There’s no shortage of places to swim in Hong Kong. From swanky hotel rooftop pools to serene seaside oases, you can find a spot in the city that’s just right for your swim.
Despite the gloomy weather, swimmers turned out in large numbers at their local pools on Thursday. At Kennedy Town, one of the larger water sports centres in the city that offers two indoor and two outdoor pools, the first swimmers jumped in as early as 7am. But the pool was still crowded at 10am, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union said.
Swimming pools are a major part of the city’s culture and many residents have been using them all week to beat the heat. But a shortage of lifeguards could keep some public and private pools out of action this summer. Almost 20 of the 45 public pools and 500 licensed private pools may not open fully this year, according to the union. The pool crisis is due to a staff shortage, which means that there are not enough people trained to be lifeguards at all the pools.
The union says that swimming training institutions have been notified that they will only get their usual slots for the season. But the union warns that if there is not enough staff to supervise, swimming clubs might choose to rent out a different pool or cancel classes altogether.
As the weather turns cooler, Hong Kong’s hotel pools are offering a perfect escape from the hot and humid city streets. Some offer spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, while others feature waters zones for kids to splash around in. The city’s best hotel pools also boast a variety of other facilities, such as food and beverage outlets, changing rooms, and exercise equipment.
Set on the sixth floor of ultra-luxe Rosewood Hong Kong, Asaya’s 25 metre-long infinity pool provides a one-of-a-kind view of Victoria Harbour’s calming waters. While non-hotel guests can enjoy day passes at $500 per weekday and $700 on weekends, we recommend splurging for an overnight stay to be able to lounge in the pool until sunset.
The pool at the W Hong Kong is another one of the city’s most iconic, offering panoramic views and a relaxing sauna. But it’s not for the faint of heart: The pool hangs over the edge of the building, meaning that you can see the street below. While it’s not for those who are afraid of heights, it’s definitely worth a visit for the Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
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