Hong Kong Pools With a View

Say “Hong Kong” and you’ll probably think of a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers, busy streets and crowded shops. But the city is also home to a number of stunning (and refreshing) pools. These gorgeous hotels and resorts offer up the best views, top-notch facilities, a few libations and lots of lounging. So if you’re looking to escape the summer heat, get your swim on at one of these incredible Hong Kong pools with a view.

The swanky Asaya pool at Rosewood Hong Kong is just that: a stunning infinity pool with a one-of-a-kind view of Victoria Harbour’s calming waters. Located on the 6th floor, the 25-meter pool is perfect for laps or simply relaxing in the sun with a drink in hand. And when you’re done swimming, you can head to the hotel’s Red Sugar terrace bar for a drink and some tasty bar chow. Then at sunset, the place to be is right by the pool as the sun sinks into the Hong Kong horizon.

Asaya isn’t the only pool with a spectacular view at this luxury hotel. The hotel also has two more pools, both offering amazing views of the city skyline and the calm waters of Victoria Harbour. And if you’re in the mood for a little splashing around, the hotel has plenty of kids-friendly pools with slides and water features.

If you’re a keen swimmer, make sure to check out the Pao Yue Kong swimming complex in Wong Chuk Hang. This sprawling complex offers pools of all sizes, from a lane-free main pool to diving and training pools. And for the kids, there are a slew of water installations including mushroom and tree-shaped fountains as well as four waterslides.

Despite a recent surge in typhoid cases, the city’s public swimming pools are open for business, but there are concerns that some facilities could be closed due to a lack of lifeguards. A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union said 20 of the city’s 45 pools had already told their swimming clubs that they couldn’t operate all of their facilities. The closures include leisure pools, paddling pools and children’s facilities, which could affect swim classes.

The union urged the government to revamp the salary structure for lifeguards and set up a career path to attract new talent. Currently, the salaries of public lifeguards start at HK$17,675 per month and are capped at HK$24,500. The union also called on the city to provide more training opportunities for full-time and temporary lifeguards.

The city has 22 public swimming pools under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, with an entrance fee of HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends. Concession rates are available for persons with disabilities, those aged 60 and above, and full-time students. For more information, visit the department’s website.