Across Asia, certain hotel pools stand out as must-visit attractions, merging bold design with breathtaking surroundings. Whether perched high above urban environments, nestled within lush jungles, or bordering pristine beaches, these aquatic spaces reimagine what swimming can be.
A notable example is the Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s outdoor pool area, which features seven private cabanas, blue candy-cane striped sunbeds, and cascading greenery. The pool’s dreamy tiling pattern references the nearby waves of Pattaya Beach on the eastern Gulf of Thailand.
Standout Swimming Experiences
Meliá Chiang Mai’s swimming pool is another standout, with tiles fashioned in a striking textile pattern that references the local Chiang Mai culture. The pool is adjacent to a shallow pool area for kids, featuring two water slides, a rain curtain, water fountains, and a giant tipping bucket.
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s transparent infinity swimming pool commands the hotel’s top floor, offering panoramic views of the city. The pool anchors The Giant Swing Pool Bar and an expansive rooftop terrace, evoking a mood similar to that found in Ibiza.
A similar infinity pool can be found at The Anam Cam Ranh, which appears to seamlessly blend into the nearby ocean and horizon. The pool’s gray slate tiling reflects the spectacular natural surrounds, creating a brilliantly blue effect.
Some hotels, like Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, boast courtyard swimming pools framed by lush tropical gardens and elegant exterior architecture. The pool has won honors as the best in Cambodia in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.
Luxury Pools Redefine Hotel Experience
In comparison to other luxury hotels, these pools offer a unique experience that sets them apart from others in the region. By combining stunning architecture with beautiful natural surroundings, they create an unforgettable experience for guests.
The swimming pool at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is set within the hotel’s garden courtyard, evoking timeless elegance and sophistication. The poolside Bamboo Bar adds a touch of the tropical to the upscale surroundings, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a signature Graham Greene Martini.
Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s rooftop pool offers a haven of calm in the midst of Ho Chi Minh City’s busy streets, overlooking the city’s ever-changing skyline. The pool is perfect for relaxing, recharging, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sun-speckled waters.
TIA Wellness Resort’s infinity pool reaches for the ocean, coming with a soundtrack of waves. Guests can visit early in the day for smooth waters and sunrise views, or relax in the private pools that complement every villa.
Palace Hotel Tokyo’s indoor swimming pool offers views of Asia’s largest city and verdant green space in the same outlook, taking in the dense metropolitan area and the Imperial Palace Gardens. The 20-meter-long pool is perfect for a few laps, with breaks to appreciate the view.
Nature Inspired Pool Designs
Kamalaya on Koh Samui’s leisure pool is designed for slowing down, set beside Amrita Café and steps from the beach. The pool winds through lotus ponds, where koi and turtles drift past marble steps carved with Buddhist motifs and playful elephant sculptures.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s picturesque beachfront pool helped the resort achieve the runner-up spot in the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” contest. The award-winning image shows a sunken lounge beside the resort’s infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach during a multi-hued dusk.
In contrast, the 25-meter lap pool at Kamalaya is perfect for more purposeful swimming, with open views of nearby islands and access to steam, cold plunge, and gym facilities.
Poolside Amenities and Activities
The Anam Cam Ranh’s infinity pool is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and offers stunning views of the ocean and horizon. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including water sports and yoga classes.
