The Maldives
(Photo by One & Only Reethi Rah)
There are fantastic pools all over the world and then there are the pools that we’ll feature here. Pools that up the stakes, raise the game, and redefine luxury. Pools that Instagram and social media hustlers flock to in the attempt to convince you their lives are extraordinarily different from yours but most of the time, but pools that truly offer and other worldly experience none the less.
Alas, few of the pools that well appear in this series on pools that one can just road trip to. No, if you’re a pool enthusiast, a lover of water and all things swimming, prepare your passport and cash in some of those airline miles because we’re touring the world to experience the best of the best in pools.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Why Go? The One & Only Reethi Rah Serenity pool has to be one of the most picturesque pools I’ve seen, seemingly blending right into the ocean’s horizon in what looks like an endless stretch of crystal-clear water.
Measuring just over 100 feet in length, it’s a great lap pool, and maybe one of the biggest perks is its reserved for adults only. Meaning no noisy kids, no teenage drama, just a quiet place to relax, enjoy a drink and soak up the water and the sunshine. Don’t worry about the babysitter though, the facilities have space dedicated solely to teenagers and children exclusively.
So how much will this set you back? At the time of writing this a stay for one night was just over $2,000! But that’s luxury for you.
If the Maldives piques your interest but $2,000 a night is out of your budget, definitely explore your options, the island is most frequented by couples and honeymooners and caters to tourist with 90% if the countries revenue coming from tourism. In fact, more than 9 million people have visited the tiny island retreat since 2007.
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Singapore
Our second and last pool for Part 1 of the World’s Most Famous Pools takes us to the 57th floor of Singapore’s Marina Bay Hotel where you can swim in a nearly 500 foot long infinity pool, the world’s longest infinity pool, that offers a tremendous view of the city below.
The pool is only open to hotel guests, so you’ll need to shell out around $600 a night to take a splash in this luxurious pool.
Singapore
Perhaps the center of East Asia, Singapore is nestled right outside of Malaysia and with easy access to Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam for your vacation hopping needs. I spent two weeks here a few years ago and it’s a vibrant melting pot of peoples, very easy to get around, tremendous amenities, and incredibly clean. It is a bit pricier than the surrounding countries but it’s still a fantastic treat for a location that offers adventure, relaxation, and shopping for everyone.
Why go? Location, location, location. As mentioned, Singapore is a great place to start, end, or a take a break in your multi-country road trip. You’ll have plenty of luxurious options and a gorgeous ocean to swim in also. For those single destination folks, Singapore may look tiny on the map, but its vibrant melting pot of people gives so many areas of the island great character and still has plenty of nature spots to trek, adventure, and explore to satisfy your green thumbed friends.