swimming pools Archives - Global Finances Daily

5 Best Hotel Pools in NYC, According to Our New York–Based Editors

Editorial Team — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:33:06 +0000

Whether it’s serving as a weekend escape or an afternoon rooftop retreat, NYC’s best hotel pools offer a moment of calm and cool, no matter how buzzy the location it resides. At these outdoor oases, a mix of solitude and conviviality awaits. Head to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for a rooftop pool that feels like a secret garden above Dumbo, complete with craft cocktails and an ultra-stylish crowd. At The Rockaway Hotel, a laid-back, surf-adjacent vibe meets plush loungers, frozen drinks, and a salty breeze that makes a weekend stay feel like a true beach vacation.

Our editors have combed the city to find the pools with the best energy and easiest access—with ResortPass entries, cozy cabanas, family-friendly gems, and adults-only hideaways made for golden hour lounging. Whether you’re dipping in solo, heading out with friends, or bringing the kids, these pools hit that sweet spot between escape and convenience.

As summer unfolds, we’ll keep scouting more standout spots to add to this list. Wherever you are, a refreshing dip is never too far away.

FAQ:

What do I need to know about ResortPass for NYC hotel pools?

ResortPass is a great way to enjoy luxurious pool experiences without booking an overnight stay, providing easy access to some of New York City’s best hotel pools. Membership is not required—simply book a day pass online (as far in advance as possible) and you’ll enjoy full access to the pool, cabanas, and sometimes additional amenities like poolside service or spa treatments. Most hotels post general day pass information (run by the hotel itself or another third party booking service like ResortPass) on their websites, but I’ve found calling is the most straightforward way to find out necessary information needed to book. Read more about how to best use ResortPass here.

The post 5 Best Hotel Pools in NYC, According to Our New York–Based Editors appeared first on Global Finances Daily.

In This Paris Suburb, Most Kids Can’t Swim—a New Olympic Aquatics Center Might Change That

Editorial Team — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:29:25 +0000

Mohammed, a tall, beefy, and hydrophobic glazier based in Saint-Denis, has shown up every week at La Baleine for two years. “When I arrived in France 13 years ago, I saw that even little kids here knew how to swim and I couldn’t,” he says. In Senegal, where he grew up, he spent time at the beach, but only to play soccer as he watched his family take to the water. He took up swimming lessons, despite the fear of the water that would put “a ball in my stomach.” The first few sessions were very difficult, he says, but he’s proud of himself for getting his feet wet.

“I still can’t swim properly,” Mohammed says. “But even if it takes 10 years, learning to swim will be worth it.”

Where to go swimming in Paris

Naturally, many hotels in Paris have pools, though most are contained to the real estate of the property. But no matter where you’re staying, you can always dive into deeper waters by visiting one of the many public swimming pools in Paris, where entry fees cost about five euros or even less. Here is a small selection; be mindful of their hours during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Remember: Bring your own gear like towels and goggles—including a swimming cap, a requirement at most French swimming pools—and flip-flops for the changing rooms.

La Baleine Centre Nautique (13 Av. Jean Moulin, 93200 Saint-Denis) has a 25-meter (82-feet) lap pool, a play pool for kids and families, a slide, and a diving pit with a depth of 32 feet where divers can learn and practice with scuba gear. In addition to the swimming school, the center offers water-based fitness classes like biking, boxing, and toning in the water.

Piscine Georges Vallerey (148 Av. Gambetta, 75020 Paris) reopened earlier this year after a two-year renovation. Originally named the Piscine des Tourelles, it was first built for the 1924 Summer Olympics, when the American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller made history by winning four medals, three of them gold. The pool now has improved energy performance and accessibility, an eco-certified timber frame, and a new retractable sunroof that allows for open-air swimming in fine weather.

Piscine Joséphine-Baker (Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris), named after the American-born French dancer, singer, and actor, floats right on the Seine, offering breathtaking views of the quays through the large bay windows. This is as close as you can get to swimming in the river itself: There’s a lap pool for adults, a wading pool for kids, and sun decks for lounging. This is one of the city’s more famous swimming spots for locals and tourists alike, so try to arrive early in the day.

Piscine Pontoise (19 Rue de Pontoise, 75005 Paris), located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, the French oceanographer and filmmaker, who conducted his first diving tests at this pool in 1936. Built in the early 1930s in an Art Deco style, the sunny yellow interiors call to mind the South of France. For a night swim, the pool is open until 10:45 p.m. on weekdays.

Piscine Roger Le Gall (34 Bd. Carnot, 75012 Paris) is for the more adventurous among us. Three evenings a week, the pool hosts special swimming sessions for naturists. For decades, these Parisians have been meeting here to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the French capital while completely naked—except for the obligatory bathing cap.

Read more of Condé Nast Traveler’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics here.

The post In This Paris Suburb, Most Kids Can’t Swim—a New Olympic Aquatics Center Might Change That appeared first on Global Finances Daily.

42 Airbnbs With Incredible Pools, From Joshua Tree to Lake Como

Editorial Team — Mon, 13 May 2024 13:16:11 +0000

A private pool is arguably the most fun amenity a rental house can have—perfect for cooling off after a long day of sightseeing, splashing around with the whole family, and avoiding crowded beaches and sticky sand. Using Airbnb’s “amazing pools” category and our own research (including a few properties we’ve been lucky enough to stay in ourselves), we’ve pulled together a list of 42 of the best Airbnbs with private pools around the world, including an infinity pool that overlooks the shores of Lake Como and a Costa Rican villa that also boasts a hot tub. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, romantic weekend escape, or group getaway, there’s a spot on this list for every type of trip. After all, nothing beats spending a day by the pool, especially when it’s in the backyard of your very own vacation home. Read on for our edit of the best Airbnbs with pools.

