Scenic Soaks: Best Places to Swim Around the World
Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Our wonderful planet is made up of over 70% water, meaning finding the perfect spot for a dip is (understatement of the century alert) something of a challenge. Lucky for you, our team of experts have scoured the globe for the most scenic soaks going. It's time to dig out the swimsuit, dust off the snorkel, sit back and read our list of the planet's most delightful dunks. Just don't forget your pink flamingo float...
Crystal-Clear Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is home to unique, crystal-clear natural limestone sinkholes known as cenotes. These magical pools can be found in cave systems throughout the peninsula, but a great base from which to explore these natural mineral rich swimming pools is Tulum (where the beaches aren't half bad either). Keen divers can explore this underwater world further by exploring the labyrinth of subaquatic caverns from below the surface.
Soak Away the Blues in Iceland
Iceland is home to one of the greatest natural geothermal pools in the world, the Blue Lagoon. This natural spa is set in the middle of a huge lava field and is fed by mineral-rich, geothermal sea water. The uniquely coloured milky-blue warm water has amazing revitalising properties, and to top it off we can arrange for you to have a mud mask, bathrobe, slippers and sparkling wine for a spa-centric soak.
Insta-Bragging in Bondi, Australia
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the beach bum paradise that is Bondi and its infamous Bondi Icebergs pool. This ocean-filled saltwater pool is dramatically perched on the southern end of Bondi Beach's rocks and is continually re-filled by the Pacific waves crashing into the pool. Although it's extremely difficult to become an exclusive 'Iceberg' member, day guest passes are thankfully available to give visitors a chance to experience this iconic soaking spot.
Drifting in the Dead Sea, Jordan
For a truly unique and salty soak, head to the lowest point on Earth's surface in Jordan's Dead Sea. At 1,400 feet below sea level where the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, the water's extreme salinity (which means nothing can live here - hence the name) allows you to float on its warm and soothing surface with ease. You can even coat yourself in the lake's therapeutic black mud, which is famed for its rejuvenating qualities. Lay back, relax and enjoy this natural phenomenon.
Soaking in Khao Sok, Thailand
Nestled in the Surat Thani province of southern Thailand is the dramatic scenery of Khao Sok National Park. Home to an abundance of wildlife, rainforest and jagged karst landscapes, this national park is a haven of natural beauty. In terms of having a good soak, the park's central focus is the beautiful 60 square mile man-made Cheow Lan Lake which is surrounded by limestone peaks, rising over 3,000ft in height, and ancient rainforest. Take a dip in the refreshing lake and take in the beautiful surroundings before retreating up a ladder to your floating home.
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