There are few things as exciting as finding out your friend has a backyard pool – it’s the ultimate in summer luxury! For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have a friend like that, we took a deep dive for you and found 10 hotel pools around Oz that we think are worth splashing out on.
1. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, QLD
Considering this five-star spot sits on the edge of Port Douglas’ beautiful Four Mile Beach, swimming won’t just be poolside. You’ll barely have time for the beach, though – the resort itself has two hectares of saltwater lagoon-style pools stylishly connected with footbridges. Not sure where to start? Our pick is the swim-up bar, of course. 🍹
2. The Langham, NSW
At The Langham’s heated 20-metre indoor pool, you’ll feel like you’re swimming under the stars or… in Europe! The twinkling roof, the terracotta pot plants and grand marble columns transport you from the bustling streets of Sydney to a Roman bathhouse in seconds.
3. Palazzo Versace, QLD
The pool at the glitzy Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast is an incredible 63m long, complete with its very own sandy beach. Like an exotic oasis, the enormous lagoon-style pool is lined with palm trees, poolside daybeds to lounge on and shaded cabanas to stretch out under.
4. Adelphi Hotel, VIC
The urban sanctuary feel of Adelphi Hotel is thanks to its private pool deck above the iconic laneways of Melbourne. Picture this: sparkling water and sparkling wine coming together with aperitifs by the pool, as the sun sets behind the city skyline – pretty special, right? And that’s even before mentioning the glass bottom pool! Talk about fancy.
5. Bamurru Plains, NT
Cool off from the humid weather in this incredible infinity pool located in Kakadu, right in the heart of the NT wilderness. Inspired by the luxurious safari camps of Africa, the on-site glamping at Bamurru Plains is just the start (think pillow menus, premium cotton sheets and hot showers): from the pool, you can look out over 300 sq km of coastal floodplains. It’s a truly tranquil place with a pretty swanky pool to boot.
6. Arkaba Homestead, SA
You’ll enjoy near total privacy at this exclusive bush luxury property in the remote Flinders Ranges. The homestead is set on a huge 60,000 acres – the largest private land dedicated to wildlife conservation in Australia – which makes for some pretty awesome safaris. We recommend you cool off after exploring by sipping on a South Australian Riesling while your feet dangle in the pool overlooking the rust-coloured landscape. How’s the serenity?
7. The Ritz-Carlton, WA
It’d be tricky to find a more scenic infinity pool than the one perched atop Perth’s new Ritz-Carlton. Located on level five, it looks out over the city skyline as well as the banks of the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay. Before you prune, towel off and grab a drink at Songbird, the hotel bar, for equally impressive views of the city.
8. BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park, NSW
For the kids (or the big kids 😉), it’s hard to go past Shipwreck Island at this South West Rocks spot. A giant pirate ship sits at the centre, surrounded by waterslides, cannons and a giant tipping bucket. Kids can climb aboard using a rope, hunt for treasure and make their siblings walk the plank.
9. MONA Pavilions, TAS
Make your trip to the Apple Isle oh-so memorable with a visit to MONA and a stay at the incredible adjoining pavilions. Along with access to the super cool gallery, the unique and contemporary luxe lodgings boast a heated infinity pool with angled floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can gaze out over the River Derwent whilst floating away your troubles.
10. Art Series – The Johnson, QLD
Named after abstract Australian artist Michael Johnson, this hotel is like a living art gallery, with everything from an in-house art library to a dedicated art channel. The real masterpiece? The rooftop pool. Designed by Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, it’s 50m of luxury overlooking a glittering skyline. You could say it’s just the final brushstroke on a picturesque scene 🎨
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
