14 Airbnbs You’ll Want to Book Just for Their Pools

As you dive into summer vacation planning and search for an Airbnb, sometimes the backyard beats the interiors. It’s pool season, and whether you're on a solo retreat, a romantic escape, or a family gathering, there are numerous Airbnbs with pools ideal for a refreshing swim. From cozy plunge pools to stunning infinity pools, these spots are perfect for cooling off. (And if you're looking for some poolside relaxation without the stay, check out Swimply, a service that allows you to rent pools by the hour.) Here’s to a splashing good vacation!

A neoclassical Sicilian villa made famous by HBO

Fans of the Sicily-set second season of HBO’s The White Lotus might recall the episode where Daphne (Meghann Fahey) surprises Harper (Aubrey Plaza) with a getaway at a villa in Noto. The palazzo was actually portrayed by Palermo’s neoclassical Villa Tasca, which has roots dating back to 1565. While the lavish interiors boast Murano chandeliers and trompe-l’oeil frescoes, the true enchantment lies outdoors in the 20-acre garden, featuring a swan-filled private lake, greenhouse, and a grotto-like natural pool. Surrounded by palm trees and rose bushes, it’s a turquoise-green oasis where you might just bump into mythical nymphs or Hollywood stars shooting an HBO drama.

Vibrant Palm Springs pool

You might be surprised by the hidden delight in this three-bedroom midcentury-modern home, which features a delightfully colorful pool in its backyard despite its unpretentious whitewashed exterior. Designed by Alex Proba, known for her playful home goods and murals, the pool is adorned with lively patterns reminiscent of the Memphis design movement—filled with squiggles, curves, and polka dots. After exploring the area on the complimentary Electra cruiser bikes, unwind in the mountain-view yard with games like croquet, corn hole, or bocce ball.

A contemporary South African home on a flourishing flower farm

Nestled among fruit orchards and vineyards in the Cape Winelands near Cape Town, the Johannesdal Villa was designed by master gardeners and florists Chris Willemse and Dané Erwee. The interiors evoke a scrapbook-like charm—with a gnome on a nightstand and antelope horns above the stove—but the backyard offers a more serene atmosphere: a 50-foot lap pool stretches alongside a manicured lawn, boasting uninterrupted views of rugged mountains. After your swim, you can cozy up next to the wood-burning fireplace on the outdoor patio.

A private four-bedroom riad located in the heart of the Marrakech medina

The lovingly restored Riad Isobel features a courtyard plunge pool at its center, nestled near the Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech’s historic medina. The space is adorned with furnishings and design elements sourced from Africa and Europe. In traditional riad fashion, the bedrooms open inward, providing views of ornamental olive trees, sun loungers, an outdoor fireplace, and a gently flowing fountain—a nod to the water features typical in Islamic gardens. The pool takes on a particularly romantic atmosphere after sunset, illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns.

Family-friendly ranch house near Joshua Tree

Just a 10-minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park, this expansive villa rests on 10 secluded acres adorned with the area’s iconic plants. In the backyard, you'll discover a 3,000-square-foot deck featuring a hot tub and a spacious oval pool that can be heated for an additional fee. Keep an eye out for wildlife during the day; after sunset, the hot tub becomes a perfect spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, it’s common to see the Milky Way stretching across a sky filled with constellations.

A secluded tropical forest retreat in Costa Rica

Nestled within 1.5 acres of tropical forest just outside Tamarindo, Casa Blue is designed to immerse you in nature: think hammocks, outdoor showers, a yoga deck, and imported Thai bungalows tucked among the trees. The infinity-edge pool overlooks the Pacific coastline and the mangrove forests of Las Baulas National Marine Park. When you’re not admiring the lush scenery from the water, relax under the shade of the palapa while watching for resident monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and sloths.

