A SPLASHING GOOD TIME
Florida hotels feature some impressive pools
Florida hotels feature some impressive pools
Not all pools are created equal—some have fullservice cabanas for a day of pampered attention, some have massive waterfalls with hidden slides, and some are wrapped with a beautiful lazy river. Swimming pools can be enjoyed year-round in the Sunshine State, so capitalizing on that, Florida hotels have created some fantastic water features. For a hotel pool to be counted as awesome, it needs to appeal to every age group. Here are a few of my family’s favorites. Keep in mind that all of these pools require you to be a guest of the hotel (or purchase a day pass)— so, no sneaking in!
1. Fontainebleau
You can choose to play or relax at one or all of the 11 pools (yes, 11) at Fontainebleau on Miami Beach. This luxurious resort offers full-service cabanas and premium amenities from any poolside spot. The entire family will think the outdoor area here makes a fantastic water day, from the small dipping pools to the large oasis pool or the interactive children’s waterscape with a slide. 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 800-548-8886; fontainebleau.com
2. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convertion Center
The heated pool at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee features an Everglades-inspired family water park that includes a zero- entry swimming pool with four slides, a multilevel water-fun tree house and an active lagoon where kid-friendly music and games take place daily. There’s also a South Beach pool that is adults-only with a serene atmosphere and two hot tubs. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee; 407-586-0000; gaylordpalms.com
3. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
There is no lack of water fun at this Hyatt Regency with a lagoon-style pool, adults-only pool, lap pool, 5,000-square-foot Adventure Pool with a 140-foot corkscrew slide, and the Lazy River complex, featuring three waterslides! The palm-tree-lined sundeck offers cabanas, lounge chairs and a covered pavilion in case you want to trade in the sun for some shade. 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs; 239-444-1234; coconutpoint.regency.hyatt.com
4. Palm Beach marriot Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa or ht Man adrr Si opt ta Singer Island
This beachfront hotel has two great pools. While both are beautiful, the lagoon pool is ideal for kids with its zero entry, large shallow end and a fun waterslide. The infinity pool has more of an adult vibe—this is where you will find the hot tub and underwater mood lighting. 3800 N. Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach; 561-340-1700; marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbisg-palm-beach
5. Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel
You will feel like you are in Vegas at this rock-star-inspired pool.