which was held in the city in 2013. The views from the water, and especially from the diving platform, are so iconic that even Kylie Minogue chose the pool as the filming location for her music video “Slow”.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

Out of all the skyscrapers and opulent buildings in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel definitely stands out. The reason? The amazing infinity pool on the 57th floor that makes guests feel like they’re swimming in the clouds.

Nemo 33, Uccle, Belgium

Nemo 33 is one of Europe’s deepest swimming pools and in the world. With 2,500,000 litres of water, the pool’s maximum depth is 34.5 metres. The water used is filtered spring water and the pool is solar heated. One of the coolest facts about this pool is that it has simulated underwater caves that are perfect for divers who want to explore.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest, Hungary

Built in 1913, the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths is one of the most popular in Budapest and in all of Europe. You can visit it in any season of the year, but it’s a real treat to go during winter when the temperature outside is below zero (celsius) and you’re in 37 degree water. If you are a chess player, don’t hesitate to challenge the men who frequent these baths regularly just to play a game or two.

Viceroy Hotel, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.

At 300-feet long, the Viceroy hotel boasts the largest pool in Florida and also one of the most luxurious. The nighttime views are spectacular: surrounded by city lights and skyscrapers, the Viceroy pool in Miami is the perfect place to relax and have a drink.

The Floating Pool, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Taking a dip in a pool with views of all of downtown New York City is possible if you visit the Floating Pool at Barretto Point Park. Located on the waterfront of the East River in the Bronx, this pool is the perfect place to get a different perspective of the Big Apple.

Hotel Eurostars Tower, Madrid, Spain

120 meters over Madrid you can find the Anssora Spa in the Hotel Eurostars Tower. Here you can get away from the noise of the Spanish capital without losing it from sight with the spectacular panoramic views. The spa is open to hotel guests and the public (at a price of course).

The Hilton, Auckland, New Zealand

The pool at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland is stuck, or suspended, between two buildings, which makes it the perfect city oasis. Its glass wall makes swimming a show for both guests and passersby.

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong, China

If you are afraid of heights you may not want to swim in this pool which is perched 24 stories up and includes a stomach-dropping transparent floor. Daring divers can make their dream to “swim in the air” a reality at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong.