We all love to spend time relaxing and unwinding at the pools when traveling, but LuxeGetaways wanted to look further and discover unique experiences that can be enjoyed poolside this season. These activities and amenities tailor to everyone traveling — including all ages and personalities. From foodies and techies to gamers and art aficionados, we have included poolside activities that will “make a splash” for everyone. A variety of destinations and hotel styles are included in this collection of poolside experiences, so explore these 25 options, and start planning your own getaway.
1. For The Gastronome
A bucket list stop for international foodies who are in-the-know, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is hosting a summer pop-up menu. This features the internationally-recognized chef, Heinz Beck, at Odyssey, the hotel’s outdoor pool concept designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Guests can dine poolside on exclusive, limited-time-only dishes by the Michelin-starred chef. The menu includes goose liver with apricots, lobster medallions, squid consommé, rabbit tortellini, and rack of lamb.
2. For The Spa Lovers
At The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being, guests lounging by the spa pool can enjoy a selection of express spa services – from a lower leg and foot massage to a facial pressure point massage – while still being able to soak up the Las Vegas sun. A selection of exclusive spa boutique products including sugar scrubs and body butters are also available for poolside purchase for use in the spa’s shower garden.
3. For The Wanna-Be Mermaid
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the first of three properties to open at the dreamy new Baha Mar Resort on Nassau’s Northern Shore. It even boasts seven elaborate pools with a swim-up aquarium filled with adopted nurse sharks, stingrays, tropical fish and marine life — along with an underwater marine cavern inspired by one of the world’s deepest salt water sinkhole, Dean’s Blue Hole. Those who have always dreamt of swimming alongside friendly sea creatures and lounging amidst dramatic cliffside vistas can channel their inner-mermaid without ever leaving the resorts’ pools.
4. For The Buccaneer
For guests who seek adventure, the pool at the five-star Iberostar Grand Bávaro will beckon with a full-scale replica of a schooner that “is docked” in the pool as if ready for cast off. At night the ship becomes a bar where swashbucklers can select from 15 Caribbean rums and 12-year-old scotch at this spectacular all-inclusive, adults-only resort in the mythical Bávaro de Punta Cana Beach in the Dominican Republic.
5. For The Time-Crunched Traveler
No time to get a mani/pedi before vacation? The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers guests poolside spa services, which can include a full manicure and pedicure service, transforming skin with organic shea butter for soft, sandal-ready feet and beautiful nails for the next Instagram shot.
6. For The Cocktail Enthusiast
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee River and the San Carlos Bay, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village’s lagoon-style pool and dockside bar are Southwest Florida’s best-kept secrets. When the sun begins to set, those lounging poolside can enjoy complimentary Sundowner Shots (sour mix and orange vodka with lime and orange juice) courtesy of The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill as a celebratory toast to note the end of another day in paradise.
7. For The Beach Bum
For the traveler who appreciates luxury services, but also does not want to move from their beach chair, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has the answer. Sitting on the largest private beach in Key West, the Resort boasts a Beach Concierge who pampers guests every 90-minutes with surprise-and-delights like smoothies, chilled eucalyptus towels, sunglass cleanings, and more.
8. For The Gamer
For the guest who needs to get their gaming fix, but still does not want to miss out on the fantastic Miami sunshine, URBANICA: The Meridian Hotel has outfitted their oversized, poolside cabana with a retro Atari game system, and a 120” projection screen. When the competition gets too hot, guests can simply take a pool break, or close the floor-to-ceiling glass doors to cool off in the comfort of the central air condition that never disappoints.
9. For The Music Obsessed
The pool at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in the heart of Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach is a buzzing destination for music heads with its rotating, year-round calendar of musical entertainment. They are hosting a series of pool parties this summer with some of the season’s hottest DJ headliners including PromNite, Smooth Sailing, Kyle Woods of Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron record label.
10. For The DIY-er
Guests at the lush, 22-acre Hilton Hawaiian Village can take a break from the resort’s five sparkling pools and Waikiki’s longest waterslide to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian culture through free lei-making classes. Led by resort staff, this class teaches an authentic flower-stringing technique, allowing guests to come away with their own handmade lei – perfect for pictures and selfies!
11. For The Nature Enthusiast
Up close and personal encounters with the natural elements of Puerto Rico happen daily for those soaking in the rays at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa’s activity pool. From iguana sightings and feedings to sea turtle nesting and watching, animal activities are a main attraction at this El Yunque Rainforest adjacent property.
