Laps of Luxury: The World's Most Amazing Pools

Most of us understand the enticement of pretty much any swimming pool if the sun is beating down upon us and the temperatures are soaring. But there are pools, and then there are pools, and the incredible bodies of water in this list fall into the latter category. Many of us won't ever get a chance to dip our toes into the incredible destinations on this list, but it doesn't mean we can't appreciate them. Read on for swimming pools around the world that, for one reason or another, will make you actually want to put on a swimsuit and dive in. 

Christine Clark, Jeff Rindskopf, Wilder Shaw, and Taylor Van Arsdale contributed to this story.

Related: The Most Extravagant Yachts in the World

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As if you needed any more reasons to visit Dubai (it pops up several times on this list alone), it's now home to the world's first — and, so far, only — 360-degree infinity pool. If you're brave enough to take a dip, the 750-square-meter pool can be found on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, a hotel and residential building. You can book either a morning or sunset session to take full advantage of the impressive view, but it will cost you — entry fees start at $68 for morning visits and $177 for a full day of VIP access, which includes a lounge filled with sun beds as well as a bar serving drinks and tapas dishes. 

Related: Amazing Hotel Pools Across America

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This Dubai attraction is a record-breaking diving experience. The pool is 196 feet deep and filled with 14 million liters of fresh water (equal to six Olympic-size swimming pools). It's at least four times the size of any other diving pool in the world. In June, Guinness gave the pool the title for deepest swimming pool for diving. Entry to the pool is by invitation only, although it is expected to open to the public later this year.

Related: Vacation Rentals With Pools That'll Make You Never Want to Leave

New York City

Here's a pool that makes the list — and it's not even open yet. This project, dubbed Plus Pool for its shape, has been in the works since 2010 when two design firms collaborated on its design. Consultations with engineers and naval architects furthered the project, as did backing from celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Kanye West. When done, the pool will float on an "island" on New York's East River. "Filtration membranes" will keep the water safe for swimming while also cleaning the river surrounding it — organizers say the pool will clean 600,000 gallons of river water daily. Given the green light by New York's Economic Development Corporation, its developer, PlayLab, is proceeding with completing the project. 

Brooklyn, New York

While it might not be the highest infinity pool in the world (don't worry, we'll get to that), this new pool that sits atop Brooklyn's tallest residential tower claims to be the highest infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere. But that's not the only thing making this an amazing pool — it also offers incredible, panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. If you want to swim in it, however, you'll have to purchase one of the 483 luxury studios or apartments at Brooklyn Point, which start at around $935,000.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Few people in the world wouldn't love to hang out in an infinity pool. One that's 1,000 feet above street level, however? That might be a different story, especially for anyone who's even mildly afraid of heights. If you're the adventurous type, though — or just the type who puts incredible hotel pools on your traveler's bucket list — you're going to want to check out the pool at the recently opened Address Beach Resort in Dubai. At 77 stories above ground level (964 feet and 3.1 inches, to be exact), it is the highest infinity pool in the world, as confirmed by Guinness World Records in March.

London
Swimmers with a fear of heights might take one look at this pool and take a pass on a plunge. And that's okay because this one, in London's Nine Elms neighborhood, isn't open to the public (only residents of the Embassy Gardens development where it's located can swim here). At 82-feet long and perched 115 feet in the air, what makes this pool amazing is its transparent acrylic design — a feature that extends to the pool's bottom, which means swimmers brave enough to open their eyes underwater have a view down to the — gulp — street more than 10 stories below. 

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

The Yampah Spring produces more than 3.5 million gallons of hot water per day, which leaves plenty to fill Glenwood Hot Springs’ 100-by-40-foot mineral therapy pool — the largest in the world. While prices vary, non-resort guests typically pay around $30 for all-day access to the 104‑degree pool, and the “Spa of the Rockies” has many other treatment offerings to entice those looking to relax and treat themselves.

Asheville, North Carolina

Fancy a swim under a waterfall? You'll find it at Asheville's Omni Grove Park Inn. It also offers several mineral-based pools and a subterranean spa, complete with rock walls, arches, and tunnels.

Related: 44 Natural Hot Springs to Shake Off Winter's Chill

San Simeon, California

The Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, is known for a lot of things, but the Neptune Pool is easily one of the biggest. While the pool was recently restored to its former glory after a four year renovation and is even open to swimmers — if they're members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle (and reservations are required). The Neptune isn't the only pool the Hearst Castle has under its belt. Indoors, you'll find the Roman pool, with all kinds of Grecian influence and design — in other words, there are marble and gorgeous design elements absolutely everywhere.  

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs has several beautiful pools, but it's an infinity pool with views of red rock formations and Pikes Peak mountain range that offers a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. 

Grindavík, Iceland

Recently reopened, the Reykjanesskagi's Blue Lagoon is Iceland's largest geothermal spa and one of its most-visited tourist spots. It's located above a lava field and next to a geothermal power plant, and some think the minerals found in the 98- to 104-degree Fahrenheit water have healing properties. 

Related: Here's How to Visit Iceland Without Spending a Fortune

Honolulu
For a tropical getaway, consider the oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki. That infinity pool speaks for itself. Bathers can also enjoy views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.

Related: 28 Amazing Hawaii Beach Houses to Rent

Hot Springs, Virginia

In addition to its spring-fed spa pool, Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia offers a 2-acre water park, Allegheny Springs, which is also fed by natural spring waters.

Dallas

In the heart of the Dallas business district, you'll find The Joule, inside a revitalized 1920s neo-Gothic landmark building. Along with a 11,500-square-foot subterranean spa, there is a rooftop pool that partially juts out from the side of the building and is not for the faint of heart.

Related: 16 Historic Swimming Pools Around the World