19 of the most luxurious hotel pools in Australia
Kick back on a plush sun lounge with a cocktail in hand at these lavish hotel lagoons, plunge pools and swimming spots.
Australia is a nation of beachgoers, but there's nothing quite like kicking back on a plush sun lounge and spending a day by a lavish hotel pool. After all, it’s not just about cooling off, but the entire poolside experience — sipping an expertly-prepared cocktail; having snacks delivered to your cabana; finally reading the novel you bought months ago; indulging in a massage.
So, escape to the hotel pool on a pocket-sized holiday. We’ve rounded up 19 of the best in the nation, proving that we do waterside relaxation like no other.
Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
Wine lovers should head to the gorgeous Jackalope Hotel, where the spectacular 30m heated black-tiled pool looks out over a picture-perfect 11ha vineyard. Select your perch on the timber deck, stretch out and order a glass of the region’s finest chardonnay or pinot noir. In addition to the swimming spot and a pavilion for spa treatments, there’s also all-day poolside dining and unlimited Wi-Fi.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Sitting in the pool at Capella Lodge is a pinch-me moment that looks like it belongs on a postcard or computer wallpaper. The acclaimed lodging on Lord Howe Island, NSW, boasts a wet edge pool with views of Lover's Bay and Mounts Gower. Select rooms also include private swimming holes. Opt for the Makambo Loft or Lidgbird Pavilion for your own plunge pool or reserve the Catalina Suite or Lagoon Loft for a hot tub with loungers.
Crown Towers, Sydney
Situated on the fifth level of the mammoth Crown Towers development in Sydney, the venue’s expansive heated pool boasts panoramic views of the CBD skyline, private cabanas and poolside dining. Other stand-out amenities include a waterfront tennis court, a private fitness studio overlooking the city skyline and science-led wellness experiences.
Elements of Byron, Byron Bay
Byron Bay has plenty of photogenic accommodation options, but the expansive lagoon pool at Elements of Byron should put it high on any list. It is open only to resort guests and comes with private cabanas and hanging day beds. The water temperature is meticulously controlled and there’s a heated spa.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Each of the villas at this bush property has a heated private pool that can be opened to the elements via bi-fold glass doors. Alternatively, guests can head to the resort’s generous outdoor pool, which delivers escarpment views. It’s adjacent to the award-winning spa, where a range of soothing treatments using the Sodashi skincare line is available. Hungry? There’s no need to get up. The nearby Country Kitchen serves refined casual fare and poolside drinks throughout the summer.
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach
There’s a refined yet retro vibe to the pool at this boutique property in northern NSW. Blue and white-striped deck chairs enhance the maritime theme, while palm trees lend a tropical touch. Many of the guestrooms, with their distinctive Anna Spiro decor, offer pool views, but our top pick is the Halcyon Suite, which has a private balcony overlooking the turquoise water and gardens.
The Langham, Sydney
Fancy swimming under the stars? You can at The Langham — even during the day. The ceiling of the hotel’s indoor pool resembles the night sky, enveloping you in a celestial blanket. Float on your back with the heavens above, then give sore muscles some love in the heated Jacuzzi.
The Old Clare, Sydney
Charming is the word that springs to mind on seeing the pool at Sydney’s Old Clare hotel. The property is slick, but there’s something intimate about this compact inner-city lap pool, surrounded by timber decking and sun lounges. Enjoy your vantage of the city skyline with an expertly prepared margarita.
Beach Club Hotel, Hamilton Island
This oceanfront wonder in Hamilton Island’s Beach Club Hotel comes with hammocks, deck chairs and sunset cocktails, as well as the visual feast of Catseye Beach. Being a child-free oasis, the boutique property is well suited to honeymooners, couples seeking quality time together and parents taking a break from their duties.
Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane
Competition is steep for Brisbane's best rooftop pool but Crystalbrook Vincent on the Howard Smith Wharves is a serious contender. The outdoor rooftop pool has unrivaled views of the city skyline. Since space is limited, guests are afforded privacy as they soak in the area’s tranquillity. The hotel’s proximity to some of Brisbane's best restaurants, as well as its commitment to providing sustainable luxury, make it an ideal choice for both visitors and locals looking to book a staycation.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Gold Coast
The ocean comes to guests at the revamped JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Its saltwater lagoon is home to tropical fish, which snorkellers can watch being fed daily; other attractions include waterfalls, a grotto and a waterslide. Deck chairs are arranged in the sand but for guests who prefer to keep their toes clean, there are plenty of other seating options around the pool, which winds sinuously through the resort.
Orpheus Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef
Exclusive is the name of the game at Orpheus Island Resort. Guests arrive by helicopter from Townsville or Cairns, and the resort accommodates only 28 people at a time. With its own ribbon of beach, it’s hard to compete with a setting that includes ocean panoramas towards Hinchinbrook Island. However, the place gives Mother Nature a run for her money at the black-tiled infinity pool, framed on either side by palm trees slung with hammocks.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Muted blush and eucalyptus tones create the sense of a year-round summer playground, allowing you to drift off into a dreamy escape, no matter the season or weather. After doing a few languid laps of the jewel-tone pool, recharge yourself with a nap in the shaded cabanas or jump into a sensory medispa experience.
Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast may be famous for its beaches but the opulent Palazzo Versace hotel has a lagoon pool to rival them all, with its own sandy shore lined with lounges and umbrellas. Private cabanas, sheathed in diaphanous drapes, are available for hire and include concierge service offering the likes of champagne and oysters. This is next-level poolside indulgence.
The Langham, Gold Coast
Featuring views of the Pacific Ocean, The Langham’s outdoor lagoon is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural serenity of an oceanic landscape. If you’re fiending for a refreshment while taking a dip, the ground-level pool features a fully serviced swim-up pool bar; why not sip on a negroni sbagliato while you soak in the view?
The Ville, Townsville
For a pool experience that transports you to Bali, Santorini or the Amalfi Coast, try Townsville’s The Ville. Flanked by palm trees and brilliant bougainvillea, and with views out to Magnetic Island, this is the spot for tropical glamour. Cabanas for eight are available for hire and non-guests are welcome to buy pool passes for a day by the water. Swim up to the Splash Bar for a snack and a drink.
Lake Argyle Resort, Lake Argyle
Touted as the most spectacular pool in the Kimberley, this 35m beauty with an adjacent Jacuzzi delivers views of the vast freshwater lake formed by the damming of the Ord River. Like a mirror to the sky, the water changes colours with the light, transforming from the vibrant turquoise of midday to violet-tinged orange at sunset. The pool is open to visitors as well as guests of the caravan park and resort.
The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
The Ritz-Carlton’s heated outdoor infinity pool overlooks the Swan River and Matagarup Bridge. Perched on the fifth floor, the pool is the ideal spot for taking in the city skyline with a sundowner in hand. The space is minimalist in design with Scandi-style sun lounges.
Longitude 131, Uluru
This glamorous lodge has 16 pavilion tents dotted among the desert oaks of the Red Centre. A communal pool brings welcome relief to guests during summer’s 40C days. However, those in the know opt for the two-bedroom Dune Pavilion, which boasts a private plunge pool complete with views of the World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Privacy is assured on the deck, which also has a daybed and fireplace.
