The concept of the infinity pool was said to have originated in France in the 1600s, but has become increasingly popular in recent years to be a hallmark of luxury, often found in exclusive hotels and resorts. The idea is to give swimmers an unobstructed view of the skyline or horizon, which is particularly effective when the pool appears to merge with the ocean or the sky. Infinity pools are the perfect place for relaxation and contemplation, allowing you to unwind on your holiday. From the Mediterranean to the skyscrapers of Singapore, hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk has selected eight of the best...
1) Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos, Greece
Source: Cavo Tagoo
Five-star Cavo Tagoo describes itself as a blank canvas upon which visitors can paint their island dreams. With traditional white walls, minimalistic design and the option of private Jacuzzi tubs in each individually decorated room or suite, guests are guaranteed a stylish and rejuvenating stay. Alongside the 38-metre saltwater infinity pool with oversized day beds, guests can opt for their own private infinity pool adjacent to their terrace - perfect for watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
2) Haciena Na Xamena, Ibiza, Spain
Source: Haciena de Xamena
Haciena de Xamena shows Ibiza as it used to be: set in the heart of a preserved natural park and suspended 180 metres above a rugged coastline. When the hotel was constructed in 1969, there were no roads, water or electricity - a job for the pioneer! The housing estate Na Xamena was created using the hotel's infrastructure, benefiting the local community. The infinity pool reflects the hotel's philosophy to blend with the surrounding landscape, set on three levels, crafted with natural rocks and partially covered for those seeking some shade.
3) InterContinental, Hong Kong
Source: InterContinental
This InterContinental hotel is ideally located on the Kowloon waterfront, boasting views of most impressive skylines in the world - Hong Kong island. The outdoor pool is one of the largest in Hong Kong, overlooking Victoria Harbour from its own private terrace. The infinity element is set within the large Whirlpool, allowing guests to relax whilst looking down at one of the busiest waterways in the world. Elsewhere, guests can rejuvenate in the feng shui inspired I-Spa, offering a range of treatments and facilities to relax the mind and body.
4) Jade Mountain Resort, St Lucia
Source: Jade Mountain Resort
The architect who created Jade Mountain Resort, Nick Troubetzkoy, believes in building in harmony with the Caribbean landscape. From the way each bedroom flows to the living area and the private infinity pool, all with views over the ocean and the mountains, it is clear Nick's philosophy is echoed throughout this unique resort. The infinity pools are surfaced with one-of-a-kind glass tiles and fibre optics, allowing guests to change the colour of the water at night time. Each is unique in colour and shape, ranging from 37 to 84 square metres and featuring both shallow water lounging areas and large swimming areas.
5) Lefay Resort and Spa, Lake Garda, Italy
Source: Lefay Resort and Spa
Renowned for its intense blue water, Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and one of the country's most beautiful destinations. Lefay Resort is the first hotel on the lake to be awarded five stars, and was named Europe's favourite Spa by Spafinder in 2013. Located in picturesque Gargnano, the hotel emanates a traditional Italian village, complete with 11 hectares of olive trees, hills and woodland. The Spa includes five Saunas of different themes and humidity and two swimming pools, including an outdoor, 25-metre salt water infinity pool.
6) Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort, Gran Canaria
Source: Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort
Gran Canaria boasts year-round springtime temperatures, making it a popular winter and summer sun destination among UK travellers. The Lopesan Costa Meloneras is a seafront resort adjacent to the Nature Reserve of Dunas de Maspalomas in the south of the island, famous for its backdrop of sand dunes. The 3,500-square-metre Spa Corallium Costa Meloneras takes inspiration from the volcanic nature of the island, focusing on the elimination of toxins to strengthen the immune system and promote relaxation. The large infinity pool is located adjacent to the ocean.
7) Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Source: Marina Bay Sands
Arguably one of the most famous infinity pools in the world, the Sands SkyPark boasts a 150-metre long rooftop pool suspended 57 storeys above the ground. Guests can enjoy the best view of Singapore while swimming the length of this pool, which is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Elsewhere, Marina Bay Sands offers an impressive 581,000 square metres of hotel rooms and suites, theatres, entertainment venues, shops and countless restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines and celebrity chefs. It is little surprise this is the world's most expensive building.
8) Viceroy, Bali
Source: Viceroy
The Viceroy is aptly located in Bali's "Valley of the Kings", named due to Balinese royalty's preference of the area. The resort consists of 25 secluded villas, complete with private pools, outdoor terraces and marble bathrooms. The fusion of contemporary French and Asian cuisine in CasCades Restaurant is renowned as one of the finest dining experiences in South East Asia. The large infinity pool boasts a fountain feature, a swim-up bar and views of the tropical Petanu Valley.