The Best Outdoor Pools in Hong Kong and How to Snag Your Spot

A summer in Hong Kong – or any time spent in the city, really – always involves a rooftop of some kind. Be it an evening well spent drinking outdoors or a boozy brunch, you don’t get any bragging rights unless it’s being done at staggering heights with an Insta-worthy view to match.

In this humidity, things can get a little sticky but don’t you worry – you can never go wrong with a day swimming in luxury at one of the city’s skyscraper pools. Start planning for your next day by the pool with our list of the best outdoor pools in Hong Kong and how to reserve your spot:

New: Kerry Hotel 

Kerry Hotel’s 25-metre outdoor infinity pool is a stunning addition to Hong Kong’s rooftop pools and arguably has one of the most unique views of Victoria Harbour. More interested in laying out than perfecting your breaststroke? Head to their relaxing pool deck, shaded by tropical plants, to perfect your tan and indulge in some refreshments.

What to order: Poached lobster roll (HK$178) and The Grand Slam wild Herefold beef burger (HK$188). Unless their deck is booked out for a private event, there is usually a refreshment bar with ice cream and popcorn for sale.

Cost: A membership to the pool is HK$10,500 per adult and HK$5,250 per child under 16 for six months, which includes unlimited access to the pool from Monday to Friday. Alternatively, a day pool pass is HK$500 per adult on weekends and HK$400 per day on weekdays.

Extra: Treat yourself to an “Escape for the Day” spa package (HK$2,888 for four hours) if you’re in need of something truly indulgent. It starts with a private outdoor 60-minute yoga class followed by a light and healthy lunch and any two 60-minute treatments of your choice from their spa menu. (Available from September onwards)

Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, 2252 5888, shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry

Off the beaten path: Cordis Hong Kong

Escape from the crowds and take the day for you and your friends at Cordis Hong Kong in Mong Kok. Their tranquil rooftop swimming pool is best used to toast to the sunset in their cosy cabanas.

What to order: Homemade ice pops (HK$20) for your ‘gram and to help cool you off.

Cost: HK$400 for a day pass—it’s best to call up a day ahead or the morning of.

Cordis Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, 3552 3388, cordishotels.com/en/hong-kong

See and be seen: W Hong Kong

This 76/F rooftop pool needs little introduction. Famous for its legendary pool parties, the WET rooftop pool over in Kowloon offers incredible panoramic views of Hong Kong—and the most enviable jacuzzi. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you vibe to their slick, funky tunes and compete for the best pose in front of their gorgeous wall mural.

What to order: WET nachos (HK$120) and a kiwi and pineapple smoothie (HK$85).

Cost: If you just fancy visiting the pool, a day pass is HK$650 per person.

To make day out of it, their WET WEEKENDS package priced at HK$988, includes access to their 73/F FIT gym, heat and water facilities (make sure you leave time to enjoy their vitality pool and sauna) and two glasses of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Champagne.

W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 3717 2222, w-hongkong.com

The most popular choice: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Chances are, if the weather’s good, there’ll be at least one person you follow on Instagram checking in at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s luxurious 50-metre outdoor pool. Host to some of the most fabulous private parties, this palm tree-lined pool deck is as glitzy as you can get.

What to order: Deep-fried spicy baby calamari, saffron aioli and lemon (HK$185) and pita bread pocket with sautéed lamb, cucumber, yoghurt, romaine lettuce, avocado, onion and tomatoes (HK$185).

Cost: HK$550 for a day pass (including access to the sauna and gym)—book early.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2588 1234, hongkong.grand.hyatt.com

Exclusivity: Island-Shangri La

Limited to only a certain number of guests, Island Shangri-La’s beautiful pool offers a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to venture too far. Their adjacent Waterside Terrace specialises in Thai food and a variety of healthy juices, smoothies and drinks.

What to order: Tropical mind mango with pineapple and coconut sherbet (HK$95)

Cost: HK$650 for a weekday pass—be sure to call first thing in the morning to reserve your spot.

Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, 2877 3838, shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila

Lunch and chill: Conrad Hong Kong

If you’d rather be in shade than end the day as red as a lobster, Conrad Hong Kong’s lush outdoor pool is the perfect choice for you. We recommend heading there early to snag a spot at one of their poolside cabanas before finishing off with a sauna session to get you ready for an evening on the town.

What to order: For a healthy protein fix, go for their Japanese Bento (HK$245), which offers your choice of chicken breast, beef sirloin, fish fillet or eel, accompanied with Japanese pickles, steamed rice and a seasonal salad.

