four of the best swimming pools with a view

1 ONE AND ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

With some of the best beaches in the world, it is hard to compete with the Maldives’ pristine natural waters. But this stunning man-made swimming pool jutting out into the ocean would entice anyone into doing laps while on holiday. North Male Atoll, tel +960 (0)6 648800, www.oneandonlyresorts.com

2 INTERCONTINENTAL, HONG KONG

Need to rise above the pace of the city? Do exactly that at the InterContinental, where you can lean on its infinity edge and soak in the panoramic views. 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, tel +852 2721-1211, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com

3 THE PENINSULA, BANGKOK

This modern face of Thai hospitality treats guests to a river view from a sun bed. While taking a dip, enjoy the spectacular sights of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, complete with longtail boats idling by. 333 Charoennakorn Road, tel +66 (0)2 2861-2888, www.bangkok.peninsula.com

4 BAAN TALING NGAM, KOH SAMUI

The infinity pool at this lush hillside resort affords a glorious lookout to the Gulf of Thailand and Ang Thong National Marine Park, especially during sunset. 295 Moo 3, Taling Ngam Beach, tel +66 (0)77 429100, www.baan-taling-ngam.com