The 10 coolest hotel pool amenities

Imagine vacationing at a luxurious resort without needing to leave its pool complex. You can sip your favorite beverage from a poolside cabana, take in striking vistas and participate in yoga sessions. From the outrageous to the sublime, upscale resort pools provide more than a way to relax and rejuvenate with innovative facilities, picturesque surroundings, top-notch service and unique amenities, like high-tech underwater sound systems. Whether you want to take a dip amid rainforest microclimates or soak in plunge pools with vast views overlooking the horizon, these high-end resort pools offer plenty of scenery, perks and opportunities to unwind and recharge.

[See: The Best Summer Vacations of 2016.]

Kingsmill Resort

Situated near the James River in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Kingsmill Resort’s versatile pool complex affords amazing river views. The resort’s not-so-lazy river swooshes up to five miles per hour, faster than the pace of a brisk walk. Plus, the pool complex includes a sand beach, a state-of-the-art sound system and pingpong. For many guests, the complex offers daylong activities. There are other enticing amenities, too, including a quieter outdoor pool located at the sports club and an expansive indoor pool where the water stays around 87 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sanctuary Cap Cana

At Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, guests have access to five pools, including a community pool and a saltwater pool. Plus, guests can enjoy private terraces with oceanfront villas overlooking crystalline Caribbean waters. The Castle Island Suite even includes its own private island filled with three plunge pools that offer expansive views overlooking the horizon.

The Palazzo Las Vegas

Home to 10 distinct pools, The Palazzo Las Vegas offers atypical poolside experiences. Consider the area to be more of a country club meets day club party with personal cabanas, poolside treatments and handcrafted drinks and snacks at Solaro by Wolfgang Puck. On Sunday mornings, the hotel’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub team brings their yoga mats to the pool deck for Sunday yoga and mimosas, complete with 50 minutes of stress relief through a restorative flow, followed by a mimosa sun salutation (this is Vegas, after all).

[See: The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2016.]

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

With 41 pools — including 27 that are extra “chilled” during the summer months — the unofficial motto of this Palm Spring’s resort is “find your pool.” And while the pools may be sprawled across 45 acres, the resort offers a daily golf cart service that brings fresh treats and refreshments to each location. Best of all, the resort offers guests a variety of poolside perks, including “dive-in” movie nights and sunrise meditation sessions.

Turtle Bay Resort

As the only resort on Oahu’s iconic North Shore, one of the world’s most famous Hawaiian surf spots, Turtle Bay Resort offers a postcard-worthy pool setting overlooking a favorite local surf break known for its spectacular sunsets. The pool area features a sunset and pool bar called The Point that serves tropical drinks and food, and festive luaus take place every Sunday night with traditional Hawaiian dishes, such as kalua pork and lomi lomi salmon. What’s more, the resort hosts lively Polynesian shows with traditional dancing and tiki torches.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach offers a tranquil oceanfront infinity pool and an afternoon program where an “aloeologist” provides guests with a handcrafted after sun elixir. Using aloe that’s presented in a miniature keepsake bottle, swimmers can use this elixir on their sun-kissed skin. The natural mixture of fresh aloe gel and lavender is applied to the skin and is rinsed off with water, offering a cooling sensation. The aloeologist also curates aloe-infused cocktails that offer an array of benefits including detoxification and immune system support.

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

The luxurious Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers two pools with superlative amenities. The Lagoon Pool area is deal for families and features a grotto-style, heated outdoor pool with a two-story waterfall and water slide. Plus, movie screenings are held every Friday night. The resort also boasts a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean that features a whirlpool, chaise lounges and cabanas equipped with lounge beds, lounge chairs, televisions, towels, fruit, sodas and water bottles.

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a 1,100-acre tropical rainforest, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort’s pool boasts striking views overlooking its golf course, which features five rainforest microclimates brimming with sloths and lush plants, along with Herradura Bay’s sandy landscapes. The resort’s pool was once a popular escape for celebrities, and today the pool complex boasts upscale furnishings in a vibrant orange and white palette to complement the surrounding tropical scenery.

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

At the W Retreat & Spa‘s infinity-edge WET pool, guests are offered tech-forward bracelets that measure UV rays and monitor sun exposure and send alerts to reapply sunscreen. The pool features an underwater sound system streaming a custom mix directly through the water. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the two levels are separated by an island of palm trees that provide panoramic sea views. And with built-in lounge chairs in the water, poolside Wi-Fi, cabanas equipped with TVs and a diverse list of island cocktails, it’s easy to kick back and relax.

[See: 11 Hotels Without Resort Fees to Visit This Summer.]

Innisbrook Resort, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

With six pools and the luxurious Indaba Spa, Innisbrook Resort offers a relaxing setting for a leisurely getaway. The Loch Ness Monster Pool area is a crowd favorite with its water slides and scheduled family activities held at its gazebo. Plus, the Loch Ness complex is designed to complement the resort’s lush landscape and wooded acreage. The resort’s eco-friendly design also puts an emphasis on conserving existing green space, mature pines and stately magnolias. And the five other pools provide quieter areas for relaxation, reading and enjoying the Florida sunshine.

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The 10 Coolest Hotel Pool Amenities originally appeared on usnews.com

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