There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than a good view—aside from its aesthetic value, a beautiful view also offers various psychological and physical health benefits, including reduced stress and anger, as well as an increased sense of positivity, relaxation and motivation. Enjoying a nice view can make you feel like you’re on top of the world, not to mention that it’s the perfect way to treat yourself to a “mini vacation” without buying a plane ticket!

The Most Beautiful Swimming Pools Around the World

From panoramic ocean vistas to grassy plains teeming with African wildlife, we’ve rounded up gyms and workout spaces with some of the best views around the world that are guaranteed to keep you inspired. Trust us when we say you won’t ever want to miss a workout again!

United States:

Hilltop Malibu Modern Home (California)

This Malibu Modern Villa by Homes & Villas by Marriott International features 20 hilltop acres, offering guests a perfect combination of absolute privacy paired with stunning mountain and ocean views. The solar-powered smart home has an infinity-edged pool, an adjacent over-sized spa, as well as expansive lawns and organic gardens—perfect for yoga or an outdoor workout. The villa also has a fitness room and a playroom with a ping-pong table.

Montage Laguna Beach (California)

Working out at Montage Laguna Beach, a recently renovated luxury property perched upon a coastal bluff in Laguna Beach, is like being outside with all of the perks and technology of a five-star gym. Its open-air fitness center offers guests panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and its salt water spa pool.

Featuring a Movement Studio, which offers a variety of classes from Yoga to TRX, in addition to an oceanfront, adults-only lap pool, traditional free weights and cardio equipment, guests will be motivated to stick to new year’s resolutions.

Spa Profile: Spa Montage Laguna Beach

Guests who book the resort’s Resolutions Resolved offering will receive a $150 resort credit, which can be applied to almost any indulgence, including the vegetarian tasting menu at Studio or a new year makeover at Kim Vo Salon.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles (California)

The gym at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is located on the 26th floor of the property and provides elevated views of the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Hills, making it the perfect place to stay active while traveling. The fitness center includes top-of-the-line Precor and Icarian equipment complete with TV and multimedia capabilities, resistance and weight training, as well as 60-minute yoga classes on Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles

Terranea Resort (California)

At luxurious oceanfront Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, guests can choose their own adventure with a variety of daily activities. The panoramic views from the 5,000-square-foot Fitness & Wellness Center and adjoining Movement Studio bring nature indoors to inspire and motivate. State of-the-art Technogym cardio equipment, customized personal training sessions, and private classes are available to assist you with meeting your goals.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Terranea

Enjoy incredible views and a cardio workout suited for all levels of athleticism with a seaside cycle; build strength, reduce stress, and bring the body, mind, and spirit into balance with seaside yoga; or explore the local flora and fauna with a guided nature hike, celebrating the natural habitat and beauty of the Peninsula.

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (Florida)

Located in sunny Miami, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers travelers a wellness experience like no other. With one of the most diverse fitness schedules, guests have access to 200+ fitness classes weekly, ranging from Indoor Rock Wall Boot Camp, Off Broadway Dance, TRX Strength and Buff Ballet Booty. With classes for all skill sets, Carillon provides active travelers ample opportunities to revitalize in whatever way suits them.

Those who prefer a gym workout can opt-in for a “workout with a view” at the resort’s two-story gym, which features floor-to-ceiling windows for an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean and access to high-tech Technogym ARTIS cardiovascular equipment.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

The resort also has five movement studios for fitness classes around the property, including one outdoor studio and one with Pilates and kinesthetic equipment. Lastly, Carillon Miami also offers four pools and a two-story indoor rock wall for travelers looking to reach new Miami heights.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami (Florida)

Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym, the fitness center at Mandarin Oriental Miami enjoys floor-to-ceiling views of the property’s infinity pool and Biscayne Bay. With on-board entertainment systems fitted to the machines, you can watch TV or listen to music while you train. 

