You kinda feel like you won the lottery when the hotel you’re staying in has a pool. While the likelihood of winning this “lottery” is pretty high (no Powerball jackpot odds here) when visiting, say, the Caribbean or Mexico, it’s a lot more rare when heading to cold-most-of-the-year locales such as New York City and Boston. Fortunately, there’s such a thing as indoor pools. Unfortunately, most of them are gross; picture puddled floors, chlorine hanging heavy in the air, and steamy (not in a good way) windows. And yet, there are a handful of indoor pool gems that are actually drop-dead gorgeous. We found the most beautiful indoor hotel pools in the world and took stunning photos of all 10.
Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Only a few hotels in Hong Kong deliver the Ritz Carlton’s level of luxury. Large rooms feature decadent touches, such as plush beds with 400- to 600-thread count linens, iPods and iPod docks, Nespresso coffeemakers, and high-end toiletries. The hotel is set on floors 102 to 118 of Hong Kong’s tallest building, making for great views. Additional highlights here include a sleek gym, top-notch spa, and beautiful indoor pool complete with a lit-up mural and comfy loungers.
Viceroy Miami
Considering its Miami address, it’s not surprising that the Viceroy has a beautiful outdoor infinity pool looking out over the water. But this chic spot is also home to an indoor “water lounge” for those who seek a more tranquil scene, and/or shelter from rainy weather. Part of the spa, this indoor pool area features shallow pools, whirlpools, sexy furniture (seriously, it is sexy—and some of it is submerged), and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the bay.
The Water Club at Borgata
The Water Club at Borgata is the Borgata Hotel’s slightly more exclusive, couples-centric offshoot. Guests here have access to the casino, restaurants, and nightlife of the attached hotel—but also get their own special amenities, including five adults-only heated pools and a serene two-story Immersion spa. Our favorite indoor pool here is the one that feels like it’s outside, with large windows, tons of potted plants, and a bar.
Shangri-La Hotel Paris
Guests at the 101-room Shangri-La Hotel Paris receive the five-star treatment in this former palace, built by Napoleon for his grandnephew. Because of its meticulous restoration and attention to detail, Shangri-La feels like a boutique hotel, or a museum in which you can spend the night. The mosaic-tiled swimming pool is exquisite (and bright and airy), as are the property’s ballrooms, with high ceilings, gold leaf trimmings, and beautifully carved doors.
The Greenwich Hotel
The Greenwich Hotel’s hidden gem is its indoor pool, which sits under a 250-year-old, wood-and-bamboo Japanese farmhouse roof. The pool is lantern-lit and big enough for swimming laps, and both the pool and its accompanying spa were designed by Japanese designer Mikio Shinagawa. The aesthetic echoes the rustic-chic interior of the hotel, but with a Japanese theme.
Royal Crescent Hotel
The upscale spa (where you can find an indoor pool) on this property is heaven. Built into separate carriage houses, it not only offers a variety of services in multiple treatment rooms, but has a sauna and steam room as well. The lovely pool may be small, but it has an almost cathedral-like aesthetic with arched windows, stone walls and floors, bamboo ceilings, and an uber-peaceful vibe. Hot and tepid tubs sit beside it, in barrel-like basins.
Trapp Family Lodge
This 96-room lodge has become a destination unto itself, not just for its excellent amenities and impressive views, but for its rich history. The charming property is still run by the famous Trapp family, whose story was told in the movie “The Sound of Music,” and original memorabilia from past generations is displayed everywhere. While there are two seasonal outdoor pools on-site, the most-used watery option is the massive indoor pool. With high wood-beamed ceilings and windows letting in plenty of natural light, it’s a great option for when the weather is snowy—which, in Vermont, is often.
Four Seasons Boston
One of the city’s top hotels with amazing service, a park-front location, and an iconic restaurant, the 273-room Four Seasons offers luxurious and spacious rooms. But the 44-foot-long indoor pool here may be the real highlight, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Public Garden.
Langham Hotel London
For a certain quintessentially English air of prestige without the usual pretension, and a premier location for West End shopping, the Langham Hotel is a good place to be. Besides elegant common spaces, one of the most renowned teas in London, and even an in-house “book butler,” the luxury hotel features a stunning indoor pool—housed in what was formerly a large bank vault—complete with a beautiful tiling and a glistening chandelier.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a historic property with a downtown Vancouver location. And because of its oftentimes chilly locale, guests particularly appreciate the beautiful indoor pool. With funky, Art Deco-inspired fluorescent lighting on its glass-bottom floor, the saltwater lap pool is a nice complement to the on-site spa.
—Jane Reynolds
This article was originally published by Oyster under the headline The 10 Most Beautiful Indoor Hotel Pools in the World. It is reprinted here with permission.
More from Oyster.com:
- No Passport Required: 7 Incredible Island Getaways in the US
- The 15 Best Beach Hotels in Mexico
- 12 Steamy Caribbean All-Inclusives for Adult Indulgence
(Photo at top: Oyster)
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