The 2020 Legend Awards are meant to serve as inspiration for future travel—when it is safe to do so. Learn more about this year's awards on our methodology page.
Luxury travel is about seeking out new places, gaining new perspective, and exposing yourself to new cultures. But it’s just as much about leisure. And that’s especially true for the luxury traveler who is constantly flying for both business and pleasure. If you’re traveling on business from Monday to Thursday but extend your trip for a long weekend, you need to prioritize relaxation as much as exploration.
Most stunning pools is a new category for the Legend Awards this year, because we put a premium on unwinding in a particularly beautiful setting. And a magnificent pool at a five-star hotel is really reflective of the property’s artistry and architecture. These pools have innovative design, creatively using geometric shapes and custom-made tiling. And they’re set against gorgeous backdrops that further complement their design and amplify their beauty.
Here are our 2020 Legend Awards honorees for best hotel pools:
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach has 11 pools, each offering a unique experience. Traveling with kids? The Family Pool has multiple pools of varying depths, a water slide, and “dive-in movies” in the summer. Aiming for a relaxing day soaking up the rays? The oceanfront Bowtie and Oasis Pools are reminiscent of “Morris Lapidus’ signature bowtie design.”
Belmond La Residencia, Deià
The Belmond La Residencia, Deià is one of the most coveted high-end properties on the Spanish Mediterranean. The Mallorcan resort has two outdoor pools with views of Deià and the Tramuntana Mountains; one of the pools is tucked away for more privacy, the other is adjacent to the property’s scenic sculpture garden.
Punta Tragara, Capri
Punta Tragara sits at the top of a peak, offering sparkling views of the sea and impressive views of the Faraglioni rock formations. The hotel has two fresh water pools on-site, one of which is heated. Both pools allow guests to soak in the unprecedented views with an artisanal cocktail in hand.
Cape View Clifton, Cape Town
A boutique hotel set on Clifton and Camps Bay, Cape View Clifton has an outdoor pool with panoramic views of the riviera-esque coastline. The best time to take a dip is right as the sun sets, when the brilliant colors are reflected on the pool—and on the Atlantic.
Amanzo’e Villa 20, Greece
Villa 20 is the crown jewel of Amanzo’e, with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and space for up to 18 guests. The villa has no fewer than six private pools, including a 98-foot and 131-foot infinity pool looking out over the Grecian expanse.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Jade Mountain, an all-inclusive St. Lucia resort, calls their rooms sanctuaries—and 24 of those sanctuaries have private infinity pools. Each infinity pool has a shallow lounge area as well as a deeper swimming area and features glass tiling custom-made for Jade Mountain.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, France
The Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, has an exquisite suite with a private infinity pool. But for all guests of the hotel, The Club Dauphin offers a heated, salt-water, 33-meter pool built in 1939—the views of the French Riviera from the pool are sensational.
The Oberoi, Marrakech
The vibrant energy of Marrakech is felt throughout The Oberoi, Marrakech. Many of the suites and villas have private pools and gardens, best enjoyed with a poolside private dining experience prepared by one of the hotel’s top chefs. The Royal Suite has perhaps our favorite pool on property; the first-floor terrace pool is heated and overlooks the hotel’s majestic grounds.
Montage Laguna Beach
The Montage Laguna Beach sits high atop a bluff overlooking the choppy waters of the Pacific. The Mosaic Pool is a seaside escape, no sand required. Between the cabanas, the adjacent whirlpool, the stunning tiling on the pool, and the oceanview, it’s exactly what we’d call legendary.
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
Set among the city’s high-rises, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong's pool sits on the hotel's 41st floor, looking out at the skyline. Our favorite experience here? After 11 p.m., guests can book the pool for private night swimming.
Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, Switzerland
The Alpine Spa at the Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa is an oasis nestled in the mountains with five pools, including their breathtaking outdoor infinity pool. Some of The Alpine Spa pools are heated, though they, of course, also offer an icy plunge pool.
Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
The pool at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma sits high above the hustle and bustle of the city on the 38th floor. With floor-to-ceiling windows, swimmers can look out over Mexico City while taking a morning dip.
Long Lee Manor, South Africa
Long Lee Manor, one of the stunning and intimate lodges at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, is a picturesque retreat and a triumph of colonial architecture. The infinity pool seemingly drops right off into the plains and sits in full view of a watering hole giraffes frequent.
Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
Located in Buenos Aires’ Recoleta neighborhood, the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires is a stunning display of Argentine design. The hotel’s heated swimming pool, in the perfectly landscaped garden, is the only outdoor pool in Recoleta.
Meadowood Napa Valley
In the heart of northern California wine country, Meadowood Napa Valley has three recently renovated pools. They now have an adults-only pool lined with private cabanas and adjacent to chic pool lounges, a family pool for children under 15, and a club pool designed for swimming laps.
