Soaring temperatures at summer time call for cooling dips. Last week we had a look at some of the most epic pools in the world and this week we are taking you around the world for far more natural swims.
The Pantheon Pool at the Homestead Resort, Utah, USA
Located in Midway, Utah, the Pantheon Pool is the Homestead Crater – a 55-foot tall, limestone rock hollowed out by nature and filled with warm, mineral rich waters. Perfect for a private dip.
Lava Pool, Maderia, Portugal
Swim in the Atlantic with no effort at all? At Lava Pool in Madeira, Portugal, it is possible to soak in the natural pool built in the rocks and enjoy a relaxed swim when the tide comes in.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort pool, Grindavík, Iceland
Warm waters while admiring the icy landscapes surrounding you? Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort pool in Iceland holds six million liters of geothermal seawater at a temperature of 37-39°C / 98-102°F and feels just as spectacular as it looks.
Ik Kil, Mexico
Located at Chichen Itza’s eco-archaeological park, Ik Kil is a deep natural pit, twenty-six metres below ground level, which has resulted from the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing the groundwater beneath. Called the “Sacred Blue Cenote,”, it is a perfectly round well-type cenote with lush vegetation and waterfalls. You can reach the swimming platform via a carved stairway.
Giola Lagoon, Astris, Thassos, Greece
Mother Nature presents us with a hand-carved swimming pool on the Greek Island of Thassos in the shape of Giola Lagoon. Imagine enjoying the cerulean waters of the Aegean and the Greek sun while bathing in this beautiful natural pool.
Tat Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos
Located in a national park along the Mekong River, the refreshing blue-green waters of the Tat Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang are perfect to quench the Laotian heat, and at this three-tiered waterfall which cascades 60 metres, you are spoiled for choice: either swim at the base or climb to the top and lounge in a swimming hole between tiers of the falls.
Las Grietas, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
For a cool dip, Las Grietas in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador is your ideal destination with both fresh and sea water running through a lava-formed canyon at 18-20°C. It takes a tough journey of hiking to reach this amazing natural creation but the cooling dip is sure to soothe all aching muscles.
To Sua Ocean Trench, Lotofaga, Samoa
Located in the Lotofaga village, To Sua is also referred to as “Big Hole”, and rightly so, as it is a 30-metre deep ocean trench which has been converted into a large swimming pool accessible by ladder. The colourful gardens surrounding the pool are equally breathtaking.
Havasu Falls, Supai, Arizona
Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation south of the Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Falls is only accessible by helicopter or a ten-mile hike attended by pack mules. Rest assured though, the oasis that is the waterfalls cascading into the clear blue-green pool will be well worth the walk if you are taking the hiking option. Fed by a spring, Havasu Waters are at a mild 70 degrees year-round.
Enchanted River, Mindanao, Philippines
The Hinatuan River is also referred to as the ‘Enchanted River’ by locals as the water seems to magically flow without any source; in truth, it is a salt-water river which flows from a fifty feet deep spring. Deep blue and cool, the waters are so clear you can also enjoy the aquarium experience of swimming with the fish.
Fairy Pools, Scotland
Another natural swim waiting for you at the end of the roads less taken is the Fiary Pools – a series of pools and gullies in the waterfalls on Allt Coir a’ Mhadaith, Coire na Creiche, Glenbrittle, in the Cuillin hills. What’s half a day’s hike, though, if at the end you can spend the other half splashing around in clear cool waters?
Dudu Blue Lagoon, Dominican Republic
Located near the town of Cabrera on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Dudu Blue Lagoon offers a private plunge in a lagoon which boasts cobalt blue, crystal clear waters as well as underwater caves, making it a popular scuba diving destination.
Yuvarlakcay, Dalyan, Turkey
Far less commercialised than the beaches is Dalyan’s Yuvarlakcay, is a 20-30 minute drive into the mountains from Dalyan in southwest Turkey. One of the springs that feed the nearby Lake Koycegiz, Yuvarlakcay springs from the slopes of the Sandras Mountains. The water is extremely cold, even in summer, but perfect to cool down on soaring summer heat. You can then enjoy fresh fish at one of the many open air restaurants over the river.
