Summer in Hong Kong is one big sweaty rush to the nearest air-conditioned room. With outdoor spaces limited, temperatures soaring by the day, and sweat patches appearing in places we’d rather not talk about, there really is just one thing for it: to head to the nearest body of water where our rivulets of perspiration can be disguised as beads of chlorinated water rolling off our backs. Here’s where you and your bikinis/budgie smugglers should be frequenting this summer.
Largest Rooftop Infinity Pool: InterContinental Hotel
Photo: InterContinental
Taking a plunge in this rooftop infinity doesn’t come cheap as the pool terrace is exclusively for the use of guests and Club I-Spa members. But if you’ve got the money to splash, then buy yourself a spa package or a room for the night and indulge in one of the best views over Victoria Harbour. In addition, the InterCon also has another three infinity spa pools – all offering different temperatures for all your different needs – and the best seats in the house to admire our famous skyline.
Where: InterContinental, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (Google Maps)
Price: Inquire about spa packges here
Highest Pool: Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place
Photo: Cordis
This 18-metre outdoor pool comes equipped with an underwater audio system and fibre optic lights, a jacuzzi, and a splash bar all at a dizzying 42 floors high. Live out your underwater dance party fantasies and buy a day pass from the Chuan Spa at the Cordis (HKD450 per person) that includes the use of the pool, fitness studio, plus sauna and steam rooms. Your cabana awaits…
Where: Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place, 555 Shanghai St, Mong Kok (Google Maps)
Price: HKD450 for a day pass
Cheapest Pool Pass: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel
Photo: Sheraton
Eighteen floors above the chaos below is Sheraton’s temperature-controlled swimming pool that isn’t exclusively open to hotel guests and that features a sun deck with plenty of room to soak up the rays. There are also three jacuzzis, a BBQ area, a snack bar (!), a sauna and steam room – a steal for a HKD300 day pass.
Where: Sheraton Hotel, 20 Nathan Road, Mong Kok (Google Maps)
Price: HKD300 for a day pass (more info)
Pool Party: W Hotel
Photo: W Hotel
There ain’t no party like a wet and wild party, and the W know exactly how to throw them! Featuring electrifying DJ beats and exotic mixology from June through August each year, the W pool parties have become somewhat of a phenomenon during Hong Kong summers. Tickets give you access to the 76th-floor WET pool party from 8pm to 12am, as well as access to the sixth-floor WOOBAR party from 10pm to 4am. Tickets at the door cost HKD450 and you can get them cheaper if you book in advance. Side note: it only includes one drink so make sure your pre-drinking game is strong, or that you bring a lot of cash in one of those super sexy waterproof phone pouches.
Where: W Hotel, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Tsim Sha Tsui (Google Maps)
Price: HKD450 (more info)
Glass Bottom: Hotel Indigo
Photo: Hotel Indigo
Fancy swimming 29 floors above Wan Chai and seeing it all below? It is now possible to experience your worst nightmare/greatest fantasy at Hotel Indigo’s glass-bottom pool. While the pool is only open to guests, this unique swimming experience may well be worth the price tag of getting a room. Plus, when the sun goes down, the pool lights up, giving pedestrians below a sneak peek of the high life (and the swimmers’ undersides).
Where: Hotel Indigo, 246 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai (Google Maps)
Price: Inquire about room rates here
Most Glamorous: Cabana
Photo: Cabana
Cabana isn’t necessarily a swimming pool, but with Japanese baths on a rooftop overlooking the beach, private cabins, indulgent lounge beds, do you really need the space to do laps? All of this can be yours (if you book in advance) for a sweet HKD580 from 3pm to 7pm every weekend. It’s a bit of a socialite fest up there, but it’s totally worth elbowing your way through the snobbery to take the perfect Instagram pic, so you better come dressed in your best fashionable swimsuit (you know, the one that looks great but can’t actually get wet).
Where: Cabana, Rooftop, Lobby A, The Pulse, Repulse Bay (Google Maps)
Price: HKD580 for advanced booking, HKD680 on the door (more info)
Free Natural Pool: Fanling Stream
Photo: Sarah Richard/Coffee with a Slice of Life
As much as we love private cabanas, underwater sound systems, and free-flow bubbly, the manmade just can beat the natural. Some of Hong Kong’s finest rockpools lie far away from the crowds and sparkling lights: you’ve been to Big Wave Bay, Tai Long Wan and Shek O so take the road less travelled and hike to Fanling’s Ping Nam Stream. Uncover secret rock pools, natural infinity pools and hidden caves during this full-day hike. Pack some extra courage (the hike can be tough) and a load of drinking water and follow these instructions.
Where: Ping Nam Stream, Fan Ling (Google Maps)
Price: Free!
Alternatively, if you’re sick of chlorine and/or getting pruney fingers, check out our article “How to beat the summer heat in Hong Kong without going to a pool“!
