Summer in Hong Kong can be brutal. Between scorching sun, insufferable humidity and torrential rainstorms, you’re often left feeling sticky and sweaty from head to toe. Luckily, Hong Kong’s pool scene is here to save the day.
From massive hotel pools with ocean vistas to lush garden pool escapes, here’s our pick of the best hongkong pools to cool down in this summer.
Located right in the heart of the city, Island Shangri-La’s outdoor pool might not have the beachside vistas of some other pools but its palm trees and umbrella lined lounge chairs certainly make up for it. This tropical oasis is usually exclusive to hotel guests but staycation offers give you the chance to enjoy the pool (and a health club membership too).
The largest swimming complex in the Southern District, Pao Yue Kong has pools of all shapes and sizes. Swim laps in the main pool, practise your dives in the diving pool or let the kids have fun at the two kid-friendly pools complete with mushroom and tree-shaped water installations. The complex also has four waterslides, including two of the highest in the world.
Designed by Myrtha Pools, the new aquatics centre was built to replace the old City Aquatic Centre and utilises their patented technology that makes for high quality state-of-the-art pools. It is said to be a game changer in the local swimming landscape because it has attracted many mainland swimmers due to its affordability and good facilities.
The only pool in the entire city to feature a retractable roof, the YMCA’s indoor complex has a 50m long training pool, spectator seating for 200 people and three water slides – one of which is claimed to be the highest in the world. There are also a number of smaller teaching and training pools, as well as a toddler pool.
An architectural marvel, this pool was designed by architect Farrells to be a “sculptural object” that would become a landmark of the waterfront area, which is also home to the wet markets and other maritime businesses along the shoreline. The facade’s zinc envelope is intended to be a reference to the city’s historic wet markets and light industries, while its geometric form echoes the geometry of the adjacent Kowloon Park.
With a capacity of 1,600 swimmers at any given time, this is the largest indoor pool in Hong Kong. The pool’s two water slides are among the highest in the country and it has a lazy river, training lanes and a water massage system.
The only way to get into the pool at this opulent hotel is to be a guest but if you’re willing to spend the cash, it’s definitely worth it. Surrounded by stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, the pool is also a great spot to relax with a drink from the rooftop bar. During the summer months, the pool is even open to non-hotel guests.