Not everyone is into jogging, but there are those, we know, who swear by their early-morning swim. A bit of the old splish-splash can clarify thoughts, soothe tension and invigorate the body, especially on the road. With that in mind, our list this month rates some of the best hotel pools in the world. We looked at lap pools for serious swimmers, others great for making connections, and those whose design is so outstanding they stir the imagination as much as a healthy dividend can.

1. One Aldwych London

This hotel's indoor pool has bright-blue Bugatti tiling, a floor of Norwegian slate and an underwater sound system, so you can listen to Mozart while you're doing your laps.

2. Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles

In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe lolled by its diving board. Heated year-round to 82F, the oval-shaped pool is surrounded by towering palm trees. Truly, the height of luxe in Lotus Land.

3. The Observatory Hotel Sydney

Under a ceiling of fibre-optic lights designed to recreate the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, this 20-metre pool is an oasis in one of Australia's poshest hotels.

4. Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai

With hand-finished mosaic columns, marble and granite flooring, full-length windows and a striking colour palette, this one is an Arabian stunner. Pure opulence.

5. Fairmont Dallas Dallas

Located on the rooftop, this Olympic-size pool overlooks Dallas's arts district. Better yet, in summertime a screen is set up so guests can watch classic films such as Casablanca, poolside.

6. Copacabana Palace Rio de Janeiro

Set back from the famous Avenida Atlântica, which straddles Copacabana Beach, the Copa's glamorous pool is a hangout for international business types and well-heeled Cariocas.

7. The Berkeley London

Surrounded by marble pillars, London's only rooftop hotel pool has great views of Hyde Park and a retractable roof that's rolled back on fine days. Ultrachic, ultraluxurious.

8. The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, Florida

Before he hit it big, Johnny "Tarzan" Weismuller was a lifeguard at this pool, the largest in the U.S. at 22,000 square feet. Still great for flash, splash and tearing loose in the turquoise depths. See our Miami listings, page 137, for more on the Biltmore.

9. Beverly Hilton Beverly Hills

Just so you know you're connected--a requisite state of being in L.A.--you can check your e-mail while lounging at the water's edge, thanks to this hotel's laptop rentals and poolside data ports.

10. Adelphi Hotel Melbourne

This partially glass-bottomed, saltwater lap pool is 25 metres long, with parts of it extending out over the street below. The architecturally stunning creation fits right in at this high-design hotel.