8 of the most amazing sand-bottom pools in the world
Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
White, powdery sand with gentle waves lapping on the shore… Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? But sometimes the beach isn't always so idyllic: seaweed, jellyfish, rocky sand, rough surf — and all that salty ocean water. What's a beach lover to do?
One idea that some hotels are honing in on is the sand-bottom pool. It provides all the fun of the beach with none of the annoyances. Giving guests the best of both worlds, sand-bottom pools allow swimmers to feel soft sand at their feet as they enjoy the tranquility of a clean, temperature-controlled swimming pool.
Here are eight stunning sand-bottom pools and lagoons at hotels around the world.
Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort
This deluxe Accor resort near Tahiti's capital city of Papeete is home to the South Pacific's largest sand-bottom swimming pool, measuring 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet). The manmade, white powder sand beach is equipped with loungers and umbrellas, and its turquoise blue water is always the perfect temperature. Since this is French Polynesia, the hotel includes overwater bungalows with stunning views of Moorea. Unfortunately, the resort is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it plans to reopen in late 2021.
Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino
It's hard to tell where the pool ends and the beach begins at this Caribbean resort in Curaçao. Guests take the elevator up to the second floor to the pool deck, where they are greeted by miles of azure and sapphire blue water. They can relax in loungers that surround the saltwater, sand-bottom infinity-edge pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea or head down to the Infinity Beach Club for beverages.
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
This family-friendly Hawaiian resort is situated on 25 oceanfront acres on the eastern shore of Kauai. The resort has a spacious oceanfront pool area with four swimming pools, including two lagoon pools with impressive waterfalls and a kiddie pool with a sandy bottom that's perfect for little ones. There's also a waterslide, hot tub and poolside lounge chairs.
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
King's Pond is the most distinctive of the seven pools at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. This freeform, saltwater pool is carved into lava rock and has a sandy bottom. It's essentially a 1.8 million gallon swimmable aquarium that's home to more than 4,000 tropical fish, turtles and a spotted eagle ray. It brings the experience of the ocean to the feel of a pool, where kids can learn how to snorkel and snuba (a cross between snorkel and scuba) and participate in wildlife feedings.
The Scott Resort & Spa
A Mission-inspired hotel in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, The Scott has two pools: La Boca and La Playa. Set amid a leafy sanctuary, La Playa has a sand-bottom pool that offers a beach-like oasis in the center of the resort. Sandcastle building on the manmade beach is a popular pastime.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, Florida, is a 750,000-gallon, beachside wonderland. There's a gently sloping manmade beach that leads into an expansive sand-bottom pool, as well as a lazy river and a life-size swimmable shipwreck replica. It's also home to one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort, an elevated tanning deck and three whirlpool spas. This substantial resort also has three other pools.
Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort
This seaside resort in Monaco has access to the sea bay and the Larvotto Marine Reserve — but if the sea is not appealing, the resort also has a gorgeous sand-bottom lagoon surrounded by a lush garden overlooking the bay that's open during the summer. Reserve a cabana for the ultimate day of sun and sand.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Formerly the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, a popular party spot, this property transformed into Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in 2021. Here, guests can get their swim on in Virgin's sand-bottom pool or chill in a reserved cabana or daybed. There's also Élia Beach Club, overlooking the pool, where DJs and celebrity artists come to perform when the pool and club are open during the season.
Additional reporting by Tanner Saunders.
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