Top 10: Hotel Pools

No.5 - Hotel Ritz
Paris, FranceWhile the Hotel Ritz has always been famous, it wasn’t until Pamela Harriman, U.S. Ambassador to France, suffered a stroke while swimming in its pool that the pool itself became equally famous. Aside from its odd publicity, however, the pool is breathtakingly beautiful in design, with neoclassical features such as murals and pillars at every turn. As you can imagine, there’s nothing more refined than swimming here, though we do suggest you avoid wearing baggy board shorts and canon bombing other guests.

No.4 - Delano
Miami, U.S.A thing of architectural beauty, the pool at Miami’s prestigious Delano hotel is every inch designer Ian Schrager’s creation. At once kitsch and glamorous, the shimmering waters are lined by towering palms from one end to the other, which, incidentally, stretches quite a long way. There’s also a table in the middle of the shallow end, meaning hungry swimmers can order food and beverages as they splash about and top up their golden tans.

No.3 - Banyan Tree
Seychelles, Republic of SeychellesHotel pools don’t come more tropical than the 23-meter infinity one at the Banyan Tree resort on the island of Mahé. Bordered with gorgeous teak decking, the dark-green pool overlooks Intendance Bay and its surrounding greenery, making for a truly spectacular setting indeed. Naturally, poolside guests here are waited on hand and foot with ice-cold drinks and local delicacies galore.

No.2 - Bellagio
Las Vegas, U.S.As with everything else in Las Vegas, the six pools at the Bellagio are ridiculously over-the-top. Built in an al fresco Mediterranean style, the azure-colored pools are complete with steps, gardens, columns, private cabanas, and an exquisite garden cafe, with stone fountains crowning each pool’s center. What’s more, the pools are heated so that guests can use them come rain or shine.

No.1 - The Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, U.S.While Hollywood stars come and go, the palm-lined pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel in L.A. always remains. This hotels pool has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, and the classically shaped rectangle of blue water that stretches out before the pink-hued hotel has become a favorite among sun-worshippers and power-lunchers everywhere. Completely renovated in 1995, the pool is now better than ever, with 21 crisp white cabanas scattered about its fringes, each equipped with TV, phone and fax, underwater music, frozen towels, sunglass cleaning, full dining, and pretty much anything else you want taken care of.