With blazing sun and insufferable humidity, summer in Hong Kong can make you crave ice-cold drinks and dips into a bathtub full of cool water. However, why not try a different approach to cooling off by swimming at the city’s best hotels and public pools? Located in some of the most picturesque locations, these refreshing pools offer stunning scenery while giving you a well-deserved break from the hot and sticky weather.
One of the most trending Hong Kong pools, The Ritz-Carlton’s indoor infinity pool is a must-visit during your stay in the city. The mirrored ceiling and high-resolution LED wall resembling coral reefs and bright blue skies create a surreal and breathtaking experience.
The pool also offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour. You can either enjoy the view from inside the pool or sit outside on the terrace for a perfect people-watching spot. Non-hotel guests can also access the pool on weekdays for four hours by purchasing a pool pass.
Besides being a great exercise, swimming has numerous health benefits. It can reduce stress, improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and boost your energy levels. In addition, it can help with depression and other mental health issues. The best part is that you can swim just three times a week and still feel the difference in your body and mind.
However, some swimming pools have decided to only partially reopen this summer due to a shortage of lifeguards. According to a report from the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union, around 20 public swimming pools have already contacted swimming clubs to inform them that they might not open as scheduled this summer. The union warned that opening swimming pools partially would have “a serious impact on swimming training and industry development”.
Although the city has not seen any cases of coronavirus being transmitted via swimming, many public and private swimming pools remain closed to protect their swimmers. Many are worried that this will affect Hong Kong’s reputation as a global hub for swimming and lead to fewer people taking up the sport in the future. Moreover, the HKASA has said that the pool closures would have a catastrophic effect on the training system for elite swimmers in the city of 7.5 million people.
Luckily, some of the city’s top hotel pools have opened for business to provide a refreshing respite from the heat. The Portier Partner Hyatt Centric is one of them, offering a gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour. The beautiful blue tiles in the pool shimmer under the sunlight, and you can even catch a glimpse of the famous skyline while enjoying a cocktail from the pool bar. In addition to the main pool, the hotel features an outdoor kid lagoon that is home to whimsical water installations like mushroom and tree-shaped fountains. Guests can also soak up the view while sipping on a glass of wine and nibbling on a light bite from the poolside restaurant.