There’s nothing more relaxing than floating in a resort pool with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. That is, until a pack of spring breakers takes over the swim-up bar and kids start practicing their cannonballs. Fortunately, booking a private villa with its own plunge pool can fix that. And the good news where that’s concerned is you’ve got options. Lots of them. For luxury resorts with private villas and full plunge pools, start here.
Picture Yourself . . .
- In a private pool suspended above a lagoon at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives.
- In a mineral spring plunge pool with a volcano view at Nayara Springs in Costa Rica.
- In a private infinity-edge pool overlooking a beach at the Six Senses Yao Noi resort in Thailand.
1. Gili Lankanfushi
Maldives
A vacation where your toughest choice is swimming in your private plunge pool or the ocean directly outside of your room? Nothing compares. You’ll find the best of both worlds at Gili Lankanfushi, a collection of overwater villas complete with private pools suspended above a lagoon. Each luxury thatched-roof villa features rooftop terraces for admiring the sunset, catamaran nets for lounging, and direct ocean access via your own ladder. The plunge pools are generously sized and sit right at the edge of the deck, so you can float while watching fish swim by (without having to worry about any ocean creatures actually touching you).
2. Nayara Springs
Costa Rica
You can’t come to Costa Rica without experiencing the country’s famous hot springs, and what better way to do it than by booking your very private version? Located in the volcanic Arenal area, it only makes sense that every villa at Nayara Springs is equipped with a private plunge pool fed by mineral-rich natural hot springs.
Inside the aptly named Springs Villas, you’ll find a four-poster king bed draped with a mosquito net, an outdoor shower with dual rain showers, and indoor and outdoor sitting areas. Outside, you’ll be surrounded by dense rainforest, giving you a feeling of total seclusion.
3. Katikies Chromata Santorini
Greece
On Santorini, follow an ancient footpath connecting the charming villages of Fira and Oia and you’ll come across Katikies Chromata Santorini. The boutique hotel’s Chromata Villa was formerly a private home in the Venetian period, and now it’s been transformed into a two-level private villa. Rooms follow the classic Santorini cave-style design, with curved white walls and neutral-toned décor. The star, however, is the plunge pool set on a private terrace overlooking the Caldera. If you prefer an even bigger private pool, book the Katikies Cycladic House, a 75,000 square foot villa that sleeps up to 10 and has a 340-square-foot private heated pool.
4. Six Senses Yao Noi
Thailand
Every villa and suite at the Six Senses Yao Noi resort in Thailand features a private plunge pool, so you really can’t go wrong. Opt for a jungle view villa to be surrounded by lush greenery, or book an ocean view villa, which features private infinity-edge pools overlooking the water below.
For a honeymoon or any romantic escape, The View villa is hard to beat. This one-bedroom hideaway has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to 180-degree views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts. Take in the scenery from your private infinity pool, the netted hammock, or a pair of sun loungers. And if you don’t feel like leaving, you don’t have to: Order in-room dining and enjoy it in the sunken entertainment area or settle into your private cinema once the sun goes down.
5. Palms Casino Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is renowned for its wild pool parties, and you can host your very own at the Sky Villas inside Palms Casino Resort. This over-the-top retreat comes with a massive outdoor terrace and a plunge pool overlooking the Vegas Skyline. Inside the luxurious villa you’ll find an 11-seat bar for mixing cocktails, a dedicated massage room to cure post-party hangovers, and 24-hour butler service.
6. Viceroy Los Cabos
Mexico
Perfect for small groups who want space to spread out, Viceroy Los Cabos offers a selection of three- to five-bedroom beachside casitas and villas. Crowning each casita, you’ll find your own private rooftop terrace and plunge pool, where you can admire uninterrupted ocean views. Plus, you’ll have access to Viceroy’s host service, which can handle anything from dinner reservations to stocking your villa with your favorite drinks and snacks.
7. Sailrock South Caicos
Turks and Caicos
A short puddle-jumper from Providenciales brings you to South Caicos, one of Turks and Caicos’ best-kept secrets. This is where you’ll find Sailrock, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The exclusive property is set high on a bluff above the sugar-white stretch of Long Beach, offering spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Its beachfront villas come with temperature-controlled outdoor pools and lush landscaping that screens you from the outside world.
