Whether it’s the wildlife, scenery, or people you remember most, Africa is out on its own for sheer scale, variety and dramatic impact. It’s an extraordinary place that will entice you back again and again, from the elegance and charm of Cape Town to the primal attractions of the Serengeti and the impossibly-perfect beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean.
With its gleaming towers rising out of the desert, constantly sun-drenched beaches, world-beating designer shopping and fabulous hotels, the UAE serves up the very last word in urbane glamour, while Oman is a stylish and sophisticated choice for those looking to enjoy the very best Arabia has to offer.
How can you begin to sum up Asia? Mysterious, majestic, surprising, spiritual, energetic, enticing… it’s all those and more. A trip here is a true voyage of discovery, not least because its cultures and history have been hidden to Western eyes for too long, and with so much to explore, you’ll be back time and again.
Explore, cherish and fall in love with Australia, the world’s largest island; the epic countryside and adrenaline-junkie Eden of New Zealand, or the spectacularly laid-back islands of French Polynesia – which bring to life just how dreamy reality can get.
Hunker down by translucent shores and shady palms to breathe in jasmine and hibiscus and watch the hovering of miracle-winged hummingbirds. Why not explore the stunning tiny islands of the Caribbean?
From the sun-kissed Mediterranean to sophisticated cities, Europe’s diversity is without equal. Its converted castles, restored monasteries, refurbished palaces and rolling landscapes are all testimony to its fascinating history, whilst the gourmet cuisine, vintage wines and glamorous nightlife reflect the continent’s irrepressible joie de vivre.
Choose from idyllic islands adrift in the Indian Ocean, seducing you with overwater villas, underwater reefs, iridescent white sands, swaying sugar cane and cerulean oceans; or the magnificence of the Indian Subcontinent’s temples, Buddhist Kingdoms and beaches throughout Sri Lanka – all serving up a feast for senses as well as the soul.
Straddling the two Poles and encompassing myriad landscapes and cultures, The Americas offer an almost tireless treasure trove of experiences for travellers, from the remains of ancient civilizations in South America to the gleaming cities of Canada and the US, peppered amongst ever-changing landscapes which define majesty.
Dive into our list of the world’s coolest pools
All prices include round-trip economy class flights. Transfers excluded unless otherwise specified.
1/ PER AQUUM Huvafen FushiMaldives
By day it's impressive enough, but this infinity pool really comes into its own by night. Romantically lit with fibre-optic lights, it's also the place to be for a private, toes-in-the-water dinner beneath the stars.
7 nights from £2695 per person in a Beach Bungalow with Pool, including half board and round-trip transfers.
4/ The Oberoi UdaivilasUdaipur, India
A haven of serenity, the semi-private 50-metre-long pool here enjoys an irresistibly-dramatic setting on the banks of Lake Pichola, sweeping views of Udaipur City’s Palace and – best of all – is accessible only from its suites.
4 nights from £1275 per person in a Premier Room Garden View, room only.
7/ Belmond Hotel CarusoRavello, Italy
With its lofty views over the Amalfi Coast, Belmond Hotel Caruso's spectacular heated infinity pool is an architectural masterpiece, set at the highest point above Ravello, and seemingly suspended in the clouds.
7 nights from £1150 per person in a Village View Room, including breakfast.
10/ Atlantis, The PalmDubai
Overflowing with 17 fun-filled hectares of adrenaline-pumping rides and slides the whole family can enjoy, there are so many pools at the watery wonderland that is Atlantis, The Palm, it’s hard to know where to begin.
7 nights from £1575 per person in a Deluxe Room, including half board.
2/ Sandy LaneBarbados
Cascading waterfalls. Lush tropical gardens. Seventy-five-hundred square feet of glistening aquatic loveliness. And attendants on hand to make sure every need is taken care of. Poolside lounging doesn't get any better than this.
7 nights from £3095 per person in an Orchid Room, including breakfast and round-trip transfers.
5/ Marina Bay SandsSingapore
Not ideal for acrophobics, this vertigo-inducing rooftop infinity pool – longer than the Eiffel Tower laid flat, its platform spanning all three towers of the hotel – delivers heartstopping views and envy-inducing photo opportunities from every angle.
4 nights from £1125 per person in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast.
8/ Villa d'EsteLake Como, Italy
Sitting on a platform on Lake Como itself – one of Hollywood elite's most-beloved holiday spots – this fabulous floating pool comes complete with a built-in Jacuzzi and one-of-a-kind, eye-poppingly-gorgeous 360-degree views of the lake. Bellissima!
4 nights from £850 per person in a Deluxe Courtyard View Room, including breakfast.
3/ San Alfonso del MarValparaiso, Chile
Guinness World Record holder of the largest pool on earth (over one kilometre long, with a deep end of three metres), swimming a few lengths of this crystalline lagoon could be compared to swimming the Channel… albeit in a much more exotic locale.
7 nights from £1395 per person in a One Bedroom Apartment, room only.
6/ Hanging GardensUbud, Bali
Without a doubt the most photogenic and photographed pool around the globe, this stunning split-level masterpiece appears to float high over its setting, deep in the heart of Ubud's rich tropical rainforest.
7 nights from £2275 per person in a Grand Executive/Garden Suite, including breakfast.
9/ The Library Koh SamuiKoh Samui, Thailand
Unwind by The Library’s signature crimson pool – rated one of the world’s most spectacular by CNN and TripAdvisor – and soak up the dazzling spectacle of brilliant colour and sophisticated style, all just steps from Chaweng Beach.
Call your Travel Director on
01244 567 000
to book or for further information on these or any other experiences.
Or get in touch 01244 567000