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11 of the world's most stunning private plunge pools

11 of the world's most stunning private plunge pools

Morning coffee while you soak in your own pool? Letting the day melt away with a private dip in the moonlight? Few things at a hotel are as luxurious as your own private plunge pool.


April 11, 2022

The serenity and privacy of a pool suite lets you relax in bliss, without any distractions or disruptions. From the safari lands of South Africa to the picture-perfect cliffs of Santorini, these are some of the world's best private plunge pools. 

Spice Island Beach Resort: The Lime, Grenada

How many pool suites: 17

Starting rate: $1500

At the eight-acre Spice Island Beach Resort, you can enjoy a luxury private pool experience that is just a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s most famous beaches, Grand Anse Beach. The all-inclusive resort features a Royal Collection Pool Suite that boasts pools 16’x20’ framed by lush interior gardens, where your private cedar sauna awaits you. For a more intimate experience, the Anthurium Pool Suites feature smaller plunge pools with private shaded sundecks, nestled in the landscaped gardens of the resort. Head to Janissa’s Spa to choose from a menu of treatments that incorporate local herbs and spices.

Expert tip: Don’t forget to ask the front desk about a complimentary round of golf at the Grenada Golf & Country Club.

Four Seasons Bora Bora: Bora Bora, French Polynesia

How many pool suites: 27 

Starting rate: $900

Check into an overwater bungalow suite at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, where your private plunge pool is the perfect spot for a sunset toast and unobstructed views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. These suites allow guests easy access to go snorkeling and explore the diverse local marine life. The luxe property has updated its furniture, design and added solar panels to provide power to heat the water in the suites and villas. Whet your palette at one of the resort’s four restaurants, but make sure you try executive chef Eric Desbordes’ Poisson Cru – a famous French Polynesian dish made with fresh sushi, raw vegetables, lime juice and coconut milk. 

Expert tip: Consider visiting in July for Heiva Bora Bora, the island’s annual festival of song and dance to highlight Polynesian people and their culture.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort: Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

How many pool suites: 33

Starting rate: $935

Travel to this luxury resort in Oman to stay in one of the 33 villas located in the majestic Al Hajar Mountain range. In addition to personal services, each villa has a private infinity pool overlooking the cliffs or surrounded by a lush garden. You have a choice of either a one- or two-bedroom villa or you can go all out with the three-bedroom Royal Mountain Villa. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort features a main infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court and the Anantara Spa. Immerse yourself in authentic local traditions and visit mountainside ancient villages, explore nearby heritage sites or take Omani cooking classes, part of Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons series. 

Expert tip: Treat yourself to the ultimate dining experience at The Royal Edge, a glass platform overlooking the canyon and a candlelit meal prepared by a personal chef.

Nayara Tented Camp: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

How many pool suites: 21

Starting rate: $1000

If you’re a nature lover, seek out the luxe tents at Nayara Tented Camp for a most elevated encounter in the rainforest. Take a dip into your private plunge pool with a jaw-dropping view of the 5357-foot Arenal Volcano, one of five active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Adventurous guests can rappel down the side of Arenal’s waterfall, go white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui River or go hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, just a 20-minute drive away from the Camp. On-site private guides are available for guests who want to embark on a jungle adventure to explore the region’s wildlife and flora.

Expert tip: Head to the western side of Arenal Volcano to get a glimpse of the active vent and lava. 

Soneva Kiri: Koh Kood, Thailand

How many pool suites: 21

Starting rate: $1200

Soneva Kiri features three types of villa suites with private plunge pools: Bayview Pool Villa Suite, Beach Pool Villa Suite and Sunset Ocean View Pool Villa Suite. The latter is perched atop a cliff and also has an open-air bathroom. And there’s no shortage of fun activities at this luxe resort. Go hiking with an expert ecologist to learn about the local flora and fauna and end your tour with a dip in a natural spring. Meet the locals in the fishing village of Ao Salat as they reveal their normal day-to-day way of life or master the art of traditional Thai cooking with talented Chef Khun Tuk.

Expert tip: Try Treepod Dining seated in a bamboo pod with your waiter delivering your meal in a zip-line acrobatic fashion. Book it in advance!

