There’s no better panacea for a hard day’s grind than the methodical calm of swimming some laps before dinner. The mild aerobic exercise gently moves the joints, facilitates blood flow and relaxes the muscles. We have done some research in two of Asia-Pacific’s business hubs and found eight pools that stand out for ambiance, gorgeous views, technological touches or sheer creativity.
HONGKONG
FOUR SEASONS
Many hotels in Hongkong keep their outdoor pools open in winter, especially when they enjoy the compelling views of Victoria Harbour. It gets chilly in the colder months but in the heated water it could be quite a pleasant experience. The 24m infinity pool at the Four Seasons is an example. Classical music is piped through underwater speakers to give you that extra kick during your laps.
Where: 6th floor, 8 Finance Street, Central
Operating hours: 0600 to 2200
LANGHAM PLACE MONGKOK
This outdoor pool likewise aims to provide a sensory experience with its year-round heated 20m pool, fibre optic lights and underwater music. The pool deck is equipped with cabanas, deck chairs and a Jacuzzi where you can relax and take in the vibe of the surrounding bustle of this Kowloon location.
Where: 42nd floor, 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0630 to 2300
THE MIRA
This is a pool with ambiance. The Mira’s 25m indoor pool in the MiraSpa has an array of fibre optic ceiling lights that create a day or night effect so that you sometimes feel you’re swimming under the stars. The MiraSpa space in which the pool is housed also boasts an array of holistic, beauty and hair services and a full fitness centre decked out with Life Fitness equipment.
Where: Basement 3, 118 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0600 to 2300
W HONG KONG
WET, the W’s swimming pool, is the highlight of the hotel’s Enchanted Forest theme. This 76th floor attraction is the highest rooftop pool in Hongkong. Its two-storey mosaic wall captures the surreal art-deco aesthetic of the hotel and is eye candy when you come up for air between strokes. The 25m pool goes beyond its calling, as it also plays host to poolside themed parties.
Where: 76th floor, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0600 to 2200
SINGAPORE
FULLERTON BAY HOTEL
Soak in the views of Singapore’s Marina Bay area from a vantage point in the rooftop pool of the new Fullerton Bay Hotel. This 25m pool is located next to the hotel’s glitzy Lantern bar, which means grabbing a mid-swim beverage is really easy – although not really advisable.
Where: 7th floor, 80 Collyer Quay
Operating hours: 0630 to 2300
MARINA BAY SANDS
Sky and sea meet at this brand-new pool, the world’s largest at 200m above sea level. Located in the scenic Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the outdoor 150m infinity pool will leave you breathless from the views it affords of the central business district and the sea, from Marina Bay all the way to Sentosa Island. This pool borders the world’s longest public cantilever, exclusively for hotel guests.
Where: 55th floor, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Operating hours: 0700 to 2200
NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
The New Majestic Hotel’s outdoor 30m pool looks sleek and picturesque enough from above, but it is not until you have gone underwater that you realise the gimmick: views of the restaurant and diners below are offered from the cheeky glass inserts on the floor of the pool. It also sports a unique mosaic pattern that complements the gorgeous aesthetic of Singapore’s first Design Hotel.
Where: 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road
Operating hours: 0600 to 2100
RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE
Immerse yourself in the 20m swimming pool in Singapore’s storied Raffles Hotel. The outdoor pool is surrounded by greenery and Victorian architecture – a swim here literally feels like you’re submerged in history. And, while you’re at the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, be sure to ask for one at the poolside bar to bask fully in this landmark’s colonial vibe.
Where: 3rd floor, Courtyard Wing, 1 Beach Road
Operating hours: 0600 to 2300
