There are pools—and then there are hotel pools.
While it might be crazy to think that us Sydneysiders could possibly be in need of yet another body of water to swim in, hotel pools offer up a different kind of luxury, the kind sandy, crowded beaches just can’t compete with.
And the good news is that there’s a neat collection of insane hotel pools in Sydney and regional NSW that are worth adding to your next road trip getaway. In our opinion these pretty pools put the lavish swimming spots dotted around Lake Como to shame. Why? Because these babies are right in your backyard.
Check out the best hotel pools in NSW.
Halcyon House
Cabarita Beach
Located just a minute’s walk from the nearest beach, Halcyon House is a sickenly beautiful boutique hotel reminiscent of Australian summers past. The outdoor rectangular pool at this lil’ slice of heaven is completely surrounded by beautiful decking, towering palm trees, white sun umbrellas and pinstriped deck chairs. The pool is also beachfront, which means you’ll be lapping up some cheeky views from the shoreline and look, after you’ve spent an entire day sliding in and out of the hotel’s dreamy lagoon, it only makes sense to hit the steam room or try a thermal infusion facial.
Bannisters Pavilion
Mollymook Beach
It could be one of the most famous pools in NSW alone but the glass pool at Bannisters Pavilion is basically your wildest swimming dreams turned into a reality. Sitting loud and proud on the pavilion’s rooftop (which just so happens to be located about an 80-metre walk from the beach) and surrounded by a ring of coastal tropics, the pool here sits high within the treetops and next to the hotel’s rooftop bar and grill. The glass pool means you can absolutely dive in and spy on the street below and the deck here is made up of yellow and white-striped umbrellas and deck chairs. And, if a northern escape is more your jam, you can take a dip in a similar tree-lined pool at Bannisters Port Stephens.
The Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Port Stephens
Set within the sand dune-laden, dolphin, and adventure capital of Port Stephens is a hotel oozing all the sailing elegance and an award-winning seafood restaurant called The Wild Herring. As for the pool situation here, it overlooks a collection of moored yachts and keeps the dreamiest set-up for a night time dip. When the sun sets, the heated pool lights up with flowing blue and purple hues and because of the hotel’s protected location, you’ll feel like you’re swimming in the middle of the ocean with no one else around.
Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
Palm Beach
Okay, this beachside escape is unlike anywhere else in Australia. Famed for its privacy and unparalleled views, Jonah’s is an ocean retreat nestled onto the cliffs of Sydney’s Whale Beach. There are only 11 rooms here with each room sporting its own private balcony, spa and (just casually) 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel pool here is outdoor and a little more on the chilly side—but if there’s a water wonderland that clocks in with the best view ever, it’s easily this one. Along with this, Jonah’s also just happens to be one of the best places to hit for a long lunch in Sydney.
Sofitel
Darling Harbour
If it’s a city staycation you’re after, you’ll want to pay attention to this one. In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, there lies an infinity rooftop pool which sports unbelievable views of glorious skyrises. If a touch of French luxury is what you’re after, draw your attention to the 590-room Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and its Le Rivage Pool Bar. Featuring a stunning infinity pool, the pool bar here pours inventive cocktails (the Le Flambeau is a must) and rare Champagnes. The pool is also heated all year around, which means, should you ever throw down a staycation here, a sneaky dip with a side of some panoramic views is a must.
Emirates One & Only
Wolgan Valley
There are many reasons you need to make sure staying at Emirates One & Only is high up on your travel bucket list. Apart from being one of the best places to stay in regional NSW and being one of the most romantic (and even being one hell of an epic wellness retreat), this ticks-all-the-boxes luxury institution knows how to make up a heated pool all too worthy of a road trip. Here, it’s all about embracing the sheer beauty of the Greater Blue Mountains and that’s pretty easily done from your own temperature-controlled private pool. This guy spans seven metres-long and spares some jaw-dropping scenes which you can cop from the floor to ceiling windows.
Now, check out the best regional hotels in NSW.
Image credit: Destination NSW
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