Jade Mountain: St. Lucia

How many pool suites: 24

Starting rate: $1780 

Jade Mountain is the only resort in St. Lucia with a view of both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains in the Caribbean Sea. This resort offers 24 suites, aptly called sanctuaries, in four different categories: Star, Moon, Sun and Galaxy. In addition to 15-foot-high ceilings, 24/7 butler service, a four-poster canopy bed and each spacious suite has an infinity pool. More than 2000 cocoa trees are on the resort’s estate, so take advantage of the chocolate sensory tastings, chocolate-inspired dishes, cocktails and spa treatments like the Chocolate Citrus Body Polish. 

Expert tip: Take a short shuttle ride or hike down to the two beaches for free water sports equipment or to visit the dive center at the resort’s sister property, Anse Chastanet. 

Mystique Hotel Santorini: Santorini, Greece

How many pool suites: 6

Starting rate: $1588

Guests at Mystique Hotel have a choice of three types of villas carved into the rugged Caldera cliffs of Santorini: Mystery Villa, Holistic Villa or Secrecy Villa. The latter features a large terrace overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, an open-air dining area, a private outdoor jacuzzi and a hydromassage plunge pool. Locally sourced produce inspires the authentic, Greek-influenced cuisine served at the hotel’s three restaurants – each with its own individual character. Feeling adventurous? Take a helicopter tour to experience the grandeur of Santorini and its surrounding islands or stroll through the streets of Oia to check out traditional Greek shops, boutiques and cozy cafes. 

Expert tip: Consult the hotel’s concierge to arrange a visit to the archeological site of Akrotiri, plan a Catamaran cruise or get a little rest on Pervolos Black Sand Beach.

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef: Cairns, Queensland, Australia

How many pool suites: 6

Starting rate: $2044

Australia’s northern-most island beach resort, Lizard Island Resort is secluded from the rest of the world, uniquely located right on the Great Barrier Reef. With 24 powdery-white beaches, over 2400 acres of the national park and 40 understated beach luxe suites, its clifftop location provides you with the ultimate privacy and a stunning ocean vista. Only a select number of villas at this boutique coastal property offer plunge pools. The Oceanview Plunge Pool Villas are equipped with a private deck and plunge pool and the property’s Villa has an impressive 26-foot plunge pool – large enough for the whole family or a group of close friends. 

Expert tip: Reserve the ultimate beachside fine dining experience that includes a seven-course meal paired with a selection of wines. This is one of the most popular dining experiences on the island, so plan ahead.

Singita Boulders Lodge: Hazyview, South Africa

How many pool suites: 12

Starting rate: $2172

Singita Boulders Lodge is located in leopard country – the highest concentration of leopards per squared kilometer anywhere. These glass-fronted suites each have a heated plunge pool overlooking the Sand River below and 45,000 acres of pristine wilderness. You can watch elephants drinking, mischievous monkeys in the trees, explore the native birdlife or if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a predator in the riverbed. Boulders Lodge seamlessly blends the beautiful light, colors and textures of its surroundings into the suites’ vast interiors and expansive wooden decks. 

Expert tip: Morning drives are usually the best time to see indigenous wildlife, including lions, hippos, rhinos, buffalo and hyenas. 

Camp Sarika: Kane County, Utah

How many pool suites: 14

Starting rate: $5000

The Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Navajo Nation Reservation are all near Camp Sarika, making it a unique entry point into the Old West. The property features pavilions and select suites with plunge pools, including the Desert Pool Suite, Mesa Pool Suite and Girijaala Suite. Amangiri Restaurant serves a sustainable, seasonal cuisine inspired by traditional Navajo dishes and Utah’s Southwestern culinary heritage. Try the four-course ‘Spirit of the Journey,’ a tasting menu, paired with wines, that pays a gastronomic homage to the five tribes of the region. Several amenities are included with the room rate, including daily guided fitness hikes, meals and more. 

Expert tip: Don’t miss out on residents gathering around the campfire for storytelling sessions beneath the vast star-shimmering sky. 

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour: St. George, St. Kitts

How many pool suites: 12

Starting rate: $720

Check into the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, where the 725-square-foot plunge pool suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and bedroom. Guests checking into this suite will also have a private, spacious balcony/deck, outdoor seating, an outdoor rain shower and a plunge pool with stunning views of the ocean and sister island, Nevis. Take a dip into two onsite swimming pools or dive into the warm Caribbean waters. Talk to your concierge to arrange a fun, off-road tour through St. Kitts’ rainforest and to Friars Bay and Baylords.  

Expert tip: The hotel offers a hiking excursion that includes a rainforest hike, a cross country hike and a coast drive up 1000 feet. Plan ahead because it’s only offered on Thursdays.

Source: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-plunge-pools-at-hotels

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