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Park Hyatt Tokyo1 of 10
People travel for a variety of reasons, but few would ever say a swimming pool is one of them. That may be changing. Some pools are becoming tourist attractions in their own right, and you'll see why. Located near gorgeous geography in high-end hotels, pools imbue the spirit with serenity, or set the stage for a night of partying. Here is our top 10 list of amazing hotel pools. But be warned: a few laps will cost you.
No. 10 - Park Hyatt Tokyo
OK, so the pool itself doesn't look that special. Fair enough. But when you consider it's located on the 47th floor in a city with over 8 million people, that's one helluva view with a lot of sparkly lights at night. During the day, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
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San Alfonso del Mar Resort2 of 10
No. 9 - San Alfonso del Mar, in Algarrobo, Chile
You might be asking yourself, "Where's the pool? I only see beaches and water." That, my friend, is the pool, a massive saltwater pool that measures 2/3 of a mile in length and holds as much water as 6,000 normal pools. Guinness World Records calls it the largest in the world, and in it you can enjoy sailing, paddling or just chilling.
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mil8 via Flickr3 of 10
No. 8 - Hugh Hefner's Sky Villa, The Palms, Las Vegas
At a cost of around $40,000 a night, you too can party in a suite once used by Kanye West, with a full bar, 24-hour butler, and a cantilevered Playboy pool with a panoramic view of the Vegas Strip.
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edmerritt via Flickr4 of 10
No. 7 - Hotel Caruso Belvedere
Found at the highest point of Ravello, a town off the Amalfi Coast, swimming in this infinity pool will give you awesome views of the coast. Molto bene!
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Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images5 of 10
No. 6 - Viceroy Miami
Unlike other pools that are built for serenity, this pool is built for partying. At nearly 205 feet, it's the longest pool in Florida and has three areas: a wading pool, a football field size swimming pool and an 80-person hot tub. Now that's a party.
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sarahinvegas via Flickr6 of 10
No. 5 - Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
With all the other attractions and diversions, a pool in Vegas has got to be pretty special to make a splash. Well, the Golden Nugget's $30 million pool complex delivers. Along with what is customary (waterfalls, bar, Jacuzzi), it also includes a 200,000-gallon shark tank with 16 of the creatures, a 3-story waterslide and private cabanas. The waterslide has an extra thrill, too - you actually slide through the shark tank.
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Matthew Wakem/Getty Images7 of 10
No. 4 - Ubud Hanging Gardens Resort, Bali
Sometimes a picture doesn't do justice. Set among a land of forests in the heart of Bali, the infinity pools are perched on a gorge, with curves said to copy the shape of the nearby hills. An ancient temple is located on the opposite hillside. Zen, defined.
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gulfimages/Getty Images8 of 10
No. 3 - Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas
Bahamas? Check. Lots of slides (including a sheer drop called Leap of Faith, and Challenger slides where you can race a friend)? Check. Giant pool? Check. A Serpent Slide where you swim through a shark tank? Check. What are you waiting for?
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Perivolas9 of 10
No. 2 - Perivolas Luxury Hotel
Located in Santorini Island, Greece, the famous infinity pool has been on 12 magazine covers. One word: breathtaking.
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davidwjford via Flickr10 of 10Next: Perfectly Good Explanations for Strange Photos
No. 1 - The SkyPark at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Located in Singapore, the SkyPark opened in 2011 and is perched atop 3 towers. The pool is 650 feet in the air and three times the length of an Olympic pool, and is the largest outdoor pool in the world at that height. Apparently, there are "movement joints" beneath the main pools, designed to help them withstand the natural motion of the towers. Considering it's a five-star hotel, prices aren't cheap, but just look at that awesomeness. Worth it!