20 Romantic Resorts With Private Plunge Pools

Few things are as seductive in a hotel room as a private plunge pool. Hidden from view, they allow you and your partner to nuzzle, float, frolic, and smooch far from prying eyes in a hidden little enclave that can, depending on its location, feel like a castaway island. For duos on a romantic getaway or honeymoon, resorts can arrange candlelit dinners and provide access to long strolls on the beach or hikes in the mountains. But to offer a room with a private plunge pool is really the icing on the cake, the kind of fantasy escape that feels like magic come to life.

Hundreds of resorts all over the planet come with accommodations that feature a private plunge pool, which is usually smaller and offers a more intimate feel than a typical underground pool — and we've done the work to select 20 of the most romantic ones out there. We've made our selection based on our personal experience and places that we've fantasized about in all our years of travel writing and research. Here are 20, all over the globe, worth booking.

Some rooms feel like spacious houses at Amanjena , and, as such, they are supremely private. The plunge pools are surprisingly large enough for swimmers to build up some momentum on short laps and look onto landscaped gardens and accommodations drafted in local style. Located a little outside the center of Marrakech, Amanjena is an oasis of courtyards, pools, fountains, artfully designed rooms, and views of the High Atlas Mountains.

Couples looking for a special day can book a package that includes a couple's massage, sunset cocktails, a private dinner, and a bottle of bubbly to toast the joy of being here. Elsewhere, active duos can practice their smashes and lobs on the resort's tennis courts and then work out any knots with a treatment at the spa.

All 30 rooms at this waterfront resort on the Indian Ocean are villas with private pools. Gardens surround the accommodations, and views from the private pools take in the sea, sand, and greenery. Design of the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, courtesy of American designer Bill Bensley, includes crisp furnishings and large wooden decks, while all villas come with a host, a butler of sorts.

Couples in search of an elevated experience can peruse the package that includes three nights in an Ocean View Pool Villa and a short helicopter ride over the gorgeous seascapes of the Seychelles. Dining options, many of which come with views of the dazzling turquoise seas, include Asian, Creole, and international menus.

Situated in Central Vietnam, in the popular vacation hub of Da Nang, the Banyan Tree Lang Cô is spread across a beach and the Truong Son mountains. The rooms look over a sweeping crescent beach and the East Sea beyond, and couples in a private pool villa might spy the waters while wading in the water of their infinity-edge pool. Villas set on the hillside come with grand vistas of the coastline, verdant slopes, and the beach, while those nearer the sand look onto landscaped grounds and the sea in the near distance.

Duos can linger over a signature cocktail at the swish bar Thu Quan, followed by dinner on the beach served to the flickering glow of candlelight. On the water, stand-up paddle boards and jet skis keep guests busy, while couples can sharpen their culinary skills during a Vietnamese cooking class.

Located a few miles from the main town of Willemstad, Baoase Luxury Resort is an extremely personal, intimate resort with only 23 rooms. More than half of the rooms come with private pools, which vary from small and cozy to grand at the Master Villa. Views from the pools range from lush landscaping to a sandy beach with glimmering turquoise water beyond.

The Honeymoon Suite, set on the second floor of the main building, doesn't feature a pool but does have a hot tub, tall ceilings, and ocean views. Staff can set up romantic meals at a selection of spots, from a pier looking onto the sea to a picnic at sunset by the beach, with oil lamps offering warming light as the sun dips below the horizon.

Is there a more romantic island in Greece than Santorini, that magnetic destination with steep cliffs and bright, white-and-blue buildings? It's where to marvel at the famous caldera, which guests of Canaves Oia Suites will be able to see from their small private pools. Couples might opt for the honeymoon suite with a plunge pool, complete with an open main bedroom, a compact living area leading out a table and chairs, and a broad terrace.

Here, you'll find day loungers for soaking up the sizzling rays and a small, white cubist pool that is the perfect perch for spying the island's curving coastline. For some romance over a meal, guests should head to the terrace of Petra Restaurant or book an exclusive candlelit dinner on a small balcony with a single table. The setting is pure magic.

For the definition of tropical paradise, travelers could easily use the word Fiji. A nation of hundreds of islands with famous beaches and silky seas, Fiji is also home to sublime luxury resorts like Como Laucala Island. The accommodations are privately tucked in the verdant rainforest, and all 25 rooms are standalone, each with a private pool that sits next to a roomy deck and outdoor tub.

Duos heading to the spa will find a hilltop refuge where treatments pull from the riches of the island, using on-site flowers, stones, soil, and fruits. For a romantic excursion for the ages, book a sunset cruise on the resort's yacht "Rere Ahi" (it means "Flying Fire" in Maori), and watch the fading sun set its waning light on the billowing sails.

