Hong Kong Pools
With the telltale signs of a hot Hong Kong summer in full swing (overcrowded beaches, dripping air-con units and almost unbearable humidity), it’s time to hit up some swimming pools for a refreshing escape. From swanky hotel pools to water zones that are perfect for splashing around with kids, here’s our list of the best pool staycations in Hong Kong.
Located in Wong Chuk Hang, this sprawling complex boasts pools of all shapes and sizes. Swim laps in the main pool, practise your dives in the diving pool or let the little ones have fun in one of the kid-friendly pools filled with water buckets, sprayers and floor fountains. There’s even a mushroom and tree-shaped water installation to keep the tots entertained.
The hotel’s spacious pool deck is the perfect spot to soak up some rays while enjoying the city’s breathtaking skyline views. Guests can also lounge around and enjoy a selection of food and drinks, including Alaskan king crab rolls, strawberry mirlitons and champagne cocktails. And if you’re staying at the hotel, be sure to sign up for their annual wellness membership, which grants you access to all of their hotels’ facilities and earns you bonus Asia Miles.
This tropical oasis is set on the edge of Castle Peak Bay marina and offers palm-fringed swimming pools for adults and kids. Relax by the pool and take in the stunning view of Hong Kong’s glistening skyline or head to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment. The hotel’s front desk staff can arrange activities for you and the little ones, too, including kayaking and sailing lessons.
Despite a phase-two easing of social-distancing rules, the majority of public swimming pools still remain closed this week due to a shortage of lifeguards. The president of the Hong Kong Government Lifeguards General Union, Anson Tang Tsz-on, said that only 14 public swimming pools opened on Thursday and the remaining 24 would welcome swimmers from Monday.
While the number of lifeguards is yet to be confirmed, Tang said it was possible that swimming schools and training centres could still operate in the affected public pools, provided they ensure a qualified person was on site to supervise. Meanwhile, he called on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to consider increasing the salaries of seasonal lifeguards and recruiting more permanent staff. The department has assured him that they will do everything they can to meet the demand for lifeguards in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, it will increase the number of training courses for lifeguards and offer incentives to encourage them to work in the sector.