Spotlight On: A Big Splash
FALLS IN LOVE
The Tailor, Australia
Hidden away in the Northern Territory, on the 400,000-acre Bullo River working cattle station close to the Western Australian border, Champagne Falls is one of Australia's best-kept secrets, accessible as it is only by helicopter. Fresh water cascades tumble into a natural rock pool with a bubbling effect that gives the spot its name and the swimming experience some extra fizz. The Tailor can arrange a visit to the Falls as part of a guided station experience in a Kimberley itinerary.
ICE BATH
Ahipara, New Zealand
Not one for the faint of heart… but nothing feels better than a swim you’ve really earned. Starting just outside Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, a two-hour intermediate hike (a bit of a scramble through native rainforest) brings you to a pristine lake fed by glaciers and snowmelt – some of the coldest water you can find. Reach this tranquil spot under your own steam or Ahipara can arrange a local guide who’ll teach you about the forest and landscape as you climb.
SUNSET SWIM
Sticky Rice Travel, Borneo
A golden hour dip at Sabah’s Gaya Island Resort is a sophisticated affair. Take your pick between a cooling swim off the shallow beach, or paddling peacefully in the hotel’s stunning beachfront pool, before relaxing with a cocktail on an in-water sun lounger as you watch the sun sink behind Mount Kinabalu across the sparkling South China Sea.
A POOL WITH A VIEW
Banyan Tours, India
Jodhpur boasts two of the most spectacular swimming pools in Rajasthan. From the opulent pool at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace you’re spoiled for choice between the view of the vast palace itself behind you and the awesome Mehrangarh Fort rising high above the city ahead. Similarly, dive in at RAAS Jodhpur and admire the Fort as you swim. Lit up at night, the Fort looks especially impressive, making it the ultimate backdrop for a midnight dip.
INFINITY AND BEYOND
ITEM, Türkiye
OKU Bodrum's philosophy is simplicity done not just well but super-stylishly. The hotel is cleverly set up to make the most of its beautiful Aegean setting, with infinity pools melting into sea views and swimming platforms that step down directly into the sea. It’s not so much a question of whether to swim so much as which option to choose and how often to take the plunge.
DESERT DIP
Plan-It Morocco Morocco
There are hotel pools and then there’s the infinity masterpiece at Kasbah d’If, a serene desert escape just outside Marrakech. The hotel sits like a verdant oasis on a hill rising from the rocky landscape, all ochre turrets, leafy courtyards and shady interiors. Cool off surrounded by Agafay’s dramatic landscape and admire the sunset views over the Atlas Mountains.
WATER SPORT
Galavanta, Colombia
Calm reservoir waters, dramatic rock views and zero crowds: the ultimate reset from Medellín city life is just 90 minutes away by car, or 20 by helicopter, at Guatapé Lake. Water sports are popular, including kayaking and paddle boarding, but you can just as well drift lazily atop a pontoon. For the really adventurous, charter a speedboat, chase adrenaline on a jet ski, or soar above the lake on a flyboard. Guests staying at The Brown can unwind at its peaceful private beach club or take in the views from its sleek pool.
HIGH DIVE
Enigma, Peru
Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, is a unique water world where the focus is on stillness, altitude, reflection and connection, bringing water into your journey in a completely different way. A stay by the lake can include swimming for those willing to brave the 10°C water, kayaking and rowing but also island visits and community encounters, making it a beautiful choice for travellers looking for culture, quiet and a sense of place.
SADDLE UP
Glove, Argentina and Chile
One of South America’s most important freshwater ecosystems, Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands is a wilderness of lakes, floodplains, grassland and subtropical forest, and home to extraordinary wildlife. Discover it on horseback with Glove, riding across open grasslands and shallow lagoons, and crossing stretches of water where the horses begin to swim and you follow alongside. The ride – and swim – of your life.
NIGHT SWIMMING
Lares, Uruguay
Known locally as ‘noctilucas’, bioluminescent plankton periodically transform Uruguay’s coastline with their electric-blue glow. Triggered by the movement of the waves, these microscopic organisms create a surreal natural light show after dark. The phenomenon is most commonly seen along the beaches of Punta del Este, especially Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, during the warmer months. For the best chance to witness it, head to the coast on a dark, moonless night and dive in.
BATH TIME
Memories by Valberg, Iceland
Can you really say you’ve been to Iceland if you haven’t soaked in its famous geothermal spring waters? Memories by Valberg recommend that visitors to the country’s East coast visit Vök Baths, where floating geothermal pools offer extraordinary views over the rugged landscape. There’s also a sauna, cold-water spray tunnel, cold plunge pool and, if you’re feeling really daring, take a dip in the lake itself. Warm up afterwards with hot tea or a good meal at the on-site restaurant.