There’s no better panacea for a hard day’s grind than the methodical calm of swimming some laps before dinner with associates or spending a quiet night in one's room. Here are eight hotels in two of Asia-Pacific's best business hubs that offer the exercise with some pluses.
HONGKONG
FOUR SEASONS HONG KONG
What’s special? Swimming outdoors in the winter is tempting, not only because of the compelling views of Victoria Harbour from the pool at the Four Seasons Hong Kong, but also because it’s heated in winter. The infinity pool also pipes music into the pool through underwater speakers.
Length of pool: 24 metres
Where: 6th floor, 8 Finance Street, Central
Operating hours: 0600 to 2200
Website: www.fourseasons.com
LANGHAM PLACE MONGKOK, HONG KONG
What’s special? This outdoor pool aims to provide a sensorial experience with its all-year round heated pool water, fibre optic lights and music underwater. The PLUNGE pool deck is also equipped with cabanas and deck chairs to relax and take in views of the surrounding bustle of its Kowloon address.
Length of pool: 20 metres
Where: 42nd floor, 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0630 to 2300
Website: www.langhamhotels.com
THE MIRA HONG KONG
What’s special? This is a pool with ambience. The Mira Hong Kong MiraSpa’s indoor pool has an array of fibre optic ceiling lights that can create a day or night effect that might give you the impression that you’re swimming under the stars.
Length of pool: 25 metres
Where: Basement 3, 118 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0600 to 2300
Website: www.themirahotel.com
W HONG KONG
What’s special? WET, the W’s swimming pool, is the highlight of the hotel’s Enchanted Forest theme. This attraction is the highest rooftop pool in Hongkong at the 76th floor of this W property, and a two-storey mosaic wall capturing the surreal art-deco aesthetic of the hotel is eye candy for when you come up for air between strokes.
Length of pool: 25 metres
Where: 76th floor, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Operating hours: 0600 to 2200
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com
SINGAPORE
FULLERTON BAY HOTEL
What’s special? Soak in the views of the Marina Bay area of Singapore from another vantage point at the rooftop pool at the new Fullerton Bay Hotel. This facility is located next to the hotel’s glitzy Lantern bar, which means grabbing a mid-swim beverage is that easy.
Length of pool: 25 metres
Where: 7th floor, 80 Collyer Quay
Operating hours: 0630 to 2300
Website www.fullertonbayhotel.com
MARINA BAY SANDS
What’s special? Sky and sea meet at this brand new pool, the world’s largest at 200m above sea level. Located on the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, this outdoor 150m infinity pool will leave you breathless from the swim and the views it affords of the CBD, Marina Bay and even Sentosa Island.
Length of pool: 150 metres
Where: 55th floor, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Operating hours: 0700 to 2200
Website: www.marinabaysands.com
NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
What’s special? The New Majestic Hotel’s outdoor pool offers you underwater views of the restaurant below thanks to 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.
Length of pool: 30 metres
Where: 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road
Operating hours: 0600 to 2100
Website: www.newmajestichotels.com
RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE
What’s special? Immerse yourself in the swimming pool in Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel. This outdoor facility is surrounded by greenery and Victorian architecture, and while you’re there, be sure to ask for a Singapore Sling to enjoy fully the colonial vibe of the landmark.
Length of pool: 20 metres
Where: 3rd floor, Courtyard Wing, 1 Beach Road
Operating hours: 0600 to 2300
Website: www.raffles.com
Natasha Hong
