My 5 favourite insta-worthy infinity pools in the world

If you want to truly elevate your holiday photos from insta-worthy to outright envy-inducing then there’s no more iconic setting to capture than that of you calmly gazing over the edge of a hotel infinity pool. Bringing this vacation fantasy to life isn’t difficult if you know where to find the most scenic and sought after infinity pools across the globe – so here’s our round-up of the best infinity pools to be seen sipping your afternoon cocktail in.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands hotel boasts the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world – clocking in at a spacious 150m long. With breathtaking views over the city offered by the pool’s location 200m high in the air, it’s part of the famed ‘SkyPark’ which encompasses the infinity pool, gardens, restaurants and an observation deck – and spans across the hotel’s three towers. The SkyPark itself covers 1.2 hectares and would be longer than the Eiffel Tower if it were laid down!

The pool’s legendary ‘vanishing edge’ means you can float up to the perimeter of the pool and take in unobstructed sights of the Singapore skyline. The pool is open daily until 11pm – so you can lounge in the shade of the palm trees during the day and also experience panoramas from the pool’s edge once the city is illuminated at night.

Although you can pay to access the SkyPark if you’re not a hotel guest, the only way to enjoy the infinity pool is by staying overnight – prices start at around £250 a night.

Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia

The Hanging Gardens of Bali is nestled in a small, hidden valley in the centre of lush rainforest overlooking the Ayung River just north of Ubud. This five-star deluxe hotel offers both private villas and luxury suites, and each of these boasts its own private terraces and granite infinity pools – so you won’t have to share the views over the jungle with anyone else! In 2014 Conde Nast Traveller and Trip Advisor heralded the hotel’s tiered cascading pool as the World’s Best Pool – and when you see its stunning views across the valley you’ll understand why. From the edge of the pool’s 250ft vanishing edge you’ll have the opportunity to spot the island’s native wildlife – from its varied bird species to long-tailed monkeys – and sights of a crumbling Hindu temple perched across an adjacent hilltop.

To residents of Bali the island is known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, and Ubud itself is revered for its healing powers (its name comes from the word ‘medicine’), therapeutic culture and easygoing atmosphere. You’ll no doubt leave the Hanging Gardens of Bali feeling a deep sense of calm having soaked up the laid-back jungle lifestyle and enjoyed the benefits of staying at the world’s first seven-star rated boutique hotel.

Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

If jungle views aren’t your thing, then how about relaxing in an infinity pool with views over alpine peaks and a crystal-clear lake said to be ‘the most beautiful in Switzerland’. From the Hotel Villa Honegg’s outdoor heated pool you can watch vintage paddle-steamers tour the lake and surrounding villages, gaze at the surrounding mountains or watch the clouds roll by in the valley below. The hotel enjoys a prime location on the top of a mountain (Bürgenstock) and was built in early 1900 and renovated in 2011 (maintaining its original elegance and style).

You enter the infinity pool via the hotel’s indoor pool – taking the steps down (known as the ‘stairway to heaven’) and outside into the cool air. Within the pool you’ll also find jacuzzi areas if you want to enhance your sense of relaxation even further. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the infinity pool’s unique views however – for around £70 you can use the spa facilities including the indoor and outdoor pools.

Grace Santorini Hotel, Greece

When a hotel is carved into the clifftop overlooking the famous Santorini Caldera coastline and Skaros Rock, you know the views are going to be nothing short of spectacular. The Grace Santorini’s infinity pool enjoys a prime location spanning across the front of the hotel and is famed to be the best pool of its kind in Santorini. It’s the largest on the Caldera and the perfect place to enjoy the legendary sunsets over the Aegean sea.

The coveted hotel prides itself on its boutique nature – you’ll only find 14 loungers dotted around the exclusive pool so you’re guaranteed a serene experience. If you want more seclusion still, you’ll find that the villa and some suites offer their own plunge pools. The hotel’s two-bedroom villa also has a wine and cigar bar, and a self-contained spa with a hammam, Jacuzzi and treatment room. A week in the Villa in July will set you back around £3000 per night.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

If your idea of the perfect infinity pool experience involves a vantage point from which to observe wildlife – then the pool at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is not to be missed.

The Lodge is elevated on a series of platforms; with the edge of the infinity pool overlooking an animal watering hole. You can while away an afternoon sipping on cocktails whilst enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime insight into wildlife as it gathers – you might see a herd of elephants as they group together for a drink, or even witness lions striding across the plains of the Serengeti.

Which one would be top of your list?