Summer weather has hit Hong Kong, and you know what that means: scorching hot
days and sweltering nights. It also means junk trips and afternoons at the beach, but sometimes you just can’t be bothered to commit to either — and that’s when it’s time to head to the nearest pool for a day of fun and relaxation. Here’s our definitive guide to the best pool day passes on both sides of the harbour.1. Harbour Grand Hong Kong, North Point
There are few things that can beat an iced tea (boozy or not) with prime views of the harbour. One of the more wallet-friendly day passes in the city, Harbour Grand Hong Kong’s day pass package includes access to the state-of-the-art health club, as well as the jacuzzi and sauna facilities inside each changing room.
Opening hours: 8:00am –7:00 pm
Bonus tip: After a day spent idling about the Harbour-facing pool, head up to the 41st floor to enjoy the nighttime skyline from Le 188° Restaurant and Lounge — named for its incredible 188-degree panorama of both sides of the pond. There’s live music every evening from 7–11pm. Remember to pack some proper attire, though — there’s a strict no shorts and sandals rule for gents.
2. Cordis Hong Kong
Sunbathing poolside on the 42nd floor can’t get much higher, especially with spectacular views of Kowloon and a refreshing housemade ice pop in hand. Jump in the 20-metre-long heated pool and relax with the underwater audio system and fibre optic lighting effects. A day pass comes with access to spa steam facilities.
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm (Sunday – Thursday)
6:30am – 10pm (Friday – Saturday)
Bonus tip: For a post-pool bite, tuck into Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social’s new Picnic on the Beach Afternoon Tea (HK$498 for two, 3–5pm through 30 September), which includes two Golden Pineapple cocktails by award-winning mixologist Leo Cheung. The set also includes a hydrating travel kit from Korean skincare brand su:m37° for each guest — perfect to nourish the skin after some sun.
3. Kerry Hotel
Kerry Hotel’s astonishing infinity pool and the view from it is the absolute draw here — and as always, the view is better from this side of town looking back over the island, we reckon. The pass includes use of the gym, steam facilities, and jacuzzi in the locker rooms.
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (Monday – Thursday); 9am – 10pm (Friday); 6am – 10pm (Saturday) and 6am – 6pm (Sunday).
Bonus tip: After a dip, we recommend sequestering a corner of the lush terrace garden at Red Sugar, and diving into their happy hour until 7pm. If you’ve got a heartier appetite, book in on Sundays for their Long Lazy Lunch, which features Robbins Island wagyu and Boston lobster: HK$1,288 per person includes free-flow Veuve Clicquot champers and Cloudy Bay wines, or HK$1,888 per person, including a bottle of Dom Pérignon for every two guests.
4. Le Méridien Cyberport
For a secluded mini-getaway from the city, head west to Cyberport for Le Méridien’s outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. It’s only open to the public from Monday to Thursday — unfortunately, you’ll need to be a member or be invited by a member or in-house guest to enjoy the pool the rest of the week. For more information, see here.
Opening hours: 6:30am – 8pm
Bonus tip: Upgrade your pooltime by attending Le Méridien’s ‘Au Soleil’ programme of summer poolside soirées: think ice-cold Peronis and Aperol spritzes by the water, chill DJ tunes and games of backgammon like they do by the Côte d’Azur. Held on 3 August, 7 September and 5 October, the all-day party also features free-flow drinks packages (HK$588 in advance or HK$688 at the door) as well as packages including a lunch buffet (HK$688 in advance or HK$888 at the door).
5. Conrad Hong Kong
At the Conrad’s heated outdoor pool with its cosy couples cabanas, a day pass includes access to the sauna, steam and whirlpool facilities. If you want to use the gym, it’s HK$480 on weekdays, HK$600 on weekends and holidays.
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm
Bonus tip: Weekend brunch at Nicholini’s and Brasserie by the Eighth includes free-flow Perrier-Jouët from HK$678 per head (Saturdays).
