By Cathy Burroughs

It’s about that time again…time to show off the well-toned body you’ve been working on since New Years and lay by the pool to experience utter relaxation. journeyPod has gathered our picks for the most luxurious hotel pools in the world to ensure you make the best of your time off work and all other obligations.

Why waste time laying by an average pool with tots shrieking around, when you can check out one of the pools on our hotlist.

So…prepare to pack your best bathing attire, lotion and flip flops, and get ready to soak up the sun in one of these destinations!

Mena House Oberoi Hotel: (Cairo, Egypt): The magnificent Pyramid of Cheops towers over this glittering pool, set in landscaped gardens. The intense yet relaxing scenery make this pool the most luxurious one on our list. Leave your worries at home and cancel whatever else you had planned – because at this pool you have everything you need from a trip to Egypt. The historic architecture around will make you feel like you’re part of a 1001 Arabian Nights fairytale.

Blue Lagoon (Iceland): Surrounded by mountains capped in snow, this heated pool is simply out of this world! Steam rises from your skin as you float along the smooth long pool and in geothermal sea water (known for its positive effects on the skin). The best time to relax in this pool is in the evening – next to that certain someone – taking in the fresh air, candle-like lighting and blanket of mountains.

La Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun, Mexico): You won’t be bothered by the shrieks and loud laughing of children who are not allowed here. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by the wind blowing above your bronzed body while lounging on a sun chair, enjoying a nice break from the real world along the eastern shore of Cancun Island.

Bora Bora Lagoon (Bora Bora): No list is complete without Bora Bora – the ultimate Polynesian destination . Just the name of this place makes you think of ultimate comfort and luxury. Surrounded by lush gardens, this infinity pool looks out on the spectacular ocean and landscape of the private isle, Motu Toopua. The pool here is the perfect relaxation spot after a treatment at the Maru Spa, and is deep enough to practice scuba diving before leaping into the majestic water.

Perivolas (Santorini, Greece): White Greek architecture and your own private Garden of Eden encompass you at this beautiful infinity pool perched high above the Aegean Sea. One of the most magnificient settings on earth, here you’ll be surrounded by vineyards, wild fig trees and beds of gorgeous flowers. The Greek Gods and Godesses will help keep you relaxed throughout your trip.

Blanket Bay (Queenstown, New Zealand): Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this stunning pool is a nice retreat after a day of bungee jumping. When you are ready to trade in the mountain bikes sit back on The infinity pool seems to blend into the natural and quintessential South Island lake and mountain backdrop making you feel that you are swimming in the middle of the forest and cascading trees.

Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort (Dubai, U.A.E): After a day of riding in a dune buggie through the sea of sand, enjoying a belly dancing show, apple shisha, and camel racing – this is the pool to unwind. Located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf, this resort is situated in between traditional Arabic Fort-like architecture and in the heart of the desert, an ideal destination and the ultimate in luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa (Manama, Bahrain): On the Western side of the Persian Gulf, overlooking the man-made beach and island, this enormous luxury pool boasts panoramic ocean views and is the perfect medication at this luxury beachfront retreat. Leave your worries (and your cell phone) at home! The stone waterfall provides the harmonious background music to the pool and allows you to really take in the scenery.

Villa San Michele (Florence, Italy): What used to be a 15th century monastery has now been transformed into one of Europe’s most amazing hotels, Villa San Michele nestled in the hills of Tuscany, will make you do what Diane Lane did in “Under the Tuscan Sun” and move to Italy. After a day of wine tasting in the old villages, grab that bottle of Chianti and lay back to savor the beauty.

Shore Club and Delano (Miami, Florida): Yes we have a tie for these sexy sister hotels – both of which are the ultimate world-class urban resorts and only 2 blocks apart. Drinks and chill-out music provide the background for this trendy destination for all the movers and shakers who visit South Beach. A cool haven of R&R in the heart of one of the world’s most pulsating cities, these pools are breathtaking and the epitome of chic.

Thanks for your votes!