Summer in Hong Kong is brutal, and sweltering heat often makes you want to take refuge in a cosy cafe or soak yourself in an ice-cold bath. But we’ve got a better idea: go for a swim at these spectacular pools, which boast some of the most breathtaking scenes in town. It’s hard to resist taking a dip when you’re surrounded by the city’s best views.
The most impressive pool in Hong Kong might just be this glistening blue oasis, perched at the top of the Ritz-Carlton in Central. The infinity pool has a glass ceiling and stretches all the way down to the horizon, creating a gorgeous backdrop for sunbathing and drinking cocktails. The rooftop also features a hot and cold plunge pool, as well as a relaxing Jacuzzi.
While the pool might look small from a distance, it has a whopping four waterslides and an indoor training pool. The complex is a favourite among families, and even hosts swimming lessons for kids.
Another highlight of the park is its outdoor children’s pool, which has a series of interactive water installations like an aqua tunnel, water shooters, and slides. And if the weather is good, the whole family can hang out at the shady seating area and enjoy the view of the Victoria Harbour.
With a stunning backdrop of the glitzy skyscrapers in Admiralty, JW Marriott’s pool is just as spectacular as its location. Its outdoor pool is heated and offers a refreshing dip with Hong Kong’s iconic landscape in the background. You can even lounge around while listening to music from underwater speakers, which adds a unique touch to the pool experience.
Guests who stay at the hotel can relax by the pool all year round, while non-hotel guests can purchase day passes to spend four hours there. The infinity pool has spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline and a bar/cafe where you can grab drinks and snacks.
Unlike other pools in the city, the Ma On Shan pool is open to all – including non-hotel guests. Its vast terrace overlooking the Tolo Harbour has an indoor and outdoor pool, spectator stands that can hold up to 1,200 people, and a toddler’s pool complete with whimsical water installations like mushroom and tree-shaped fountains.
The pool is the first in Asia to use a translucent insulated tensile membrane (Tensotherm) for its roof. The crystalline structure is designed to minimize glare, and it also helps the pool keep cool in warmer climates. The roof was installed through Shanghai Taiyo Kogyo Corporation, a Birdair sister company.
The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association has warned that a full reopening of public beaches and pools may have a disastrous impact on the training system that develops elite swimmers in the city, which is home to 10,000 competitive swimmers and millions more who practice it for leisure. However, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services said it would be unlikely that all public beaches and pools would reopen this year because of an acute shortage of lifeguards.