With the weather so cold and miserable heading into winter, do you find yourself dreaming of a sunny summer holiday by the pool? Whether you want to work on your tan and sip on a craft cocktail or just splash around with the kids, a fabulous pool is often the highlight of your vacay. In fact, recent data shows that over a third (32%) of Australian travellers say that having a swimming pool is essential them to have an enjoyable holiday.
With that in mind, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has delved into its more than 28 million listings in over 150,000 destinations around the world to bring you six properties with unique, signature swimming pools . Sure to add that something special to your upcoming summer trip, we've got guitar-shaped pools in Indonesia to romantic heart-shaped pools in Rimini, so get ready to cool off in style in one of these peculiar and picturesque pools.
Lagoon Swimming Pool in Salamander Bay, Australia
Located near Port Stephens in New South Wales' beautiful Hunter Region, Oaks Pacific Blue Resort features a giant, lagoon-style swimming pool you could spend hours in. Forming a giant ring around the accommodation, the pool is a perfect way to cool down on a sunny weekend away.
Heart-Shaped Pool in Rimini, Italy
After a romantic stroll down the city's seafront promenade, a dip in Hotel Sabrina Rimini's beautiful, heart-shaped pool is the perfect way to kick-start a weekend getaway with your bae. With warm temperatures almost year-round, famed filmmaker Fellini's hometown beckons with its fresh seafood and stunning architecture. With free bike rentals available from the property, you can explore the old town's narrow cobblestone streets and discover even more of Rimini's many charms.
Guitar-Shaped Pool in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Just southeast of Bali, the small island of Nusa Penida is still a hidden gem and where in-the-know travellers will be heading for an exotic getaway this year, according to Booking.com.** After exploring the island's numerous Instagrammable vistas, music-lovers will appreciate a cooling dip in Kabeh Jati Garden Villa & Restaurant's unique guitar-shaped pool. Whether you want to lounge on the giant fretboard or just chill out and chat in the water, this pool is a stunning place to catch some rays and relax.
Yin and Yang Pool in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria
Rather than simply settling for an average rectangular pool on your next getaway, why not try something a little different? The Yin Yang Thermal Spa at Reiters Supreme Hotel Adults Only includes freshwater, saltwater and thermal water pools that are all part of a nearly 300-acre resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, in eastern Austria. After a carriage ride or riding lesson with some of the region's world-famous Lipizzaner stallions and a picturesque prance through the area's renowned rolling hills, you can zen out in the property's uniquely-shaped thermal springs.
Texas-Shaped Pool in Houston, USA
While they say that everything is bigger in Texas, including the residents' pride in their home state, the rooftop pool at the Marriott Marquis in Houston takes it to a whole other level. Set in the heart of the city, the property's large Texas-shaped lazy river is a signature design feature, ringed with loads of loungers to take advantage of all those long, lazy sunny days. After a fun day in the pool, go discover Houston's buzzing and diverse food scene, its world-class art museums and shopping, or check out a professional football, basketball or baseball game.
Epic Pool in 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 (about 20 times the size of an Olympic pool). Built along the beautiful Chilean coastline, this impressive pool gives guests the opportunity to navigate from one side to the other in one of the pool's small sailboats and canoes. The coastal resort of Algarrobo is a great holiday destination for travellers who would like to combine long sandy beaches with pine forests full of hiking trails.
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