Equipment includes hi-tech technology such as Peloton®, The Cardio Wave, an innovative cardiovascular machine that uses a unique multi-planar motion similar to rollerblading or skiing, to tone and strengthen the glutes and core.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Private classes are also offered in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga, mat-based Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation and visualization, and belly dancing. Classes are held outside on the lawn and can be customized to guests' needs and abilities.

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (Hawaii)

As part of its $100 million resort-wide transformation, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai on Hawaii’s Big Island shaped the future of fitness in the hospitality industry. Partnering with world-renowned fitness expert Harley Pasternak, the resort redesigned and elevated the Hualālai Sports Club and Wellness Center with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge facilities.

The Hualālai Sports Club is an indoor/outdoor facility and overlooks one of eight pools on property with backdrop views of the Hawaiian mountains. It includes three indoor and two outdoor fully-equipped gyms with state-of-the-art equipment including cardio and weight-training machines, basketball courts, seven five-star tennis courts, three five-star pickleball courts; a four-lane, 82-foot long lap pool; saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges; daily fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, Barre, cycling and much more; and access to certified trainers and coaches on request.

The Blackstone (Illinois)

The Blackstone offers wellness-minded guests an experience exactly like nothing else. In addition to state-of-the-art equipment, The Blackstone’s fitness center features floor-to-ceiling views of Chicago’s lakefront from Navy Pier to Soldier Field. The fitness center’s vibrant graffiti wall enhances the room’s aesthetic, and combined with sweeping lake views, creates an air of tranquility and inspiration.  

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas (Nevada)

The fitness center at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas features the latest technologies in personalized fitness programming and entertainment designed and manufactured by the world’s most innovative fitness line, Technogym. Yoga classes are offered daily at 8 and 9 a.m. and are included with the resort fee.

Spa Profile: Waldorf Astoria Spa Las Vegas

Amangiri (Utah)

Situated on 600 acres in Southern Utah’s Canyon Point, Amangiri is a sight to behold, backed by a lofty rock escarpment which the main pool curves around. It blends into countless untouched square miles of red rock country and offers an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatically secluded settings. The spa and fitness center also have a full range of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, along with a pilates and yoga studio.

Spa Profile: Aman Spa at Amangiri

The mesas and canyons of the Colorado Plateau are an irresistible invitation to adventure, with hiking, horseback rides and via ferrata crossings for every level of ability. Take a short hike to the top of a monolithic rock formation for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience high above the valley floor with views of the Navajo National Park.

Montage Deer Valley (Utah)

The extensive fitness facilities at Montage Deer Valley offer a healthy variety of cardiovascular and strength-training options, challenging exercise classes, postural assessment and advanced nutritional guidance. The light-filled fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, while an adjoining movement and yoga studio is available for stretching, group classes and individual wellness assessments, training, and counseling. After a rigorous workout, relax in the the indoor spa hot tub located adjacent to the fitness center. 

Spa Profile: Spa Montage at Montage Deer Valley

Stein Eriksen Lodge (Utah)

The luxurious 170-room Stein Eriksen Lodge boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and a beautiful Verdandi Wellness Studio with complimentary daily fitness classes for guests. Morning Mountain Vinyasa, Refine and Align, Core and More, Advanced Yoga, and Stein Barre are common fitness classes offered to increase strength, improve balance, and advance the performance of your body.

You can also use the onsite gym equipment or sign up for a personal training session with an instructor. The cardio section of the fitness center overlooks the outdoor heated pool and hot tub with views of Bald Mountain at Deer Valley Resort. If you're looking for something active off-mountain and off property, you might consider cross-country skiing or even snow shoeing—either option offers a great cardio workout amid the gorgeous alpine setting.

Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

In addition to a 50-foot indoor heated swimming pool, the 1,400 square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is equipped with a full range of TechnoGym training equipment, including both cardiovascular and resistance machines. As well as stationary bicycles, Peloton bike, cross trainers and treadmills, it also offers guests the use of ab stations and free weights up to 50 pounds. Private yoga and meditation classes are available upon request, and the fitness center features nice views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

International:

Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp (Botswana)

After a complete reinvention, the ultra-luxurious Jao Camp offers a fresh and contemporary design while remaining 100% solar-powered. The camp is complete with a new main area, elevated into the tree canopy, new villas and suites all featuring private plunge pools and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers along with a stunning communal lounge and dining area and a gorgeous gym.

