10 best Hong Kong swimming pools to visit this summer
Jun 15, 2021
After a year cooped up inside, the bright summer sun is sure to be a warm welcome – but with Hong Kong humidity, hot sidewalks, and frizzy hair, the weather can get real old real, quick. Get out of the summer heat with a cool, refreshing day at Hong Kong’s most luxurious swimming pools.
Tropical getaway: Grand Hyatt, Wan Chai
From the palm fronds to the waterfall, the Grand Hyatt’s free-form swimming pool is the perfect way to escape the city without ever leaving town. Dip your toes in the waters of this 50-metre outdoor pool or stretch out in a lounge chair by the deck, and soak up the rays until sunset.
Looking for something a bit more active? The day pass also comes with access to the hotel spa’s fitness centre and sauna. It’s no surprise how popular this hidden oasis is, and with guests given priority, make sure to call at least two days in advance to reserve a spot.
Cost: HK$600
Hours: Sunrise to sunset (approx. 6:30am to 6:30pm), Monday to Friday
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2588 1234
Insta-Influencer: W Hong Kong, Kowloon
You’ve probably already seen this pool’s iconic mosaic wall on your Instagram feed, but it has way more to offer in person. Situated on the 76th floor rooftop terrace of W Hotel’s Hong Kong site, this Hong Kong swimming pool looks over a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour beyond.
A weekday pass also gets you access to the hotel’s jacuzzi, the FIT® gym, and heat and water facilities. If you want to splurge, an additional HK$248 buys you weekend access, two glasses of Veuve Cliquot champagne, and more.
Cost: HK$750 for weekday pass
Hours: 6am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday
W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3717 2222
Snack and Swim: Kerry Hotel, Kowloon
If the stunning view of the harbour from Hung Hom or the skyline back the other way aren’t enough to impress you, the food certainly will. Along with all-day pool access, the hotel’s ‘A Daycation at Kerry’ package includes a heavenly lunch by the sun deck.
After swimming and relaxing to your heart’s content, have some stylish tapas at the rooftop garden Red Sugar. Their popular Sundown Sessions are back this summer, weekends from 4pm to 8pm.
Cost: Starting at HK$500
Hours: 9am to 6pm daily
Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2252 5888
Exclusive Escape: Island-Shangri La
Perfect for a reprieve from the rush of city life, the Island Shangri-La pool has become a hugely popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Pull up a chair and sit in an oasis surrounded by Hong Kong’s impressive skyline.
Reserve a two-hour time slot to this Hong Kong swimming pool and fitness centre with a day pass. Due to the high demand, the hotel has put a limit on the number of day passes they give out, so it is best to call far in advance. Before you leave, don’t forget to visit Waterside Terrace, for a tasty Thai snack.
Cost: HK$650 for adults; HK$350 for kids
Hours: 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday
Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2877 3838
Rest and Relaxation: Rosewood Hong Kong, Kowloon
Fall asleep in a lounge chair beside the deck of this 25-metre infinity pool as the sun sets over the Hong Kong skyline. After waking up to an expansive view of Victoria Harbour from the luxury hotel’s sixth-floor terrace, indulge in a soothing massage at the Asaya spa. Round the afternoon out with a Mediterranean feast from the hotel’s renowned kitchen, offering sustainably sourced seafood and choice local produce.
Cost: For in-house guests only; rooms start at HK$2,950
Hours: 7am to 6pm daily
Rosewood Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong +852 3891 8888
High-tech Holiday: Cordis, Mong Kok
Providing a view of all of Kowloon from the 42nd floor, this 20-metre heated outdoor Hong Kong swimming pool is just the place to tune out all the noise. Listen to soothing beats with an underwater audio system or dance to the glow of fibre optic lights.
When you tire out, fall asleep in the comfy cabanas and grab one of the Cordis’s famous house-made ice pops for the road. A day pass buys you access to the sauna and gym, as well as the pool deck.
Cost: HK$500
Hours: 6:30am to 8:30pm, Sunday to Thursday; 6:30am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday
Cordis Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3552 3388
Roman Spa-cation: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Kowloon
Drift on a pool float to another time at The Peninsula’s iconic Roman-inspired indoor pool. Look out at the harbour through floor to ceiling windows framed by gorgeous marble columns. After taking in the panorama (and taking photos), treat yourself to a healthy dish from the hotel’s award-winning kitchen.
The pool is only available to hotel and spa guests, so consider spending the extra money on a rejuvenating facial at the five-star luxury spa. What could be better than a morning spent drinking in the view and an afternoon of pampering?
Cost: Packages starting at HK$1,550
Hours: 6am to 9:30pm daily
The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2920 2888
A Little Bit of Everything: Four Seasons Hong Kong
Aside from the clear view of Victoria Harbour and an underwater sound system, the Four Seasons has plenty more up its sleeve. Having one famous free-form infinity pool must have not been enough, because you will also find a lap pool, plunge pool, and hot and cold whirlpools inside the hotel.
With so many ways to stay cool, it’s no wonder that these Hong Kong swimming pools have become a favourite destination for locals. Chill out with a berry smoothie or a frozen cocktail to avoid the summer heat. Only accessible to in-house guests, commit a short vacation to explore every amenity the hotel has to offer.
Cost: For in-house guests only; rooms start at HK$2,750
Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 3196 8888
Touch the Sky: The Ritz Carlton, Kowloon
Situated a staggering 118 floors up the International Commerce Center, the iconic pool’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to take in the full beauty of Hong Kong’s harbour, while also preventing you from falling off the infinity-edge down hundreds of metres below.
The view at night is even more spectacular with the enhancements of a high-resolution LED wall and a 28-metre by seven-metre mirrored ceiling to reflect the city lights back at you. 90-minute slots are available due to COVID-19 restrictions, so make sure to claim a slot early.
Cost: HK$750
Hours: 6am to 10pm
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, +852 2263 2263
Rainy Days: The Mira, Kowloon
The rain doesn’t have to stop you from relaxing at The Mira’s heated indoor swimming pool. A day pass to the MiraSpa provides full access to the infinity pool, adjacent whirlpool, gym, and waterbed lounge.
For an adventure, sign up for the hotel’s scuba-diving class, and gain the same all-day access to Mira’s facilities. The whole family can join in the fun with an age limit of eight and up. Only 15 guests will be allowed into the pool at a time, so book early.
Cost: HK$500
Hours: 6:30am to 11pm daily
The Mira Hong Kong, 118-130 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2368 1111
