With the winter months hot on our heels, northerners might think that it’s time to put your swimwear away until next summer and settle in for a dry, pool-less hibernation. But just because you’ve had to cover up your own pool doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one from time to time. Just make sure you book a hotel with a fancy pool (and maybe a jacuzzi) next time you travel, and you can tide yourself over until the days start to get longer again. We have for your window-shopping pleasure a couple of prime choices to wet your whistle while you wait for the clouds to clear.
Le Sereno Saint Barthélemy
(Pool deck at Le Sereno)
Saint Barts is known to have a laissez-faire attitude, and everything from the calm waters to the laid-back atmosphere holds true to that. And Le Sereno Villas are the perfect place pamper yourself, as each villa has 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space to escape to. Treat yourself to a refreshing dip before coming up for some of that clean Caribbean air. The beachfront freshwater pool at Le Sereno overlooks the Grand Cul de Sac, a stunning marine reserve with turquoise waters on the northern side of the island that is protected from the waves by a coral reef.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera
(Overhead shot of the Hilton pools)
Situated right between the beaches of Bahia Banderas and downtown Puerto Vallarta, this extravagant resort boasts two oceanfront infinity pools each offering sweeping views of both the bay it rests on, as well as the endless Pacific coastline beyond. With one family-friendly pool and one pool with a pool bar in the center for adults, there’s a little something for everyone. Your all-inclusive stay covers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, unlimited drinks and cocktails, and poolside service to boot. Round out with nightly entertainment, and you are all set to sit back and set your worries out to sea.
Huttopia Paradise Springs (Valyermo, CA)
(Photo of swimmer provided by Adobe Stock)
Huttopia Paradise Springs is situated in the Angeles National Forest’s San Gabriel Mountains about 90 miles outside of Los Angeles. Set to a backdrop of luscious mountains and woods, this is the perfect spot to get away from urban life and relax by the pool. The retreat has been known to attract Hollywood stars, such as actor Johnny Weissmuller, AKA the original Tarzan. He trained here for the Olympics in the very pool that has been repurposed for Huttopia Paradise Springs– now a freshwater oasis in the middle of the high desert.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (Avon, CO)
(Heated pool at the Ritz-Carlton)
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado has been setting the standard for mountain luxury for the better part of two decades. Their outdoor heated pool sets them apart from other mountainside resorts and will make you feel like you’re in a refreshing mountain spring while still being steps from your room. Wake yourself up in the morning with a coffee and a dip, or after a long day on the slopes, you can unwind in the soothing, steaming waters. If that’s not enough relaxation for you, the spa oasis features 19 treatment rooms, relaxation lounges with steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools, and a stone-lined coed grotto.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas – La Romana, Dominican Republic
(Pool area at Casa de Campo)
Once the only luxury retreat in Dominican Republic, this 7,000-acre resort and private gated community in La Romana on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic is also regarded as one of the best golf resorts in the world. But we are here to talk about pools, and there is more than enough to say in that regard. This expansive property has three pool areas for your enjoyment, each with something unique to offer. The Minitas Beach Club has an infinity pool, only allows adults, and provides personalized butler service. For the kids, the family pool has a lifeguard on duty and sits next to a juice bar and ice cream shop. And the main pool by the lobby has an Olympic pool and a waterfall pool, plus a swim-up bar and a nearby restaurant.
