My Top 5 Favourite Hotel Pools
Hayman Island's new Aquazure Pool
More often than not, I judge a resort not just on its rooms and service, but on the quality of the pool. I’ve been lucky enough to stay at a number of beautiful hotels in my time, and thought it would be fun to round-up my top five favourite hotel pools. Let the countdown begin...
5 THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LA
Sometimes size isn’t everything. The palm tree lined pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel, renowned for its old Hollywood glamour, pushes this one into a respectable number five position on my list of all-time favourites. But it’s not just the tropical wallpaper walls of the private cabanas that had me salivating, it’s the underwater music that really wowed me. I’ve never come across this before and it just makes it an ultra special experience – something I’ll never forget.
4 ELEMENTS OF BYRON, BYRON BAY
Byron Bay’s newest five star resort, Elements of Byron, is a popular destination for both local and international travellers – and it’s not hard to see why. The lagoon pool is big enough – you won’t have a problem finding the perfect nook to swim or lounge. Poolside bures and settees, hanging lounges (in the adults only area), a heated spa, and paddling pools for the kids make it a very well thought out space suiting everyone’s needs. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, or a thirst, you’ll have no trouble catching the eye of attentive wait staff at the full service, poolside Barefoot Kiosk.
3 THE SAGUARO, PALM SPRINGS
Sure it’s not the biggest, but it certainly is the most colourful, and with a to-die-for view of Palm Springs’ mountains, this brings The Saguaro Hotel’s lively pool in at the number three spot.
I’ve been lucky enough to stay here twice, on my first stay it was super easy to find a sun lounger (we stayed on a weekday), plus there were plenty of laid-back tunes to help you switch into holiday-mode. Second time around there was a DJ playing some awesome tunes (see my short video opposite), and it was jam-packed with holiday-makers – oh and not a spare chair in sight! I loved it though, it’s a very trendy place and even though the rooms aren’t the best, the pool’s atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Palm Springs’ warm temperatures all year round and very few rainy days, make it an ideal paradise and holiday destination. Surprisingly summer is the cheapest time to book accommodation (as it’s insanely hot), so keep that in mind if you don’t mind the desert heat. I actually like it - it’s a dry heat - much better than the sticky humidity going on here in Brisbane at the moment.
Palm Springs’ warm temperatures all year round and very few rainy days, make it an ideal paradise and holiday destination.
2 CROWN METROPOL, PERTH
When it comes to size, Perth’s Crown Metropol is pretty darn big. Featuring one whopping swimming pool, plus three other smaller size pools (including a fun kids’ pool complete with water slides), it’s lined with tropical gardens, crisp white sun loungers and luxe cabanas (which you can hire). I definitely recommend hiring a cabana, it means you’re not looking for a chair (especially in the peak periods) and you can just relax out there all day.
The poolside kiosk is not far away, however with an abundance of wait staff circling the area, you can order food and drinks without ever having to leave your prime poolside position. My kind of bliss.
Without a doubt this is Perth’s best hotel pool, and with rooms priced from $298, it represents excellent value for money compared with other luxury accommodation.
1 HAYMAN
Sitting in the number one position, is Hayman. Without a doubt their gigantic pool is mesmerizing. When I stayed it was prior to their renovation and the new additional Aquazure Pool (pictured above, opposite and directly below). For this reason alone, I’d love to go back – I’ll just need to sell my left kidney in order to foot the bill, in the meantime I’ll just have to make do with staring at these images. Featuring a spectacular infinity-edge pool with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, there is also luxurious private cabanas and stylish day beds dotted along its perimeter, oh and did I mention the poolside bar. Of course though their original Hayman pool is just as divine and is the size of seven Olympic pools, guaranteeing plenty of space for everyone. Did you know it’s the largest pool in the southern hemisphere? When it comes to pools, bigger is always better – especially when you’re sharing with lots of other hotel guests.
Of course though this is just my favourites from the places I’ve visited. I can’t wait to hopefully discover more fabulous resort pools this year. May 2017 be the year for lots of travel.