12. For The Linguist
Set on a 1,100-acre rainforest, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort features a dynamic network of ocean-side pools, which are complete with canals, islands and swim-up bars. Guests with a love of languages can enjoy complimentary daily Spanish language classes at the pool while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
13. For Those With a Sweet Tooth
Guests hanging out poolside at the centrally-located Hilton Orlando can get toasty by the outdoor fire pits as the sun sets each evening. Traveling families can even pick up a s’mores kit and roast marshmallows to create the perfect summer treat.
14. For The Party Goer
Weekly cocktail parties and plated dinners take place around the main pool at Jamaica’s all-inclusive Jewel Resorts Runaway Bay year-round. Providing diners with a change of scenery, travelers can indulge under the stars while mingling with other guests until the wee hours of the morning!
15. For The Techie
Located off the coast of Puerto Rico, W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island partnered with Netatmo June, a luxury beauty bracelet that monitors sun exposure in real time to prevent sunburn, and offers these for loan for guests during their stay. Guests can lounge by the two-leveled infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy quirky ice cream flavors such as avocado lime and Mood Menu that pairs them with cocktails that match their mood.
16. For The Social Media Obsessed
Guests at Oil Nut Bay can create the perfect Insta-worthy moment at the resort’s three-tiered pool where dedicated staff are on call to deliver trendy pool floaties (from unicorns and donuts to flamingos) and snap the perfect shot for guests. With so much to love about the peace and serinity found at Oil Nut Bay, the endless amount of photo ops is a bonus!
17. For The Oenophile
At the foothills of the Andes Mountains, and amidst Argentina’s prominent wine-growing Uco Valley region, Casa de Uco boutique resort features a sleek outdoor infinity pool situated in the middle of the resort’s lagoon. After an afternoon of wine tasting and blending, guests can grab a glass of the region’s finest, and relax while being surrounded by panoramic views of the property’s 790 acres of vineyards.
18. For The Coffee Addict
A hacienda set on a 30-acre coffee plantation, Costa Rica Marriott San Jose can enjoy two outdoor pools encircled with swaying palms while basking in the splendor of the Coffee Arabica trees. Coffee lovers can get a morning boost learning how to create latte designs with the onsite Coffee Curator or partake in the Café Chorreado experience to make coffee via traditional Costa Rican drip process. Either way, you are sure to be wide awake to enjoy every minute spent in and around these inviting pools.
19. For The Artist
Embodying the vibrant pulse of the Lower East Side, artists will delight in Hotel Indigo Lower East Side’s rotating series of sculptures and artworks along with 360 degree unobstructed views of NYC from its 15th floor rooftop infinity pool and terrace. Guests can sip on fresh cocktails and enjoy lite bites from Gerber Group operated bar, Mr. Purple, and meet with the on-site graffiti concierge for a curated list of iconic downtown works of art and fresh additions to the walls that serve as a canvas to artists.
20. For The Meditator
The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino just launched a partnership with The Mindfulness App, offering custom meditations for hotel guests to relax while on vacation. With panoramic views of the Bay of San Juan, the hotel’s fourth-floor infinity pool and spacious sun deck is an ideal location to meditate and unwind while overlooking San Juan’s skyline all the way to the old city.
21. For The One Venturing Over The Bridge
To get away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and experience a resort-like feel, check out The William Vale, the hottest destination in Brooklyn, New York. Take advantage of the new pool package for the season, since you have to be a guest to soak up the sun and enjoy this ultimate getaway. Take it a step further and check with the hotel about how to enjoy your refreshing cocktail while relaxing on a daybed, or cabana.
22. For The Party Animal
The WET deck at W South Beach is a party playground featuring daybeds and private cabanas with butler service, poolside bar and weekend DJ entertainment. Just steps away on SAND sits a new taco truck, offering a selection of Mexican-inspired eats, unique margaritas and cervezas. Everything about this hotel is unique and one-of-a-kind!
23. For The Book Worm
The newly renovated Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino features a ‘quiet’ pool where guests can kick back with a preloaded waterproof Kindle – and a refreshing Aqua Aloe cocktail, made with the island’s native plant. This takes the standard “adult pool” concept to an entirely new level, and we love it!
24. For The Sports Enthusiast
The Conrad Miami’s rooftop is an athletes dream, which is also complete with an expansive lap pool, adjacent tennis courts (the only rooftop courts in Brickell) and sunset yoga sessions. All of this overlooks the stunning Miami cityscape and Biscayne Bay.
25. For The Indulgent Parents
At Great Wolf Lodge, the kids can splash while the parents relax. Located on the premise of the waterpark, the Family Indoor Cabana provides refreshments, fresh fruit, premium towels and seating for four to six with a table and chairs, and the Cool Outdoor Cabana additionally provides a 20-inch flat screen TV for parents to enjoy. The cabanas are available for rent for the entire day, and very much worth the investment.