HOT HOT HOT HOTEL POOLS
Where to begin? Whym has seen every manner of hotel pool this country has to offer. Yes it’s hard work, but somebody had to do it! All in the name of research, of course. There are so many beautiful blue baths out there it was hard to narrow them down to our favorites. So after much heated discussion amongst our Whym staff, we narrowed it down to 10, no 11, no 12 of the most unique, beautiful, or just fun, bucket list type pools. And here they are…
Amangani, Jackson Hole, WY
Amangani means ‘peaceful home,” and it describes the Amangani pool perfectly. To lounge here in this heated pool with steam rising while the snow is falling around you while you’re gazing at the Grand Tetons…I think I just said all our favorite things in one sentence! It’s incredible!
Enchantment, AZ
The main pool area at Enchantment features an outdoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and a seasonal pool bar all set against the idyllic serenity of Sedona. The pool is designed to feel like part of the red rock surroundings, not just a concrete slab. Enchantment has two additional satellite pools too. Gorgeous.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, C
This resort pool, located between Aspen and Vail, is touted as the world’s largest hot springs pool. The 15 minerals in the water have the power to re-energize and re-new tired muscles and its open year round. So sit back, let go of your stress and take in the incredible views of the Rockies.
The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
This 43,000 square foot subterranean spa is a giant stone grotto featuring twenty water features, including several mineral-based pools with cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels. Enjoy peace and quiet along with two therapeutic waterfall pools as well as a lap pool blanketed with 6,500 fiber-optic stars and underwater music. This was super cool and unlike any other on the list.
The Joule, Dallas, TX
This place gives new meaning to the phrase “hanging out at the pool.” The 8 foot cantilevered infinity pool sits on the 10th floor of the hotel but has a rooftop vibe. The plunge juts out over the edge of the building with a glass wall, giving you the sensation that you could fall off the edge. Below you is the hustle of Main Street and downtown. A full bar, food service and shaded loungers mean you never have to leave.
The Sheraton Waikiki, HI
There is actually 2 pools here but the Edge infinity pool is outstanding. It feels and look like you are in the ocean, but without the salt and giant waves. It’s adults only (the other pool is for families) and the staff caters to your every Whym (see what I did there). Make sure to try the frozen grapes!
The Residences at Little Nell, Aspen, CO
This rooftop pool and hot tub has an exceptional 360 degree view of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. Watching the steam rise from the water while gazing at the snow-capped mountains just makes you breathe a little deeper. Check it out at sunset.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO
There are two pools here also but the infinity pool is adults-only from April through October. You’ll have a front row seat to the magnificent views chiseled from the million-year-old red rocks whose fingers seem to touch the sky and the Pikes Peak mountain range. Heated to 84° year round, this special place is open 365 days a year.
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, Rutherford, CA
Nestled among the 33 acre olive groves and overlooking Napa Valley, this chic swimming pool with cabanas and trellised lounge area is a secret treasure. Whym chose this one just because it is a luxurious and remote respite from the outside world.
Four Seasons Ko’olina, Oahu, HI
Some of the best food and beverage service in the game, the beautiful infinity pool is adult only. Don’t miss the “doctor delivering your daily pool prescription” (mai tai’s) at 3 p.m. It spot is just all about the fun. Warning though – it can get crowded and then they waitlist you for seats by the pool.
Dream Downtown, New York City, NY
Right in the Chelsea district of Manhattan, this place is a pleasant surprise. When you walk into the lobby, you get an underside view of the pool which is cool. Then you go up to the heated pool and find a few private cabanas and imported sand to stick your toes in. They could use more lounge chairs, because like everything in New York, it can draw a crowd.
1 Hotel, Miami, FL
Whym loved all thereof their pools! The 30,000 square foot Center Pool is great for families and has a pool-sized hot tub and looks out at the ocean. Or relax on a waterside daybed with full-service cabanas at the Cabana Pool on the third floor which is inspired by nature with lots of greenery and wood. But the adult-only 1 Rooftop Pool is 18 stories above the beach and so luxurious. Spoil yourself.