Entertaining Poolside: 3 Homes with Cabanas and Pool Houses

Oh, to be beside the pool in the summertime! Or, even better, in it.

The joy of just floating, the sound of splashes and laughter, the dance of sun glitter on aqua blue, the frosted glass of lemonade (or something stronger), the chaise longue and its cooling, angled umbrella, the zero-edge and that infinite view—how we do love thee! Still, there are times when even the most sophisticated sun worshipper needs a break from the rays.  

Enter the pool house: the pavilion, the cabana … call it what you will; that multipurpose space where one can change into a dazzling new two piece, or rinse off and take lunch, grill up an alfresco dinner, or, perhaps, throw a pool party—all within a few barefoot or bejeweled flip-flop steps away from a big splash. 

Herewith, Luxury Defined presents a collection of pool houses and cabanas, big and small, air conditioned or cooled by sea breezes, where one can relax, entertain poolside, or even stay the night. So, let’s lounge in the sun, then slip into the shade, and toast to the long, lazy days of summer. 

1. Contemporary Compound in Paradise Valley, Arizona 

This contemporary compound in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was designed to bask in the views of Mummy Mountain. 

The home’s fluid, 20,949-square-foot floor plan is arranged around a palm-lined courtyard with a resort-worthy swimming pool, pool house, and ramada with a full kitchen, grilling station, and pizza oven. 

Inside, eight luxurious bedrooms and 11 full bathrooms accommodate residents and guests in style. High ceilings and vast picture windows capture the light and the mountain views from sunrise to sunset. 

All rooms flow into the great room, a home entertainment dream with its white oak floors and French doors opening out to the pool terrace. The dining room is flanked by two temperature-controlled “wine walls.” Just beyond is an enormous chef’s kitchen with a discreet butler’s pantry adjacent.  

The home provides a full suite of amenities: an elegant, two-story office, children’s playroom, indoor/outdoor gym, and lower-level recreation suite with sauna, spa, massage room, hair salon, movie theater, and room enough for an indoor sports court.

There’s also an outdoor sports field and, for the car collector, the ultimate garage with a 20-car showroom and mechanic’s workshop. 

2. San Cristóbal Golf Villa in Vitacura, Santiago, Chile 

This modernist villa in the affluent Santiago neighborhood of Vitacura overlooks the golf course of the prestigious San Cristóbal Polo and Riding Club with the Andes Mountains as the backdrop. 

The residence, designed by Chilean architect Jorge Figueroa, offers nearly 11,000 square feet of living space, clad in glass to capture the panoramic vistas of the terraced gardens, the pool and pool pavilion, and across the fairways to the forests and snow-capped mountain peaks beyond. 

The entrance hall flows into an expansive living room and a formal dining room, both with access to the terrace and garden. Also on this level is a large kitchen with a family dining room, a library, guest suite, and patio.  

The second floor, like the first level, has a leading-edge security system. Within are three en suite bedrooms and the primary suite, with a walk-in closet and large bathroom with hydromassage tub. 

The sleek, subterranean level provides a cinema, club-style bar and lounge, and a wine cellar and tasting room under a barrel-vaulted ceiling. This floor leads out to an interior patio ideal for parties or social events. Rounding out the home are three staff bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Related: Discover 7 Homes with Infinity Pools 

3. Villa Avanti in Terres Basses, Saint Martin 

Villa Avanti, on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, offers an ultra-contemporary refuge with a 180-degree ocean view.

The compound wraps around a sybaritic, L-shaped saltwater pool, with eight lounge chairs, two umbrella-shaded daybeds, a built-in bar and service table—and a basking island at mid-pool, with a clear, UV light shield overhead. 

The African-inspired decor permeates both indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring Manutti and Roche Bobois furniture, natural woodwork, burnt orange accents, and traditional African artwork and textiles.

The vast indoor-outdoor living spaces overlook the Caribbean Sea, Saba Island on the horizon, and a lush green lawn in the foreground.   

The interior spaces include an elegant living room, dining space, and a TV corner with an 82-inch “smart” screen. The pristine kitchen, in white and pale wood, is kitted with stainless steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a central island, and a breakfast bar.  

The adjacent terrace also offers dining space for eight and a Wolf gas grill. The five luxurious en suite bedrooms have rain showers and outdoor “garden” showers, including the principal suite, which also has a private terrace with an oversized hydromassage tub.  

Searching for the perfect pool house to relax, entertain, or escape the rays? Explore our collection now.