The gym overlooks the beautiful Okavango, with the opportunity to see the best of Africa’s wildlife all while getting your sweat on! Guests are invited to partake in daily game drives, boating, guided walks, catch-and-release fishing, spa treatments, star bed/sleep-out experiences, and can even choose to take a helicopter tour.

Hotel Jen Beijing (China)

Hotel Jen Beijing’s revolutionary 3,500-square-meter health club, Trainyard Gym, is a 24-hour modern facility that caters to guests and locals alike. The three-story gym features a central air purification system designed specifically for China’s air quality and offers unrivaled solutions for all fitness journeys.

Trainyard Gym pairs perfectly with the millennial-minded mindset of Hotel Jen and features a variety of work-out zones, a dedicated Mixed Martial Arts area, 25-meter swimming pool with sky light, and an array of studio spaces, like the 30-bike spin room or the Pilates room—all boasting floor-to-ceiling windows providing unrivaled views of the city.

Designed by Stickman and spanning two floors in the hotel, Trainyard Gym is a living piece of art decorated with raw designs and graffiti work, designed to inspire and motivate an active lifestyle. With its high-end yet industrial feel, the facility offers a premium workout experience like no other right in the heart of the city.

Kerry Sports at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai (China)

Kerry Sports at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai provides an overwhelming feeling of space with 32 foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Century Park, surrounding villas and the financial district’s skyline in the distance. Operating around the clock, the gymnasium spans four activity zones comprising more than 80 pieces of state-of-the-art exercise equipment: the “Iron Man”, Cardio, Personal Training, and Strength Circuit Training.

Four exercise studios measuring in size from 50 to 140 square meters (538 to 1,506 square feet), allow numerous fitness facilities and 70 curated lessons covering such areas as circuit training, weightlifting, spinning, Zumba, and more in the gymnasium weekly.

Canaves Epitome (Greece)

Set above the fishing town of Ammoudi, this luxury hotel is the only property on the island of Santorini that offers sea and sunset views from its 53 luxury suites and villas, and it’s also one of the few family-friendly hotels in the area. Guests working out at the hotel’s fitness center will enjoy views overlooking the property, which is inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, combining natural and earthy materials with modern design and style.

Mykonos Remarkable Home (Greece)

This Mykonos Remarkable Home by Homes & Villas by Marriott International combines trademark Cycladic architecture and a natural setting with modern amenities and technology. Its outdoor areas offer views that stretch out over the countryside and the turquoise waters of Ftelia Bay. 

The main pool, located a few steps down, makes the most of the view. Other water elements include a built-in jacuzzi tub on the lower terrace and a plunge pool recently built beside the lower guest suite. For pampering experiences, a new hammam, massage room and small private gym are also located on the property.

Asaya Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Asaya Hong Kong is the first urban outpost of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ new integrative wellness concept launched in October at the brand’s new flagship property, Rosewood Hong Kong. Asaya guides guests on their own personal paths to wellness through a carefully curated, multi-layered experience that is unmatched by any other hotel or lifestyle facility in the city.

Through a selection of customized, culturally authentic therapies and treatments that address one of five key components of wellness, Asaya allows for true and lasting transformation that guests can continue to build upon long after their stay comes to an end. The 40,000-square-feet of indoor-outdoor space is spread over two dedicated floors of the hotel, making Asaya Hong Kong the largest dedicated wellness facility in the city.

Its 2,800-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center overlooks waterfront of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong on Victoria Dockside with sweeping views. All classes are complimentary for guests (there are some specialty classes with an additional fee) and can be booked from the Wellness Concierge.

Cordis, Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Located on the 41st floor of Cordis, Hong Kong, the Group Exercise Studio and Functional Training Studio feature incredible views of the Hong Kong skyline. The Group Exercise Studio includes one of the only “Fitness on Demand” systems in Hong Kong, offering a variety of over 600 dancing and fitness training video courses. Depending on their interest, guests can create their custom workout based on their personal fitness goals at their own leisure.

