Meteorologist Jackie Meretsky

Trained contractors and a hefty budget are required if you want a swimming pool which produces a stunning visual effect of water extending beyond the horizon. This phenomenon, also known as an infinity pool, has become a symbol of luxury at high-end hotels and personal estates. Having a pool that blends beautifully with the natural environment is not cheap, however, with a price tag of around $80,000. The eye-catching design took off in the 1990s and it literally can feel like you’re swimming out to the ocean. But the kicker (pardon the swim pun) is that you’re not.

On a recent trip to the Turks & Caicos Islands, I was awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. The white silky beaches and the crystal clear Caribbean water was spectacular and given the luxurious choice, between the beach and the pool, the beach always has my vote.

Could the landscape be any more beautiful?

But for those of you who prefer the comforts of a critter-less body of water with an artificially regulated temperature, an infinity pool can satisfy the senses and almost convince you that you’re in a natural body of water. It’s really a trick and a symbol of our desire to create as natural an atmosphere as possible through artificial means. It’s really no different than make-up that looks natural (fyi, that glow of mine that you see on television is a carefully mixed blend of sunless tanner and rosy hewed blush).

An infinity pool is almost too good to be true. If it is constructed correctly, you really can’t see where the pool ends and the ocean or horizon begins. It’s also a win-win for hotels because it keeps their guests close to the pool bar. Ka-ching!! But, if you’re at a good hotel, you can usually order your drinks from the beach – it just takes a little longer to get there. The hotel that I stayed at in the Turks had a great system: each beach chair was equipped with a 3 foot high flag that you placed in front of your chair when you wanted something from the hotel kitchen. Genius.

But the real reason why I prefer the beach to the infinity pool is that in simple terms, it’s just not the same. When I’m in the ocean, there’s a certain feeling I get. It’s a combination of respectful fear (if you’ve seen Jaws or Open Water, you know what I’m talking about) and a powerful sensation of healing and being one with nature. That feeling is not lost on spas all over the world as they try time and time again to re-create the ocean in a bottle and with smooth, soothing applications. While in the Turks, I indulged in a 2-hour long Dead Sea mud therapy treatment designed to cleanse and detoxify my body. Truth be told, my skin glowed afterwards and I could feel the ginger mojito(s) from the night before gracefully exiting through my pores. But many of those healing agents are right there under your bare feet at the beach. The sand is a great exfoliator for your feet, salt water can make your skin glow and is a great healing agent and “beach hair” is very desired at salons – all you have to do is jump in the ocean and let it dry naturally!

Infinity pools and spa therapies based on the healing properties of the ocean are wonderful, but the real thing is unbeatable. Nature’s glory can be replicated, but not duplicated.