There’s something inviting about a refreshing splash in a hotel swimming pool. However, these extraordinary pools take things up a notch. Several notches, in fact. They offer a unique size, shape, color or plunge with a view that elevates laps to a whole new level. Some seem precariously perched or a bit too close to the edge for comfort, but you still can’t resist taking a dip. Check out these 12 crazy cool hotel pools around the world and be amazed.
1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
This impressive 8 billion dollar hotel/resort boasts a SkyPark infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. At 57 floors up and stretching 150 m along the three-towered rooftop, it’s the largest swimming pool at this elevation anywhere. As you can imagine, the skyline views of Singapore are spectacular from up here, day or night.
2. San Alfonso del Mar, Chile
This resort in Chile has the largest swimming pool on the planet, known as the Crystal Lagoon. Opened in 2006, this baby holds 66 million gallons of H2O and is big enough to sail boats on. It’s the length of 20 Olympic-sized pools, so doing one lap is a big accomplishment. Pace yourself, or you might not make it back to your lounge chair. The Crystal Lagoon’s filtration system alone cost $3.5 million, and it has an annual maintenance fee of over $4 million. That may seem a little excessive considering the ocean waters are just a few feet away, but you have to admit this is one of the super cool hotel pools out there.
3. St. Regis, Lhasa
We tend to think of Tibet as a place of humble, restrained Buddhist sensibilities, but there’s an oasis of luxury in them there Himalayas. This glamorous, glittery hotel pool is literally lined with gold tiles. Do Kim and Kanye know about this place? Soak in the therapeutic salt waters of the Golden Energy Pool, where you can swish away in liquid gold warmed to a soothing 28-32 degrees Celsius. It’s either the ultimate bling swim, or it’s a little off-putting. That yellowy hue makes one feel like a group of toddlers with bladder-control issues might have had a pool party in there.
