As a self-proclaimed pool pantomath, having swam from the great natural thermal cascades of Pamukkale in Turkey to the fabulously ridiculous state-shaped, robin’s-egg blue lazy river in Houston, Texas, I can say with confidence that I have TWO favorite dipping holes on planet earth.

First is the stunning Mermaid pool at the I’m Hotel in Manila, Philippines, that not only has a jellyfish bar and giant bird cages you can chill in, but hangs precariously over bustling Makati Avenue, but has a clear bottom making it a very surreal experience indeed.

On the other side of the spectrum I offer a truly, Trulli experience at Ad Maiora in fairy-tail like Alberobello, Puglia, Italy. Natural salt water oasis surrounded by travertine marble is never a bad look when poolside in paradise.