In today's world, where every journey doubles as a potential Instagram photo opportunity, destinations are no longer just places to visit but become living backdrops for our memories. With more than 5.3 billion photos captured daily-about 61,400 every second-modern travel revolves as much around photographs as it does around passport stamps.
Celebrities like Samantha Ruth Prabhu with her striking poolside portraits, Kriti Sanon's breathtaking mountain views, and the glowing summer shots of Shivangi Joshi and Palak Tiwari have swapped ordinary walls for turquoise waters and wide horizons. Their photos look like artwork, and the pools themselves have become destinations worth capturing.
On World Photography Day, August 19, 2025, here are ten iconic pools that blend natural settings and architectural brilliance. From cliffside infinity views to desert oases and regal palaces, these pools are more than places for a swim - they are made for photographs that stay with you long after the trip is over.
World Photography Day 2025: Here Are 10 Hotel Pools Made For Perfect Photos:
1. Brij Lakshman Sagar, Pali
In Rajasthan, Brij Lakshman Sagar offers a swimming pool carved entirely from local granite, blending seamlessly with the rocky hilltop. Surrounded by 32 acres of rugged landscape in Pali, this pool is a visual standout. Its raw edges and wide-angle views have made it a favourite for celebrity shoots, giving photography enthusiasts an earthy and authentic backdrop.
2. Kuda Villingili, Maldives
Known for housing the Maldives' longest swimming pool at over 150 metres, Kuda Villingili is both vast and visually striking. Its clean symmetry makes for cinematic compositions, while golden hour light adds drama to the scene. With jacuzzis, submerged loungers, and child-friendly shallows framed by tropical gardens, every angle of this pool has the makings of a perfect photograph.
3. Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka
Perched dramatically on a cliff, Cape Weligama's 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool captures sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Its distinct curve naturally pulls the eye into the horizon, while shifting coastal light ensures that no two photographs look alike. It has become a magnet for influencers and travel photographers who crave shots that balance drama and serenity.
4. Kandima, Maldives
At Kandima Maldives, the pool changes its character with the light of day. Mornings bring reflections on still waters, afternoons shine with vibrant shades of blue, and evenings see the Breeze Pool Bar come alive with colour. This dynamic setting ensures every shot feels unique, making it one of the most Instagrammed pools in the region.
5. Qasr Al Sarab, Qatar
Set against the vast backdrop of the desert, the pool at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is pure visual drama. At sunrise, the soft pastel glow creates a painterly frame, while sunsets flood the sand with fiery shades that reflect beautifully on the water. For photographers, it is a lesson in using natural light and texture to capture atmospheric moments.
6. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Rising 2,000 metres above sea level in the Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar's infinity pool combines altitude with awe. From misty morning mountain views to glowing orange canyons at sunset, it offers dramatic contrasts that look spectacular on camera. Its cliffside perch gives photographers a chance to frame landscapes that appear both endless and intimate.
7. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Photo Credit: oberoihotels.com
The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur brings grandeur to poolside photography. Overlooking Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills, its design draws on traditional Indian architecture, giving every photograph a regal finish. Whether it is the morning mist or the golden evening light, this setting is ideal for capturing Rajasthan's elegance in timeless frames.
8. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Photo Credit: tajhotels.com
Surrounded by lush greenery, the pool at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Goa is as tropical as it gets. Palm-lined edges, vivid skies, and calm waters make it a paradise for photographers. Framed by gardens and open horizons, it creates vibrant yet peaceful compositions, perfect for anyone looking to capture Goa's colourful charm.
9. The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Photo Credit: leelapalace.com
High above the city, The Leela Palace rooftop pool mixes modern luxury with timeless design. The shimmering water reflects the skyline, while city lights add an atmospheric glow at night. For photographers, it is a rare chance to frame New Delhi from above, capturing a side of the capital that feels both cosmopolitan and refined.
10. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Photo Credit: tajhotels.com
Few pools match the historic elegance of Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. Enclosed by manicured gardens and majestic architecture, this pool carries an aura of royal charm. The palace's reflection in its clear waters elevates every image, offering photographers a chance to create frames that feel timeless and steeped in grandeur.
11. Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort
The Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is home to a striking double-decker pool that has quickly become its signature. The upper level offers wide views of the green Aravalis, perfect for sun-soaked lounging, while the lower deck provides a shaded escape for a calm swim. Designed to feel both stylish and relaxing, the pool is the resort's standout feature and a highlight for guests seeking a mix of energy and tranquillity.
12. Coco Shambhala, Sindhudurg
Photo Credit: cocoshambhala.com
Tucked away in a tropical garden by the sea, Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg offers just four luxury villas, each with its private infinity pool. The design makes the most of its setting, with tree-top living pavilions, open views of the Arabian Sea, and two-bedroom spaces that feel both chic and intimate. It is a private coastal hideaway where comfort blends seamlessly with the quiet beauty of Sindhudurg's shoreline.
Happy World Photography Day 2025!
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