6. Langham Hong Kong
Like its sister hotel Cordis, Langham Hong Kong has a wonderful rooftop pool on its elegant deck on the 15th floor, and a day pass includes access to the gym and sauna. Order a skinny cocktail and lounge away the afternoon with a book. If you’re a member or a guest of one, prices are discounted to HK$200 on weekdays and HK$300 on weekends.
Opening hours: 7am – 10pm
Bonus tip: The Bostonian Seafood and Grill in the basement has a great value semi-buffet lunch on weekdays through Saturdays (HK$268), or you can splash out on Sundays on its four-hour Champagne brunch with free-flow Perrier-Jouët on Sundays (HK$658).
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
While The Ritz-Carlton’s pool day pass is on the pricey side, nowhere in the city can you beat the glorious views from the only infinity pool 118 floors above ground. Running alongside floor-length windows, it’s almost as if you could just swim straight into the harbour itself. The pass includes access to steam and jacuzzi facilities and the fitness centre.
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm
Bonus tip: Splash out at the Ultimate Dom Pérignon Brunch atop Ozone on the 118/F floor — this Sunday brunch may just be Hong Kong’s most decadent, featuring a full buffet of fresh seafood, a grilling station, foie gras, unctuous Bellota Bellota ham, an extensive dessert section, and of course, free-flowing Dom Pérignon 2008 or Rosé (from HK$1,488).
8. The Mira
At the MiraSpa’s sparkling indoor heated pool, located in the basement, you can enjoy a dip and a relaxed poolside afternoon even if the weather’s not ideal. It includes access to the fitness centre and also the sauna, whirlpool and curiously, a waterbed lounge.
Opening hours: 8am – 11pm
Bonus tip: Looking for a slice of decadence to while away a dreary Sunday? Head to WHISK’s weekly Sunday affair, which features dry aged beef, unlimited oysters and a ‘secret room’ of cheeses and desserts for HK$548 (and an additional HK$250 for free-flow alcoholic drinks).
9. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
One of Hong Kong’s favourite heated outdoor swimming pools, the Grand Hyatt’s expansive oasis features a 50-metre pool, a hard-to-beat view of the Central skyline, and tranquil, tropical vibes. A day pass includes access to the pool, gym, and Plateau Spa’s unique harbour-facing saunas.
Opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset (approximately 6:30am – 6:30pm)
Bonus tip: It’s the perfect weather for a poolside barbecue at the Grand Hyatt Grill. With dinner priced at HK$568, you can take your pick from fresh chargrilled seafood, steaks and chops and perfect wines to pair. Or, start your day with a weekend brunch at HK$588 per person.
10. Island Shangri-La
For a view of Hong Kong’s most iconic skyscrapers, almost at arm’s reach, the Island Shangri-La’s pool is certainly one of the most fabulous choices — especially during golden hour when the buildings begin to light up. Make a day out of it with access to the gym, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, and steam facilities.
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm (Monday to Thursday) and 7am – 10pm (Friday to Sunday).
Bonus tip: To up the vacation vibes, order from a range of tequila- and rum-based tropical cocktails on offer at the Waterside pool bar, which also serves Thai dishes. There’s also healthy smoothies, fresh juices and (if you’re looking to feel like a kid again) ridiculous Island-style sundaes on offer to cool down from the Hong Kong summer.
11. Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers
The harbour-facing Sheraton Hong Kong offers serene views of the Island from the 18th floor, and there are three heated jacuzzis in case you grow tired of sunbathing all day. Best of all, it’s only HK$300 for a day pass to the pool and fitness centre, and you get to sign up for group classes too.
Opening hours: Opening in intervals from 6am – 8am, 9am – 11am, noon – 3pm, 4pm – 7pm, 8pm – 10pm
Bonus tip: After a day of lounging in the sun, head up to Morton’s to cool down with their ridiculously indulgent ice cream fudge sundaes.
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