Hong Kong may conjure images of shopping and dim sum, but less so swimming pools. Yet the city boasts some truly gorgeous ones – from rooftop to natural infinity pond on mountainside – not just for hotel guests – some even offer day passes!
Hong Kong’s public pools are typically well maintained, featuring ample lane space and amenities that swimmers can take advantage of. As soon as you move up the price scale, things become more luxurious; many hotels feature cabanas that are exclusively reserved for their guests at poolside; this may incur steep costs; though if it means getting an indulging spa-quality massage while sipping champagne it may well be worth your while!
Hong Kong’s latest public pool can be found in Kennedy Town and has successfully revived this part of the city. Boasting an outdoor pool which overlooks Victoria Harbour and welcomes swimmers of all abilities, its indoor complex boasts numerous facilities like a 25m swimming pool and Jacuzzi for swimmers to use.
Swimming pools in the city are generally open to the general public; however, due to staff shortages during this pandemic some have limited their lanes and facilities; only 40 percent of 600 seasonal lifeguards have reported for duty at present; leisure and Cultural Services Department advises people using public beaches to exercise caution when visiting and where possible use masks as protection from infection.
One of Hongkong’s most iconic pools can be found at the W Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. As one of the highest rooftop pools in the world, this venue provides amazing city views from one of its highest rooftop pools – as well as being spacious with stylish design elements including an infinity edge and jacuzzi. Furthermore, there’s also a lounge area and bar nearby, making this an excellent place to unwind after a busy day of work or shopping!
Hotel ICON in Kowloon stands out as another popular option with its rooftop pool, known as the second highest rooftop pool worldwide and offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline. Equipped with sunbathing deckchairs and an inviting bar offering refreshing beverages after an exhilarating swim, Hotel ICON makes an excellent pick!
Many expats moving to Hong Kong should ensure that their chosen apartment building or development features a swimming pool for families’ convenience. Multi-tower complexes typically feature larger outdoor pools suitable for lap swimming, while smaller buildings with only one tower may only offer small pools that are ideal for kids’ splashing around and splashing about.