Having your own private pool while on holiday feels like the ultimate form of decadence. You don't have to fight for a chair, and you can get in the water and dive in absolute privacy without interruption, whenever you want. In top resorts around the world, private plunge pools are becoming all the rage - and in particularly luxurious properties, you might even find them as a standard benefit in every suite or villa.
These 17 resorts offer some of the most magnificent plunge pools, and all within walking distance of that super-comfortable bed.
Acknowledgement: ladera.comLadera Resort, St. LuciaLadera Resort, St. Lucia
Ladera Resort, St. Lucia (prices and photos)
This exclusive luxury resort enjoys an enchanting cliff-top location in St. Lucia, with its two- and two-bedroom treehouse-style villas tucked into the surrounding hillside overlooking the iconic twin Pitons. In addition to breathtaking views and lush gardens, most villas include a private infinity pool, complete with a pool swing overlooking the shimmering expanse of the Caribbean a thousand feet below. Not surprisingly, the property also boasts many top-notch amenities, such as an open-air restaurant and bar, an infinity pool with a lagoon, a stunning spa with black-water bathtubs, and an outdoor fitness centre. Moreover, the location is fabulous, close to the idyllic white sand beach of Jalousie and within walking distance of cocoa plantations.
Credit: lareunion.com.gtLa Reunión Golf Resort & Residences, GuatemalaLa Reunión Golf Resort & Residences, Guatemala
La Reunión Golf Resort & Residences, Guatemala (prices and photos)
Situated in the shadow of four volcanoes, two of which are active, La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort offers luxury amenities, an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye, two infinity pools and a sophisticated panoramic restaurant and bar overlooking the volcano. In addition, almost every one of the 26 suites, which mix hand-woven indigenous fabrics with elegant furnishings, includes a patio with a private pool from which to admire splendid views of the Agua, Pacaya, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes - all from the comfort of a hammock. You can also enjoy a private outdoor shower with plenty of modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and iPod docking station. The colonial city of Antigua is only 30 minutes away, when you can get away from your luxurious room, that is.
Credit: InterContinental Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
InterContinental Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong (prices and photos)
Located on the bustling Kowloon waterfront, within walking distance of numerous attractions, the 590-room InterContinental is one of Hong Kong's most luxurious hotels. Over two-thirds of its rooms offer harbour views, and its three exclusive suites all include outdoor Jacuzzis and breathtaking views. Although it is the 7,000-square-foot presidential suite that is the most successful. Although not cheap at around $13,000 a night, it comes with its own gym, two 24-hour burros and a spectacular infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour. If you can't afford to shell out that much, it has plenty of other things to boast about, such as seven restaurant options, including NOBU, a luxurious spa and a rooftop pool. The rooms have marble bathrooms with separate showers and sunken tubs, large flat-screen TVs with DVD players and iPod docks. The lobby windows are three stories high, and on a clear night when the city's Symphony of Lights laser show begins, you can enjoy what feels like your own private performance.
Credit: facebook.com/HOTELLETOINYSTBARTHHotel le Toiny, St BartsHotel le Toiny, St Barts
Hotel le Toiny, St Barts (prices and photos)
This exclusive 15-villa luxury resort is one of the most prestigious hotels in St Barts and one of the most sophisticated in the world. With such an intimate private setting and limited accommodations, it can be difficult to get a reservation, but if you manage to score one, you'll find plenty of Parisian charm on 28 lush acres with natural hills and beach frontage, as well as a large infinity infinity pool in each villa. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views, dining at its French-Caribbean restaurant, Gaiac, known for serving some of the island's best produce, and indulging in fabulous treatments at the Serenity Spa, including hot massages.
Credit: aman.com Amangiri Resort, Canyon Point, Utah Amanda Resort, Canyon Point, Utah
Amangiri Resort, Canyon Point, Utah (prices and photos)
This magnificent Canyon Point Resort is located in the southern Utah desert, allowing guests to watch the sunrise over 400-year-old limestone formations before exploring the almost otherworldly landscape on foot or horseback. Although it is built around a beautiful negative-edge pool, six of its elegant, modern suites include a private infinity pool overlooking the desert. The Mesa Suite pools have private terraces and sweeping views of the Mesa, while the Desert Suites boast large pools overlooking the endless expanse of dunes and plateaus. The signature Amangiri Suite has a 60-foot rectangular pool that is built into a large outdoor terrace - complete with an outdoor dining area and a sofa bed for napping and dining poolside. After sunset, the desert sky, filled with countless bright, shining stars, is absolutely mesmerising.
