Nothing is more relaxing than taking a dip in a refreshing pool or basking on its deck as you take in an amazing holiday in a far off, exotic destination. Some of the best resorts and private villa destinations on the planet offer a plethora of spectacular pools that draw you in with their cool images of opulence. Some are stunning infinity pools that take your breath away. Others bring together picture-perfect images of the sun, sand and surf just a stone’s throw away.

These astounding pools combined with the lavish getaways that sport them allow you to escape the mundane as you sink into the holiday spirit. From beautiful Bali to wild Borneo and from the party lifestyle of Jamaica to the scenic delights of Greece, together with our friends at Western & Oriental we have come up with this amazing collection of the very best pools on the planet!

Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali

Some of the best pools on the planet are nestled on the side of a stunning cliff. It seems there is something undeniably appealing to us about hanging precariously onto things! (Or at the very least, an impression that we are doing so) Combining golden sunshine, pristine white beaches, blue waters and imposing views of the Indian Ocean from its array of spectacular infinity beaches, the Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali is a must stay for those who visit the island.

Now, there is no shortage of stunning pools and spectacular hotels in vibrant Bali and the Banyan Tree Ungasan is the one that brings an astonishing wow factor to the table. Perched 70 meters above sea level, the private cliff edge pool at the resort promises to offer the best sights and sounds in all of Bali.

With a jet pool, outdoor dining spaces next to the pool and a relaxed setting and unobstructed views of the vast Indian Ocean, this is simply the best way to kick off your Bali holiday trip.

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Con Dao in Vietnam is a breathtaking location that has retained much of its natural beauty and amazing splendor thanks to being a protected national and marine park. The Six Senses Con Dao is the perfect gateway into this unblemished stretch of exotic wonders located in the remote corner of the country. While a multitude of activities here will keep you busy on your vacation, do take time out to bask under the sun next to one of the amazing villa pools.

Six Senses offers multiple ocean front villas and suites that come with lovely private pools, a sun deck and even a personal lap pool. A stunning infinity pool with majestic ocean views is also an option for those who stay at the 4 Bedroom Pool Villa. Coupled with a stylish deck space and plush seating, this might inspire you to revamp your own pool space back home!

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Opulent and expansive, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in Maldives likes to call itself a ‘treat for the senses and a sanctuary for the soul!’ If there ever was a gateway to a haven, then this stunning retreat would be it. Beautiful weather, an unending stretch of secluded beaches, azure blue waters and villas that pretty much bring the ocean to your feet; this is one amazing tropical paradise that amazes you at every turn. The edge of your private ocean-from retreat pool seems to touch the water of the turquoise lagoon just ahead as you are surrounded by majesty.

The pool villas by the beach, private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas, all feature a fabulous deck space next to the refreshing pools. Relax and enjoy the evening as the sunset brings along with it an outdoor dining experience and an evening under the stars, next to the contemporary private pools.

The Oberoi Mauritius

Mauritius is an island that perennially attracts tourists from all over the globe and there probably are few places as good as the Oberoi Mauritius to crash at on this heavenly island. The private villas at the Oberoi offer unabated views of the ocean. Set within a walled courtyard garden, the private pool of the luxury villas at the hotel offer a wonderful unwinding spot after a long, fun day outside.

The Royal Villa with its private pool is an even more enticing option at the Oberoi. This is where the lavish 55 square meter pool with its breathtaking ocean views will have you spending more time on the deck space than outside! An open air thatched dining pavilion and a thatched gazebo next to the pool complete the lovely landscape.

Jamaica Inn

There is something innately romantic about the Caribbean. The culture, the warmth of the locals and their carefree lifestyle rubs off on you the moment you land in the heart of Jamaica. The aquamarine waters of the sea at the Jamaica Inn are sure to further add to the wonderful Caribbean cruise you have been dreaming about. One thing we love about this cool retreat (apart from the ravishing private infinity pools, of course) is the fact that there are no clocks, TV sets or radios here. It is all about you and the nature!

The selection of suites and cottages at the Jamaica Inn offer lavish infinity pools surrounded by large and fully furnished balconies that ensure ample privacy. Work on your tan as you lazy around on the pool deck even as world class service and top cuisine serve up delectable delights.

The Datai Langkawi, Borneo

Incredible pools and splendid retreats need not always be surrounded by mighty oceans and calm lagoons. Nestled amidst the ancient rainforests of Lankawi, Borneo, the Datai Langkawi transports you into a land lost in time. The glorious resort is an internationally acclaimed retreat that is hailed as one of the most scenic destinations on the planet. There are 110 rooms, villas and suites, yet it is the few private pools here that truly unravel the regions majesty.

With the Andaman Sea within sight, the ambiance of a vibrant rainforest so close to the shore is truly unique and the outdoor pools and their expansive deck areas allow you to soak it all in. The lounge area next to the pools is great for snacks and drinks and the Jacuzzi sure eases away all your lingering pains and woes.

Daios Cove, Greece

Set on the secluded Vathi beach in Crete, this is the only resort destination that makes its way to the list from Europe. Greece has always been known as the most idyllic getaway in all of Europe and it is not hard to see why after you take a look at the Daios Cove Luxury Resort. All the villas and the mansions at the resort come with their own private pool and the opulence of Greece along with its Mediterranean magic are best enjoyed on the decks of these pools!

Beautiful pergolas, coastal views, fabulous weather and large heated seawater swimming pool and sundeck are sure set to become the highlight of your Greece trip. Local Crete dishes and the beach bar help you further unwind next to the sleek and stylish pool spaces.

Phulay Bay – A Ritz Carlton Reserve, Thailand

Wish to take in the delights of Thailand along with an outdoor sunken bathtub and private plunge pool? Then the place to crash would be the opulent Phulay Bay in Krabi that features a variety of villas with private tropical garden or ocean views. The private, infinity plunge pools at the resort are a treat for the sore eyes. A dip here allows you to capture those few fleeting moments of solitude and luxury combined with the 5 Star Luxury service of that the Ritz Carlton promises.

From the bold Royal Beach Villas to the stylish Reserve Pool Villas with Sea View, Phulay Bay offers amenities and comforts that will make sure that you will never want to go back home!

Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia

Here is another Caribbean gem that is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valley of The Pitons. Beautifully etched among lush green vegetation and fruit trees, this is a tropical delight in its truest sense. With private patios and infinity-edge pools the luxury villas at the resort offer a rare insight into a Caribbean that is otherwise hard to find in this time and age. Waterfront dining, chic bars and large plunge pools; all complement the party lifestyle of St Lucia perfectly.

With large terraces and flowing corridors leading to beautiful private sundecks, it is hard to imagine a more scenic setting than Sugar Beach so close to the North American shores.

Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

Overlooking the Port Launay Marine Park and spread across 120 hectares of land, the Hillside Villas at the Constance Ephelia Resort presents some of the most idyllic pool settings on the planet. The private infinity pool, sun terrace and garden seem perfect for those who would love to take in the most beautiful beaches on Mahe as they sip on a glass of martini! The Spa Villas offer equally captivating pool spaces with a far more soothing and laidback setting.

The Presidential Villa obviously is the icing on the cake as the outdoor dining area next to the infinity pool allows you to take in the sunsets and a romantic evening under the stars!

Affluent pool spaces rely as much on their setting as they do on design. It is all about the ambiance, views and the services that come attached. And everything considered these 10 pools do redefine our idea of what a perfect evening lazing next to the pool would be.

Tempted to take a flight to one of these exquisite getaways? Hail to Western & Oriental on Twitter and they may have something for you!