Warmer weather is approaching. In celebration of getting some sun, let us spotlight standout destinations worth adding to your travel list. From rooftop pools perched above the Emerald Coast to vibrant Miami hotspots and serene waterfront retreats, these elevated escapes redefine poolside luxury. Whether you’re in the mood for high-energy vibes or quiet, sun-soaked relaxation, this curated roundup offers a little of both. Consider this your guide to where views, ambiance, and experience meet.
ROOFTOP POOLS & SKY-HIGH ESCAPES
Ara Rooftop & Pool Lounge – The Only Hotel Rooftop Pool on the Emerald Coast
Perched high above Florida’s dazzling Emerald Coast, Ara Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie is the only hotel rooftop pool in the area. Lounge in style from the comfort of a private cabana, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and savor mouthwatering dishes – all while soaking in breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon. Engage in playful competition with life-size chess or cornhole, or elevate your experience with rooftop yoga, wine tastings, bingo nights and electrifying live DJ sets.
Miami Vibes at ART Wynwood
At the heart of Wynwood’s vibrant cultural scene, Arlo Wynwood’s rooftop pool deck, ART Wynwood, is a hidden gem offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Miami and a larger-than-life mural by acclaimed graffiti artist ThankYouX. Its crown jewel, a sprawling 76-foot heated pool, beckons guests year-round for refreshing dips and rooftop revelry. Luxurious cabanas outfitted with sectional couches, mini fridges and TVs bring the comfort of a hotel room poolside, creating the ultimate retreat from the Miami sun.
The rooftop also offers outdoor showers for a quick refresh before taking your first dip in the water. Poolside service delivers creative cocktails and globally inspired dishes, perfect for lounging or enjoying at the bar. By day, it’s a serene oasis; by night, it transforms into a high-energy hot spot, complete with live DJs and electrifying pool parties.
Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Novotel Miami Brickell
Perched above the buzz of Brickell, Novotel Miami Brickell offers a rooftop pool experience that feels equal parts elevated and effortless. The hotel’s climate-controlled outdoor pool overlooks the Miami skyline, setting the scene for laid-back days with sweeping city views. Just steps away, Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge anchors the sun-soaked pool deck, where guests can lounge between dips and enjoy light bites and refreshing cocktails in a stylish, retro-inspired setting. Whether unwinding under the sun or easing into golden hour, Novotel’s rooftop pool delivers a vibrant slice of Miami from above.
The Betsy – South Beach
The Betsy – South Beach is a 130-room, family-owned oceanfront resort in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. Its Rooftop Pool is an infinity pool with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline, complemented by full bar and food service.
Set within a 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex, the pool deck offers a versatile, picturesque setting for everything from relaxed lounging to lively gatherings, with adjacent spaces like the Skyline Deck providing additional panoramic views for private events. The second pool is a family-friendly Courtyard Pool, offering a more tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush vegetation.
The Elser Hotel & Residences – An Urban Escape
The Elser Hotel & Residences features an expansive 19,000-square-foot sun deck, home to a stunning 132-foot-long resort-style pool with pristine views of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami and South Beach. This poolside retreat features relaxing daybeds and chaise lounges, ideal for soaking up the Miami sunshine.
Overhead is a showstopping 16-foot LED screen, which displays music videos, movies and sporting events, bringing the area to life. Enhancing the experience, the hotel boasts a massive hot tub offering incredible panoramic views of the Miami skyline. The pool area also hosts rooftop wellness experiences, including yoga and fitness classes, providing a balance of wellness and relaxation.
KID-FRIENDLY POOL EXPERIENCES
Headliner Pool and Serenity Pool at SkyBeach Resort
Located in the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, SkyBeach Resort invites guests to experience the perfect blend of history and modern luxury with its two resort-style pools. Both pools are original to the property (dating back to the 1950s) and capture the charm of Old Florida while offering elevated amenities. The expansive Headliner Pool, located just steps from the resort’s private beach, provides a vibrant escape with daybeds, cabanas and sweeping views of the Gulf. For those seeking tranquility, the Serenity Pool offers an intimate retreat with a soothing hot tub and a peaceful ambience, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can elevate their poolside experience with refreshing drinks and delicious bites served by SkyBar + Grille, the resort’s beachfront restaurant and bar, or transition from poolside lounging to an elevated dining experience at LUMA, the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant nearby, offering a refined waterfront setting.
