As we speed toward summer, Miami, Las Vegas and other destinations are prepping those cities' most gorgeous hotel pools and declaring them open for business. Or-- even more exotic-- head over to South Africa, the Bahamas or Italy. You deserve it, since you've already stayed in shape at the best fitness hotels and basked in world history at others. So go ahead and indulge a little; we've found seven on the most beautiful hotel pools with a stunning view you'll remember forever. Come on in, the water's fine.
One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
A bucket-list trip to South Africa calls for luxurious, urban accommodations with premier views. Enter swanky resort One & Only Cape Town. The prime location is central to the vibrant city's nightlife and entertainment, which contrasts seamlessly with waterfront surroundings. Case in point is the striking vista from the resort's 3,700 square-foot, freeform, heated, infinity-edge pool. After a spa visit, go for a leisurely swim or lounge poolside and enjoy the scenery of the striking flat-topped Table Mountain, a natural wonder that overlooks the city.
Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, FL
Take a dive at the largest hotel pool in the continental U.S. at the landmark Biltmore Hotel in Miami's Coral Gables area. The iconic 22,000-square-foot pool is steeped in history and was the setting to many glitzy events, much like the hotel itself. It winds around the property, surrounded by architectural gems, foliage and blue water for what feels like miles. The cabanas for rent are equally impressive-- think: lush palm trees and flowers, teak wood chaises, banana leaf ceiling fans and outdoor rain showers. Take advantage of full lunch and cocktail menus, plus some poolside spa services, and you'll never want to leave.
Hotel Regina Isabella, Ischia, Italy
Take a dip at the iconic Regina Isabella, set on the lesser-known Italian isle of Ischia. The hotel's five-star charms show right upon entering your room, where you just may find a beckoning private Jacuzzi on your terrace overlooking the ocean. The resort boasts four swimming pools, including two expansive outdoor pools on a panoramic terrace perched over the sea with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. If it gets chilly, indulge in the heated seawater pool. There's even a thermal pool in the renovated spa.
Nandana Villa, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas
Spring and summer call for big splurges. Whether it's a birthday party or a grand holiday such as Fourth of July, gather up your crew and rent this palatial and richly appointed Asian style mansion on Grand Bahama's exclusive West End. The tropical hideaway can accommodate up to 12 people at a time. Gated in an exclusive enclave, it borders a dreamy 120-foot-long infinity-edge pool with a waterfall edge dropping to a private beach below. So the views of the turquoise sea alone are worth the whole trip. Swim, barbecue and relax all in your own ultra-private oceanfront estate that combines residential-style living with the bespoke services and amenities of the best five-star hotels. Your biggest worry will be whether sparklers are allowed on the beach.
Drai's Beach Club, Las Vegas
A luxurious paradise playground, Drai's Beach Club is as over the top as Las Vegas itself. The sprawling "day club" features scores of beautiful people and daybeds and cabanas for rent with premium bottle service, mixology cocktails, personal attendants and separate dipping pools. Big spenders can go with the Vegas theme and splurge like a high roller on the corner villa that features its own private glass pool. But, its best feature? Drai's is the only pool club in town on a rooftop, so the fabled Strip sights from 11 stories up are about as prime as it gets. Check out the 180-degree panorama--stretching from the beautiful Fountains of Bellagio view to the south up past nearby Caesars Palace to the north. Now this is Vegas, baby!
SHA Wellness Clinic Alicante, Spain
Need a place to reset and recharge? SHA Wellness Clinic is one of the world's leading holistic health and wellbeing destination resorts. The Albir Beach setting in Alicante, Spain couldn't be more ideal for finding your inner calm. The clinic itself is perched on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean, part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park-- one of Spain's foremost bird sanctuaries. You'll take in these extraordinary views anytime you venture to the outdoor rooftop infinity pool for a dip: The pool's ultra-modern design, clean lines and overload of white and blue pair well with its Zen vibe. Need something even more therapeutic? Don't miss the Dead Sea saltwater flotarium sessions.
Westin Playa Bonita, Panama City, Panama
Travelers can soak in the scenery from Westin Playa Bonita's infinity pools, which boast a postcard-like backdrop of Panama's lush tropical mountains and pretty Pacific Ocean coastline. Ideal for families as well as couples, the resort area (plus a Clarins spa and six restaurants) is so large you almost never have to leave. There are four pools in total, including three freshwater beachfront pools and spa tubs. A distant view of ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal is a reminder that this secluded sanctuary still offers easy access to the city's bustling industrial center.
Share us your thoughts on who didn't make the list (and why) at NowItCounts.com, the new destination for Americans 50+ covering financial, health, beauty, style, travel, news, entertainment and sports.
Earlier on Huff/Post50:
