Private plunge pools have long been coveted features in luxury hotel rooms, and these days they're easier than ever to come by, particularly in destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico. But some stand out above the rest. We used to be so excited about the idea of a pool just for us that we didn't care if it looked out at a brick wall (well, that may be pushing it a tad far), but these 20 hotel rooms with private pools offering absolutely stunning views have us totally jaded now. Only overlooking a clear-blue sea or lush greenery will do!
1. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico
The adults-only Excellence Playa Mujeres is a luxury resort that offers a great all-inclusive experience with tons of variety — multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, and dozens of wonderful activities. Rooms here are large and contemporary, all featuring large modern bathrooms, whirlpools, and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Some have large rooftop terraces with private plunge pools overlooking the ocean. A tranquil white-sand beach with views out over Isla Mujeres adds to its value.
2. Hotel Le Toiny, St. Barts
One of the most prestigious properties in St. Barts, Hotel Le Toiny is an exclusive, 22-villa luxury resort situated amid 42 lush acres of natural hills and beachfront. The spacious and airy villas are swish, and each has its own large, infinity-edge private plunge pool. Views here are jaw-dropping, overlooking greenery and the sea in the distance. Other top-notch features consist of a Beach Club, small infinity pool, and a French restaurant — one of the island’s most renowned and one of the many reasons celebrities come here to relax.
3. The Place Luxury Boutique Villas, Thailand
Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape, The Place Luxury Boutique Villas is a striking property hidden in the hills of Koh Tao. There are just nine private stand-alone villas here, each of which has a well-sized plunge pool and deck surrounded by trees, looking out to the sea. Also standard are an elegant, rustic-luxe design, kitchen facilities, and Bluetooth sound systems. The resort doesn’t have any other features, not even a restaurant, but most guests come here for privacy and romance, and are content to spend most of their time lounging on the terraces.
4. Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
The luxurious, all-inclusive-optional Jade Mountain Resort is one of the most romantic hotels not only in the Caribbean, but the world, thanks to its incredible Piton views and extraordinary design. The 29 enormous suites, called “sanctuaries,” are hands-down the highlight; through the innovative, open fourth wall, each has a view of a sea from the entire room — including the canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Ample features such as dedicated butler service, a main pool, impressive restaurant, spa treatments, and free yoga add to its appeal.
5. Horned Dorset Primavera, Puerto Rico
Offering a secluded beachfront location a 15-minute drive from downtown Rincon, Puerto Rico, the Horned Dorset Primavera feels romantic and exclusive. White buildings dot the lush eight-acre grounds, and the 17 suites are adorned with Spanish-Colonial-style decor. All of the rooms have a bi-level layout, dark-wood canopy beds, swish marble bathrooms with big freestanding soaking tubs, and kitchenettes with stainless-steel appliances. Their highlight, however are the outdoor decks with private plunge pools, providing beautiful Caribbean Sea views. A tranquil beach, two outdoor pools, on-site restaurant, and yoga studio are also available here.
6. andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana
andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, an ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge set on an island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, isn’t just a hotel, but an experience. Everything from the excellent food to the swish safari tents to the guided excursions — think game drives, bush walks, and river cruises is included in the price of the stay. There are just nine rooms here, which are high-end, air-conditioned, and completely screened in with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, and indoor/outdoor showers, plus private plunge pools that overlook the 672,000-acre wildlife preserve on which the tents are set. Guests can spot exotic wildlife such as lions and hippos, and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat.
7. Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Located within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat that’s suitable for both couples and families. It’s set on a mile-long stretch of pretty beach, offering ample leisure features such as a stellar spa, several pools — some of which are within the adults-only beach club — and a fitness center with free classes. The 129 suites have attractive contemporary decor — picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods — as well as high-tech amenities and outdoor spaces with private plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access from the beach.
8. Tadrai Island Resort, Fiji
One of Fiji’s top luxury properties, Tadrai Island Resort — located on Mana Island — is an adults-only, all-inclusive where peace and quiet is the focus. Here, guests can choose to participate in a wide variety of water sports, lounge poolside or on the beach, or instead spend most of their time getting pampered at the spa; it’s also a great spot for diving. There are just five private villas here, all of which are super luxe and well-equipped, and they overlook the ocean from expansive porches with plunge pools.
9. Amatara Wellness Resort, Phuket
The luxurious Amatara Wellness Resort is a striking property overlooking the Panwa Cape on Phuket’s quiet southern end. Romancing couples and posh families come here for the breathtaking infinity-edge pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, a private sandy beach, and well-outfitted villas and rooms. The 35 pool villas here all have their own private outdoor plunge pool with views of the bay or cape, plus in-room amenities consist of living spaces, stand-alone tubs, and free Wi-Fi. A full spa and salon are on-site.
10. Aqua Wellness Resort, Nicaragua
Aqua Wellness Resort is a rustic-luxe retreat set into a hillside overlooking Redondo Bay on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. An eco-friendly design and wellness-centric amenities (yoga, meditation, and spa treatments) create a nature-filled, peaceful retreat surrounded by lush vegetation with wildlife — expect to spot howler monkeys and iguanas. The various Tree House rooms here are adorned with lots of natural wood and some units include plunge pools with stunning ocean views. Speaking of, the white-sand beach is secluded and beautiful.
11. Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort, Thailand
Located along popular Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, the upscale Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort is a romantic beachfront hotel surrounded by tropical gardens. There are 90 modern rooms and villas, all of which have Thai decor, soaking tubs, and private furnished terraces, plus upgraded villas come with private plunge pools overlooking the beach. Resort features include beachfront dining, an outdoor swimming pool with a kids’ section, a full-service spa, and a boutique selling jewelry.
12. Pink Sands, Bahamas
The hilly, upscale Pink Sands Resort is one of just a handful of hotels on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Its freestanding cottages are set along a 20-acre bird sanctuary, making for a peaceful atmosphere where nature takes center stage. Several categories of sophisticated yet cozy cottages are available, and many have outdoor patios with private pools and gorgeous ocean views — plus direct access to the unspoiled three-mile stretch of beach. Other features include great dining, small freshwater pool, and tennis courts, and golf carts are available to explore other parts of the island.
13. Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
The adults-only Ladera Resort is a luxury hotel set on a forested ridge overlooking St. Lucia‘s famous Pitons. Most unique are the 37 one- and two-bedroom suites, which have one side completely open to the elements. All have local furniture, canopied beds, and private cold or heated plunge pools with views of the Pitons, lush rainforest, and Caribbean Sea. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with outdoor mineral pools.
14. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is situated on a granite plateau overlooking stunning Petite Anse Bay. Guests stay in impressive individual treetop-level villas, each with its own private plunge pool, whirlpool, and outdoor shower, plus lovely views. The rest of the resort features are similarly top-notch, consisting of a spa with a massive treatment menu, a golf driving range, a fitness center with personal trainers, and a dive shop. Highlights, however, are the outdoor swimming pool and private beach with staff delivering refreshments. Classes in yoga, surfing, Creole cooking, art, hiking, and sailing also keep guests busy.
15. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
With only 90 suites, the all-inclusive Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita offers a romantic, wellness-centric boutique experience in the Mayan Riviera. All suites are spacious, comfortable, and feature hacienda-style decor, plus some suites have private plunge pools and/or bathrooms with two-person marble sunken bathtubs. The pool and beach areas have double-wide lounge chairs (perfect for couples), and there’s a tranquil Thalasso therapy center. Included amenities not standard at most all-inclusive resorts are a daily bottle of champagne, a one-hour Catamaran sunset sail, three-times-daily maid service, and private chauffeured airport transfers.
16. Bandara Villas Phuket, Thailand
Set along a beautiful, calm beach in southeastern Phuket, the luxury Bandara Villas Phuket is a great pick for couples seeking a quiet getaway. There are just 33 rooms here, all of which are done in a modern style and have open-plan bathrooms, sitting areas, and private plunge pools overlooking the Andaman Sea. Guests can also use the main outdoor pool, which is set just behind the beach, or spend their time at a small gym, doing daily activities such as yoga and Thai boxing, or at a sleek spa nearby. Dining options include a poolside snack bar and an all-day restaurant that serves Thai fare and free breakfast.
17. Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini
The luxurious Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini stands out for showcasing some of the most spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, while also offering a central location with easy access to Oia’s main street. The traditional, whitewashed cave-style villas and suites feature hot tubs and private terraces with stunning sea views — and some have a plunge pool. An outdoor sundeck features a chic infinity pool and adjacent bar, plus there are two on-site restaurants (Greek and Japanese), a 150-year-old wine cellar, and a spa.
18. Hotel Casa Chameleon Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Offering a secluded luxury getaway high up in the hills of Costa Rica, the peaceful Hotel Casa Chameleon Mal Pais is a gorgeous and romantic property. There are just 10 stylish villas here, all stand-alone and individually decorated, featuring private pools overlooking flora, fauna, and the ocean beyond. Most guests spend their days in the villas themselves, but there are also a shared pool and a quality restaurant and bar for cocktails.
19. Rosewood Phuket, Thailand
Opened in November 2017, the luxurious Rosewood Phuket has 71 stunning villas and pavilions set along a hill and sloping down to a lovely, small beach. All of the villas are huge, elegant, and stylish, outfitted with high-end amenities such as living spaces, outdoor tubs and showers, and plunge pools facing the sea. Some have direct beach access. A plethora of exceptional amenities include a spa, fitness center with free classes, multiple well-regarded restaurants, and a huge pool.
20. Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel, Greece
The Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is an upscale, couples-only property perched high above the Aegean Sea in Santorini. Attentive service, chic Cycladic architecture, and a quiet setting gives the property a sophisticated vibe, though the highlights here are the breathtaking views found throughout. The 18 elegant cave-like rooms all open to sea-view terraces, many of which feature hot tubs, and some have private plunge pools. A shared swimming pool, restaurant, free breakfast, and sunset wine tastings are also provided.
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Related Links:
- The Best Hotel Villas in the Caribbean
- Cancun vs. Cabo: Which Vacation Spot Is Better for You?
- The 15 Best Boozy, Adults-Only All-Inclusives
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