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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.