When you think of Hong Kong, shopping and dim sum probably come to mind, but swimming pools might not. However, this city of superlatives is loaded with picturesque places to cool off. From the world’s highest pool to a natural infinity pond on a mountainside, here are some of Hong Kong’s best swim spots.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Mongkok, Cordis Hotel’s rooftop pool is a serene oasis. Surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and a jacuzzi, the pool is the perfect spot to relax after a day of shopping or exploring the city. You’ll want to get there early to nab a seat by the water, as there are only 25 swimmers allowed per lifeguard. If you’re not staying at the hotel, don’t worry! You can still come and take a dip, although you’ll need to pay a nominal fee for recreational swimming.
The only thing better than a pool is one with an amazing view. You can find one of those in the sixth floor of Hotel ICON, where you can enjoy a view of Hong Kong’s skyline and harbor from their heated rooftop pool. The pool is only open to hotel guests, but you can easily book a staycation package on Klook and make the most of this luxurious escape.
During the pandemic, the LCSD closed 46 public swimming pools across the city of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, but many will begin to reopen in April as normalcy returns. The reopening will be phased in, with the largest number of pools opening on April 1 and completing their annual maintenance. Residents aged 60 and above can enjoy exclusive half-price admission, while monthly passes are available for just HK$150.
One of the most iconic pools in the world can be found at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, which boasts stunning views and an altitude of 484 meters. The pool at this glitzy hotel is the world’s highest, and it’s certainly one of the most beautiful. You’ll need to reserve your spot in advance, as the pool is only open for a limited number of hours each day.
There’s no place in the world quite like a gunite pool, and it’s an option that many homeowners consider for their own backyards. Unlike regular concrete, which has large chunky particles, gunite is made from a mix of cement, sand and water that makes it ultra-durable. The expert team at Liquid Luxury Pools shares their top tips for choosing and installing a gunite pool, including the most important factors to keep in mind during the construction process.