From Santorini to Singapore: Designing Your Dream Pool with Global Inspiration
The world's best pools transcend mere swimming—they offer unforgettable experiences that blend design, location, and luxury. At Watermark Pools & Outdoor Living, we draw inspiration from these masterpieces to craft bespoke aquatic retreats. Here's our curated list of ten iconic pools, along with insights on how to incorporate their standout features into your own backyard oasis.
Photo Credit: Marina Bay Sands
1. Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool – Singapore
Why It’s Special:
Located atop the world-famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, this rooftop oasis redefines urban luxury. Perched 57 stories above the skyline, it’s the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, where swimmers float high above the city’s glittering lights.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Infinity Edges: Create a seamless visual blend between your pool and the horizon.
Elevated Design: Incorporate raised platforms or decks to mimic the rooftop experience.
Night Lighting: Use LED lighting to transform your pool area after dark.
2. Hanging Gardens of Bali – Ubud, Indonesia
Why It’s Special:
Tucked into the lush highlands of Ubud, the Hanging Gardens of Bali resort offers a secluded jungle escape. Its cascading, multi-tiered infinity pool is a marvel of design, appearing to pour directly into the surrounding rainforest.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Terraced Layouts: Design multi-level pools that follow the natural contours of your landscape, creating a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Natural Materials: Use stone and wood to blend with the surrounding greenery.
Lush Landscaping: Incorporate tropical plants for a jungle-like ambiance.
Photo Credit: San Alfonso del Mar Resort
3. San Alfonso del Mar – Algarrobo, Chile
Why It’s Special:
Located in the coastal town of Algarrobo, this private resort complex is home to the Guinness World Record holder for the largest swimming pool. With over 3,000 feet of turquoise water stretching toward the ocean, it’s less a pool and more a personal lagoon—complete with sailboats.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Expansive Design: Opt for elongated pools that offer ample space for recreation.
Lagoon Features: Incorporate beach entries and gentle slopes for a resort feel.
4. Hotel Villa Honegg – Ennetbürgen, Switzerland
Why It’s Special:
Nestled in the Swiss Alps above Lake Lucerne, this exclusive five-star hotel boasts one of Europe’s most iconic thermal pools. The outdoor heated pool is built into the mountainside, offering a front-row seat to snow-capped peaks and tranquil lake views, especially magical at sunrise.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Heated Features: Install heating systems for year-round enjoyment.
Spa Elements: Add features like built-in seating and jet systems for relaxation.
Photo Credit: Amangiri by Aman
5. Amangiri – Canyon Point, Utah, USA
Why It’s Special:
Tucked into a protected valley near the Utah-Arizona border, Amangiri is a luxury desert resort known for its raw, minimalist aesthetic. Its geometric pool is carved into ancient sandstone, wrapping around a natural monolith and blending effortlessly into the ochre landscape of canyon country.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Natural Integration: Use materials and colors that reflect the local environment.
Minimalist Design: Focus on clean lines and uncluttered spaces.
6. Habita Monterrey – Monterrey, Mexico
Why It’s Special:
Set atop a sleek modernist hotel in the heart of Monterrey, this rooftop oasis offers a cutting-edge take on urban luxury. Two striking infinity pools, divided by a minimalist bar, provide 360-degree views of the Sierra Madre mountains—ideal for sunset cocktails or late-night swims.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Dual Pools: Design separate areas for relaxation and entertainment.
Rooftop Elements: Incorporate elevated decks or terraces.
Integrated Bar: Consider adding a swim-up bar or an adjacent lounge area.
Photo Credit: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
7. Caruso, A Belmond Hotel – Ravello, Italy
Why It’s Special:
Perched on a cliffside 1,000 feet above the Amalfi Coast, this 11th-century palace-turned-hotel is a sanctuary of old-world Italian grandeur. Its infinity pool appears to float above the sea, offering cinematic views of lemon groves, terracotta rooftops, and the glittering Mediterranean.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Mediterranean Touches: Incorporate terracotta tiles and lush gardens.
Elegant Furnishings: Opt for classic loungers and umbrellas for a timeless aesthetic.
8. Grace Hotel – Santorini, Greece
Why It’s Special:
Grace Hotel is carved into the cliffs of Imerovigli, one of Santorini’s most exclusive enclaves. Its signature infinity pool merges seamlessly with the blue of the Aegean, delivering uninterrupted views of the caldera and the island’s famous pink-and-gold sunsets.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
White Aesthetics: Use white stone or tiles to reflect the Cycladic architecture.
Sunset Viewing: Orient your pool area to capture evening views.
Photo Credit: Four Seasons
9. Four Seasons Resort – Maui, Wailea
Why It’s Special:
On Maui’s sun-drenched southwestern coast, the Four Seasons Wailea is synonymous with high-end Hawaiian hospitality. Its adults-only Serenity Pool offers sweeping ocean views, a swim-up bar, underwater music, and even in-pool HDTVs—designed for indulgent, tech-savvy relaxation.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Entertainment Features: Install underwater speakers and integrated lighting.
Swim-Up Bar: Create a social hub within your pool.
Oceanic Themes: Use blue hues and natural materials to evoke a seaside feel.
10. The Library – Koh Samui, Thailand
Why It’s Special:
Situated along the white sands of Chaweng Beach, The Library is a boutique hotel where art meets architecture. Its iconic red-tiled beachfront pool, surrounded by minimalist white pavilions and palm trees, delivers a bold visual punch and a truly unforgettable photo op.
Inspiration for Your Pool:
Bold Colors: Experiment with unconventional tile colors for a unique look.
Artistic Elements: Incorporate design features that reflect personal style.
Minimalist Surroundings: Pair striking pool designs with simple, architectural elements.
Bringing the Best Pools Home with Watermark
Luckily, with Watermark Pools and Outdoor Living, you can enjoy elements of the best pools in the world right at home! Our expert craftsmanship and thoughtful design bring your inspiration to life, ensuring your pool area rivals any of these global icons right in your backyard.
Ready to Dive In?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start crafting your dream pool inspired by the world's best.