These luxury hotel pools take extravagance to a whole new level

All that glitters is gold! And the St Regis Lhasa Resort in Tibet has the opulent pool to prove it. Thousands of gilded tiles line the bottom, turning the water that rich colour. Craving a little R&R? You’ve come to the right place. Unwind with a pampering foot massage or simply float in the salt water, which is kept at a consistent temperature of 27 to 32°C to guarantee optimal comfort and tranquility.

Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a Phoenix icon. Its centerpiece is the Paradise Pool, originally built in 1930. An oasis of epic proportions, it’s actually a combination of three separate piscines. This show-stopper also impresses with its 28-metre slide, swim-up bar, and private cabanas.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i offers something for all ages, and the Makai Pools are no exception. Parents can chill in the elevated vanishing-edge stunner, a series of saltwater basins and hot tubs connected by cascades are sure to keep youngsters occupied, and the whole crew will enjoy a game of volleyball in the sand-bottom lagoon.

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The Surfjack Hotel in Waikiki hearkens back to old-school Hawaii with 1960s-influenced bungalows and suites. Its social hub is the Instagram-famous outdoor pool (aka the “Swim Club“) with a hand-painted illustration by Honolulu-based artist Matthew Tapia that reads “wish you were here.” This is where it all goes down – concerts, cannonballs and cocktails.

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The retro-inspired Tropicana Pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt in California is advertised as “the only place on Earth where you can swim in a multi-million-dollar work of art” – and rightfully so: The floor showcases a mural by acclaimed British painter David Hockney. Upping the Cali-cool ambiance are 200 palm trees.

Whether surrounded by sun or snow, the soaking situation at the St Regis Deer Valley in Utah is spectacular. Backed by the fabled slopes is a duo of split-level heated infinity pools and a spa pool. The sweeping views are matched only by the serene vibe, making it sublime for year-round relaxation. And, of course, food and beverage service is a plus.

For an action-packed getaway, look no further than the new Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. Among its standouts is Dean’s Blue Hole, a man-made marvel that rivals the nearby natural wonders. Thrill-seekers will love the rush of cliff-jumping off rock walls. What’s more, there’s a secluded grotto with a trio of cascades and windows for gazing at sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.

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Amangiri is a remote and relaxing retreat, tucked within 600 acres of protected Utah wilderness in the US. The expansive swimming pool – like the rest of the property – is designed to blend in with its arid environs. Carved around a rock escarpment, it’s framed by a sunken terrace with king-size daybeds and lounge seating. And did we mention the breathtaking canyon vistas?

Each of the 24 suites at Jade Mountain in St Lucia has a private plunge pool, but the pièce de résistance of this hilltop hideaway is the mesmerising zero-edge beauty in the middle of the restaurant. Colourful glass tiles add prismatic appeal, and it also wins points for uninterrupted panoramas of the UNESCO-listed Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.

The Springs Resort & Spa is a renowned wellness destination in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. Its crown jewel, Las Lagunas, comprises tiered terraces, gushing cascades, and a dozen thermal pools – eight of which are fed by hot springs. These mineral-rich waters boast a bevy of therapeutic benefits, from improving circulation to relieving stress.

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