Long considered an essential item on board any proper superyacht, a bubbling spa pool is a sure sign that guests are in for a truly luxurious and relaxing experience. We round up some of the best examples from around the world, starting with the sundeck centrepiece of Andiamo...

This 47.6 metre Baglietto T-Line yacht boasts a sprawling superyacht sundeck that measures 140 square metres, offering chaise longues, armchairs, a bar area, games table and dining table. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the 2,200 litre glass-fronted pool, which is continually fed by a closed-circuit waterfall system that circulates water over a sloped pane of glass connected to the hardtop.

Delivered by Gulf Craft in March 2017, 47.6 metre Sehamia epitomises luxury living on a superyacht. The central feature of her aft deck is the enormous oval spa pool, which is ingeniously filled by an on-board waterfall. This imaginative design means that, when in use, a curtain of cascading water pours between the saloon and the upper deck on its way to fill the pool, simulating the sounds of a tropical waterfall. Relaxing in the pool therefore creates an effect of synaesthesia, engaging all of the senses for a superior experience. The second hull in the Majesty 155 series, Sehamia can accommodate up to 18 guests plus nine crew members.

When the owner of Polar Star set about refitting this 63 metre Lürssen explorer yacht at MB92 in 2016, the spa pool was a key priority. Out went the old circular hexagonal tub, to be replaced by a more modern rectangular pool with a glass side that allows the effect of the underwater lighting to be appreciated by guests relaxing nearby.

Most superyacht hot tubs need to be drained when cruising and refilled when moored up, creating inconvenient delays for those looking to take a quick dip. The waiting time is trimmed to just 40 minutes on the 49.6 metre Admiral superyacht Ouranos, whose fast-filling hot tub holds a massive 4,000 litres of water — that's the equivalent of 50 average-sized bath tubs.

Having a great view out from your superyacht spa pool is essential, and guests on board 55 metre Amels yacht Elixir get a view that is hard to beat. With glass panels on all sides, the panoramic vistas from this ideal relaxation spot are impressive to say the least.

This spa pool can also be covered up when shade is needed, and when it’s time for liquid refreshment the backlit onyx bar is only a few steps away. Currently available for charter through Y.CO, Elixir boasts accommodation for 12 guests with a crew of 12 on hand to cater for your every whim.

Jump (literally) from this spectacular octagon-shaped hot tub aboard the 78.60 metre Royal DenshipPegasus VIII to a nightclub, which accommodates up to 50 guests. Unwind with a glass of bubbly ahead of an evening spent on the raised dancefloor, complete with a smoke machine and two bars – or simply retreat the morning after the night’s dramas.

Few boats have dedicated so much space to creating a spectacular effect at night. The 49.99 metre Feadship yacht Highlander boasts a superior star-gazing setting – one of the best found on a superyacht – thanks to her Jon Bannenberg-designed exterior that boasts a hot tub, complete with a fountain and underwater multicoloured LEDs. With former guests including Elizabeth Taylor and Mick Jagger, you could (almost) pretend you're Hollywood royalty....

Soak up the bubbles in style aboard the 60.05 metre Abeking & Rasmussen-built Dream. With its sprawling sun deck, flanked by fun and modern bright yellow furnishings, and providing stunning panoramic ocean views, this award-winning luxury yacht has a hot tub that oozes quiet opulence.

Image courtesy of Northrop & Johnson, who offers this yacht for charter.

This spectacular sunken, yet spacious, wood panelled tub aboard the Sanlorenzo-built Lammouche is undoubtedly the centrepiece of this 44 metre superyacht. Accommodating up to 10 guests, this spa pool allows guests to unwind after a hard day’s sunbathing or simply soak up the endless panoramic beauty around them.

Step down into the most stylish spa pool in the land. Flanked by luxurious cushions and lounge chairs, the hot tub area on 46m Puglia-built Sea Falcon II (ex Elle) boasts multiple tables for al fresco dining and forward-facing helm seats on the sun deck for fantastic views while motoring into port.

The 47.5 metre ISA yacht Aquamarina satisfies all sunbathing needs thanks to a secluded yet spacious whirlpool overlooking the serene azure ocean. Even more than 10 years after her launch, this hot tub still ranks among the best.

The sun-worshipping setting aboard 30 metre Horizon yacht Reverie is spectacularly set off by the octagon-shaped Jacuzzi. The spa pool is flanked by picturesque deck chair loungers and parasols – and provides panoramic views of the ocean.

The hot tub aboard 46m Feadship superyacht Northern Light is a delight to the eye with her rich mahogany panelling, offset by pale carpeting and contrasting aqua finishes.

Al fresco entertainment beckons aboard 46.2 metre Hakvoort yacht Allegria thanks to her marble spa pool, offset with mahogany panelling. Luxury charter yacht Allegria also has sunpads, a bar, chaise lounges, and even a hammock on her sun deck. Allegria is also for sale with an asking price of $19,950,000.

Soak in the spectacular views aboard this spacious hot tub, complete with rich wood panelling and a nearby cocktail bar as 56 metre Perini Navi-designed Selene sails the seven seas. It’s little wonder that Selene’s superior craftsmanship won the ShowBoats Design Award for Best Interior Design in 2008.