Now that we are in the heart of spring -- and summer has unofficially begun -- hotel pools are guaranteed to be at their busiest soon. There are few things better than commandeering a poolside cabana, with a haul of reading material and not a care in the world except securing the proper SPF. And the best hotel pools in the world anticipate guests' needs seamlessly, ensuring that everything is covered.
Take Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort in Antigua. Like other properties on our list, it features a delicious poolside menu with lighter plates (fresh salads, fruit) and heartier fare (burgers). But when not noshing, guests can join staff-led yoga or Pilates sessions offered at the Verandah pool. (A convenient way to keep swimwear-fit without ever leaving the water.) Bookish sorts will appreciate its partnership with book publishers, which gives the resort access to new releases and future best sellers before even Kindle gets them.
At the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, no one will fault you if you end up spending the entire day at the poolside terrace, especially since private dinner service (by candlelight, no less) is available. Just ask the butler to arrange it.
Granted, waterside yoga and fantastic meals aren't the only things that will make you want to spend a full day at the pool. Perks as simple as inspiring surroundings, such as the verdant green rice paddies that dominate views at the Loy Kham Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, Thailand, hold guests' attention. And a poolside pop-up shop at the Standard in Hollywood provides the opportunity for some retail therapy. After all, you never quite know what mood will strike in the sun.
--Chadner Navarro
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