A contemporary chalet in the woods of Québec

An award-winning design by Viviane Zhang from Architecture 49, Le Littoral is located in the Canadian woods overlooking the St. Lawrence River, about 90 miles northeast of Québec City. Clad in eastern white cedar, this modern take on a local farmhouse features a room with five capsule beds for kids and a Finnish wooden dry sauna that enhances the minimalist Scandi aesthetic. Outside, a hot tub and heated pool provide perfect spots to unwind after a day of hiking or kayaking in the nearby Charlevoix region.

A luxurious villa located on the west coast of Sri Lanka

Managed by a house manager who resides on-site in separate quarters, Villa Mika is a straightforward yet luxurious rental property nestled within a coconut palm grove on Sri Lanka’s west coast. The enclosed backyard is lush with tropical plants, adorned with Buddha statues and a cozy hanging nest chair. Spend your days refreshing yourself in the pool or grilling fresh lobsters sourced from the local seafood market. Don’t forget to request your complimentary breakfast—featuring fresh fruit and pol sambol (a traditional coconut-based condiment)—served in a floating basket in the hot tub.

A city retreat in the heart of Austin

Just four blocks from the shops and eateries of South Congress, this Travis Heights guest suite provides access to a heated saltwater pool (maintained at 95 degrees Fahrenheit year-round) shared with three other rental units on the property—ideal for larger groups if you can reserve them all. The backyard is a beautifully landscaped sanctuary featuring cushioned daybeds, a sail-like shade over the pool for relief from the Texas sun, and gentle waterfalls creating a serene, spa-like ambiance.

Montauk backyard retreat

Montauk has quickly evolved from a quaint fishing village and artists’ haven into a trendy party destination. If you’re seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle, this three-bedroom home, located just a short stroll from Culloden beach, offers the perfect escape. The spacious backyard features a deck with a gas grill, an outdoor shower, comfortable Adirondack chairs, hammocks, and a kidney-shaped swimming pool set amidst a beautifully lush lawn.

Chic midcentury residence in Palm Springs

This midcentury treasure is filled with retro design touches that would make Don Draper or Frank Sinatra feel right at home—think vinyl records, a vintage bar cart (complete with Trader Vic’s coasters), and a collection of whimsical owl figurines. In the backyard, the pool and hot tub are nestled beneath towering palm trees, surrounded by a vibrant succulent garden. Additional outdoor features include two fireplaces and a fully equipped kitchen with a shower. Keep in mind that there’s an extra charge (starting at $55 per night) to heat the pool.

Waterfront villa in Miami Beach

Situated on the Venetian Islands along the causeway connecting South Beach and Downtown Miami, the eight-bedroom Villa Venetia offers stunning waterfront views—and there’s perhaps no better spot to enjoy them than from the rectangular pool overlooking the lively, yacht-filled waters of Biscayne Bay. Inside, the decor features stark whites complemented by striking pop art prints from artists like Andy Warhol. Don’t miss the photograph of Surrounded Islands, a 1980s installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, showcasing islands wrapped in bright pink fabric in Biscayne Bay.

Dream house in Texas Hill Country

Known as the gateway to Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs derives its name from the natural limestone springs found in the region just outside of Austin. However, you don’t need to venture deep into the wild to enjoy a refreshing dip surrounded by nature: the free-form pool at this rustic-chic rental (featuring Pottery Barn leather sofas and plenty of rough-hewn wood) sits on a gently sloping hillside, enveloped by lush bushes and trees that create a serene atmosphere. Plus, the screened-in detached porch is equipped with yoga mats and blocks for morning sessions focused on inner peace, free from pesky gnats and mosquitoes.

Midcentury-modern home in Palm Springs with fruit trees

Culinary enthusiasts and cocktail lovers will appreciate the backyard, where fruit trees laden with grapefruits, oranges, and limes await seasonal harvesting. (Nothing refreshes like a margarita in the California desert heat.) The midcentury-modern residence opens to a private walled oasis, boasting a spacious saltwater pool with breathtaking mountain views, while a cozy firepit provides the perfect setting for evenings spent with friends under the stars.