Annie Lee Borges – Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty
A meditative state is most commonly associated with stillness; a way to transcend beyond disruptive thought into a state of pure observation. But in the water, this calmness, awareness, and focused attention are fostered through the motion of swimming.
“Blue spaces”—areas that provide proximity to water—have been proven to boost physical and mental health. These benefits tend to be most acute when the nearby body of water is a sea or ocean, though human-made blue spaces can also be therapeutic.
Therefore, a property is covetable whether its doors open onto a private pool pavilion or a brilliant expanse of white-sand beach. These exceptional homes boast both.
Lounging in a Luxe Seaside Spa
Sabrina Majello – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
There are few places on this planet more picturesque than Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where verdant yet craggy mountains plunge precipitously down into crystal waters. Quaint villages and opulent villas, fruit-filled vineyards and majestic vistas—it’s truly a swimmer’s paradise.
So too is this modern masterpiece that celebrates the best of the Amalfi Coast, from the caves to the waves. Integrated with the dramatic cliffside, the home consists of several independent buildings that contain their own bedrooms and amenities, set amid terraced gardens that lead down to the Mediterranean Sea; a private lift provides direct beach access as well. But perhaps the most memorable feature is the pool, lounge bar, and al fresco living room contained in a natural grotto.
From the Front Door to the Shore
James Ball and Edward Quince – Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty
Sydney consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and desirable cities. This isn’t surprising, as it combines the iconic beaches of New South Wales with the bustling commerce and culture of a prosperous global metropolis.
To have a beach house here is certainly a privilege—but this example happens to be in another league, with three floors of panoramic glass walls overlooking the waterfront. It still sports a sheltered pool for doing laps in the morning, or sunbathing on a plush floaty with a refreshing drink in the afternoon—but mere steps outside the main entryway reveals a dynamism of both rocky and sandy shorelines.
Where Residence Meets Resort
Annie Lee Borges – Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty
When it comes to seaside and poolside living, the Caribbean sets a spectacular standard—and that’s particularly true for Turks and Caicos, an archipelago of coral islands that continues below the Atlantic’s surface in a series of scenic reefs. Marshes, mangroves, dunes, and lagoons constitute a lush landscape punctuated by lavish oceanfront retreats.
All of this wonder is on full display at Ambergris Cay; Big Ambergris Cay is a private residential island, while Little Ambergris Cay is a nature preserve designated as a refuge for wildlife. And in their midst, posed above Columbus Beach, is this gorgeous getaway that offers access to its own heated pool and the nearby sea, as well as five-star amenities that include two restaurants, a gym and sporting facilities, and a floating bar.
A Private Pool with an Epic View
Jacob Dadon – Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage
Is it possible to have a list of ideal water-adjacent properties and not include Malibu? This glittering coastal community attracts stargazers from far and wide—the kind who love to spot local celebrities, as well as those who appreciate the splendor of the night skies seen from its sweeping shorelines and the trail networks that crisscross its grasslands and canyons.
Perched atop a bluff and surrounded by groves of more than 300 native oak, cypress, and pine trees, this contemporary mansion brings the ocean to the hilltops with a saltwater pool that overlooks the pristine blue horizon. Vegetable gardens, golf greens, ball courts, and sliding walls and windows make this property perfect for indoor-outdoor living.
Being able to swim at home is a genuine joy—whether that’s a backyard pool, a fitness facility in a condo building, or a beach located a short walk or drive from the house—but properties that provide multiple options are unique and unmatched in their appeal.