Swimming with a view – the must-visit infinity pools in Southeast Asia
In luxury hotels in Asia, the pool is a matter of course. The small but subtle difference is made by hotels that use part of their roof terrace for the pool and then build it so cleverly architecturally that the view from the lowered pool edge falls on the sea below or the landscape in such a way that the water seems to submerge in infinity.
We have found the most beautiful infinity pools in Southeast Asia, where you can casually start the day or end the evening and be completely pampered.
Indonesia, Bali – Ubud: Viceroy Bali
The Indonesian island of Bali is not only known for picturesque rice terraces, long sandy beaches and waves that invite surfing, but also for its diverse art forms such as painting, sculpture, wood carving, handicrafts and performing arts. Ubud is a town in the centre of the island, in the highlands of Bali. It is one of the most important art and cultural centres in Bali.
Here, in the highlands of Ubud, perched high above the jungle and river Petanu, is Viceroy Bali, a secluded retreat where time seems to slow down. Your villa here may have its own pool, but nowhere is the view as spectacular as from the edge of the hotel pool.
The Lembah Spa pampers you with treatments influenced by traditional Balinese wellness techniques.
The Viceroy Bali offers a range of authentic experiences. Learn how to make many types of traditional patterns from white coconut leaves, which serve as offerings to the Viceroy Bali. Afterwards, you can put on your sarong and make your offerings to the gods at the hotel temple. If you want to learn something new, this Bali activity is for you.
Indonesia, Bali – Uluwatu: Alila Villas
In the southwest of the island of Bali, the majestic Uluwatu temple sits on the top of a cliff above the Indian Ocean, surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches.
The design of Alila Villas Uluwatu blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, seamlessly transitioning from indoors to outdoors. The spectacular 50-metre outdoor pool offers you an unparalleled view of the Indian Ocean. How about booking an exclusive private Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga session here? Anything is possible at Alila Villas Uluwatu!
Singapore: Marina Bay Sands
Admittedly, the Marina Bay Sands with its more than 2,500 rooms is far from what we usually define as boutique accommodation. But if you’re looking for a hotel with an infinity pool in Singapore, it should be spectacular, and what’s more spectacular than the world’s largest infinity pool?!
The pool is part of the Sands SkyPark, an architectural masterpiece, on the roof of the Marina Bay Sands’ three hotel towers 200 metres above the ground. This 1.2 hectare tropical oasis is longer than the Eiffel Tower in height and large enough to park four and a half A380 jumbo jets!
As a hotel guest, you have exclusive use of the 150-metre infinity swimming pool. It is the world’s largest outdoor pool at this height.
The rooms also offer spectacular views of the South China Sea or Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline.
Thailand, Bangkok: Siam@Siam Design Hotel
Bangkok – the ‘City of Angels’ – lively, slightly chaotic, vibrant and ever-changing, is probably your first stop in Thailand. The colours and creativity of the city are reflected in the interior of the Siam@Siam Design Hotel, where art takes centre stage. Each room, each corridor is individually decorated, designed by different artists.
And when you’ve had enough of the heat and noise of the city, slip into your elegant pool outfit and head up to the 11th floor. Here you can enjoy the magnificent Bangkok sunsets from the front row.
Thailand, Koh Samui: Six Senses Samui
The Six Senses Samui on the Thai island of Koh Samui looks as if it has always been there. It looks as if it belongs to the jungle. As if it were part of it. It is so well integrated into the vegetation, so lushly overgrown, so hidden. The 66 villas along a bay on the northern tip are accessible via enchanted paths: what a jungle feeling! From the huge infinity pool you can enjoy a fantastic view of the panorama of the Gulf of Thailand.
Don’t miss dinner at the Dining on the Rocks restaurant! Here, dining is done on small terraces of weathered teak and bamboo among the rocks. Again, you feel as if you are one with nature. What’s on the table? Innovative dining concepts, bubbling sauces, for example, dazzling side dishes, surprising colours – the finest molecular cuisine. Because it’s so nice to be surprised again and again!
Despite its perceived remoteness, the Six Senses Samui is easy to reach: Planes leave for Samui several times a day from Bangkok, and from the island’s airport, in turn, it is only a short car transfer to the resort.
Thailand, Koh Yao Noi: Six Senses Yao Noi
The Six Senses Yao Noi awaits you on the tropical island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay with its distinctive limestone rock formations. You will reside in villas with private pools and panoramic views – each one a retreat, secluded from others – perfect for switching off and recharging your inner batteries. Yet Phuket, with all the hustle and bustle of a holiday island, is only a boat trip away. What can you do on Koh Yao Noi? Re-discover yourself, relax, enjoy, feast.
And then there’s that unmistakable feeling of familiarity, of already knowing the area. That’s right, this is exactly where the key scenes for the James Bond thriller “The Man with the Golden Gun” were filmed! The scriptwriters had chosen this picture-book area as the home of Bond antagonist Christopher Lee.
The infinity pool is located in the top area of the resort, called “The Hilltop”. Dip your toes in the pool and let your daydreams carry you over the edge of Phang Nga Bay. If you can’t wait to enjoy the day here, they will be happy to serve you a private breakfast right by the pool at sunrise
Vietnam, Con Dao: Six Senses Con Dao
Just a 45-minute flight southeast of Ho Chi Minh City – and you’ve landed in paradise. More precisely, on the long, fine-sand beach of the Vietnamese dream island of Con Son. Here you will stay in style in 50 luxurious yet natural pool villas of the Six Senses Con Dao, in the neighbourhood of old fishing villages, surrounded by several historical sites and yet secluded on its own bay in the Con Dao archipelago.
From the villas you enjoy a magical view, of the beach, of the semicircle of the bay, of the sea shimmering in turquoise, past half-raised curtains fluttering in the warm wind. And the best thing about the villas? Each has its own infinity pool! The view leads to the one-and-a-half-kilometre-long private beach, which is part of the island group’s national park. The nesting sites of the turtles are under special protection here. Between May and October, with a bit of luck, you can watch the sea turtles laying their eggs or hatching.
Vietnam, Quy Nhon: Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
The Anantara Quy Nhon Villas are among the most beautiful beach resorts in Vietnam, surrounded by mountains on three sides and a fantastic view of Quy Nhon Bay to the front. Again, each of the only 26 villas offer a private infinity pool.
The resort is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings: Locally sourced materials, traditional craftsmanship and regional influences are discreetly integrated into the modern design. The spacious villas feature sleek sundecks made of local wood, oversized bathtubs, private pools and low, overhanging roofs. Vietnamese bluestone provides a vernacular look in the common areas, while granite and marble elements add a touch of modernity.
© Copyright: Alila Villas, Anantara, Marina Bay Sands, Siam@Siam Design Hotels, Six Senses, Viceroy Bali