This resort found itself in global headlines in 2018 when it opened the first underwater room on the planet. Called The Muraka, it features a bathroom with views of swimming fish and a bedroom set under a curved, clear roof. It also has a price tag that runs thousands of dollars, but couples visiting the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can find a number of more affordable room categories at the resort.

Accommodations by the beach and over the water both feature private pools, though most are designed with a quick dip in mind — after all, the Maldives' irresistible water is right there. A spa and yoga are among the wellness options, while diners will be spoiled for choice at meals. Options include an underwater restaurant open to all guests, Japanese, Italian, and a spot that specializes in grilled dishes and sublime sunset views.

On this Caribbean island north of Guadeloupe, the property has suites and villas that allow couples to cuddle in their own pool. Jumby Bay Island actually resides on its own private island off the coast of Antigua, a short distance across a channel from the V.C. Bird International Airport. Rooms have light color schemes, with tasteful artwork and floral prints injecting some variation.

The beach stretches longer than the eyes can see, and the all-inclusive model of the property means that meals and drinks are factored into the room rate. Couples can canoodle in their pools — some have views of the beach, other survey gardens and the sea from a distance — or elevate the stay with the Time for Two package. The offer includes a bottle of champagne, a couple's massage, and an intimate dinner on the beach. How's that for a dose of romance?

Not far from the picturesque colonial streets of Cartagena, this resort has thatch-roof bungalows, some of which come with a private pool. Las Islas splits its time between the rainforest and the sea, with buildings in the former and sometimes atop the latter on stilts. Couples can take a plunge in the water with a snorkel or dive, enjoy some local cuisine at the restaurants, or take a tour of the mangroves. 

Bungalows with a private pool are divided between those in the hills, enshrouded by the forest, or those right by the sea, which come with views of National Natural Park Corales del Rosario. Design features liberal use of marble and wood, while beds with gauzy screens feel undeniably romantic. At Spa Niña Daniela, couples can receive massages in private air-conditioned rooms.

South of the resort magnet Cancún, La Zebra occupies a prime slice of Tulum coastline. The property features private plunge pool rooms that come with views of the sea or gardens. Among the accommodations are a pair of Penthouse Suites that look over the beach and the Caribbean Sea, a view that can be enjoyed from the spacious terrace and generous plunge pool.

The spa and ultra-romantic trips to explore Tulum and the Riviera Maya are lures for couples, as are the ample Mezcal and wine-tasting experiences and painting classes. Romantic dinner options are also available on the beach. For a treat, book the Chef's Table meal, an eight-course tasting menu where diners can watch the chef in action amid a space that is lovingly decorated with Mexican antiques.

A country that has become synonymous with idyllic romance, French Polynesia encompasses many islands across the South Pacific. Among them is Motu Tevairoa, an islet set across a narrow channel from Bora Bora and home to Le Bora Bora. Easily reached via a 10-minute boat ride from Bora Bora airport, the fantasy resort has rooms on the beach or overwater, with private pools that take in the sumptuous scenery.

Accommodations have a classic Polynesian style, with thatch roofs and vaulted ceilings. Couples will go gaga over the chance to paddle in a pool while looking over the water with incredible clarity or the forested hills of Bora Bora, including the iconic peak Mount Otemanu. They are also likely to laud dinners by the beach or under the starlit skies, both of which are offered by the property.

Another dizzyingly tempting island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has vibrant coral reefs, volcanic peaks, and a buzzing cosmopolitan culture. It's also where to find the thatched villas of Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius. These come with a spacious living area featuring sturdy bamboo and cane furnishings, a bright bathroom flooded with natural light, and a sunken bathtub (the butler can arrange for a bath filled with rose petals).

They also supply a heated plunge pool with plenty of room and views of the ocean. They are immensely private, with secluded loungers and high walls providing a sense of isolation and quiet. Couples can also enjoy some soothing alone time at a candlelit dinner on the beach, with the sun setting over Turtle Bay adding an enthralling extra, and the sound of the ebbing sea as the seductive soundtrack.

Thai islands have long been a favored destination for lovers in search of a tropical beach getaway, and Phuket is no different. Though The Pavilions Phuket isn't sitting directly on one of its many idyllic beaches, it does offer some pretty spectacular views. Cleanly designed rooms come with spacious pool decks, and since the resort sits high up on a hill, the large pools look out over verdant hills and countryside, the sea beyond.

Rooms are split between suites and villas, with the pools found in the latter (the villas also come with a steam room). Couples have a number of options for some memorable moments, from a floating breakfast brought to the room pool to an in-villa barbecue to a private picnic at one of Phuket's most scintillating beaches.

At this tucked-away resort north of the resort hub of Florianópolis, shimmering emerald waters kiss the curves of coves that dot a stubby peninsula. Two-story bungalows at Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort feature private pools that look onto a sweeping bay. The sense of privacy here is hard to beat, with only 25 bungalows spread across huge grounds, and some of these accommodations are more than 3,000 square feet in size.

