With summer in full swing, a refreshing dip is one of the best things to do to beat the heat. And in Hong Kong, with its typically sweltering weather and high-rise living, there aren’t too many places better to cool off than at an incredible rooftop pool. Luckily, there are plenty of pools in the city to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an infinity pool or a whirlpool, Portier Explorer has got you covered!
Located on the 42nd floor of Cordis Hotel, this breathtaking infinity pool is sure to take your breath away. Towering over Mongkok’s busy streets, the pool is an oasis of tranquility for anyone lucky enough to make it there early enough to get a number of uninterrupted laps in and to nab a coveted cabana. Alternatively, you can also relax in one of the cozy chaise lounges and soak up some rays while sipping on a drink or snack from the pool bar.
The pool is open to both guests and non-hotel guests from 6am-8pm, so even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy a day out in the sun with beautiful views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, the hotel offers special poolside brunches and drinks for HP Club members!
The largest swimming pool in the Chinese Special Administrative Region, this modern complex is a sight to behold. Designed by Terry Farrell and Partners, the futuristic spaceship-like pool opened in February along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, providing swimmers with a stunning view as they go about their daily swim. The outdoor pool has lanes for training, while the indoor pool is free form and has a whirlpool for those looking to relax and float.
Although Hong Kong’s Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) has said that it will be difficult to close public pools in the long term, the coronavirus restrictions have already had a catastrophic effect on elite swimmers who have been forced to train at home for the past six months. The HKASA is worried that if the ban continues for too long, it will affect the development of future generations of elite swimmers, which is already a hugely popular sport in the former British colony with some 10,000 competitive swimmers.
Public pools in Hong Kong are operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) according to the law of Hong Kong. When the Urban Council and Regional Council were disbanded at the turn of the millennium, management of all public pools was entrusted to LCSD.
While most of the city’s public pools are fully reopened, some have been closed partially due to a shortage of lifeguards. Some private pools have also decided to keep their pools closed this summer, citing the same problem of staffing. Hopefully, these problems will be resolved by the end of summer so that people can go back to splashing around in the water!