A lesson in the art of trompe-l'œil sees this infinity pool appear to drop straight into sea, with it impossible to distinguish between water and sky in a mirage of blues. Defined by rugged mountains, Corfu's majestic shoreline and aqua surrounds make it one of the most sought-after Ionian islands.

Set on top of a cliff and surrounded by palm groves and tropical flowers, Macaroni's pool is one part green enclave, one part tropical vista. The sweeping views - which include the satellite islands of Mayreau and Union will make you feel like you're playing the lead role in Castaway - until you remember your fully stocked fridge.

Admire the Cubist buildings of Little Venice rising from the cobalt Aegean as you sit poolside on the peripheries of Villa Reale. Seeing the blue and white tones of the cascading hillside houses aligning with those of ocean will remind you why a Greek island getaway is always a good idea.

Marvel at extraordinary panoramic views from this piercing blue pool - a perfect colour match to the sky above and sea below. Mustique's hilly terrain leads down to powder-white beaches on both the Atlantic and Caribbean Coasts, though you'll struggle to drag yourself away from your private pocket of paradise.

With a distinctly Mediterranean feel, the modernist and luxuritating surroundings of Sumartin Bay House are reason enough to pass days floating around admiring the quaint fishing villages in the distance. If Poseidon proves too tempting, simply follow the docking platform into the sea.

Overlooking the bay of Naples, just 100 metres from the water's edge, the glorious infinity pool at Le Balconie teeters above a cornucopia of pastel-hued houses. Settle yourself poolside at golden hour and let your gaze drift along the majestic Amalfi Coast where lemon-grove topped cliffs are lapped by a ring of electric blue.

An almost- empty stretch of pebbled beach, disturbed only by the crashing waves of the Ionian is the sight that greets you from your poolside perch at Villa Bliss. Overlooking the bays of Kouloura, Kalami and Agni, the clue's in the name here: simply heavenly.

With an almost theatrical set up, Crystal Springs' tree-lined infinity pool is a dramatic aquatic avenue leading down to the ocean. The almost impossibly blue pool is set above a secluded sandy cove and the property is regarded as one of Barbados' most spectacular beachfront villas.

Hard to believe it hasn't been photoshopped, luscious landscapes appear to collide on the horizon to create a dreamscape of emerald green. This stylish poolside gazebo is sure to instate a deep desire for al-fresco dining while thrill-seeking water babies will dream of free-falling into the oceanic scenes below.

The most extraordinary panoramas are yours for the taking thanks to an L-shaped pool at this Turkish bolthole overlooking the lesser-visited Kalkan coast. Offset by whitewashed cottages tumbling down to the seafront, the view is best enjoyed at night when twinkling lights from neighbouring villas illuminate the coastline.