Many rooms come with large heated plunge pools overlooking lush greenery and azure water, complemented by a dry sauna, while interiors are kitted out with warm wood. Meals at the property factor in produce from the on-site garden, while the spa uses Sisley products in treatments. Inquisitive couples will prize opportunities to take hikes in the greenery or explore the small islands and bays around the peninsula.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination, a vast realm of coral and marine life that has to be experienced to be believed. This is where you can find Qualia, located on Hamilton Island, and looking over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Island. Guests can enjoy these breathtaking views from the water of their plunge pool, located on an open deck of the pavilion room at this secluded property.

Romance is part of Qualia's DNA, with many opportunities for some dreamy interludes. Guests can take a sunset cruise on one of the property's vessels, lounge over a picnic on a deserted beach, or head out on a kayak over crystal-clear seas and gaze at the fish below. For the ultimate expression of love, it would be hard to beat a helicopter flight over a nearby reef shaped like a heart.

The island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) brims with nature. It's not a huge beach destination, but for lovers of rugged, verdant interiors, lush, vibrant rainforests, and long, rewarding hikes, the island is a gem. Visitors will feel immersed in nature at Secret Bay, a property with sustainable hardwood construction and stunning views of the rainforest and the sea.

The hotel sits atop a seaside cliff, and all rooms are villas that come with plunge pools, designed to feel open and connected to the surroundings. Couples looking for some private time might opt for the Honeymoon Villas, which are spread as large as 3,300 square feet and feature a full kitchen and outdoor barbecue space. Or they can forge new bonds over a sunset cruise, snorkel tour, or couple's massage.

The island of Boracay is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines, which is an achievement for a country with more than 7,000 islands. The Shangri-La Boracay makes the most of that feat as it spreads across a prime piece of waterfront on the north of the isle. The inviting waters are steps from the property, though guests staying in the one-bedroom pool villa may just spend the day happily ensconced in their room.

These spacious accommodations come with a large infinity pool in a handsomely appointed outdoor lounge area, landscaped grounds, and local touches like wicker furnishings and artwork that reflect regional motifs. A dinner for two on the beach or a customized sand castle are a couple of ways to share the joy with a loved one, as is a private serenade by an acoustic trio.

While many of the private pools on this list are notable for their views onto expansive bodies of water or deeply calming forests, the pools at the safari camp Singita Boulders Lodge are akin to front-row seats over wildlife. This small property, with only 12 suites, sits along the Sand River, where birds, buffalos, and elephants are among the visitors you may be able to spy from your plunge pool.

Rooms are both modern and rustic, with furniture made from old trees and the use of sturdy stone adding heft, while soft linens and sheep-skin rugs add a soft touch. Game drives elevate the spare, elegant experience of a stay here with the chance to spot giraffes as they wander the woods, antelopes on the plains, or big cats that hang out among rock formations.

It's a short boat ride from the mainland of Cambodia to Six Senses Krabey Island, but the sense of escape is palpable. At this private island resort, guests will really feel secluded in the jungle, with 40 pool villas dotted around the hilly rainforest. Pathways work their way around the island, connecting the rooms to the restaurants, spa, and front desk, but the property's clever layout, keeping much of the island's greenery intact, makes each villa feel incredibly private.

Sitting in the pool, guests will feel almost like they are on a castaway island, all alone and hidden among the dense foliage. When they want to venture beyond their sleek, roomy digs, they can get a scoop of homemade gelato at Double-Dip Hangout or sample Khmer dishes under the canopy at Tree Restaurant.

The Piton mountains are a dominating force in St. Lucia, so much so that the Caribbean nation's flag features a black triangle that represents the peak. Travelers who book the one-bedroom residences at Sugar Beach will be able to gaze at the towering Pitons from the grand outdoor terrace or the private infinity-edge pool. The residences are either right on the beach or slightly elevated, with views of the water and mountains.

Visitors looking for romance in their stay have a spa at their disposal or a long beach primed for sunset strolls, but for something a little extra, they can choose a romance package. It can include chocolates and rose petals on the bed, a stirring flower bouquet in the room, a couple's massage, breakfast in bed, champagne served on a speed boat trip, and a sunset cruise. Where do we sign up?

For couples in love, gestures and gifts throughout their daily lives are certainly ways to keep the buzz going. But getting away and spending quality time removed from the routine is a more assured route to reinforcing the romance and creating timeless memories. A room with a private plunge pool truly amplifies that alone time — it's a place where couples can retreat and reconnect as time just seems to slow down.

We worked hard to put together a list of resorts that are truly special and that also have rooms with private pools. We used our personal experiences to populate the story and then researched deeper into places that we've dreamed of in all our years of writing on travel to strengthen the field. Hopefully, now, you'll be fantasizing about them, too!