Ready to enjoy an exquisite cocktail, or perhaps a fresh ceviche, while floating in pure bliss? Few things beat a swim-up pool bar, where you don’t even have to leave the water to sip in style.
While the swim-up pool bar has its origins in 1950s Las Vegas, when developers were looking to keep dedicated gamblers active even as they took a swim, and later, the Caribbean, today’s iterations range from opulent infinity pools overlooking pristine coastlines and secluded retreats nestled amidst lush tropical gardens to Airbnbs with pools and bars. But whatever your style, the sheer elegance and tranquility of these luxurious aquatic havens makes them all must-visits.
Whether you desire a sun-soaked Caribbean escape, a Mediterranean hideaway, or a lush Asian paradise, these 11 bars will take you to the pinnacle of swim-up bar sophistication.
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Conrad Punta de Mita, Mexico
The Aura Pool Bar at the Conrad Punta de Mita is an adults-only swim-up bar located in a secluded corner of the main pool and features spacious cabanas, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and delicious drinks made by the resort’s professional bartenders. This hidden oasis goes beyond fruity, colorful cocktails, serving a menu that includes sushi, ceviche, oysters, tuna tartare, and more.
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Canaves Oia, Greece
The Infinity Modern Bistro & Bar features Santorini’s first swim-up bar, set within an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. Swim inside Canaves Oia's cave to uncover a bar menu filled with Greek favorites, like spanakopita dumplings, marinated raw fish and calamari, and more elevated dishes like lobster tagliolini.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico
Located in the center of the resort pool, Crudo, the swim-up bar at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, features a menu that includes not only plenty of the bar’s namesake raw dishes but also everything from fresh guacamole to grilled tuna steak sliders. Guests who make the swim to the center of the pool can also delight in signature cocktails like the Mexican Perfect Martini and the Smoked Paloma.
O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados
Enjoy jerk chicken skewers and fish tacos alongside mojitos and white rum old-fashioneds at H2O, one of O2 Beach Club’s two swim-up bars. The adult-only pool is the perfect place to people watch while spending an afternoon relaxing and trying some of the island’s renowned rums. Best of all, if you book one of their swim-up suites, you’ll have direct access to H2O right from your room.
Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawaii
Talk about secluded! This swim-up bar is tucked away inside a cave you enter through a waterfall. The secretive spot at the Hyatt Regency Maui is accessible from the main pool, and once you’re inside, you’ll be able to sample cocktails that celebrate Hawaiian flavors and the surrounding environment of Lahaina and the Pacific—like their take on a Moscow Mule, infused with lemongrass for an added kick.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Set within a stunning infinity pool, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s Aqua Bar serves up a menu of light snacks, signature cocktails, and beer right in the pool, with an ocean view. The bar features a full menu of exclusive cocktails like the namesake Grand Velas, made with white rum and cantaloupe liqueur, and the signature Aqua Bar, which has white rum, vodka, pineapple juice, and red wine.
Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin
Less tropical than some of the other bars on this list but no less extraordinary, the year-round swim-up bar at Sundara Inn & Spa has balmy 84-degree water no matter what the weather is like outside. The pool features both indoor and outdoor sections, with a gas fire running down the center of the outdoor portion. While the outdoor area occasionally closes in frigid temps (think below zero), you can beat the Wisconsin winters at the indoor pool’s swim-up bar any time.
Meliá Koh Samui, Thailand
One of the highlights of this expansive, lushly shaded pool is the swim-up bar that ensures you won’t have to leave the water to re-up your afternoon drink. Relax under the palms with one of the property’s signature cocktails or float out into the 2,200-foot-long pool that overlooks Choeng Mon Beach. Meliá Koh Samui's pool bar also features a menu of light bites, making it the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon in the sun.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
How many swim-up bars offer fine French Champagne? The Le Lotus Swim-Up Bar at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa does—along with tropical cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies. After getting a Mai Tai (or a glass of bubbly), relax in the 2,600 square-foot freshwater infinity pool, which even has a sandy bottom to simulate being in the ocean. Be sure to catch the sunset over the volcanic hills of the nearby islands.
Hotel Monte Mulini, Croatia
This Croatian hotspot is set above the mesmerizing Lone Bay, ensuring stunning panoramic views with your drink in hand. While the menu includes plenty of poolside favorites like Mai Tais and margaritas, we’re big fans of the Vina Radovan rosé, made from grapes grown just 35 minutes away in Višnjan.
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StolenTime, St. Lucia
StolenTime’s swim-up bar, the Pool Bar, is a lively social space with a full menu of Caribbean-inspired cocktails—think plenty of rum! If relaxing in the pool with a drink in hand isn’t enough, guests also have the opportunity to participate in the Mixology at StolenTime program, which lets them create their own original drink to be judged by fellow guests. The winner receives the Best Cocktail award, with their creation available to order.