Because a lot of my travel is about business and I have a lot of other priorities, I’m not one of those people whose first question about a hotel is “does it have a pool?” Finding a good pool is always a pleasure though, and there are some very nice pools in unsuspecting places.
My favorite pool is at the Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland Because of its northern mountainous terrain there is something oddly relaxing about swimming in a warm pool that also doubles as a work of art. This pool is curving, with pillars, and windows in the ceiling. A wonderful place to relax. In Las Vegas there are a couple of hotels with truly remarkable pools. Although, there are no longer any indoor pools on the Vegas strip so you should be wary during the winter months when temperatures rarely exceed 60ºF. I recommend the MGM Grand Hotel and the Mandalay Bay because they are both very large and extensive with lazy rivers, wave pools, and just plenty of space for you to sit out and relax. Off strip you should check out The Golden Nugget which has one of the most unique pool/shark tank combinations around.
One of the most amazing pools which could be considered another wonder of the world is the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore. Imagine swimming on a pool 57 floors up that appears to have an edge that blends into the clouds and Singapore skyline. Simply swimming in this pool will give you an almost religious experience that cannot be matched anywhere else.
Swimming in a pool may not be the most important part of your trip, however some hotels make it their defining feature and if pool access is free with your room you’d be doing a real disservice to not check it out, especially if it’s one of these world famous pool resorts.