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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
The sun is shining, the summer vibes are in full swing and the travel bug is biting harder than ever. In July, the world is practically begging you to pack your bags – and with so many destinations to choose from, we’ve picked out a few of our favourites. From sipping wine in Tuscany and surfing the east coast of Sri Lanka to cowboying across Wyoming, city slicking in Kuala Lumpur and working on your tan in Brazil, there’s something for every kind of summer adventure.
30th March 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Whether you’re heading off-grid, diving beneath the waves or spending a few days spotting wildlife in the savannah, the right kit can make all the difference. To help you get inspired, we’ve asked our specialists to share the gear they never go on a trip without, from practical essentials road-tested around the world to little comforts that simply make life on the go more enjoyable. Are you planning your next adventure and wondering what to pack?
30th March 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Train travel has come a long way in the last two centuries and remains one of the more positive expressions of humankind’s restless ingenuity. In Japan, developments are currently underway to cut journey times in half, thanks to the frictionless flair of Maglev (Magnetic Levitation). We’ll have to wait and see how that pans out. In the meantime, why not revel in the splendour of times gone by? Since it would be almost impossible (and ridiculously lengthy) to list all the rail innovations that have taken place over the years, we’ve decided to focus on some of the defining moments.
16th March 2026 - Travel Inspiration
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