Best Hotels with Swim-up Bars
Where to Find Great In-Pool Drinks and Dining?
For the ultimate luxury experience, book a stay at one of the best hotels with lavish swim-up bars. Sip cocktails, eat snacks, and drink freshly brewed coffee without ever having to leave the water. It’s the stuff of dreamy travel brochures and glossy vacation postcards.
Our guide showcases some of the world’s best hotels with swim-up bars in far-flung destinations like Bali, Mykonos, and Croatia. From sprawling jungle resorts to boutique seafront hotels, discover sparkling turquoise infinity pools, sunken banquette seating, and an impeccable level of service from the top-tier wait staff.
1. Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
The heart of Caribbean hospitality
Good for: Luxury, Food
At Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica, the swim-up bar isn’t just a feature; it’s a legacy. As the first Caribbean resort to introduce this now-iconic amenity, it set the gold standard for poolside luxury. Picture yourself gliding through crystal-clear waters to a submerged barstool, where a bartender hands you a frosty Bob Marley cocktail without you ever leaving the water. The vibe is lively yet laid-back, with the bar nestled mid-resort along the beach, offering gorgeous ocean views.
Beyond the bar, the resort dazzles with beachfront swim-up suites, 12 gourmet restaurants, and access to a mile-long private beach. Plus, you’ll enjoy full privileges at nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean, a 2-resorts-in-1 unforgettable escape.
Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
2. Viceroy Bali, Indonesia
A regal rainforest retreat overlooking the sacred Petanu River
Good for: Couples, Luxury
Widely considered to be Indonesia’s finest luxury resort, the Viceroy Bali offers an aquamarine infinity pool that effortlessly blends into the lush jungle surrounds of the hilly Balinese hinterland. Open daily, guests can enjoy refreshing beverages at its swim-up bar, including dragon fruit smoothies and pink lychee cocktails.
As for the hotel’s accommodation, Viceroy excels with a collection of premium villas that feature tranquil pool views, private terraces, 24-hour room service, and stylish marble bathrooms. Highly recommended is CasCades Restaurant with its menu of international dishes. Think wagyu picanha and green chicken curry served under a bamboo thatched building that’s surrounded by palms.
Viceroy Bali, Indonesia
3. Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A high-end haven for water lovers
Good for: Families, Couples, Luxury
Situated at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is a sprawling 5-star resort with a snake-like turquoise river pool with a fabulous swim-up bar. The adults-only part of the hotel, known as The Club, boasts a private beach with Bali beds, a trio of VIP lounges, and 4 exclusive pools where you can enjoy a drink in the sun.
After indulging in a refreshing Tajín Tango cocktail, retire to your suite for a soak in the hot tub or book an aromatic massage at the beautiful Blossom Spa. For an unforgettable meal, hit 9 Doors Japanese restaurant for tempting teppanyaki.
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
4. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico
The only private beach resort in Cabos
Good for: Families, Couples, Luxury
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection in Mexico is one of Cabo San Lucas’ most eminent hotels, popular for its ultra-swish hacienda, casita, and villa accommodations that boast beautiful beach vistas. A major highlight is the resort’s azure Palapa Pool which features dreamy views of the Sea of Cortez and a magical thatched-roof swim-up bar that serves ice-cold Margaritas.
When you’re not splashing about in the water, hit Esperanza’s eclectic collection of restaurants for an al fresco meal. We love the lantern-lit Cocina del Mar which is perched high up on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, the hotel spa offers a comprehensive menu of tantalizing treatments including Mayan cacao wraps and deep tissue massages.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico
5. InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG, French Polynesia
A pacific island paradise imbued with color and culture
Good for: Families, Couples, Luxury
InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG, French Polynesia is a 5-star haven that’s elevated with a cinematic backdrop of rugged volcanic peaks and glossy green gardens filled with tropical flowering plants. Aside from its natural beauty, the resort features exotic overwater bungalows that lead straight to the ocean, as well as a range of spacious guest rooms with sea-view balconies.
