When it comes to swimming, Hong Kong has plenty of (free) beaches to offer but beaches get very busy, are very sandy and don’t typically have a very nice poolside bar serving up ice cold piña coladas all day. On the other hand, hotel swimming pools in HK offer a little bit more seclusion, are typically surrounded by harbour views and do serve ice cold piña coladas — it’s a no brainer really. Question is, which hotels have the best pools? Here are 7 of our favourites.
WM Hotel
From HK$1,780.00/night
Book online
HK hotels are usually all about harbour views but for a change of scenery and a break from the city, head to the WM Hotel in Sai Kung. Boasting a 75 metre rooftop infinity pool, guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean and islands in the distance with no skyscrapers in sight.
Watersport activity packages are available if you want a dip in the sea as well as the pool. The WM hotel is also pet friendly and whilst your pooch may not be allowed in the pool with you, there is a little beach a few metres down the road from the hotel, so everybody gets a paddle.
The Fullerton Ocean Park
3 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong KongFrom HK$2,080.00/night
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The newest kid on the hotel block, the Fullerton Ocean Park is situated right next to two of HK’s top theme parks, so it is undeniably a hotel geared towards families. However, with sweeping views of the Southside’s sea and mountains, five dining options, a luxury spa and a 60 metre infinity pool, this hotel can certainly be enjoyed with or without the kids.
The pool is set on the third floor (thoughtfully placed on the opposite side from the theme parks) and views of the sea and lush greenery can be enjoyed from the pool’s infinity edge, the poolside cabanas or the poolside bar. If you get bored of the hotel pool, Water World is right next door. There are special discount packages available for both Water World and Ocean Park when booking your stay.
Kerry Hotel
38 Hung Luen Rd, Hung HomFrom HK$2,288.00/night
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The Kerry Hotel is uniquely placed in Hung Hom Bay meaning it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui but still gets the same unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour.
These views are best enjoyed from the hotel’s 25 metre infinity pool with a spacious poolside terrace to get your tan on. If you’re just interested in the pool and not the hotel, day passes are available for all day access to the pool, gym, jacuzzi and steam rooms for HK$500.00 on weekdays and HK$700.00 on weekends.
Island Shangri-La
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central Hong Kong SARFrom HK$2,560.00/night
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A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, Island Shangri-La has been delighting guests for years. One of the hotels biggest draws is undoubtedly its 28-metre outdoor pool. Although not a rooftop pool, the urban views from the terrace give you a surreal feeling of swimming amongst the skyscrapers. An outdoor jacuzzi is also available to relax in before or after a poolside cocktail.
Grand Hyatt
1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SARFrom HK$2,768.00/night
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Nestled in a spacious tropical garden, the Grand Hyatt’s 50-metre pool boasts an iconic harbour views whilst giving you the feeling that you’re tucked away in an island oasis. One of the more spacious pool terraces, sun loungers are plentiful as are the cocktails at the Waterfall Bar.
If your stay coincides with a weekend, the hotel’s infamous poolside brunch is definitely worth saving your appetite for. If you aren’t staying the night, day passes are also available for HK$600.00 (weekdays) and HK$800.00 (weekends).
Ritz Carlton
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon, Hong KongFrom HK$4,950.00/night
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It’s not often you can say you went for a dip at 490 metres above sea level but if you head to the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre you’ll find the world’s highest hotel, the Ritz Carlton and the world’s highest swimming pool.
Although it’s an indoor infinity pool, you definitely are not denied the outdoor views as the pool is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows showcasing Victoria Harbour across the water. The views are further reflected in the mirrored ceilings and the walls are adorned with high-resolution LED screens displaying ocean and sky scenes. If you want the experience but can’t justify a full nights stay, day passes are available for HK$750.00 and grant one time access to the pool, jacuzzi, and fitness centre.
Four Seasons
8 Finance Street, Central, Hong KongFrom HK$6,800.00/night
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As with all of its luxurious amenities, the Four Seasons doesn’t do things by halves so there is of course, more than one pool available for guests. For the more serious swimmers, there’s the lap pool complete with underwater speakers to keep you motivated. After a more vigorous swim, soak in the hot whirlpool or cold plunge pool then relax and enjoy the views from the infamous infinity pool (also fitted with underwater speakers). Once you’ve had enough of the water, chill out with a drink and a snack from the terrace and keep soaking those harbour views in.
