12 Amazing Pools

Oyster.com suggests you sit back and relax at these stunning hotel pools this summer. These pool picks include the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Biltmore Coral Gables and Gansevoort Turks and Caicos.

Opened in December 2008, the 2,034-room <a title="Encore" href="http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/encore-at-wynn-las-vegas/" target="_blank">Encore</a> is all about pure opulence, including the gorgeous European Pool. The classically elegant pool surrounds a unique outdoor casino.

This ornately designed Sunset Strip hotel has an exclusive pool and poolside lounge, and more scene than even the Sunset Marquis. The <a title="Mondrian Los Angeles" href="http://www.oyster.com/los-angeles/hotels/mondrian-los-angeles/" target="_blank">Mondrian Los Angeles’</a> white walls and hanging potted plants gives this pool a beachy feel -- despite it being several stories above bustling Sunset Boulevard.

<a title="La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort" href="http://www.oyster.com/guatemala/hotels/la-reunion-golf-resort-and-residences/" target="_blank">La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort</a> is an outstanding luxury pick, located in the shadow of 4 volcanoes -- 2 of them active -- about 30 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala. Rooms have private patios with infinity-edge swimming pools, but the resort also has a main pool as well as a separate kiddy pool. These gorgeous volcanic views are hard to beat.

<a title="The Gansevoort Turks and Caicos" href="http://www.oyster.com/turks-and-caicos/hotels/gansevoort-turks-and-caicos-a-wymara-resort/" target="_blank">The Gansevoort Turks and Caicos</a> is without a doubt the sexiest resort on Grace Bay, and a large part of its appeal is thanks to its stunning pool surrounded by palm trees. The pool features 4 hard-decked islands.

<a title="The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel" href="http://www.oyster.com/dallas/hotels/the-joule-a-luxury-collection-hotel/" target="_blank">The Joule</a> is one of the coolest -- and most luxurious -- hotels in Downtown Dallas. And it features one of the most talked about pools in the states. The Joule's cantilevered pool juts out over Main Street, so swimmers can get a glimpse of pedestrians below.

Built in 1926, the iconic <a title="Biltmore" href="http://www.oyster.com/miami/hotels/biltmore-coral-gables-miami/" target="_blank">Biltmore</a>, a national landmark, brings timeless luxury to Miami’s hotel scene. Though far from any beaches, it offers -- among many other luxuries -- an amazing pool. This 22,000-square-foot pool is the largest in the continental U.S. Actor Johnny Weissmuller, better known as Tarzan, was a swimming instructor at the pool many years ago.

This 249-room hotel with flashy decor, lots of bars, and an outdoor pool is the uptown sister to the original, once wildly popular <a title="Hotel Gansevoort" href="http://www.oyster.com/new-york-city/hotels/gansevoort-park-avenue/" target="_blank">Hotel Gansevoort</a>. The Gansevoort chain knows how to do their pools. One of only a handful of rooftop pools in New York, this is the only one that features a sexy pin-up mural. Plus, the pool has an underwater sound system and is a popular scene during the summertime.

Situated on more than 200 acres of picturesque land -- in Big Sur, CA -- , the <a title="Ventana Inn & Spa" href="http://www.oyster.com/new-york-city/hotels/gansevoort-park-avenue/" target="_blank">Ventana Inn & Spa</a> looks like a rustic cabin nestled in the woods -- yet it features a long list of on-site amenities, including 2 pools. This pool is in a secluded spot for a reason -- it's the resort's clothing-optional pool. So forget your bathing suit and enjoy a dip au naturel.

The beautifully designed, 780-room <a title="Grand Wailea" href="http://www.oyster.com/hawaii/hotels/grand-wailea-resort-hotel-and-spa/" target="_blank">Grand Wailea</a> has one of the top US spas, a prime location on one of the best US beaches, and 9 pools -- including arguably the best one in Hawaii. The massive main pool has several fun features, including volleyball nets, a waterslide, and a rope swing. Dive in!

An immaculate, art-filled property fronting Wailea beach, the <a title="Four Seasons Miami" href="http://www.oyster.com/hawaii/hotels/four-seasons-maui/" target="_blank">Four Seasons Miami</a> stands at the pinnacle of the area's resorts, offering spacious rooms, a top-notch staff and a slew of amenities, including three high-design pools. The poolside cabana staff refills guests' free glasses of ice water, and employees patrol the lounge chairs with cold towels and spray-bottles of Evian to spritz guests' faces.

For Costa Rica’s <a title="Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa" href="http://www.oyster.com/costa-rica/hotels/royal-corin-resort-and-loto-spa/" target="_blank">Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa</a>, this 54-room boutique hotel has a lot to offer, including great views of Arenal volcano, a lovely spa, a bar with an outdoor terrace, an on-site restaurant and a beautiful pool. This hot springs pool features natural thermal waters that help guests relax and take in the scenery.

Some things at the <a title="Raleigh Hotel" href="http://www.oyster.com/miami/hotels/the-raleigh-hotel/" target="_blank">Raleigh Hotel</a> are vintage-bordering-on-dated, but not the stunning free-form pool. This pool became a Miami landmark when former swimmer and movie star Esther Williams leapt from its waterfall diving board in a sequined bathing cap.