Travelers are always looking for fun, new ways to enjoy the warming temperatures, and getting in the water is usually everyone's favorite pastime. We've rounded up hotels offering unique water amenities, cool pools, and inimitable experiences to inspire travelers to get creative this year.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street (Tampa, FL) pictured
The JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and sister property, the Tampa Marriott Water Street are located in Tampa’s Water Street neighborhood – surrounded by the city’s most lively venues and attractions, and just steps away from endless water activities. The JW features a multitude of spaces perfect to soak in the sun as the temperatures warm, including a resort-style pool with a sun terrace, and a full-service 6th floor restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Bayfront. Its sister property, the Tampa Marriott Water Street, also boasts a beautiful rooftop pool and waterside restaurant situated along Tampa’s Riverwalk. The hotel’s marina is the perfect docking destination for Tampa Bay bound boaters already having fun on the water. Entry to the 32 state-of-the-art boat slips gives guests access to hotel amenities at both properties, as well as convenient access to several area attractions, including the Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena and the Florida Aquarium.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (St. Thomas, USVI)
Featuring an alluring blend of sea-inspired luxury and resort amenities and décor, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is the perfect gateway to clear Caribbean waters. Following a $100-million renovation, the resort offers endless views over Great Bay, a variety of new and enhanced water features, and exclusive sailing experiences aboard the property’s luxury sailing catamarans. Guests can enjoy a remodeled 125-foot free-form infinity-edge pool positioned to look as if it is flowing directly into the ocean, a new pool with a water slide for families, and a fun splash pad area for kids. Those looking for intimate experiences on the water can join island-hopping excursions, snorkeling tours, or champagne sunset sails aboard The Lady Lynsey II, an exquisite 60-ft vessel for those wishing to revel in the island’s spirit of adventure.
New Orleans Marriott (New Orleans, LA)
Located in the heart of New Orleans between the historic French Quarter and bustling Warehouse District, the 4-star New Orleans Marriott hotel and its sister property, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel features two expansive rooftop pools. Located adjacent to one another, both are heated for year round swimming. Take a few laps or a quick dip before basking in the sun, while enjoying sweeping views of downtown New Orleans and the city skyline. A short distance away from one of the largest cruise port in the nation, the New Orleans Marriott is the perfect home base for those booking a cruise vacation in NOLA.
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel (Miami Beach, FL)
The recently renovated Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is an art deco boutique hotel located in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District on historic Collins Ave. The property provides plenty of opportunity for fun by the water with direct beach access and an elevated private pool lounging alternative in one of its spacious and recently renovated pool-side cabanas. Additionally, between pool dips and beachfront sun-bathing, Kimpton Surfcomber allows guests to take advantage of its DAYLIFE offerings – a weekly program of activities ranging from relaxing beach yoga classes and meditation sessions, active beach boot camp circuits and even aqua Zumba classes!
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (Sarasota, FL) pictured above
A relaxed resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota delivers on its reputation of stellar service in a sophisticated surrounding. While not directly on the beach, the resort owns a private Beach Club on Lido Key, 3 miles away, and provides complimentary shuttle service throughout the day. The Beach Club features a heated swimming pool and soaking tub for guests to enjoy, with Ladies’ and Gentlemen changing facilities and pool-side dining service. Pool goers can experience relaxed al fresco dining Gulf-front, with a variety of light lunch items, refreshments, beverages and cocktails that have a tropical flair. The hotel’s Concierge can also help guests book local water activities at Marina Jacks, including boating, deep sea fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and waterskiing.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
Located on the pristine Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa prides itself on keeping all guests satisfied during their island getaway. We describe Seafire’s oceanfront pools as the epitome of serenity with a capital Sea. Visible from the resort lobby when guests first arrive, the pools are family-friendly and surrounded by lush local foliage, comfy lounge chairs, and private cabanas. Guests can enjoy an ample oasis with an all-day bar serving salads, ceviche, hand-crafted cocktails and more. Additionally, the resort is home to Red Sail Sports, where there are countless activities from parasailing and snorkeling to kitesurfing and flyboarding available to guests.
Viceroy Chicago (Chicago, IL)
The rooftop pool at Viceroy Chicago provides panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s gold coast district. Also situated on the 18th floor of the Viceroy Chicago is the hotel’s lounge, Deveraux. The bar is known for its moody decor is the prime spot to experience the buzz of Chicago. This unique lounge offers elevated food and drink, including an impressive selection of wine, beer, and spirits.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (Truckee, CA)
Located mid-mountain and just 15 minutes away from the pristine Lake Tahoe, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe provides a wonderful family-friendly destination. Interlacing the local Tahoe lush surroundings, the resort’s mountainside pool provides guests an inviting oasis for relaxation after their adventure-filled days on the mountain. Plus, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Lake Club extends an exceptional level of luxury to the North Shore. With direct Lake Tahoe beach access, the property boasts a private boat pier, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, an outdoor whirlpool spa, and an exclusive partnership with MasterCraft for guests to use their top-of-the-line boats.
Terramor Outdoor Resort (Bar Harbor, ME)
Just outside Maine’s beloved Acadia National Park, Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor offers a true resort experience with a more refined way to connect with nature. A designer hideaway in the woods, Terramor Outdoor Resort’s pool is an oasis surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape. With a cascading “river” which aesthetically fills the pool as well as a Jacuzzi hot tub and cabanas, there is no better way to soak up the surroundings of the Terramor nature campus.
Viceroy Snowmass (Snowmass, Colorado)
Located slopeside on the beautiful Snowmass Mountain Resort, Viceroy Snowmass’ pool captures expansive views of the peaks and valleys that encircle the hotel. Surrounded by Aspen trees, open cabanas, Jacuzzis with waterfalls, and a ski lift which literally goes right over the patio create a chic mountain side vibe. In addition, the pool’s trailside bar, which is ski-in, ski-out in the winter and bike-in, bike-out in the summer, serves up delicious cocktails and fresh bites all season long.