We’ve selected these listings based on Superhost status, editor stays, ratings, amenities, location, decor, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post 42 Airbnbs With Incredible Pools, From Joshua Tree to Lake Como appeared first on Global Finances Daily.

11 Best Swim-Up Pool Bars in the World

Editorial Team — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 20:13:41 +0000

Ready to enjoy an exquisite cocktail, or perhaps a fresh ceviche, while floating in pure bliss? Few things beat a swim-up pool bar, where you don’t even have to leave the water to sip in style.

While the swim-up pool bar has its origins in 1950s Las Vegas, when developers were looking to keep dedicated gamblers active even as they took a swim, and later, the Caribbean, today’s iterations range from opulent infinity pools overlooking pristine coastlines and secluded retreats nestled amidst lush tropical gardens to Airbnbs with pools and bars. But whatever your style, the sheer elegance and tranquility of these luxurious aquatic havens makes them all must-visits.

Whether you desire a sun-soaked Caribbean escape, a Mediterranean hideaway, or a lush Asian paradise, these 11 bars will take you to the pinnacle of swim-up bar sophistication.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

tk Conrad Punta de MitaConrad Punta de Mita

Conrad Punta de Mita, Mexico

The Aura Pool Bar at the Conrad Punta de Mita is an adults-only swim-up bar located in a secluded corner of the main pool and features spacious cabanas, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and delicious drinks made by the resort’s professional bartenders. This hidden oasis goes beyond fruity, colorful cocktails, serving a menu that includes sushi, ceviche, oysters, tuna tartare, and more.

tk Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel swim up barCanaves Oia Boutique Hotel

Canaves Oia, Greece

The Infinity Modern Bistro & Bar features Santorini’s first swim-up bar, set within an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. Swim inside Canaves Oia‘s cave to uncover a bar menu filled with Greek favorites, like spanakopita dumplings, marinated raw fish and calamari, and more elevated dishes like lobster tagliolini.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico

Located in the center of the resort pool, Crudo, the swim-up bar at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, features a menu that includes not only plenty of the bar’s namesake raw dishes but also everything from fresh guacamole to grilled tuna steak sliders. Guests who make the swim to the center of the pool can also delight in signature cocktails like the Mexican Perfect Martini and the Smoked Paloma.

O2 Beach Club & Spa

O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

Enjoy jerk chicken skewers and fish tacos alongside mojitos and white rum old-fashioneds at H2O, one of O2 Beach Club’s two swim-up bars. The adult-only pool is the perfect place to people watch while spending an afternoon relaxing and trying some of the island’s renowned rums. Best of all, if you book one of their swim-up suites, you’ll have direct access to H2O right from your room.

Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawaii

Talk about secluded! This swim-up bar is tucked away inside a cave you enter through a waterfall. The secretive spot at the Hyatt Regency Maui is accessible from the main pool, and once you’re inside, you’ll be able to sample cocktails that celebrate Hawaiian flavors and the surrounding environment of Lahaina and the Pacific—like their take on a Moscow Mule, infused with lemongrass for an added kick.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Set within a stunning infinity pool, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s Aqua Bar serves up a menu of light snacks, signature cocktails, and beer right in the pool, with an ocean view. The bar features a full menu of exclusive cocktails like the namesake Grand Velas, made with white rum and cantaloupe liqueur, and the signature Aqua Bar, which has white rum, vodka, pineapple juice, and red wine.

Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin

Less tropical than some of the other bars on this list but no less extraordinary, the year-round swim-up bar at Sundara Inn & Spa has balmy 84-degree water no matter what the weather is like outside. The pool features both indoor and outdoor sections, with a gas fire running down the center of the outdoor portion. While the outdoor area occasionally closes in frigid temps (think below zero), you can beat the Wisconsin winters at the indoor pool’s swim-up bar any time.

tk Meliá Hotels InternationalMeliá Hotels International

Meliá Koh Samui, Thailand

One of the highlights of this expansive, lushly shaded pool is the swim-up bar that ensures you won’t have to leave the water to re-up your afternoon drink. Relax under the palms with one of the property’s signature cocktails or float out into the 2,200-foot-long pool that overlooks Choeng Mon Beach. Meliá Koh Samui‘s pool bar also features a menu of light bites, making it the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

tk Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and SpaKim Lawson

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

How many swim-up bars offer fine French Champagne? The Le Lotus Swim-Up Bar at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa does—along with tropical cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies. After getting a Mai Tai (or a glass of bubbly), relax in the 2,600 square-foot freshwater infinity pool, which even has a sandy bottom to simulate being in the ocean. Be sure to catch the sunset over the volcanic hills of the nearby islands.

Hotel Monte Mulini, Croatia

This Croatian hotspot is set above the mesmerizing Lone Bay, ensuring stunning panoramic views with your drink in hand. While the menu includes plenty of poolside favorites like Mai Tais and margaritas, we’re big fans of the Vina Radovan rosé, made from grapes grown just 35 minutes away in Višnjan.

StolenTime by Rendezvous in Saint LuciaStolenTime by Rendezvous

Rendezvous, St. Lucia

Rendezvous’s swim-up bar, the Pool Bar, is a lively social space with a full menu of Caribbean-inspired cocktails—think plenty of rum! If relaxing in the pool with a drink in hand isn’t enough, guests also have the opportunity to participate in the Mixology at StolenTime program, which lets them create their own original drink to be judged by fellow guests. The winner receives the Best Cocktail award, with their creation available to order.

The post 11 Best Swim-Up Pool Bars in the World appeared first on Global Finances Daily.