Credit: theplacekohtao.com The Place Luxury Boutique Villas, ThailandThe Place Luxury Boutique Villas, Thailand
The Place Luxury Boutique Villas, Thailand (prices and photos)
Nestled in the hills of Koh Tao, an island in the Chumphon archipelago synonymous with diving and snorkelling, The Place offers an ideal tranquil escape with only nine private villas. Everyone has the feeling of being in their own little slice of paradise, completely separate from the others and surrounded by trees and overlooking the sea. The villas feature a spacious open-plan area with elegant wooden floors, a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living area and large plunge pools that sit on expansive decks and balconies overlooking the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Thailand. While the resort offers no facilities to speak of, such as a spa or restaurant, it does offer the perfect place for romance, relaxation and total privacy. And, just above Sairee, you'll have convenient access to the restaurants, bars and shops located there, as well as the longest beach on the island.
Credit: sixsenses.comSix Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam (prices and photos)
Located in a hidden bay in the East Vietnam Sea, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is only accessible by boat. It offers spectacular seclusion that takes privacy to a whole new level. Magnificent teakwood villas dotted along the huge rocks and boulders that form this crescent-shaped bay on the edge of the jungle include satellite TV, CD/DVD player, mini wine cellar, mini-bar, iPod docking station and a private plunge pool. You can even sunbathe on the dramatic rock formation into which it has been carved. The five split-level pool villas have large sunset-view pools that offer access to the ocean. All you have to do is step out of your pool, down into a forest later and into the sea below. The resort also offers restaurants and bars, the Six Senses spa offering Vietnamese massages and a range of other treatments, a yoga pavilion, gym, water sports centre, outdoor cinema, prams and bicycles.
Credit: excellenceresorts.comExcellence Playa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, MexicoExcellence Playa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Excellence Playa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, Mexico (prices and photos)
North of mainland Cancun, this adults-only luxury resort offers a different all-inclusive experience with nine restaurants, including a fine French restaurant, a sushi bar and a lobster house. The spa has the feel of a Greek temple, with heated water beds, private relaxation rooms, a 12-step hydrotherapy circuit and a multitude of treatment options. There is also a meandering man-made river, seven beautiful pools and a range of activities, such as archery, Spanish lessons and cooking classes. Rooms are spacious and contemporary with luxury amenities such as iPod docking stations and large flat-screen TVs - and some boast beautiful rooftop terraces with private pools overlooking the Caribbean.
Credit: cavotagoo.grCavo Tagoo, Mykonos, GreeceCavo Tagoo, Mykonos, Greece
Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos, Greece (prices and photos)
The only thing better than relaxing in an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea is your own private infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. The luxurious Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos scales the hillside above the sparkling waters in sensuous white curves, with natural jutting rocks along the way leading to your luxurious accommodations, all of which feature a private infinity pool. You will also find whitewashed walls, plasma-screen TVs, four-poster beds, spacious verandas with Jacuzzis and terraces with sea and sunset views. Choose the Diamond Villa and you can enjoy an ocean-view pool that is integrated into a sumptuous outdoor lounge. You'll find more water at the pool bar, complete with a 43-foot-long aquarium filled with sharks.
Credit: rosewoodhotels.com Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, MexicoResewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico (prices and photos)
This peaceful retreat located within the tourist community of Playa Del Carmen on a kilometre-long stretch of sand feels less like a hotel than a nature reserve. Enter an exotic world from the moment you step onto the palapa-roofed boat that will take you to the private dock of your room. Winding paths lead through the grounds dotted with lagoons, bungalows and villas dotted with lilies. Each accommodation offers plenty of privacy tucked away amidst lush vegetation, as well as garden showers, private verandas and outdoor pools. They also enjoy an open-air atmosphere with plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows, and if you choose an overwater lagoon suite you can enjoy swimming access directly from the beach, overlooking the pools. All nine accommodation categories also include personal butler service.
Credit: aquanicaragua.com Aqua Wellness Resort, Tola, NicaraguaAqua Wellness Resort, Tola, Nicaragua
Aqua Wellness Resort, Tola, Nicaragua (prices and photos)
Accommodation at the eco-friendly Aqua Wellness Resort offers the chance to delight the inner child inside by staying in a rainforest tree house - complete with monkeys scattering on the balcony. Sipping champagne from your private pool while the sun sinks into the water is likely to induce a lot of 'I can't believe we're really here', she also points out. Besides watching the monkeys and iguanas, you'll enjoy beautiful views of Redondo Bay, organic spa treatments and free yoga classes on wooden platforms overlooking the ocean. The pristine white sand beach is secluded in a protected bay, offering a perfect place to relax, while free use of paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment are offered for those who want to get more active. The on-site restaurant serves simple but tasty local dishes.
