Just looking at a beautiful pool can be enough to raise the spirits at this time of year. So to cheer us all up, here are six of the world’s most dazzling examples, each with a different vibe.

Banyan Tree Seychelles, Mahé All of the suites and villas at Banyan Tree have their own pools but the resort’s infinity pool, top, merging with the Indian Ocean, is a stunner. Pool, Amanbagh, Rajasthan Set in the serene gardens of a former maharajah’s residence, this marble, Moghul-style pool is beautiful by day, but breathtaking when the lanterns are lit at dusk. Frequently voted the World’s Best Pool, the split-level freshwater pool is suspended high over the rainforest, giving the appearance – and feel – of floating. Pool, Belmond La Residence d'Angkor, Siem Reap It’s hard to believe that this verdant jungle oasis is to be found in the heart of one of Cambodia’s largest cities. Equally surprising is that the striking midnight blue pool is filled with salt water.Pool, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore This 150m long infinity pool, on the other hand, couldn’t be more urban, with 360º views of the Singapore skyline. Stretching across three towers, the pool is set on a cantilevered platform 191m above ground.Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya The juxtaposition of azure pool, turquoise ocean and cerulean sky is breathaking – and quite a contrast to the shady lagoons and tropical vegetation which surround the hotel only a few metres away.Pool, Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa, AnguillaZemi Beach House Hotel & Spa, Anguilla Anguilla is known for its glorious white-sand beaches, but we think this pool is equally dazzling, with palm trees framing the point at which it apparently merges with Caribbean Sea.

BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN