Hotel Pools You Must Visit at Least Once in Your Lifetime

The Fountains Resort—Orlando, FL

Just one of the three pools onsite at The Fountains Resort in Orlando, the Wakoola Springs pool has everything Florida vacationers want in a family-friendly pool: splash pad for little ones, two waterslides, water volleyball net, tons of lounge chairs and cabanas, and kid programming throughout the day. You'll find poolside Bingo games, karaoke, hula hoop contests, hair braiding and snow cones to get you through a hot afternoon. Bonus: there's a restaurant and bar right there so that you can fuel up when hungry. 

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Fairmont Kei Lani - Wailea, Maui, HI

The Fairmont Kea Lani has two lagoon-style activity pools that are connected by a 140-foot waterslide. One pool has a swim up bar and the other has a basketball hoop and complimentary pool toys. There’s also a separate adults-only pool. Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun lotion are available at all three pool locations. Bonus: parents can enjoy poolside pampering spa treatments while the kids swim. Read more here. 

Online: fairmont.com

NOPSI Hotel Rooftop Pool - New Orleans, LA

There are rooftop pools, and then there are rooftop pools in the heart of New Orleans—well, there’s at least one, and it’s well worth the trip. Just steps from the French Quarter, this hotel offers tons of perks, but the biggest one is this aquatic oasis that overlooks downtown. This is how to take it easy in the Big Easy!

Online: nopsihotel.com

Manava Suite Resort Hotel—Tahiti, French Polynesia

The hotel pool at Manava Suite Resort is the island paradise that you've been looking for. The massive pool has waterfalls in one corner, a swim-up bar in the other and an infinity edge that makes you feel like the water goes on forever. Sunset views of the neighboring island of Moorea can't be beat. You can also swim in the hotel's private lagoon—a separate area where you can snorkel or swim in the sea water. 

Online: manavatahitiresort.com

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts—Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

There's no shortage of fun at this Nickelodeon-themed all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Head to Aqua Nick to enjoy winding water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river ride. Join the fun with a Splash Mob inspired by Nickelodeon’s iconic game shows and characters. Experience Nickelodeon’s ultimate honor during daily Mass Sliming events, where everyone is welcome to join the free-flowing celebration. Or sit for a unique family photo under the Slimulator. Get ready to get messy! Read all about it here. 

Online: nickresortpuntacana.com

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate - Orlando, FL

Home to Orlando’s only resort wave pool, measuring 7,338 square feet and holding more than 131,000 gallons of wave action, the fun never runs out at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The zero-entry family pool allows you to skip the stairs and submerge slowly into the pool as you would the ocean. As parents ease into the pool, children can have a blast in the nearby liquid playground, cooling off under dancing water fountains and a 30-foot spilling water tower. For the ultimate Orlando thrill ride, kids can race to the top of the 125-foot corkscrew waterslide, splashing and laughing the whole way down.

The 850-foot lazy river lets kids of all ages float on bright tubes at speeds ranging from 2-8 mph, through its tunnels, gentle rapids and hidden canyons. Winding through the lushly landscaped resort playground, the lazy river channels adventurers through water surprises ranging from shooting cannons to rainbows of arched waterspouts and an exhilarating waterfall.

Online: omnihotels.com

Fairmont Grand del Mar - San Diego, CA

Dive into the high life at one of the Fairmont Grand del Mar's stunning pools, which are heated to the perfect temperature to take a dip any time. Three of the four pools are for everyone, and there's one adult-only pool. Kids will get a huge kick out of the music playing underwater. Other perks include a pool bar, a pool menu for appetizers and drinks, a kid's pool with a wading section and of course, laying on plush lounge chairs under iconic palm trees in the San Diego sunshine. Read more. 

Online: fairmont.com

Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real - Punta Cana, Dominican Repulic

Multiple pools surround The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real. These include the all-new aqua waterpark, kids pool, main pool and several additional pools attached to the swim-up suites. 

Online: melia.com

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - Scottsdale, AZ

This luxury hotel in the Arizona desert really caters to families and has a pool around every corner making it easy for you to chill out and splash around. Summers bring Dive-in Movies to the Sunset Beach pool where floaties are plentiful, and foam parties are a kid hit. The Sonoran Splash pool has two water slides, games and even an ice cream cart that comes through in the afternoon. Send your crew to the kids club and chill by the adults-only pool. Read more here. 

Online: scottsdaleprincess.com

Disney's Aulani Resort - Ko Olina, HI

Hurtle down water slides, float along a lazy river, snorkel in a private lagoon (with actual fish!) or enjoy the tranquility at the infinity-edge pool, all at Hawaii's Aulani Resort. Pool parties happen throughout the day, and there are tons of lifeguards to watch the little swimmers. In addition to all the pool options, you'll get Disney's attention to detail, tons of character time and a luau you'll never forget. Read more here. 

Online: disneyaulani.com

Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek - Orlando, FL

Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a European-inspired vacation resort located within the gates of Walt Disney World^® Resort. Guests can cool off in one of the five outdoor swimming pools or cruise down one of the two lazy rivers. One of the pools is even built around a massive pirate ship pool with a water slide that runs through it! Other amenities include a playground, game room, activities program, beach volleyball and miniature golf.

Online: wyndhambonnetcreek.com

Meliá Coco Beach - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

You can literally spend all of your vacation time in the water at Melia Coco Beach as it offers three pools including a kids' pool. Swim up bar, in-water lounge chairs and tons of spots to relax in the shade of a palm tree are available. 

Online: melia.com

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort - Glenwood, CO

If the kids want to be able to say they’ve taken a swim in the world’s largest hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will give them serious cannonball bragging rights. The resort is kid friendly, with waterslides and a 24-inch deep kiddie pool that’s open during peak summer season. Otherwise, the springs are open year-round. You can also sign the kids up for swim lessons during your stay—or just come to visit for the day. 

Online: hotspringspool.com

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort - Hilton Head, SC

The whole family will enjoy the expansive pool area at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort featuring two pools. Kids will love the new splash zone alongside our amazing new 3,600-square-foot, zero-entry family pool. You'll also find an adult pool, beachside jacuzzis and the Buoy Bar where you can order your favorite beverage and something from the extensive menu while taking in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Online: omnihotels.com

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa - Lahaina, Maui, HI

Pack plenty of sunscreen and multiple bathing suits because you’ll be living the high life at this resort’s swimming pools! Water slides, swim-through caves and waterfalls offer endless fun in the water. Your family can make a splash at the Napili Pool which features a lightning fast 150-foot enclosed lava tube water slide as well as Ka’anapali’s only swinging rope bridge. If your little fishies aren’t yet totally safe to swim submerged on their own, the Keiki Lagoon is a huge relief for parents and a thrill for little minnows. This water wonderland has a 25-foot water slide that ends in shallow water, leaping water fountains to splash in and floating toy dolphins and turtles to ride on and climb.

Online: hyatt.com

The Beverly Hilton - Beverly Hills, CA

The Aqua Star Pool is the largest heated pool in Beverly Hills and the centerpiece of The Beverly Hilton. It is considered one of the most famous pools in Beverly Hills, a place where history happens. Film star Esther Williams “christened” the pool at the opening night gala in 1955. Thirty-six years later, actress Angelina Jolie jumped in after winning her second Golden Globe award. Today, the outdoor oasis is styled by celebrity designer Estee Stanley, and is the place to “see and be seen.” Guests can enjoy poolside perks such as dining service from CIRCA 55, signature Beverly Hilton pool rafts for rent and summertime entertainment.

Online: hilton.com

Cheeca Lodge & Spa - Islamorada, FL

In addition to 1,100 feet of palm-lined private beach, Cheeca Lodge features two heated swimming pools and a third salt water pool which will be completed in Spring 2019. Book a private cabana for the ultimate in pool day relaxation.

Online: cheeca.com

San Alfonso del Mar Resort - Algarrobo, Chile

Ever wonder where the biggest pool in the world is? For about a decade, you would have found the answer in the Southern Hemisphere along the central coast of Chile. While the Chilean-based company behind the project broke its own record in 2015 with the CityStars pool in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, San Alfonso del Mar is still huge at 20 acres and maybe a little easier to get to (it’s about 60 miles west of Chile’s capital city, Santiago). Save the laps for those traditional pools, though you’re more than welcome to swim some 3,300 feet across San Alfonso del Mar. You can also row a boat (there are docks right in the pool), walk the footbridge out to a bathing deck and take in the Pacific Ocean views right across the sand.

Online: sanalfonso.cl

Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas, NV

Looking for a beach in the middle of the desert? Mandalay Bay Beach delivers just that, with tons of real sand (2,700 tons to be exact) and a legit wave pool that makes this pool famous the world over. You’ll also find three other pools, a lazy river and lifeguards on duty, making this a family-friendly retreat right in the middle of Vegas.

Online: mandalaybay.com

The Springs Resort & Spa - Arenal, Costa Rica

With cascading waterfalls, rock formations and flowering foliage all around (not to mention poolside views of Arenal Volcano), you’ll think you’ve stumbled upon a watery oasis nestled right in Mother Earth. The water in these eight hot springs is indeed from natural springs 400 feet away and is drained, cleaned and refilled every day. Four heated pools are also on hand, as is a sweet Monkey Slide (and a swim-up bar, moms and dads), giving the whole family plenty of options. And you don’t have to be a resort guest to take a dip. Two-day passes are available without a reservation and allow you to come and go as often as you like. 

Online: thespringscostarica.com

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort - Fernandina Beach, FL

At the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, the vast family-friendly pool and splash park, perfect for toddlers and small children, are located on the lower deck, providing the perfect space for carefree frolicking and playful water games. The adults-only infinity edge pool is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Located on the upper deck, it provides the most stunning views of all!

Online: omnihotels.com

Four Seasons Resort - Hualalai, HI

An aquatic adventure awaits on the Big Island of Hawaii. With nearly two million gallons of water and some 4,000 fish, King’s Pond is an aquarium and leisure pool in one. Because, yes, you can swim with the fish—including a spotted eagle ray that the kids are welcome to feed at designated times. Up the family fun with ray and fish feedings, snorkeling lessons, touch tank exploration, sand castle building and the popular “fish circus.”

Online: fourseasons.com

Marriott Marquis—Houston, TX

Fancy floating in a lazy river shaped like the state of Texas? The Marriott Marquis Houston has granted your wish with a rooftop pool that will definitely have you saying, “Texas forever.” You can take the footbridge over to any of the lounge chairs spread out across this great state. The relaxing rooftop also features an infinity pool, lush landscaping and beautiful views of Discovery Green Park.

Online: marriott.com

Naples Grande Beach Resort - Naples, FL

Naples Grande Beach Resort is the ultimate coastal escape and one of the three pools at Naples Grande Beach Resort, The Mangrove pool, provides fun for the whole family. Twisting 100 feet around a stone tower through landscaped waterfalls, the mangrove waterslide surges 800 gallons per minute. The Mangrove Pool also features a beach-style entry for younger children to splash around in the shallows, while older children and adults can swim and use the slide in the deeper section.

Online: naplesgrande.com

Marina Bay Sands - Singapore

This takes “rooftop pool” to a whole new level. Indeed, the Sands SkyPark sits 57 floors high and looks like a ship at sea. Both its Observation Deck and Infinity Pool offer unparalleled views of the city. While you’ll need a hotel reservation to “swim on top of the world,” you can buy tickets to the Observation Deck (travelers under two are free).

Online: marinabaysands.com

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort - Thailand

After you’ve walked among elephants at this resort, cool off in a jungle-side pool. Take in mountain views of Laos and Myanmar from its infinity edge, seek shade (and bubble jets) under its traditional pavilion, or simply swim amongst the tropical beauty of it all.

Online: anantara.com

Omni La Costa Resort - Carlsbad, CA

If you’re in town to visit LEGOLAND, consider a stay and a swim at the Omni La Costa Resort. With eight pools to choose from, there’s something for everyone, but the kids will definitely pick the Splash Landing Pools. Not one, but two 100-foot waterslides will let any 48-inch-plus kiddo make quite the entrance (there’s also a toddler slide). While access is reserved for resort guests or members, check out our list of San Diego resort pools that offer day passes!

Online: omnihotels.com

Atlantis Paradise Island - Bahamas

With nine family pools (including the cabana-lined Coral pool), three kids’ pools, not to mention rivers and waterslides, Atlantis is a true waterscape wonderland. The Ripples pool offers mini waterslides, Poseidon is a combo pool and play area, while Splashers sports a real deal water playground and maxes out at three feet deep. You can also dip into the cave environment of their Cenote fish habitat or luge right through a lagoon several sharks call home via the “Leap of Faith” waterslide over at the Mayan Temple pool (for 48-inch-and-over swimmers). If you’ve cruised to the Bahamas or are staying at a partner hotel, day passes are available for purchase.

Online: atlantisbahamas.com

Delano Beach Club - Miami, FL

Miami was made for pool hopping. There’s the largest in the continental U.S. over at the Biltmore Hotel. There’s the art deco dream Esther Williams once dove into over at the Raleigh Hotel. But it’s at the Delano, where an “Alice in Wonderland” theme adds major whimsy with an inspired garden path and floating tea table for two. (The pool was designed by none other than Philippe Starck.) A zero-entry section is also nice for shorter splashers, as is the sea breeze that passes through a perimeter of sky-scraping palm trees. While day passes aren’t available to non-guests, a cabana reservation grants you daytime access.

Online: morganshotelgroup.com/delano

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa - Reykjanes, Iceland

In Iceland, the pools are anything but. The country is in fact known for its outdoor hot pools, and Blue Lagoon also happens to be one of the 25 wonders of the world. Here, come rain or sunshine, the steam rises off the bright blue water surrounded by 800-year-old black lava rocks. Pre-booked tickets are required, and the setting may appeal to older and water-safe kiddos. You can stay on site or visit for the day. You won’t find waterslides or kiddie pools here, but you will find a waterfall, waters rich in therapeutic minerals, a truly magical setting, and possibly a display of the Northern Lights. And mom will definitely want to book an in-water massage!

Online: bluelagoon.com

Eden Pool, Hard Rock Hotel - Ibiza

The Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza has more than one pool, but we're crushing on the Eden Pool because of its unique feature: underwater sunbeds, which basically make the perfect spot for premium cocktail sipping in a rock-star status situation while the kiddies splash nearby. 

Online: hrhibiza.com

Falls Pool Oasis at Orlando World Center Marriott - Orlando, FL

The Fall Pools Oasis is a 564,000-gallon tropical complex complete with two 200-foot waterslides, a 90-foot speed slide, kids' splash park and a nightly laser light show.

Online: marriott.com

Iberostar Paraíso Complex - Playa Paraíso, Mexico

No Caribbean resort would be complete without a jaw-dropping assortment of pools. Playa Paraíso Iberostar does not disappoint. There is a lazy river, a wave pool, a splash zone for kids, and the crown jewel—the main pool that can be found in the middle of the resort. Complete with an island, swim up bar, all day ice cream served above the bar and tons of water play for the whole family, it'll be hard to decide where to spend more time, at the pool, or the stretch of wide sandy beach that's only a short walk through tropical terrain away. Find out more about the resort here.  

Online: iberostar.com

Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan - Bahamas

The infinity-style pool at Lighthouse Pointe offers unrivaled vistas as it blends seamlessly into the turquoise sea—guaranteed to melt your cares away in an instant. There’s also a 7.5-acre white sand beach to comb nearby.

Online: grandlucayan.com