Imagine stepping out and being greeted by the serene beauty of a lagoon-style pool. With its natural curves, lush surroundings, and tranquil ambience, a lagoon pool offers an unparalleled escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. So if you are looking for a dream holiday pool or even considering building your own lagoon pool we've got lots of great information about what is a lagoon pool and where are the best one in the world.
What is a Lagoon Pool?
A lagoon pool is a type of swimming pool designed to mimic the look and feel of a natural lagoon. These pools typically feature freeform shapes, resembling the irregular contours of a natural body of water. Unlike traditional swimming pools with straight lines, lagoon pools have curves and inlets, creating a more organic and inviting appearance.
Key Features of Lagoon Pools
Freeform Design
The hallmark of a lagoon pool is its freeform shape. These pools break away from the conventional rectangular or oval designs, offering an irregular shape that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Natural Elements
Lagoon pools often incorporate natural materials such as natural stone, rock waterfalls, and sand dunes to enhance their aesthetic appeal. These elements create a more authentic lagoon experience, making the pool look like a natural oasis.
Lush Landscaping
To achieve a true lagoon feel, tropical plants, palm trees, and other greenery are strategically placed around the pool area. This not only enhances the look and feel of the pool but also adds a sense of privacy and seclusion.
Water Features
Features like rock waterfalls, swim-up bars, and beach entries are luxurious lagoon pool features. These additions not only look stunning but also provide practical benefits such as easier entry and exit from the pool.
Wellness Benefits
Pools like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon offer additional wellness benefits through their mineral-rich waters. These natural properties can have therapeutic effects, attracting visitors seeking health and relaxation.
The World's Best Lagoon Pools
Lagoon pools, with their freeform designs and natural aesthetics, are celebrated for creating a seamless blend between luxury and nature. These pools are not just about swimming; they offer an immersive experience that transports you to a tranquil oasis. We've pulled together some of the world's best lagoon pools and want to share with you the features that make them so special.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands is one of the most iconic lagoon pools in the world and one of our personal favourites. Located 57 floors above the ground, this pool offers breath taking views of Singapore’s skyline. The design mimics a natural lagoon with its curved, freeform shape, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees that enhance the tropical feel. What makes this pool particularly special is its seamless edge, creating an illusion that the water extends into the horizon, providing an unparalleled sense of serenity and luxury.
San Alfonso del Mar, Chile
San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo, Chile, boasts the world's largest outdoor pool, stretching over a kilometre in length. This lagoon pool holds an impressive 250 million litres of crystal-clear seawater, sourced and filtered directly from the ocean. The pool’s vast expanse and pristine waters create a mesmerising lagoon effect. Surrounding sandy beaches and palm trees further enhance the tropical paradise ambience, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists. The sheer scale and integration with the natural coastline make it a marvel of engineering and design.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is renowned for its geothermal waters rich in minerals like silica and sulphur, known for their healing properties. Set against a backdrop of rugged lava fields, this natural lagoon pool offers a unique and surreal experience. The milky blue water, which stays at a perfect temperature year-round, contrasts strikingly with the dark volcanic landscape. What makes the Blue Lagoon truly special is its natural geothermal origin and the wellness benefits it provides, drawing visitors from all over the world seeking both relaxation and rejuvenation.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii features several lagoon-style pools that blend harmoniously with the surrounding tropical landscape. The King's Pond, a unique pool carved out of lava rock, is filled with over 1.8 million gallons of filtered seawater and is home to more than 4,000 tropical fish. This natural aquarium pool offers guests the opportunity to snorkel and swim with marine life, providing an immersive and educational experience. The resort's commitment to preserving the natural beauty and integrating it into its lagoon pools makes it stand out as a luxurious and eco-friendly destination.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Nestled in the dramatic landscapes of Utah’s Canyon Point, Amangiri’s lagoon pool offers a serene escape amidst the rugged desert terrain. The pool’s design incorporates the natural rock formations, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment. The minimalist aesthetic and the use of natural materials like sandstone create a tranquil and meditative atmosphere. What makes this pool special is its ability to provide a sense of solitude and connection with nature, enhanced by the stunning views of the desert and mesas.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
The One & Only Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives features exquisite lagoon pools that epitomise luxury and exclusivity. These private pools are designed to blend with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, creating a seamless transition between the pool and the sea. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation, these pools offer an unparalleled sense of privacy and tranquillity. The resort’s attention to detail, from the design aesthetics to the personalised service, makes these lagoon pools a pinnacle of tropical luxury.
