Swim: a monocle guide to the world's greatest pools, beach clubs and secret lakeside outposts - tyler brûlé

Swimming is excellent exercise of course, but its so much more than that: it can be a transcendental experience, offering us space to reflect and to escape.

Its an antidote to screens and all-encompassing technology.

Perhaps its the shedding of inhibitions that come with a dip, or could it be that getting somewhere under our own steam is an act thats health-giving, refreshing and life-affirming? Whatever it means to you, swimming--alone or with others, badly or brilliantly--is about being in the moment.

This new book celebrates bathing in glorious full-color photography, revealing the editors chosen swimming spots from inner-city architectural wonders to lakes, beach clubs and bagni .

Whether youre looking to do laps in Italy, tread water in Australia, sink into the icy depths in Iceland--or perhaps just sit on the side and let others do the hard work--this guide includes a setting for everyone.

Dive right in.