When it comes to Hong Kong, swimming pools may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the city has some pretty picturesque ones — from the world’s highest pool to a natural infinity pond on a mountainside. Here are a few of the best to cool off in this summer.
With a spectacular rooftop pool and chic design, this hotel in the heart of downtown is one of the best places to swim in Hong Kong. The pool has an infinity edge and is surrounded by stunning views of the skyline. There are deckchairs for sunbathing, cocktails on tap and a bar to enjoy a bite to eat before or after your dip.
While there are plenty of rooftop pools in Hong Kong, this one is a standout for its view and the ambiance. The pool is tucked into the 76th floor of W Hong Kong and surrounded by lush greenery and an inviting ambiance. There are also a few lounge chairs and cabanas that offer a little bit of privacy for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city below.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of floating in the water with a skyline and harbor stretching out around you. This secluded pool at the top of Victoria Peak is perfect for a relaxing swim and a cocktail at sunset. Just be sure to arrive early if you want to secure a spot at the poolside cabanas as they tend to fill up quickly.
The high-rise pool at the Ritz Carlton is another one of the most impressive in the city. It’s located on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Center, so you literally feel like you’re swimming in the clouds. The pool has floor to ceiling windows, a sleek design and even LED walls that showcase an illusion of coral reefs beneath the water.
This futuristic pool, which was designed by architect Farrells and completed earlier this year, is a true spectacle. Located in the historic Kennedy Town district, it’s helped to revitalize a once-derelict corner of the neighborhood and has won several awards. The pool complex includes 50-metre indoor and outdoor pools, massage baths and a garden sheltered under the tip of the building’s characteristic roof.
If you’re planning to move to Hong Kong with children, you should consider the location of public swimming pools when deciding where to live. Most large new developments with multiple residential towers will have a 50-metre pool, while smaller single-tower developments may only have a small outdoor pool – still a great place for kids to get some exercise and burn off energy.
To use the public swimming pools, you’ll need to purchase a public swimming pool monthly ticket, which can be purchased at all public pools. You can also use a regular padlock to lock your locker (a HK$5 coin is required to activate the lockers). For more information on the public swimming pools in Hong Kong, visit the LCSD website.