On the edge of the beach, you’ll find a glistening freshwater infinity pool as well as the Le Lotus sand-bottomed lagoon, which showcases a sleek swim-up bar and a bubbling Jacuzzi. Snorkel with sea turtles, scuba dive to sunken plane wrecks, or treat yourself to a Bora Bora Massage at the posh Algotherm Spa. Don’t miss the lavish Polynesian buffet at the Mini Heiva dance show.
InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG, French Polynesia
6. Hotel Monte Mulini, Croatia
Picture-postcard digs surrounded by pine forests
Good for: Couples, Luxury
An adults-only hotel in the historic fishing town of Rovinj, Monte Mulini overlooks the scenic Lone Bay, where tiny yachts and wooden boats bob about on the water. When it’s sunny, head to the private beach or take a dip in 1 of the 5 idyllic pools that are peppered across the grounds, including a wavy one with a swim-up bar that serves a selection of signature cocktails.
Monte Mulini is home to 112 exquisite rooms boasting upscale amenities and enviable perks like homemade pastries upon arrival. Foodies will adore the Michelin-featured Wine Vault for its artful European fare and top-notch vino, as well as an exclusive wellness enclave that offers volcanic hot stone massages.
Hotel Monte Mulini, Croatia
7. Melia Koh Samui, Thailand
A chic island hideaway
Good for: Families, Couples, Luxury
Melia Koh Samui is a high-end Thai resort on the shores of Choeng Mon Beach, a short drive from the airport. Set in palm-tree-studded gardens, its range of accommodations includes a nautical boat-shaped duplex and a collection of contemporary rooms that are ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking a little luxury.
Dive into Melia’s 700-meter lagoon-style pool that’s heightened with waterjets, swim-up bars, and a deeply soothing Jacuzzi zone. When it comes to meals, the Breeza Beach Restaurant offers relaxed waterfront dining in its fully covered terrace. You can even savor a 5-course dinner in a private beachside gazebo.
Melia Koh Samui, Thailand
8. Hotel Riu Touareg, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Saltwater serenity in a desert paradise
Good for: Photo, Luxury
Hotel Riu Touareg in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, is a striking blend of Saharan charm and Atlantic luxury. Its architecture draws inspiration from Moorish design, with grand archways, domed towers, and warm terracotta tones that echo the desert surroundings. The swim-up bar is set within a vast saltwater pool, offering a refreshing retreat where you can sip, soak, and sunbathe.
The resort features 6 pools, a Deluxe Wing for adults seeking tranquility, and a 24-hour all-inclusive service. With dramatic coastal views, themed restaurants, and vibrant evening entertainment, Riu Touareg delivers a unique escape that feels both exotic and indulgent.
Hotel Riu Touareg, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
9. The Palms Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The jewel of the Lucayan Archipelago
Good for: Families, Couples, Luxury
The Palms Turks and Caicos is a show-stopping resort nestled on the island of Providenciales. Recently revamped with an $18 million makeover, you can enjoy direct access to the white sands of Grace Bay Beach, a huge spa, and a solid collection of fine-dining restaurants like the Caribbean-inspired Parallel23.
The hotel’s sublime suites and penthouses are in a league of their own with their king-size beds, sleek kitchenettes, and interior designer furnishings. At the heart of The Palms is a reimagined deck with a sea-view infinity pool and an attractive swim-up cocktail bar which features water banquettes and a menu of superb cocktails.
The Palms Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos
10. Kivotos Mykonos Hotel, Greece
A five-star sanctuary beloved by celebrities
Good for: Couples, Luxury
With its stylish Cycladic architecture, secluded private beach, and wealth of contemporary artworks that are showcased throughout, Kivotos Mykonos Hotel in Greece appeals to a sophisticated set of travelers. A major drawcard is the hotel’s large saltwater pool, located on the lower level, which features floating sun beds, Aegean vistas, and an alluring swim-up bar area.
Head to the Azalea wellness center for a Lomi Lomi massage and Vinyasa flow yoga, before dining at Namah Restaurant for views of Ornos Bay. The accommodations are exceptional thanks to their private pools, open-air tubs, and a host of high-tech gadgetry.
Kivotos Mykonos Hotel, Greece
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