The Functional Training Studio is also equipped with innovative and interactive flooring, offering combinations of personal and fitness training. Both studios will offer a variety of classes led by the Health Club’s professional trainers.

The Fitness Studio retains its comprehensive range of Life Fitness equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, power plate, extensive strength machines and free weights. The 20-metre heated rooftop swimming pool remains as one of the main features of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities, featuring underwater music and poolside deck.

Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong’s Base Camp (Hong Kong)

With views extending over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, Base Camp Kerry Sports takes pride of place among the hotel's facilities, offering a luxurious health club, swimming pool, and a range of professional services, including health and beauty treatments. Its facilities are available to club members as well as hotel guests. The 25-metre outdoor pool also overlooks Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, is open throughout the year, and is heated during the winter months.

Hotel Principe di Savoia’s Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center (Italy)

Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center at Hotel Principe di Savoia is a physical well-being sanctuary that provides great views of Milan. The spacious gym features modern Technogym equipment, in addition to a heated swimming pool and a relaxing zone with hydro-massage tub, sauna and Turkish bath facilities—all against a stunning backdrop of the city skyline for ultimate workout motivation. Afterwards, enjoy a snack or drink on the outdoor terrace facing Porta Nuova.

Spa Profile: Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center at Hotel Principe di Savoia

Le Agavi (Italy)

Nestled in the in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, Le Agavi offers an open-air fitness area that offers panoramic views of the azure Gulf of Salerno. The five-star property’s modern, top-of the line fitness equipment accompanied by breathtaking ocean views is sure to motivate even the laziest of travelers. The exclusive outdoor gym also offers guests the opportunity to book a session with a personal trainer to provide step-by-step support for their seaside workout.

After working up a sweat with a stunning view, guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments overlooking the crystal blue waters at Alma Spa, savor world-class Italian cuisine crafted by Michelin star Executive Chef Luigi Tramontano, explore the lively city of Positano, or retreat back to Le Agavi’s enchanting guestrooms and suites designed with the soothing colors of the Amalfi coast.

Half Moon (Jamaica)

For breathtaking Caribbean views while working out, Half Moon in Montego Bay has a beautiful sanctuary that promotes well-being. In a natural oasis full of fruit trees, guests can practice yoga at the outdoor yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean and can focus on their zen at the gardens and meditation labyrinth. Guests can even take Pilates classes in overwater bungalows with picture-perfect views, jam out to Caribbean music during a dance and fitness class, and book private classes all looking out to the sunny beach

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor (Malaysia)

The only waterfront hotel in Johor, Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor has a stunning outdoor infinity swimming pool, steam room, and Health Club with unobstructed views of the water and harbor for the most inspiring workout.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu is an enchanting tropical retreat nestled between the ocean and a tropical rainforest. Explore captivating nature on a jungle trek or start your day with an early morning yoga class overlooking the beautiful South China Sea.

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu’s Health Club is fitted with the latest gym equipment and has dedicated areas for cardio, weights, Pilates and personal training. The resort's pool is a 2,000-square-metre cool aquatic escape from the tropical heat, and comes complete with tapered shoreline for children, a Jacuzzi, and infinity pool section for adults.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius (Mauritius)

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius Fitness Centre’s experienced team can help each guest achieve their best through personal training and stretching sessions, and special programmes for swimming, aquatic exercise, and golf. The resort also offers bocce ball, football, volleyball, badminton, archery, beginner's yoga, stretching, a jogging track and aqua-gym lessons, nature trails and cycling. Guests can play tennis at one of four flood-lit courts free of charge or train with a professional tennis coach for a fee. 

Grand Velas Los Cabos (Mexico) 

Offering views of the Sea of Cortez, jumping mobula rays and a variety of whales, Grand Velas Los Cabos' expansive ocean view Fitness Center is part of its 35,000 sq. ft. Se Spa. The 3,700 sq. ft. gym features Technogym equipment indoors, in addition to an open terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea, for yoga and outdoor activities.