Grace Santorini, Greece
Grace Santorini's infinity pool is renowned for its breath taking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Perched on the cliffs of Santorini, this lagoon-style pool offers a tranquil and romantic setting, perfect for watching the famous Santorini sunsets. The pool’s design, with its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings. What makes this pool special is the combination of its dramatic location, stunning views, and the intimate, serene atmosphere it provides to its guests.
Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia
The Hanging Gardens of Bali boasts one of the most photographed lagoon pools in the world. This multi-tiered infinity pool is set amidst the lush rainforest of Ubud, offering breath taking views of the Ayung River and the surrounding jungle. The pool’s design features curves and levels that mimic the natural terraces of the landscape, creating a harmonious blend with the environment. The sense of floating above the treetops and the immersive experience of being surrounded by nature make this lagoon pool a truly magical destination.
The world’s best lagoon pools offer a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and unique features that create unforgettable experiences, so which ones would you like to swim in? Will it be the serene geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or the tropical paradise of the Maldives’ private pools. So if you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing pool to soak away your cares, one of these oasis's should be just the ticket.
Creating A Lagoon Pool
If you are fortunate enough to be able to build your own pool at home, why not try creating a lagoon pool? Here are some top tips of things to think about when creating a natural pool or lagoon style pool.
Layout
The layout of your lagoon pool should work with your existing landscape. Use the natural topography of your garden to create a lagoon pool that feels like an extension of the environment. Then incorporate lush greenery and water features to create a tropical feel. For a more arid look, why not create desert areas, using sand dunes and desert plants. This will create a stunning contrast.
Pool Materials
The materials you choose will impact both the look and longevity of your lagoon pool. Natural stone provides a rugged, authentic look and stands the test of time. Faux Rock is a cost-effective alternative to natural stone that offers similar aesthetic benefits. Shop around as choosing top-quality products from leading brands will ensure you get durability and a luxurious finish.
Incorporating Additional Features
Enhance your lagoon pool with additional features that add both functionality and visual appeal. You could add a swim-up bar which would be perfect for entertaining. A swim-up bar allows you to serve drinks and snacks without leaving the water. It's the ultimate pool party feature. For those with toddlers or young children, why not incorporate a gradual slope into the pool, resembling a natural beach, making it easier for children and older adults to enter and exit? If you are really pushing the boat out, why not integrating a hot tub into your lagoon pool design? This will give you the ideal place for relaxation and hydrotherapy. You'll also want to think about the ambience and safety of your pool area with strategically placed lighting.
Filtration and Maintenance
A high-quality sand filter or salt system can make a significant difference in maintaining clean and clear water. A salt-generating system, for instance, can provide a more natural and less harsh swimming experience compared to traditional chlorine pools.
Size and Depths
Lagoon pools come in various size options and pool depths to suit different needs:
- Shallow End: Ideal for families with small children.
- Variable Depths: Designed for both swimming and diving.
- Compact Designs Perfect for smaller gardens without compromising on the lagoon experience and your own private oasis.
Choosing the Right Pool Builder
Selecting the right pool builder is crucial to bringing your new pool vision to life. Here are some considerations:
Years of Experience
Opt for builders with extensive experience in creating custom pools, particularly lagoon-style pools.
Customer Service
A family-owned business with a long history of great customer service can provide a more personalised experience.
Competitive Prices
Look for builders offering competitive prices without compromising on quality.
Reputation
Builders who are proud recipients of national awards and support important charities, such as the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank or the Pancreatic Network, often have a strong community presence and reputation.
Portfolio and Reviews
Review their past projects and customer testimonials to gauge the quality of their work.
Lagoon Gardens and Hot Tubs
If you don't have the space to build your own lagoon pool, why not create a lagoon garden based around a hot tub? With good lighting, a water feature, some strategically placed garden furniture and the use of tropical plants and lush foliage, you can create the perfect oasis in your own back garden. A hot tub may be more practical in the UK as it can be used all year round despite the UK's changeable weather.
Transforming your garden into a lagoon-style pool paradise is an exciting journey that combines aesthetics, functionality, and personal preference. With the right design, materials, and features, you can create a stunning lagoon experience that provides years of enjoyment for you and your family. Whether you dream of a tropical retreat with palm trees and rock waterfalls or a desert oasis with sand dunes and natural stone or simply just a hot tub hideaway that offers a bit more privacy, the possibilities are endless. A lagoon experience is the best way to create luxury, relaxation, and natural beauty in your own garden.