The best swimming pools in the world

Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa

A beautiful infinity pool overlooks a watering hole in the highly regarded River Lodge Spa, the largest of the Kapama camps, with its five charming luxury lodges and the option of romantic sleep-outs. When you’re not busy relaxing, more than 40 species of mammals, including the Big Five, can be seen during twice-daily guided game drives and after-breakfast bush walks.

One&Only One Za'abeel, Dubai

Opened in January 2024, this vertical urban resort includes the world’s longest cantilever, between its towers – and across this cantilever, the UAE’s longest infinity pool unfurls a spectacular 27 storeys above the city. Bathed in year-round sunshine, it’s part of a pool club that is one of the best spots in Dubai for relaxing, socialising, and celebrating. Luxurious cabanas, sunken seating areas, and cushioned day beds encourage you to linger for as long as possible.

Alila Ubud, Bali

A sublime 25-metre infinity pool with valley views is the centrepiece of this hillside retreat high above the Ayung River, with thatched-roof rooms and villas seeming to float on stilts over a ravine. It's also much-loved for its holistic spa offering locally inspired treatments such as the lulur body scrub, an ancient remedy originating from the rice farmers of Bali.

Daios Cove, Crete

This chic property in a secluded bay features a heated seawater infinity pool with cove views and a kids’ area, plus two indoor seawater pools in its fabulous spa. Accommodation itself includes rooms, suites, and secluded villas with up to three bedrooms and their own pools. But Daios Cove also encourages guests to explore the island by biking or hiking in the mountains or hopping aboard a thrilling boat ride around the coast.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Maldives

An indulgent infinity pool with weekly pool parties sits at the heart of this barefoot resort in the remote South Nilandhe/Dhaalu Atoll, although all its 125 airy beach and water villas and suites come with their own freshwater plunge or swimming pool too. Other big draws include an overwater spa with hydrotherapy pools, snorkelling on the house reef, kayaking, sunset cruises, and cultural excursions.

Amangiri, Utah, USA

This secluded resort in Canyon Point is built around a central heated pool curving around an escarpment of a 165-million-year-old Aeolian sandstone rock to blend in with its astonishing desert surroundings. Divided into 34 modernist suites and its satellite Camp Sarika, with ten tented pavilions, Amangiri is perfect for both peaceful desert retreats and adrenaline-fuelled adventures in untouched red-rock country over 900 acres of the Colorado Plateau.

To book your holiday at one of these properties with remarkable pools, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Canyons, culture, and cuisine in Chihuahua, Mexico

11 August 2025

When you think of Mexico, it’s likely that places such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen come to mind, but away from the tourist hotspots lies a region that stands out for its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Chihuahua, the largest of Mexico’s states, offers something for every type of traveller, and this guide to the region’s highlights will give you a glimpse of what makes this destination so extraordinary. Ready to discover a new destination to tick off your bucket list?

Canada’s best national parks for summer adventures

06 August 2025

For those who love the great outdoors, Canada’s national parks are nothing short of extraordinary. With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, the country offers an endless array of natural wonders, from dramatic mountain ranges to peaceful coastlines. Each park has its own unique charm, making it easy to see why so many people return year after year. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve highlighted five parks that truly shine in summer and early autumn - perfect for wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, and moments of pure stillness surrounded by nature.

Chase the Northern Lights in Norway

22 July 2025

The electric green ribbons of the Aurora Borealis dancing across Norway's pristine Arctic sky represent one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles. If witnessing the Northern Lights tops your bucket list, a trip to Norway can transform that dream into reality, while offering far more than just aurora viewing. From the thrill of husky sledding beneath curtains of light to watching the aurora reflect off dramatic fjords from a heated cruise ship deck, Norway delivers Northern Lights experiences that will stay with you forever.