7 unusual pools around the world

Poolside holidays are a getaway staple but rather than settle for your average lap-pool, why not try something a little different? From blood-red waters to beer-filled baths, these are some of the world’s most unusual pools.

Dive deep at Nemo 33, Belgium

Nemo 33 is the world’s deepest indoor pool and a diver’s dream. While oceans might be the premier choice for many divers, this indoor pool lets the amateur and enthusiast get a feel for what it’s like to descend into the deep, dark blue. With a chasm at 34.5 metres deep and filled with spring water which is kept at a temperate heat, swimmers don’t need a dry suit here. Dive down into what looks like a black hole, and you’ll be led into a shadowy underwater tunnel, while rectangular windows act as small portals into sub-aquatic homes. It’s exhilarating and a bit daring, so once you’ve caught your breath, head to the elegant B&B La Maison Haute, for a restorative evening.

Skim cloud-like landscapes at Pamukkale, Turkey

A landscape that looks like it has been spun out of clouds, Pamukkale translates to ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish and its pools are a fantasy world of their own. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, layers of travertine terraces gently fold over one another like a decadent, frosted wedding cake, the cloudy white of the stone playing off against the hypnotic, turquoise sheen of the water. These days you can’t swim in the terrace pools but you can dip your toes in the water – so sit on the edge and get a little lost in its striking landscape. Keep the otherworldliness going at Venus Suite Hotel.

Sail great lengths at San Alfonso Del Mar, Chile

Unusual and unrivalled in its size, the pool at San Alfonso Del Mar is the largest outdoor swimming pool in the world. It’s around 1,000 metres long (20 times the size of an Olympic pool) and around 35 metres deep, which also makes it the world’s deepest swimming pool to boot. Built along the Chilean coastline, the pool pulls in water from the sea, which is controlled and filtered via its own system. Navigate from one side to the other in one of the pool’s small sailboats and canoes, before anchoring up at the other end and heading down to the beach for an early evening stroll.

Crest waterfalls in Victoria Falls, Zambia

No need to head underground for the Devil’s Pool, in fact you’ll need to do quite the opposite. Perched on a ledge atop the thunderous Victoria Falls which plunge over 100 metres below, what’s remarkable about this pool is the illusion it presents. You’ll think the current here will sweep you over the edge but a submerged rock wall will hold you back, leaving you to enjoy the smokestacks of evaporating water rising into the air and the spectacle that is the one of the world’s natural wonders. Caution should be taken regardless, so visit with an experienced tour guide. After a daring afternoon swim, a relaxed retreat is in order – the Safari Lodge is a wonderfully luxurious option.

Dip into red waters in Bangkok, Thailand

At Amdaeng Bangkok Riverside Hotel, seeing red is more than just a turn of phrase. Decorated in a heavy coat of scarlet paint, the facade and pool area stand in bold contrast to the beige, neutral colourings of neighbouring buildings, however, it’s the water where the colour really comes through. Blood red in colour, these waters reflect the crimson swirl of the property to spectacular effect, where languid laps in the pool are just one way to set the mood, for a suitably atmospheric escape.

Bathe in beer at Brauerei Schloss Starkenberger, Austria

Set in the Tyrol mountains, Brauerei Schloss Starkenberger brewery has a pool which is quite literally a massive vat of beer – 12,000 litres of water and 300 litres of beer to be exact. Swimming here is more than just simple indulgence, in fact, taking a dip in beer is widely considered to have health benefits. The beer is rich in both vitamins and calcium, which are believed to have restorative effects on your skin and help improve circulation. With seven pools to choose from, bubble baths take on a whole new meaning here. Sip on a beer as you let it wash over you in every sense, before a much needed nap at Pension Waldesruh.

Explore ethereal undergrounds in Jodhpur, India

Astrology lovers might be used to looking up for inspiration, but at Umaid Bhawan Palace, it takes going below ground for the stars to align. Once the largest hotel in the world, below this sprawling palace is a cavernous and lavish pool, complete with teal walls and glinting gold tiles. Dip into the water and you’ll notice the pool floor engraved with the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Gliding through the water when it’s just you and the astrological figures below, is a restful and ethereal experience.