Liquid Luxury

2025 National Pool of the year awards Entrant

A simple-style pool sits seamlessly up high on a cliff to take advantage of its steep site and enviable Gold Coast views

Situated in a historic village at the foot of the gorgeous Gold Coast hinterland, this Mediterranean-inspired pool is a breath of fresh air, and with its exceptional views, allows the homeowners to enjoy the high life – literally.

Built out of the ground, on a very steep hillside, the pool’s construction caters for the sloping block. It was also inspired by the need to create a classic modern look to accompany renovations to the existing house. “The pool is 1.8m high out of the ground and built on a cliff, for a more open look, so that the owners can look out over the mountains to the stunning vista,” explains Mario Lukenda, director of La Vida Pools and Spas Qld.

Designed and built by La Vida Pools and Spas Qld in a classic modern shape, the 8m-long pool appears as though it is seamless to the property. “To achieve this, the client wanted something simple that didn’t stand out too much, and to look like it was always there,” says Mario.

Featuring an ice-blue Spraycrete pebble interior and a generous-sized bench seat spanning three-quarters of its length, the pool offers both visual appeal and practicality.

“In the creation of our pool area, we entrusted La Vida with the formidable task of transforming our elevated landscape, predominantly loose fill with a steep gradient, into a structurally sound and visually stunning oasis,” explain homeowners Shane and Cherie.

“With a desire for a pool that boasted a captivating vista, we knew achieving this wouldn’t be straightforward or inexpensive. La Vida rose to the challenge, engineering not only a beautiful pool, but also one capable of supporting itself and adjacent structures in an unstable environment.”

To accommodate the weight of the surrounding 50sqm indoor dining and cinema area, along with a 30sqm deck on the opposing side, the area stands on 26 deep running piers, ensuring stability. The long side of the pool doubles as a retaining wall, providing support for the eastern-facing observation deck.

Guests can luxuriate in the water while sipping beverages at the custom-made stools of the swim-up bar. Surrounding the pool are Mediterranean-inspired elements, including a natural stone arch in Thredbo White Mica Random (supplied by Neo Rox Natural Stone), floating beanbags by Cabo Club, and a seamless Cover Crete finish along the pool’s edge that eliminates the need for traditional coping tiles.

“Against all odds, La Vida has delivered a breathtaking and functional pool area, exceeding all expectations,” say Shane and Cherie.

Renowned for cutting-edge building techniques, difficult sites and fine craftsmanship, La Vida Pools and Spas has established a reputation as one of Brisbane’s premier award-winning pool companies. Bringing inspired design to every project, the company’s goal is to create opulent outdoor living experiences that truly reflect your unique vision and flair, while delivering a seamless transition from house to pool.

A family-owned and -run business servicing all areas across Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba, the expert team guarantees the highest build quality and complete transparency throughout your pool building process, from concept to completion.

After working together in the building industry for more than 15 years, Mario and Angie joined forces to establish La Vida Pools, combining Mario’s trade and building background with Angie’s sales, marketing and project management experience. Mario is dedicated wholly to the construction process and has successfully built pools for clients who were told by other companies that it wasn’t possible. Meanwhile, Angie’s organisational skills and excellent relationship with trades and suppliers ensures that your pool project stays on track.

La Vida guarantees a seamless pool building experience and a stunning final product. With more than 60 years of combined design, building and project management experience, La Vida’s fully licenced and highly professional team ensures that your pool will be completed right the first time, no exceptions. Decades of experience, state-of-the art designs and technology, as well as its values of honesty and reliability set La Vida apart.

“Driven by our desire to exceed client expectations, we go the extra mile on each and every project,” say Mario and Angie. “From our detailed initial consultation to keeping you informed throughout the process and creating a magnificent pool to the highest specifications, our five-star service has earned us a reputation as one of Brisbane’s best.

“At La Vida, we do not shy away from a challenge. As experts in hard-to-build designs, whether it be due to limited site access, sloping blocks or other restrictions, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

“No two pools should be the same. Our innovative approach to pool design means we hear and work with you to create a unique, luxurious and functional space you will cherish for years. Our success at the recent SPASA awards (for Best Commercial Pool up to $500k) is testament to our distinctive designs and exceptional eye for detail.”

La Vida is a member of the Master Builders Association and SPASA.

At a Glance

Pool designed by: La Vida Pools and Spas Qld
Pool built by: La Vida Pools and Spas Qld
Size of pool: 8m x 5m
Filtration: Astral Mineral Pool
Coping: Honed concrete
Tiles: Mosaic tiles to the swim-up bar and to hide skimmer lid, slate and stone, travertine tiles to the decorative arch
Lighting: Astral
Pebble interior: Ice Blue
Landscaping: Client
House build by: Existing house