Pool Villas vs. Resort Pool Access
A resort pool is shared with 200 other guests. A pool villa is yours — swim at midnight, float with a cocktail at sunrise, or let the kids splash without worrying about other travellers. That privacy is why pool villas command a premium, and why Thailand is the sweet spot: you get that experience from $80-150/night, when similar properties in Bali or the Maldives start at $300+.
What to Look For
Plunge pool vs. swimming pool — Plunge pools (2-4m) are great for cooling off but not for swimming laps. If you want to swim, look for pools 8m+ long.
Heated pools — Most Thai pools are unheated. In Chiang Mai (cooler climate), check if the pool is heated during December-February.
Salt water vs. chlorine — Upscale villas increasingly use salt water systems. Gentler on skin, better for extended stays.