Spa Profile: SE Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos, Mexico

The ARTIS line of cardio, strength and functional training equipment offers Technogym’s ‘Wellness on the Go’ experience that allows users to log in and access their training programs, training data, web bookmarks, apps and content anywhere in the world. Workout programs with complimentary personal trainer and duplex wellness suites with in-room juice bars are also available at the resort.  

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel (Mexico) 

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel’s fitness center houses state-of-the-art equipment and offers classes, yoga, and private workout sessions. A panoramic, floor-to-ceiling window stretches across the facility, providing unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez.

Spa Profile: Currents Spa at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

The Cape’s wellness offerings include expert-led classes and sessions with renowned fitness trainer Modu Seye, which are designed to embrace the resort’s unparalleled views across the Sea of Cortez (available from virtually anywhere on property) and its intimate beach location. Classes include HIIT for Breakfast (led by Modu), rooftop cycling, sunrise beach yoga, restorative alignment yoga, beach boot camp, body sculpt, and more.

The resort is also continuing its indigenously-inspired Cacao Breathing Sessions, which are ideal for solo sessions, couples meditations, or as a group activity. This unique experience blends the tranquil beachside environment of The Cape, Cervantes’ and Bojórquez’s years of contemplative study, and indigenous Mexican traditions

Royal Residence Chalet (Switzerland)

A vision of grandeur and elegance, this Royal Residence Chalet by Homes & Villas by Marriott International is the epitome of luxury in Verbier. Rivaling the breathtaking mountain backdrop, this chalet is one of the most beautiful around with serious style and substance to match. Amenities include a private fitness center with stunning views, as well as a pool and sauna for pre- and post-workout relaxation.

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei (Taiwan)

The Health Club at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei features a fully-equipped gym with onsite personal trainers, an aerobic room where various classes are held, professional massage services, dry saunas, steam rooms, and a jacuzzi. Guests staying at the hotel and club members enjoy access to the Health Club and two swimming pools—a rooftop heated pool on the 43rd floor and an outdoor summer pool. Upon request, spin classes can also be arranged on the rooftop. 

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Thailand)

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers a variety of training sessions for all abilities, from beginner to advanced level, as well as a guided evening excursion to Chaweng Boxing Stadium to see local Muay Thai professionals fighting. Muay Thai programs are available daily upon request at the Muay Thai Training ring. Located at the Health Club with stunning ocean and beach views, an experienced Muay Thai pro will work with guests in the ring individually based upon their abilities and fitness levels to tailor the best experience and achieve the maximum workout for them.

The ring is available for use on a complimentary basis, and is equipped with a punching bag, speed ball, floor-to-ceiling ball, gloves, focus pads and kicking shields, along with simple instructions. After a tough Muay Thai training session, the Spa’s Muay Thai Recovery treatment helps soothe tired muscles and is the perfect way to unwind.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London (United Kingdom)

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London’s fitness center faces South London across Southwark and beyond. The fitness center has a fully equipped gym located on level 52 with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of London’s skyline. The Skypool offers an exclusive escape for hotel guests, who may also indulge in relaxing spa treatments, either in the comfort of their room or in one of the spa residences.

The Bushcamp Company (Zambia)

As if unrivaled wildlife experiences, unspoiled wilderness, and exclusive accommodation in world-renowned South Luangwa National Park weren’t enough, guests of The Bushcamp Company now have access to complimentary yoga and meditation while vacationing on safari.

What makes a better gym than the bush in Zambia? Available at the six remote bush-camps and award-winning Mfuwe Lodge, the yoga program offers a relaxing addition to daily game drives and walking safaris. Classes range from group to private and unfold within unique open-air decks and varying locations, including the striking new Star Deck at Bilimungwe Bushcamp located along a watering hole that is regularly visited with wildlife and offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree view. Classes are taught by Shapur Afrand Ghandforoush, a skilled and passionate instructor from Denmark.

[Images courtesy of properties]

amala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk