The world’s best swimming locales range from Australia to Texas. Before visiting these spectacular spots, search Swimsuits Direct for stylish one- and two-piece women’s silhouettes. Our Anne Cole swimsuits go from revealing strapless bandeau bikinis to fuller coverage swim dresses. Choose from various light, bright, and dark shades. Or go for designs like dainty to huge florals, tiny to bold stripes, or minimal to eye-catching color blocking.
Australia’s Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton (ABC) Pool
Find this heated saltwater pool on Woolloomooloo Bay’s shoreline in Sydney. It gets its name from Andrew “Boy” Charlton, an Australian swimming prodigy who was a multiple Olympic medalist in the 1920s. From the tranquil eight-lane pool and poolside eatery, you can take in Sydney Harbour’s impressive panoramic beauty. Tour the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens for an incredible floral treat.
Austria’s Lake Faakersee
For superior water quality, visit Lake Faakersee on the Austrian/Slovenian border. You’ll enjoy the country’s cleanest lake with the most drinkable water. Swim and sunbathe on various beaches dotting the shoreline. Marvel at the majestic mountains and trees surrounding the stunning aquamarine water. If you want to bare your midsection, pair trendy Anne Cole bandeau, bralette, triangle, halter, or high-neck tops with hipster, mid-rise, high-waist, or skirted bottoms.
France’s Lake Annecy
Underground hot springs heat this popular swimming location among the grand Alps between Geneva and Lyon. Sizable Lake Annecy boasts many public beaches that promise exciting adventures from boating on clear teal water to cliff jumping. Some spots are free year-round while others charge during summers.
Germany’s Walchensee Lake
This Bavarian wonder south of Munich stands out among the numerous lakes in southern Germany’s Alps. Walchensee offers swimming, a south-shore gravel beach, sunbathing, glorious mountain views, and a secret island. Natural minerals give the area’s clearest and purest lake an exquisite turquoise hue.
Ireland’s The 40 Foot
South of Dublin in Sandycove, this former bathing spot for nude men only now welcomes daredevils of both genders wearing swimsuits. Due to constantly chilly temperatures, most visitors get in and out quickly. Submersion in The 40 Foot is an exhilarating yet extremely cold experience. Tankinis are two-piece silhouettes that combine flexible movement with midsection coverage. Check out our Anne Cole line’s bandeau, off-the-shoulder, high-neck, elongated triangle, and underwire tops with hipster to high-waist briefs, skirted bottoms, or sarong skirts.
Mexico’s Kil
Ik Kil Archeological Park in the northern Yucatán Peninsula’s Tinúm features a gorgeous cenote or limestone sinkhole. Vines and small waterfalls stretch from this tropical setting’s opening down to the water level roughly 85 feet beneath ground level. The Kil well extends another 130 feet deep. With the sky above you, take the carved stairway to reach the swimming platform.
New York’s Lake Waccabuc
Northern Westchester County’s historic site offers thrilling 50-foot cliff jumps off Castle Rock. A 19th century legend still draws visitors. Old Bet, a circus elephant, died from a winter chill in the 1800s. Her handlers moved the three-ton pachyderm from the frozen ground onto iced-over Lake Waccabuc. Ever since it thawed, Old Bet’s ancient bones have been resting on the lakebed. If you prefer one-piece bathing suits, try Anne Cole’s plunging-neckline, low-cut, bandeau, bralette, high-neck, maillot, and swim dress styles
Scotland’s Western Baths Club
Dating back to 1876, this ornamental Victorian-era club in Hillhead, Glasgow, is a peaceful haven for swimmers and leisure lovers. Favorite features at the Western Baths include nostalgic trapeze bars and exercise rings hanging over the indoor pool, therapeutic Turkish baths, and two saunas.
Slovenia’s Lake Bled
Like all of Slovenia, the popular Ljubljana capital city and massive Lake Bled boast beautiful picture-postcard landscapes. Relish freshwater swimming and various watersports. Hike around the dazzling blue water or farther up to an elaborate medieval castle. For quieter freshwater swimming, travel 30 minutes to Lake Bohinj.
Texas’ Deep Eddy and Barton Springs Pools
The Austin capitol hosts the state’s oldest 1936 pool and bathhouse. Natural springs feed the chlorine-free Deep Eddy Pool. Year-round water temperatures stay cool at 65 to 75 degrees. Sunbathers can enjoy grassy areas. Early settler William Barton named three-acre Barton Springs for his daughters in 1837. With depths reaching 18 feet, the Edwards Aquifer feeding the pool keeps it averaging 68 to 70 degrees constantly. Relax on the grass slope. Visit the Splash! educational exhibit to discover the site’s biology and history.
