Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, girlfriend getaway, guys-only trip, or just a few hours of kid-free poolside relaxation during a family vacation — the right hotel pool can be an oasis of vacation bliss. Sure, it’s fun to swim and splash with your kids, but sometimes parents just need a break. I have written about the Best Kid-Friendly Pools in the USA and the Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World, but now it’s mom and dad’s turn for a little pool-time fun without the kids. To compile this list of the 10 best hotel pools for adults, I asked some popular travel bloggers in-the-know to share their favorite swimming pools at resorts and hotels around the world. Of course, I’m including a couple of my personal favorites too!
The adult-only Edge pool at La Costa Resort & Spa (Photo by Colleen Lanin)
Most Inspiring Hotel Pool for Adults
La Costa Resort & Spa ~ Carlsbad, California
The gorgeous Edge adult-only pool at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad was the inspiration for this round-up of best hotel pools for adults. The circular infinity-edge pool is flanked by two infinity Jacuzzis in which grown-ups can soak in hot bubbly water while taking in the expansive golf course view. During the day, play with your kiddos at the resort’s Splash Landing with its sandy beach pool, splash fountains and three waterslides. In the evening, though, check the children into the Kidtopia kids’ camp and then settle into one of the cushy chairs around the pool’s fire-pits to sip cocktails and dine on gourmet nibbles. Live music from local bands and DJs are featured every weekend. Located about a half-hour from San Diego and minutes from LEGOLAND California, this hotel makes a dreamy spot a family vacation or romantic getaway without the kids.
– Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort’s Tranquility Pool (Photo courtesy of St. Regis Bal Harbour)
Most Tranquil Hotel Pool for Adults
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort ~ Miami, Florida
“The aptly named Tranquility Pool at the St. Regis Bal Harbour is the ultimate adults-only oasis. You can tuck the children in to the nearby kids’ club and spend the day being pampered poolside. Chilled towels are a given at this uber luxe property. They also offer complimentary foot reflexology, smoothie tastings, and sunscreen spritzing throughout the day. This brand new flagship for the St. Regis brand sits on a stunning stretch of beach and sets a new definition for luxury in the Florida hotel market.”
– Kim-Marie Evans, Luxury Travel Mom
Casa Velas Hotel pool in Puerto Vallerta (Photo by Nancy D. Brown)
Friendliest Hotel Pool for Adults
Casa Velas Hotel ~ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
“The all-inclusive Casa Velas Hotel in Puerto Vallarta is ideal for a couples’ getaway. The place feels like you’re hanging out at a friend’s house. And, of course, your friends are great cooks. I could have spent the entire time in the pool sipping tropical drinks at the swim up bar. The spa and restaurant are steps away from the pool at this adult-only property.”
– Nancy D. Brown, Nancydbrown.com
Parrot Cay’s breathtaking infinity pool (Photo courtesy of Parrot Cay Resort)
Most Pampering Hotel Pool for Adults
Parrot Cay ~ Parrot Cay Island, Turks and Caicos
“I’m in love with the breathtaking infinity pool at the heart of Parrot Cay Resort in Turks and Caicos where the edge disappears into the turquoise sea. Guests relax on the poolside lounge beds while being pampered by the always smiling staff. The setting is truly a chic and serene private island paradise.”
– Tiffany Dowd, Tiffany Travels
Pool with a view of the St. Louis Arch at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis (Photo courtesy of Four Seasons)
Hotel Pool for Adults with the Most Commanding View
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis ~ St. Louis, Missouri
“My favorite adult pool is at the Four Seasons St. Louis. My husband and I recently spent a weekend alone *contented sigh* there for a wedding. The hotel is new and very modern, right on the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The large outdoor pool, hot tub and deck have commanding views of the Mississippi River and the Arch. The lushly landscaped deck offers a tranquil oasis. We rented a cabana for the day and had a lazy, relaxing time taking dips in the pool, admiring the view, sipping fruity cocktails. The hotel provides complimentary chilled towels, ice water, Evian spritz, frozen fruit and iced treats.”
– Elizabeth Thorp, Poshbrood
The hip pool at Solage Calistoga (Photo courtesy of Solage Calistoga)
Hotel Pool for Adults with the Best Lounge Vibe
Solage Calistoga ~ Calistoga, California
“One of my all-time favorite parents-only swimming pools is at Solage Calistoga. It’s one of the biggest pools I’ve seen on any continent and the whole set up makes it impossible not to relax. There’s a fantastic lounge vibe created by hip music and seating areas. The pool caters to couples, individuals, and groups of friends, i.e. anyone and everyone (except kids) ready to unwind and soak in the gorgeous setting in style.”
– Amie O’Shaughnessy, CiaoBambino.com
A private rooftop pool at Secrets Marquis Los Cabos (Photo from the Secrets Marquis Los Cabos website)
Best Private Hotel Pools for Adults
Secrets Marquis Los Cabos ~ Los Cabos, Mexico
“In Cabo, Secrets Marquis Los Cabos has 235 oceanfront suites, and the one bedroom casitas have private pools at this adults-only resort. The surf is actually pretty strong, so it’s better to hang out at one of three community pools. The infinity pool faces the Sea of Cortez and is huge, but why not drink in the view from your own pool? Now this is living!”
– Nancy D. Brown, Nancydbrown.com
Sip Singapore Slings poolside at Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort (Photo courtesy of Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort)
Best Pool for Parents With or Without Kids
Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort ~ Sentosa, Singapore
“Though family-friendly with a main pool, water toy area, and a children’s pool with waterslides, the newly renovated Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort in Singapore is also an adult retreat. Take advantage of poolside Singapore Slings and plow through that pile of magazines while your kids are enjoying themselves in the kids’ club. The pool area is beachfront too, should you want to dip your toes in the South China Sea or take a romantic walk at sunset.”
– Katie Dillon, La Jolla Mom
Float the lazy river at Mandalay Bay (Photo from the Mandalay Bay website)
Best Party Pool
Mandalay Bay ~ Las Vegas, Nevada
The aquatic playground at Mandalay Bay features 2,700 tons of real sand, a 1.6 million gallon wave pool and 100 rent-able cabanas, day beds, bungalows and personalized villas. Enjoy the eye candy as you float along the resort’s lazy river with a pina colada in-hand. Snag a stool at the Beachside Casino Bar to play blackjack, roulette or craps beside this watery slice of heaven in the desert. Those 21 and older can hang out at the tops-optional, European-style Moorea Beach Club pool area.
– Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
A nighttime view of the rooftop pool at Thompson Beverly Hills (Photo courtesy of Thompson Beverly Hills)
Best City Escape Hotel Pool for Adults
SIXTY Beverly Hills ~ Beverly Hills, California
“When I’m home in Los Angeles, my favorite city escape is the rooftop pool at the SIXTY Beverly Hills. Make the scene at this streamlined boutique hotel at golden hour to watch the early evening light glow over the Hollywood sign. Climb the wooden deck steps past the smooth stone bar, and stretch out on a padded chaise to ogle the well-heeled mix of 30- to 40-somethings and watch the tea-lights twinkle. Be sure to order a Spicy Thyme Lemonade (with lemon vodka) or a Fresh Watermelon Margarita; both cocktails look gorgeous as the sun sets across the pool.”
– Melanie Wynne Waldman, Travels With Two
What’s your favorite hotel pool for adults? Tell us in the comments!
About Colleen Lanin
Reading this post is making me want to book a room with a pool!
Seriously, Nancy – aren’t they all just DREAMY?!
LOVE this list! I am bookmarking for our next getaway. Thanks!!
Leah – Hope you have a fabulous getaway! 🙂
This really is a wonderful article.
Thanks much, Ray! 🙂
Would love to visit any (or all) of those places… like right now. There’s a blizzard outside. Keeping these destinations in mind for next year.
do any of these allow topless?
Jackie – The Moorea Club at Mandalay Bay is top optional: http://www.mandalaybay.com/beach/moorea-beach-club/ I’m not sure about the rest.
Colleen – what a terrific post! This article is worth sharing with others for great ideas. Love the inclusion of such cities as St. Louis and Calistoga . Great pictures too!