You know what? I thought a private pool would change how I travel. It kind of did. I’ve tried a few places now, and I’ve learned what’s dreamy and what’s not-so-cute once you’re actually in the water with pruney fingers. If you want the unfiltered scoop from my very first stay–including every pro, con, and wrinkle–I laid it all out right here.
I’ll start with the one that felt like a secret treehouse.
Nayara Springs, Costa Rica — A Hot Spring in My Backyard
I stayed at Nayara Springs, near Arenal Volcano. Each villa has its own hot spring pool. Not a tub. A full pool. Warm, silky water flows all day, and it smells clean, not like chlorine. I walked out of the bedroom, set my coffee on the ledge, and slid right in while toucans called above me. I know that sounds like a travel ad, but it happened.
- The pool was big enough for a float.
- Plants were thick, so it felt private.
- The water stayed warm, even at night.
Was it perfect? Almost. A couple real things:
- The path above the villa is raised. If someone walks by and looks down, they could peek a bit. Not a lot. But I noticed.
- Mosquitoes at dusk were feisty. My travel buddy fired up a Thermacell, and it helped. Bug spray did too.
- The first night, the pool light didn’t work. Maintenance came the next morning and fixed it fast.
- Leaves fell in the water after a storm. I didn’t mind skimming them, but still.
Food came to the deck fast. I ate ceviche in the pool like a queen who can’t be bothered with chairs. Wi-Fi was decent, but it dropped once when I streamed a show outside. Not a huge deal; I just read on my Kindle instead.
Price-wise, it wasn’t cheap. My nights ran high (think special-occasion level). Breakfast was included and very good. If you want a warm, private soak without sharing space, this place nails it. If you want ocean views, you won’t get them here—just jungle and volcano mist. Honestly, I liked that better.
Quick Hits From Two Other Stays
I’ve also tried two different vibes, because private pool rooms aren’t all the same.
H2O Suites, Key West, Florida
Adult-only. My suite had a walled patio with a small plunge pool. It looked sleek and cool—great for a quick dip after walking Duval Street. But the water ran more “refreshing” than warm. I heard some street noise at night, not wild, but it’s Key West, so yeah. Great for couples who want nightlife and privacy. Not great if you want silent nights or an all-day lounge-by-the-pool plan.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
My Serenity Pool Villa had a big garden and a long private pool. Bikes came with the villa, and we rode to the beach for tacos, then came back to float. Iguanas visited the wall. Cute, unless you fear lizards. The pool wasn’t heated, so mornings felt brisk, but afternoons were perfect. Bring bug wipes. Jungle life is beautiful and bite-y.
If bouncing between sun-splashed coasts sounds good, I also slept my way across Split and picked six hotels that blew me away.
If you’re curious about even more escapes with private plunge pools, the curated round-ups at The Hotel Modern are a great place to start planning.
Who This Works For (And Who Might Hate It)
Before you swear off winter, know that there are some outrageously cool stays in the Northeast too—these Upstate New York hotels have fire pits, leafy views, and a vibe that trades palm trees for pine.
- Great for: couples, honeymooners, introverts, anyone who wants to swim before breakfast with bed hair. Also families who need nap time and still want water fun.
- Maybe not for: people who want a massive lap pool, big social energy, or ocean waves every second.
If the idea of a private pool already has you picturing a steamy getaway and you’d like to add a bit of spontaneous adult fun into the mix, swing by FuckLocal’s “Fuck Me” page to meet open-minded locals who are down for a discreet, no-strings rendezvous—perfect for turning that secluded plunge into an unforgettable memory.
While we’re on the subject of pairing a splashy escape with a dash of companionship, Boulder, Colorado, has a surprisingly vibrant sugar-dating scene. Check out the thoughtfully curated guide at OneNightAffair’s Sugar Baby Boulder for insider tips on meeting compatible partners, etiquette rundowns, and local venue recommendations that can elevate a Rocky Mountain retreat from scenic to seriously sweet.
What I’d Bring Next Time
- A small Bluetooth speaker (kept quiet, because neighbors).
- Quick-dry swimsuits (two, so you’re not putting on a cold one).
- Thermacell or bug spray, especially for jungle stays.
- A paperback or Kindle for nights when Wi-Fi drifts.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. My favorite is Supergoop Unseen for face.
Little Things That Surprised Me
- Tiles can get slick. I nearly did a cartoon slide on wet steps at one spot.
- Room service tastes better when you eat it in a robe by the pool. I don’t make the rules.
- Leaves will fall in. It’s nature, not a showroom.
My Takeaway
A private pool changed how I relax. I swam at sunrise. I soaked after rain. I ate dessert in the water and didn’t share. Was everything flawless? No. But the alone time felt rare and special.
If you want warm and wild (in a quiet way), go Nayara Springs. If you want nightlife with a dip, try H2O Suites. If you want space and calm with a long swim, Banyan Tree Mayakoba hits a sweet spot.
I’d rate the private pool life a strong 4.5 out of 5. The missing half-star? Bugs and the odd noise or glitch. Still worth it.
Would I book another hotel with a private pool? In a heartbeat. I’m already eyeing Nayara Springs again for the rain. Something about hot water and thunder makes me soft and happy.
—Kayla Sox