The Top Eleven Hotel Pools East of Asia

The Mondrian Scottsdale. Pool is great, but it’s not ready for the Top 11 just yet. Maybe next year….

I love to get away, sip champagne, eat frozen grapes, listen to vibey music and just relax by a beautifully design pool. When I’m looking to get away and soak in the sun, I want a great pool with a sexy vibe or a great scene. Sometimes I want it quiet with a spectacular view. And other times, I want to watch the Glitterati prance as if they were the top model in the Diane Von Furstenberg spring line fashion show.

Here are my Top Eleven Hotel Pool picks (east of Asia, basically because I haven’t been there yet!)

(Yes, Eleven, not Ten & no, they are not in any particular order!)

1. The Fasano Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Let me just say that I haven’t yet been here, but on December 25, 2008 I’ll gladly dip myself into this spectacular pool. With the Fasano in Rio being one of the world’s new top hotels, it’s no surprise that the pool here is hotter than ever. From the rumor mill, this is the type of pool where you will say “Can her bathing suit actually get wet or is it just for show?” And the answer is, it’s always for show baby, always for show!

2. The Delano Hotel, South Beach, Miami, USA

Ian Schrager’s first “urban resort” goes in and out of popularity. But I am no fair-weather fan! To me, there is no better place to enjoy the incredibly hot Florida sunshine, usually next to celebs like Jamie Fox, Lindsey Lohan or even Spike Lee. My favorite sighting at this lovely pool was the man himself, Mr. Schrager. I like to imagine that he was working diligently on a new concept hotel, but he was probably doing the NY Times Crossword puzzle! I love the frozen grapes, perfect Mojitos and the foot rubs in the afternoon. If pools could talk this one would make millions in a tell all book!

3. Benkiraï Saint-Tropez, France

Another one that I haven’t personally seen, but is on my Summer 2009 travel schedule! I’ve stayed at the Byblos and yes, there is always a scene, but I’m hoping this new ray of French Riviera sunshine will shine on this super-hyped up Saint-Tropez hot spot! I need something fresh and new in this French jet set destination!

4. Capofaro Resort, Salina, Aeolian Islands, Italy

This up and comer is planning to knock the Hotel Raya off it’s perch in the Aeolians! This stunning hotel pool offers bronzed bodies and cocktails by day and spectacular views of the island of Stromboli at night. If you want to be ahead of the curve, book your next Aeolian get away here.

5. Gansevoort South, South Beach, Miami, USA

With the new location of the David Barton Gym in the Gansevoort South, you can be sure South Beaches hardest bodies will be strutting their stuff around the new South beach hot-spot!

6. Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy

This one may be near and dear to my heart (I had my wedding rehearsal dinner overlooking this pool) but I’m definitely not being biased! This infinity pool has one of the most insane views I’ve ever seen! Pictures are all you need, but they still can’t ever do it justice!

7. Villa des Orangers, Marrakech, Morocco

The chaotic streets of Marrakech can really get to you, so when they do, slip inside the Villa des Orangier and head to the pool in the back. I don’t know how, but somehow the noise and smells of the city aren’t allowed to follow you! This pool is beautiful, serene and at night magical. Sip some mint tea and relax.

8. Faena Hotel & Universe, Buenos Aires, Argentina

At the Faena, they call everything an experience. The pool is no exception. Seeing as Buenos Aires is arguably the leading city for plastic surgery in the world, which I am obviously not against, the bodies around this pool will be phenomenal. Dressing for a day at the pool in South America is an event. BTW, don’t be surprised if you see Mick Jagger strutting down the hallway.

9. Capri Palace, The Island of Capri, Italy

The home of my honeymoon and one of the sexiest pools in the Mediterranean. Italian chic, Rosé filled glasses and seemingly a magazine is always doing a photo shoot somewhere around this pool. At night you’ll see one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen (see my picture above). Beware: no funny business under the water, unless of course you don’t mind an audience. There is a sneak window at the entrance of the hotel that shows the pool from below, kinda like you’re the dolphin in the aquarium.

10. The Belvedere Hotel, Mykonos, Greece

In exactly thirty days I will descend onto Mykonos’s famed Belvedere Hotel. I’ve been stalking this pool for a very long time. This is the home of white on white decor overlooking a deep gorgeous blue sea. All I can say is I hope I’ve done enough of the P90X to be able to compare to the hard bodied guests lounging around this pool! Yikes!

11. One & Only Pamilla, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Travel & Leisure says this is the #1 hotel for celebrity spotting. They may be right, I did see Will Smith here last year. But I don’t care about that. Do you want to know what I care about? It’s The Sunglass Concierge that comes around the pool with a sunglass cleaning kit disguised as a picnic basket and offers to clean your shades. I’ve never in my life had cleaner sunglasses or that level of service anywhere

Well, that’s it. The pools that I love and that I hope to love very soon!

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Love ya guys!

Kimberly

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