If wanderlust is calling this summer, imagine returning to your home base after a day spent exploring hidden alleys and charming streets—then unwinding beside a glittering pool or along a sun-drenched shore.
Often serving as the heart of hotels and resorts, pools become more than just a place to take a dip, they become a hub for guests to eat, drink, socialize and take in the surrounding beauty. From stunning retreats in India with panoramic views of Lake Pichola to picturesque moments cliffside at the sight of a former coal mine in Santorini, and more, here are pool escapes that will have you skipping the sea.
Santo Mine Oia Suites (Santorini, Greece)
Image above. Credit: Santo Collection
Pure seclusion is the pinnacle of this eco-conscious hotel in Santorini. Carved into the cliffs above Ammoudi Bay on the site of a former stone mine, Santo Mine’s 37 suites are tucked away into Santorini’s cliffs for privacy, each featuring a private pool or whirlpool with unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s vibrant sunsets. Blending Cycladic minimalism with Mediterranean aesthetics, guests can enjoy a serene resort pool with panoramic sea views, surrounded by sun loungers and shaded areas, as well as a spa, fitness center, and an open-air restaurant, all within a short walk of Oia’s charming village.
Songtsam Lijiang Lodge (Ciman Village, Lijiang, China)
Credit: Songtsam Resorts
Surrounded by pinewoods and a pear garden, Songtsam Lijiang Lodge offers spectacular views of the old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Lashi Lake. The mountain-base’s pool is set within a courtyard, bordered by Naxi-style architecture, lush greenery, and a fitness center and spa, all nearby attractions like Tiger Leaping Gorge on the Jinsha River. Located in the Nashi-ethnic village of Ciman, Songtsam Lijiang Lodge’s 42 rooms combine Nashi-Dongba, Chinese-Tang, and Tibetan influenced art and offers Sowa Rigpa, the transformative new wellness program inspired by the ancient Tibetan healing system.
The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur (Udaipur, India)
Credit: The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur
At The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur, lies a stunning retreat boasting panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the scenic Aravalli Hills. The main pool, stretching 50 meters, is also set against lush gardens, marble courtyards, and Rajasthani architecture for the ultimate tranquil escape. Guests can elevate their experience with a private poolside dinner, enjoying handcrafted delicacies beneath an intricately carved dome, all while overlooking Lake Pichola, City Palace, and Jagmandir, complemented by live traditional music.
Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, Bodrum, Türkiye
Credit: Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort
Nestled along the stunning Aegean coast, Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort redefines luxury with its collection of exceptional pools, each designed for relaxation, recreation, and indulgence. Whether you seek a tranquil escape or a refreshing swim the resort's diverse aquatic offerings elevate the experience to new heights. The Main Pool offers a refreshing oasis under the Bodrum sun, while the Laguna Pool—designed to echo the tranquility of natural lakes—blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. For a truly unique experience, the heated Seawater Pool invites guests to enjoy the therapeutic sensation of swimming in the ocean.
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
Set on the Beach terrace—one of four nature-inspired levels including Forest, Garden, and Cloud—the 22-meter free-form pool offers a serene escape with fantastic views of the Singapore skyline. Guests can swim up to the Aqua Bar for a refreshing drink or light bite, making it an ideal spot for a sunrise swim or a sunset soak.
PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
With views of the stunning Marina Bay skyline, this 25-metre outdoor swimming pool invites you to take a refreshing dip and release the stresses of city life. When night falls, glide through a galaxy of stars as 1,380 fiber-optic lights illuminating the pool come to life.
PARKROYAL Collection Pickering, Singapore
Set amidst lush greenery, the fifth floor of this hotel-in-a-garden is home to a dedicated wellness space which incorporates fitness and recreational facilities including an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the city. The colorful birdcage-inspired cabanas along the perimeter of the pool also provide a comfortable chill-out space for guests to lounge and indulge with a glass of wine in hand.
