Splish, splash

1

Bold Leap

Devil’s Pool, Zambia

The Zambesi River is a veritable force of nature, surging over the cliffs of Victoria Falls to Devil’s Pool 100 meters below. But when the water level drops after the summer, the hollowed-out rocks are ideal for bathing. The view: intoxicating.

2

Hot Splash

Reykjadalsá, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is famous the world over – and full of tourists. So you’re best walking the trail to Reykjadalsá River, which emerges from a hot spring in a green valley 40 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. You won’t find a lovelier steam bath anywhere.

3

Secluded Spot

Havasu Falls, USA

Havasu Falls is the country’s most beautiful waterfall. The way there is long, steep and rocky and many a fan has reputedly arrived by helicopter. But the breathtaking backdrop and warm waters of the pool easily make up for the trials and tribulations of getting there.

4

Divine Dip

Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico

There are thousands of water holes on the Yucatán Peninsula, but none quite like Cenote Ik Kil, near the ruins of Chichén Itzá. Steps lead 26 meters down to the pool, where catfish dance in the water, while sunbeams dance in the jungle treetops overhead. All of this is accompanied by the music of the water dripping from the tendrils – a magical concert.

5

Brilliant Bask

Pamukkale, Turkey

The gleaming white terraces of Pamukkale are a natural spectacle and a world wonder that keeps on growing thanks to the hundreds of liters of calcareous water that spring forth here every second and evaporate, leaving new mineral deposits behind. You could call it an eternal infinity pool.

6

Fishy Fun

Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Dive with jellyfish? Sounds impossible, but on Eil Malk island, you can. Jellyfish Lake, a salt lake in the island’s southeast, is home to some 600 000 golden medusas, peacefully floating their lives away with no predators and no venomous tentacles. Grab your snorkel and take the plunge!

7

Moody Pool

Queen’s Bath, Hawaii

Queen’s Bath, a tidal pool right on the Pacific, is a bather’s gem in the crown of Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island. In the summer, when the waters are calm, you can simply let yourself drift in the basin, but if an adrenaline rush is what you’re after, sling yourself headlong into the surf – but take good care!