Feeling decidedly un-cool in the sweltering heat? Take a refreshing dip at these urban swimming spots and chill out by the coolest pools, beaches, lakes and rivers in the world.
By Fiona Brutscher
Los Angeles: The hotel that made Downtown cool delivers a hefty serving of California cool, with spectacular skyline views and glimpses of the mountains beyond. With the young and trendy increasingly congregating in the city centre, this is the place to see and be seen. standardhotels.com
Las Vegas: You say pool, Vegas says party. On the Strip, there’s no such thing as a day off. Instead, there’s the best day clubs this side of Ibiza. Many hotel pools are reserved for guests, but at the Cosmopolitan’s Marquee, all you need is a ticket and you’re in with the party crowd. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com [Photo © Al Powers, PowersImagery.com]
Vancouver: Kits Pool, as the locals call it, is the longest saltwater pool in North America, filled with refreshing Pacific Ocean water. Its more-than-double-Olympic length attracts serious swimmers, its beautiful location (on Kitsilano Beach) appeals to warm-weather frolickers, and its view (of the city skyline across the bay) draws tourists. vancouver.ca [Photo © Flickr user Ruth Hartnup]
Brisbane: With sharks in the ocean and crocs in the river, man-made swimming spots are the best way to escape the Queensland heat. Thankfully, the South Bank lagoon offers Australian beach vibes with its white-sand, lifeguard-patrolled beach (but without man-eating beasts). visitbrisbane.com.au
Hong Kong: A killer view and – in typical W fashion – a riot of colour paired with a suggestive name all make for the city’s trendiest rooftop pool. On weekends, non-residents can “chill and grill” on sun loungers, by the terrace-edge pool or in the hot tub, taking in the imposing Victoria Harbour scenery. w-hongkong.com
Singapore: You could easily spend a day on the tranquil wellness floor in the middle of the bustling metropolis. Book a pampering spa treatment, work out in the fitness centre, stroll along the garden walk and swim in the outdoor infinity pool. Then wind down with poolside drinks as the sun sets on the city skyline. parkroyalhotels.com
Dubai: In the Dubai desert, the next refreshing oasis is never far away. Between countless beach clubs, hotel pools and leisure parks, Emiratis are spoilt for choice. Our pick: the pool at Address Downtown Dubai, with its 5-tiered infinity pool and gobsmacking views. theaddress.com
Tel Aviv: Sure, you could just head to the beach, but for a slightly more chilled-out day, look no further than the B on Top rooftop bar and its designer pool. With a cosmopolitan vibe and spectacular view, it captures the city’s unique flair perfectly. telaviv.hotelindigo.com
São Paulo: Is this pool really unique? Let us count the ways: It’s red, it has an underwater surround sound system (to go with the wrap-around views above), and it sits atop a hotel shaped like an ark, giving it a landlocked cruise liner feel. hotelunique.com.br
London: There are plenty of ponds and public baths across London, but this is probably the first to call itself an “art installation you can swim in”. It certainly feels urban, located in the midst of a gigantic construction site, adjacent to the train station that lent it its name. It’s currently only planned for a 2-year run, so dive in while you can! kingscrosspond.club
Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich are regularly named world’s most liveable cities. They’re certainly amongst the most swimmable, with immaculately maintained river- and lake-side beaches, lidos and outdoor pools offering excellent cuisine, trendy bars, and all manner of recreational activities throughout the summer months. myswitzerland.com [Photo © swiss-image.ch/Christof Schuerpf]
Copenhagen: The oldest of the 4 harbour baths lined up along the city’s waterfront, Iceland Quay Baths rapidly became one of the most popular summer locations for locals and tourists alike. The water quality is monitored daily and is usually on par with nearby North Sea beaches. visitcopenhagen.com
Munich: Bavaria may be landlocked, but its capital’s citizens have their choice of freshwater swimming options. In and around the city are countless pools, streams, lakes… and of course the recently re-naturalised Isar River, where locals sunbathe, swim and enjoy a beer or barbeque. muenchen.de
Dublin: If you know your Ulysses, you’ll remember James Joyce describing the Irish sea as “snot green”. That hasn’t stopped generations of Dubliners from swimming at the Forty Foot in Sandycove. Others may feel more comfortable in the proposed floating pool and the accompanying “urban beach” in neighbouring Dún Laoghaire, set to open in 2016. dlharbour.ie [Photo © Flickr user William Murphy]
Cape Town: Somewhat of an experiment for Cape Town, this pool was planned as a members-only club, but has been launched as pay-as-you-go until enough locals are convinced it’s worth the membership. With an intimate, laid-back feel and beautiful views of Table Mountain, surely that day won’t be long coming. batstonepool.com
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