Infinity pools: proof that humans reached their peaked when we figured out how to merge swimming pools with optical illusions. These architectural marvels promise a dip into the surreal, a fleeting escape into a world where edges dissolve, water blends with sky, and life’s problems seem to shrink with every ripple.
Thailand’s infinity pools, in particular, are the stuff of dreams, or at least Instagram posts anyway. They perch on hilltops and beachfronts, offering panoramic views of lush greenery, shimmering seas, and sunsets that look like they were painted by a god with a flair for the dramatic.
During my time in Thailand, I had the privilege (read: sheer luck) of stumbling upon one such infinity pool. And let me tell you, it was an experience that made me question why I spend most of my life staring at WordPress websites instead of sunsets.
First Impressions: A View Worth Every Flight Delay
The pool was perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a stretch of ocean so blue it felt like swimming in the sky. The water was perfectly still, reflecting the clouds above like a giant, liquid mirror. For a moment, I just stood there, dumbstruck by the sheer beauty of it all.
Then I remembered we were here to swim, not gawk, and quickly made my way to the edge, where the pool seemed to spill over into the horizon. Spoiler alert: it didn’t obviously. There’s a hidden ledge below that catches the water, but let’s not ruin the illusion ay.
Swimming in the Infinite: Where Reality Meets Fantasy
There’s something profoundly meditative about floating in an infinity pool. As you lean back and let the water carry you, the world seems to melt away. No emails. No deadlines. Just you, the sky, and the faint sound of waves crashing below.
Of course, this tranquility is occasionally interrupted by the practical realities of pool life. Like the fact that sun tan lotion and infinity pools don’t mix. Within minutes of getting in, I realized I was surrounded by a faint, oily sheen, a shimmering reminder of my human frailty.
But even that couldn’t detract from the experience. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the pool turned to gold, and I found myself wishing I could hit pause on the universe.
The Photo Shoot: Because It’s 2024 and This Is What We Do
Let’s be honest: no trip to an infinity pool is complete without a photo. Or twenty. But capturing the perfect infinity pool shot is harder than it looks.
First, there’s the angle. Too high, and you lose the illusion of infinity. Too low, and you look like a floating potato. Then there’s the lighting. Natural light is key, but good luck timing your shot between the clouds and the setting sun.
After a few attempts, I managed to snap a photo that didn’t make us cringe. Did I post it on Instagram with an inspirational caption about living in the moment? You bet I did.
The Crowd: A Mixed Bag of Enthusiasm
Infinity pools attract a certain type of traveler. There’s the couple taking romantic selfies, the solo traveler with a tripod, and the group of friends loudly debating whether the pool bar is overpriced (it is).
Then there’s the person who clearly didn’t get the memo about pool etiquette. At our pool, that person was a middle aged man who spent 20 minutes doing cannonballs into the water (it was me)
Sunset: The Grand Finale
If there’s one thing infinity pools do better than anything else, it’s sunsets. As the sun sank lower, the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and gold, reflecting off the water in a dazzling display. It was the kind of moment that makes you feel both incredibly small and inexplicably grateful to be alive somehow.
We all gathered at the edge of the pool, watching in silence as the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon. For a brief, perfect moment, it felt like time stood still.
Reflections: Why Infinity Pools Matter
Infinity pools aren’t just about luxury, they’re about perspective. They remind us that the world is vast, beautiful, and full of possibilities. They invite us to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the simple joy of being present in the moment.
So if you ever find yourself in Thailand, or anywhere, really, take the plunge. Find an infinity pool, float on the edge of the world, and let yourself dream.
Tips for Your Infinity Pool Adventure
- Arrive Early: Infinity pools are best enjoyed when they’re not packed. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet.
- Bring a Towel: Hotels provide them, but there’s nothing worse than being caught in a towel shortage.
- Lotion Is Essential: And waterproof lotion is even better.
- Hydrate: Infinity pools often come with direct sun exposure. Don’t get dehydrated.
- Embrace the Moment: Take the photos, but don’t forget to put your phone down and just enjoy the view.
Final Thoughts
Infinity pools are more than just a fancy place to swim, they’re a gateway to another state of mind. They remind us to dream big, to savor the beauty of the world, and to always, always aim for the horizon.