Pools, By Belmomd

Words by Belmond Editors
A swimmer rests at the edge of infinity pool watching the silhouetted coastline melt into the purple haze beneath a sunset.

The best hotel swimming pools offer iconic views, impeccable poolside service and something a little special – and with Belmond, you are spoilt for choice. From a pool party atmosphere under the sun in Rio de Janeiro to spots you can swim while watching the waves crash on white sand in the Caribbean, let this list introduce you to the best of the best.

1 / 10

Cap Juluca

Cap Juluca spreads out over a crescent of sugar-white sand on Maunday’s Bay in Anguilla – but here, you have the best of both worlds. Jump in the sea or swim right up to the shoreline in the infinity-edge pool, soundtracked to the gently lapping waves ahead.

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High angle shot in soft hues of a woman floating in the emerald water of Uchu's infinity pool overlooking the beach and sea.

2 / 10

Copacabana Palace

Princess Diana. Janis Joplin. Orson Welles. These are just some of the many legends who have taken a dip in the swimming pool at Copacabana Palace, the place to see and be seen in Rio de Janeiro. Restyled in 2023 with a vision of pom-poms, palm fronds and green stripes, this playground of carioca glamour is the ultimate spot to sip a caipirinha in the city.

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Cream and sage parasols stand to attention beside teak sun loungers that lie ready for guests around a turquoise pool

3 / 10

Hotel Cipriani

Our magnificent, vast swimming pool at Hotel Cipriani is one of the finest in Europe – and the only one in central Venice. When originally installed, an architectural mix-up between feet and metres resulted in an unusually large pool; rhe social hub of the hotel, it is fully heated and filtered with seawater.

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Aerial view of clay tile roofs and an outdoor pool surrounded by sunbeds and parasols

4 / 10

Maroma

Surrounded by swaying palm trees in the Riviera Maya, the main pool at Maroma is surrounded by chic furniture draped in calming hues of linen and pale green. The perfect spot for a cooling dip, the pool features tiles hand-made from volcanic stone in the same vibrant turquoise tones as the region’s many natural cenotes.

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A ring of palms creates an oasis feel at Maroma's pool, which sits like a turquoise jewel in cream stone, seen from above.

5 / 10

Splendido

Echoing the sparkling Ligurian Bay beneath, the pool at Splendido offers the most iconic viewpoint in all of Portofino. Reimagined by Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, the design echoes the sparkling bay with Verezzi tiles, contrasting with the pink, red and white marble terrace.

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Terracotta parasols pepper the sun terrace beside the aquamarine pool. Far below the wooded cliff, yachts moor in the harbour

6 / 10

La Samanna

The French West Indies are all about sun-splashed chic – and La Samanna’s Signature Villas are the ultimate evocation. Perched on a cliff edge, these villas are adorned with private infinity pools and wraparound terraces, all overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

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Aerial view of the terracotta-roofed veranda with column supports extending into the pool, with access steps on both sides.

7 / 10

Caruso

In a fairytale locale on the Amalfi Coast, our spectacular infinity pool at Caruso is an architectural masterpiece. Set at the highest point above the town of Ravello, it’s seemingly suspended in the clouds. Drift along and soak up breathtaking views of the coastline below.

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8 / 10

Reid's Palace

Reid’s Palace in Madeira is blessed with three pools – but our tidal pool is the most unique. Naturally filled with sea water and built into the cliffs, take turns diving into the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing in this cliffside sanctuary.

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9 / 10

Casa de Sierra Nevada

Choose your spot round the foliage-fringed pool at Casa de Sierra Nevada, right in the heart of historic San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. This hidden oasis is dotted with manicured trees and colorful flowers – the ultimate spot to unwind with a cooling splash.

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Sun illuminates the sugar-pink spires of Parrocchia San Michele Arcangelo in a high view over the shaded gardens and pool.

10 / 10

Romazzino

Set in a serene location overlooking the beach, the pool at Romazzino in Porto Cervo is the perfect place to bask in the warm Sardinian sun. With a fresh juice in hand, plunge in the adventures of a good book, or tune in to soulful sounds from the comfort of a shaded poolside lounge.

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Looking down from green sloping gardens to the tropical pool below, with views past the sun-loungers and parasols to the sea.

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