Some places stay with you long after you’ve left. Private pool suites and villas—those blissfully secluded, sun-soaked escapes—tend to do just that. Whether perched above turquoise waters or hidden deep in the jungle, they invite you to slow down, breathe deeper and float without a care for the clock. We asked our always-on-the-go traveling friends Belén Hostalet, Jyo Shankar, Louis Cannell, Michelle Halpern, Rhiannon Taylor and Sarah Royall to share the ones they still dream about—and can’t wait to return to.
Zannier Bãi San Hô, Vietnam
Belén Hostalet @belenhostalet
“Checking into Zannier Bãi San Hô felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary in Phu Yen’s untouched hills. My Hill Pool Villa, inspired by traditional Vietnamese longhouses, was nestled above a coral-fringed bay, surrounded by lush gardens and swaying palms. From my private plunge pool, I watched the sea glitter beyond the jungle canopy, wrapped in birdsong and stillness. At sunset, the sky turned gold and the waves below caught the light—it felt as though time had paused, letting the beauty of this secluded peninsula linger just a little longer.”
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Sarah Royall @saltyluxe
“Arriving at Six Senses Zil Pasyon felt like stepping into heaven on Earth.. Seychelles, with its turquoise waters and granite boulders, is a true bucket-list dream. Every villa has a private pool, but I couldn’t help but fall for The Sanctuary, a four-bedroom residence perched high above the island. It felt like its own paradise, with jungle and ocean views in every direction. The glass-bottom rooftop pool was the star. Stepping from the upper-level bedroom onto the sunset terrace and plunging in, I felt like I was swimming on the edge of the world.”
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Louis Cannell @louiscannell
“I found my slice of poolside paradise at Soneva Jani, staying in a dreamy 1 Bedroom Water Reserve. Mornings started slow—coffee in hand, book open and the sunrise gently creeping over the lagoon while I lounged by my private pool. Lunch was Champagne-fuelled (as all good holidays should be), followed by a few too many slides into the sea, and, of course, frequent visits to the chocolate room. I wrapped up each day with dinner at the chef’s table—because why settle for just a menu when you can have a personal chef all to yourself?”
qualia Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Rhiannon Taylor @inbedwith.me
“My forever favorite. I’ve stayed in a lot of places, but nothing compares to sinking into the plunge pool of a Windward Pavilion at Qualia. From the pool, all you can see are twinkling aqua seas and a scattering of islands stretching endlessly to the horizon. Most mornings, we stayed put—wrapped in that view, wrapped in stillness. Why would you want to be anywhere else? Our villa is luxe but simply furnished with solid pieces and wooden floorboards that are classic yet tropical, blending in with their surroundings—even the interiors seemed to know better than to compete with that view.”
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Jyo Shankar @jyo_shankar
“If there’s one place I dream of returning to, it’s the Laamu Water Villa with Pool at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. Perched at the end of the jetty, far from everything but the horizon, this overwater retreat felt like a private sanctuary floating above the Indian Ocean. The villa’s glass-bottom bathtub and dining table, treetop deck and panoramic infinity pool were some of my favorite aspects. Sunrise swims, ocean views from bed and barefoot mornings under the outdoor rain shower—it was the epitome of bliss from start to finish.”
Amankila, Indonesia
Michelle Halpern @livelikeitsthewknd
“Staying in the Indrakila Suite at Amankila felt like having our own private treehouse in the sky. Perched on a lush hillside and elevated on stilts, it served up sweeping views of the Lombok Strait, with Mount Agung rising dramatically behind. We had our own private pool, outdoor pavilion and the dreamiest sunrise viewing deck. From that peaceful perch, we’d watch the island slowly come to life. It all felt impossibly serene—like being Indonesian royalty, wrapped in nature and luxury in Bali’s rich cultural heartland.”
Want more advice and inspiration from our partners? Keep reading…