Four Pools to Choose from at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Escape to a world of shimmering waters and sun-drenched serenity at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where four distinct pools offer their own slice of paradise. Watch the sky transform into a masterpiece of fiery hues at The Pool at Bayside, where sunsets over Choctawhatchee Bay are nothing short of spectacular. Find year-round bliss at the Phil Hummel Aquatic Center, with its inviting heated waters perfect for a refreshing dip in any season. For a truly tranquil retreat, the Linkside Pool on Audubon Drive promises uninterrupted relaxation in a peaceful, secluded setting. And when the ocean calls, head to the Beach House Pool – just steps from the shore – where the rhythm of the waves and the salty breeze complete the ultimate beachfront escape.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
It’s always summer on Miami Beach. Fortunately, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection has two of the best hotel pools in Miami. For guests looking to unwind in peace, the adults-only cabana pool is the place to be. Additionally, the hotel offers weekly morning yoga sessions by the pool for guests to kick off their day in a serene outdoor setting. Families can escape the heat at the family and kids pool area, lined with gorgeous palm trees and salmon-pink umbrellas and design elements. Poolside cabanas are available for parents to relax as the little ones splash around.
A FEW ADULT POOL PARTIES & FUN
The Pool at Strawberry Moon
The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a boutique hotel located in a central, historic section of South Beach. The hotel’s centerpiece is The Pool at Strawberry Moon, a 30,000-square-foot, high-energy pool club. This oasis evokes the glamour of 1950s Acapulco and Havana, offering a tropical-chic, Instagram-ready day club and bar perched above the busy streets of South Beach. Soft shades of mint, coral, pink and white set the scene, while twin pools lined with bold stripe tiles are divided by a central runway shaded by palm frond structured canopies. Scalloped cabanas and daybeds are available for daytime rentals, and an open-air bar offers craft cocktails. From Friday through Sunday, the space transforms into an upbeat pool party atmosphere featuring top-tier DJs, exclusive VIP cabanas and bottle service. For a calendar of upcoming events, click here. To reserve a table or purchase tickets, click here. Pool parties are complimentary for hotel guests.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds with three sparkling pools where guests can relax on chic chaise lounges or daybeds with premium shade and plush comfort. This modern waterfront resort also offers an adults-only pool, programmed with live music nearly every day of the week with cocktails provided by the resort’s poolside bar and restaurant, Starboard.
QUIET ESCAPES & INTIMATE POOLS
The Gates Hotel South Beach – A Tranquil Retreat
The Gates Hotel South Beach is a tranquil retreat located along the Collins Canal on beautiful Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach. The hotel’s expansive ground-level pool deck overlooks the canal and features custom double-sided cabanas. The deck, where most of The Gates’ weekly programming takes place, leads to the restaurant and includes lounging areas, a communal table for outdoor dining and a bar.
Hotel Continental – A MiMo Masterpiece
Originally established in 1948, Hotel Continental, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, is a boutique lifestyle hotel in Miami Beach’s vibrant Mid-Beach district. At the heart of the hotel is the iconic 1950s Miami Modern-inspired (MiMo) pool. This historic gem is anchored by the restored 1948 Continental sign, adding to its timeless appeal. The hotel blends retro-chic design inspired by Miami’s midcentury charm with modern traveler conveniences, such as poolside refreshments and beverages served daily.
The pool deck showcases an animated mural by Pedro Sena, which started from the desire to pay homage to the Hotel Continental, its aesthetics and its history and, by extension, to Miami Beach. The piece depicts a young woman at the beach, smiling and holding a colorful cocktail. She wears a swimsuit typical of the 1950s time period, and the whole mural resembles the style of famous illustrators from the mid-20th century, like Austin Briggs and Al Parker.
Plunge at Balfour Miami Beach
Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, Balfour Miami Beach, a Registry Collection hotel has a refreshing plunge pool accented with original terracotta mosaic tiles that reflect the property’s 1940s art deco heritage. Surrounded by lush greenery and plenty of sun, it’s designed for leisurely dips or lounging the afternoon away. Guests can unwind in an intimate courtyard setting with crisp cocktails, light bites and attentive service.
Rooftop and Resort Style at The Perry Hotel Naples
The Perry Hotel Naples, includes a ground-level pool and a sophisticated adults-only rooftop pool offering a tranquil escape surrounded by lush palm trees and plush chaise lounges. Guests can unwind on cozy sofas or retreat to luxurious daybeds for added privacy, while poolside service ensures effortless relaxation with fresh towels, sunscreen and refreshing snacks. Just above, the rooftop experience reaches new heights with a rooftop pool at Easy Tiger, the seventh-floor bar curated by mixology icon Lynnette Marrero, offering handcrafted cocktails alongside stunning panoramic water views.
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