The Life Aquatic: Miami’s Best Hotel Pools
Will Smith may have written a hit song about the Magic City, but Miami has no problem turning up the heat on its own—especially when there are plenty of ritzy pools to cool off in. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, catch some rays or just checkout where all the beautiful people relax, be sure to book a hotel with a great pool. Here are five spectacular hotel pools where you can get jiggy with it all year long.
The Raleigh
Frequently called one of the most beautiful pools in America, the pool at The Raleigh was made famous by Esther Williams, a swimmer and movie star in the 1940s and 50s. Known for her aquamusicals, Williams was a frequent guest of The Raleigh since its pool was the backdrop for many of her films. Today, the pool still retains its vintage-movie charm while kicking up the glamour with modern-day accents. Tropical plants surround the pool area, and the pool’s tumbling waterfall will transport you into an island frame of mind. In case you need a little more help relaxing, grab a scented towel from one of the staff members and hit up the poolside bar.
For more information, visit www.raleighhotel.com/explore/the_pool/.
Eden Roc Resort
A favorite of celebrities like Madonna and Steven Spielberg, and even a filming locale for episodes of “I Love Lucy,” the Eden Roc Resort not only offers oceanfront accommodations, but also three gorgeous pools: an adult pool, the Main Resort Infinity Edge Pool and the Ocean Garden Infinity Edge Pool, which is family friendly. There’s a Jacuzzi (essential!) to relax after a long day of swimming. Unlike many hotel pools in Miami, Eden Roc’s are open 24/7, so you won’t have “some ‘splainin’ to do” to any hotel security guards in case you feel like going for a midnight dip.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/recreation/miasr-eden-roc-renaissance-miami-beach/.
Gansevoort Miami Beach
Like its NYC counterpart, the Gansevoort Miami Beach is set on stunning its patrons with the ultimate in poolside luxury. Undoubtedly, you’ll have to split your time between Gansevoort’s two ocean-view pools; you wouldn’t want to make either one jealous! The rooftop pool is situated on a 26,000 square-foot oasis complete with cabanas and quintessential palm trees. The 110-foot swimming pool is 18 floors high, next to the “Plunge” bar and lounge, and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Miami. The Pool Plaza will seduce you with its ocean-view, infinity-edge pool, located on a Brazilian Ipe deck. Be sure to try the upscale fare at the outdoor restaurant by the infinity-edge pool—just be sure to wait 30 minutes before diving back into the pool or you might float into the abyss.
For more information, visit www.gansevoortmiamibeach.com/features-activities/.
Fontainebleau
While many of the poolside scenes in Scarface were filmed at the Fontainebleau, the only thing you’re going to be saying hello to is the incredible poolscape at this luxury resort. Whether you’re looking for an adults-only pool experience or hoping to keep the kids entertained, Fontainebleau has a pool to suite your aquatic needs. The main pool is an amalgamation of a free-form pool combined with the “walls of water” effect, which gives the pool a walk-on-water appearance. For a more sensual experience, flaunt yourself at the enclosed European-style pool that’s surrounded by cozy cabanas and sun loungers. Families with children can visit a multitude of small dipping pools as well as an interactive waterscape play area that includes a waterslide, beach-style entry, a spray canopy, water canons and a zero-entry wading pool.
For more information, visit www.fontainebleau.com/web/recreation/pools_and_beach.
Delano Hotel
The Delano Hotel may only have one pool, but it certainly proves that quality is more important than quantity. Self-labeled as more of a “water salon” as opposed to a pool, Delano’s watery retreat will soothe your soul with its underwater classical music, cascading waterfall and in-pool furniture. There are separate areas in the pool designated for floating and meditating, so you can get your Zen on in peace. Poolside cabana dinning is available, and if that doesn’t make you feel like royalty, butlers are available as well. Don’t, however, let the peaceful daytime surroundings inform your view of what the pool area will be like at night. Once the lights go down, the “water salon” turns into more of a “water saloon,” where guests can indulge in the nightlife experience that inspired Will Smith to write his infamous Miami anthem.
For more information, visit www.delano-hotel.com/#/explore/?id=pool.
Posted November 6th, 2010 by: TK Editor under Hotels, Top 5 City Picks
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