Credit: facebook.com/FourSeasonsResortBoraBoraFour Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French PolynesiaFour Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia (prices and photos)
The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a true Polynesian dream come true, pools or no pools. This five-star resort enjoys uninterrupted views of Bora Bora's dramatic peaks that become even more magical at sunset. The beautiful beaches and landscaped gardens are impeccably maintained, while the 100 overwater bungalows stretch out into the emerald lagoon, 15 of which have their own private saltwater pool. Indulge yourself on the Otemanu bungalow and enjoy 1,600 square feet of lounging space and the largest pool on the lot, equipped with a staircase for convenient access to the lagoon. In the cathedral-like spa, guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, such as a massage with monoi oil that contains 24-carat gold particles. There are also all kinds of activity options, including water sports lessons, yoga and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Credit: hilton.comConrad Maldives, Rangali Island, MaldivesConrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Maldives
Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Maldives (prices and photos)
Located on two private tropical islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, at the twice-voted 'Best Hotel in the World', you can choose a beach villa, overwater bungalow or sunset water villa, complete with telescope, glass-floored living room, and even a circular bed that rotates as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Regardless of which you opt for, you also get a huge wooden terrace and an infinity pool in the same shade of blue as the ocean. Eating out is the famous Ithaa, a fantastic underwater restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine paired with one of 20,000 bottles of wine - don't worry, if you have trouble making a decision, your sommelier will help you. During the day, if you can get away from your room, you can snorkel or dive for close encounters with an incredible variety of marine life or walk on the bridge connecting the two islands and look for manta rays floating through the water beneath your feet
Credit: sabi-sands.comLeopard Hills Lodge, South AfricaLeopard Hills Lodge, South Africa
Leopard Hills Lodge, South Africa (prices and photos)
Sabi Sand Game Reserve's all-inclusive five-star luxury lodge is perched on a South African hillside overlooking a natural watering hole. If you're looking for luxury with your safari, this is it. Not only will you enjoy spectacular views of African nature and wildlife before you even go on safari, each of the eight air-conditioned suites has its own private heated swimming pool with hot water heater - a fantastic place to observe the multitude of animals in their natural habitat. One caveat: you may have to share your pool with some of them. Some guests have woken up to the sound of elephants drinking from their pool. But is this really a downside? You can also enjoy African-inspired gourmet cuisine in the elegant dining room, under the stars in a traditional Shangaan boma, or have the chef serve a romantic dinner right on your private terrace.
Credit: pavilionsamui.comPavilion Samui Boutique Resort, Koh Samui, ThailandPavilion Samui Boutique Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand
Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand (prices and photos)
Nestled in a tropical garden right on Lamai beach on the island of Koh Samui, renowned for its palm-fringed stretches of sand surrounding dense mountainous rainforest and coconut palm plantations, the Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort offers 89 luxurious accommodations. All are spacious with curved Thai-style décor and include private patios and bathtubs. Choose a high-end villa, and you get a private pool overlooking the beach. Couples especially appreciate the in-room massages, romantic seaside restaurant and poolside bar. A spa and fitness centre are right on site.
Credit: horneddorset.netHorned Dorset Primavera, Rincon, Puerto RicoHorned Dorset Primavera, Rincon, Puerto Rico
Horned Dorset Primavera, Rincon, Puerto Rico (prices and photos)
Each of the whitewashed villas in the tropical gardens of Horned Dorset Primavera, on Puerto Rico's picturesque west coast, boasts a private terrace and a cold-water plunge pool. While each pool features exquisite Moroccan mosaic tiles, no two are alike, varying in size and shape. Interiors include Spanish colonial-style décor with dark wooden four-poster beds draped with transparent white fabric and large freestanding porcelain bathtubs and kitchenettes with stainless steel appliances. If you book an ocean view room, you'll be just steps away from the Caribbean.
Credit: facebook.com/secretbaySecret Bay, DominicaSecret Bay, Dominica
Secret Bay, Dominica (prices and photos)
Private and luxurious, Secret Bay is an intimate boutique resort with only six sustainable villas and bungalows located on a lush, rugged hillside on the pristine island of Dominica. Each villa is unique, although all treehouse-inspired retreats feel like their own private island retreat. The three Zabuco Honeymoon Villas boast spacious wooden terraces with elegant infinity pools. You can also enjoy watching glorious sunsets or practise yoga from the separate sunset deck - and, if you're in the mood for romance, you can even organise a private jazz show on your terrace while dining by the pool.