Cost: HK$400 on weekdays and HK$550 on weekends and public holidays.

Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2521 3838, conradhotels3.hilton.com

For a peaceful getaway: Le Meridien Cyberport 

Fancy a trip to the south side? Le Méridien Cyberport’s little oasis offers the best bang for your buck. Complete with a sauna and steam room near the changing rooms, their outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool will help to soothe and loosen those muscles.

What to order: Heading to the pool during the week? Le Méridien Cyberport has a Splash N’ Lunch combo priced at HK$250 per person, which includes a salad, burger, fruits and soft drink with access to the pool from noon until 5PM (excluding public holidays).

Cost: HK$300 per person on weekdays.

Le Méridien Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, 2980 7788, lemeridiencyberport.com

Make it a spa day: Hotel Icon

Hotel Icon’s Angsana spa is one of our favorite spots for a Thai-style massage in Hong Kong—and their rooftop pool certainly sweetens the deal. Get your laps in before enjoying one of their signature ICON smoothies and spa treatments.

What to order: A Dozing Green (HK$80) smoothie made of guava juice, green apple and Yakult with a nutritious yet satisfying grilled vegetable sandwich with avocado, guacamole, mozzarella and French fries or salad (HK$148).

Cost: Available to in-house guests only. We recommend going for their 2.5 hour spa package (inclusive of a 90-minute body massage and 60-minute facial) priced at HK$2,200 for one person and HK$4,200 for two people, plus two-hour gym and pool access prior to your treatments.

Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3400 1000, hotel-icon.com

Next level luxe: Four Seasons Hong Kong

Complete with one of the most iconic views of the harbour from Central, Four Seasons Hong Kong’s pool terrace is an extravagant, resort-like sanctuary perfectly equipped for the fitness-obsessed and those just looking to chill. Take your pick from their free-form infinity-edge pool, lap pool, plunge pool and whirlpool—the perfect way to relax after a day of swimming (read: laying by the pool) – and be soothed by the sounds of their underwater music.

What to order: Make sure you reap the benefits of your swim with a Berry Smoothie (mixed berry compote, yoghurt and fresh apple juice), add HK$50 for a dash of protein powder.

Cost: The pool is accessible for in-house guests only. We’re eyeing their Fashion Moment Holiday to enjoy unique shopping experiences from Ermenegildo Zegna, Max Mara, Lululemon and Chopard, the pool, as well as a plush staycation.

Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8888, fourseasons.com/hongkong

Privacy:
Harbour Grand Kowloon

With a 180-degree view of the city, including Victoria Harbour, the South China Sea and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Harbour Grand Kowloon’s rooftop pool deck offers a little slice of privacy. Take a dip in their glass-walled swimming pool before sipping on some well-earned tipples at the pool bar.

What to order: The Gourmet Burger (HK$198), a tasty combination of beef, mayo, fried egg, bacon, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato, paired with the Harbour Grand Kowloon (HK$98) cocktail, made with lychee liqueur, blue curacao, grapefruit juice and sprite.

Cost: Available to in-house guests only. Make a weekend out of it by booking their Fully Flexible Rate.

Harbour Grand Kowloon, 20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom, 2621 3188, kowloon.harbourgrand.com

118 floors up: Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s Ozone is always on everyone’s travel bucket list—the same should be said about the pool. Located on 118/F (the highest floor in the International Commerce Centre), Ritz-Carlton’s indoor swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi is worth visiting at least once.

Cost: An annual wellness membership is priced at HK$52,000 and includes use of the gym, pool, heat and water facilities, complimentary laundry service for your fitness gear and swimwear as well as spa treatments and discounts for different dining venues in the hotel.

Extra: Don’t fancy signing up for a membership? Go all out with a staycation at one of the highest hotels in the world. Rates start at HK$4,200 per night with breakfast.

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 2263 2263, ritzcarlton.com

Cosy and intimate: Sheraton Hong Kong

Sheraton’s quaint outdoor swimming pool offers a wonderful view of Victoria Harbour. Here, you can work on your tan whilst enjoying their poolside snack bar service—one word: bliss. There are also three heated jacuzzis, you know, just in case one wasn’t enough.

What to order: Their signature Sheraton beef burger (HK$160) and mojito (HK$85).

Cost: Available to in-house guests only. Treat yourself to their “Hong Kong Explorer” summer staycation package starting from HK$1,700 per night to enjoy afternoon tea for two, daily breakfast, an “Old Town Central” walking tour guide book, exclusive shopping privileges and in-room treats and sparkling wine upon arrival.

Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2369 1111, sheratonhongkonghotel.com