Play it Cool
- brittanypanter
- 2015年5月6日
- 讀畢需時 4 分鐘
When you live in a place as hot and humid as Macau, sometimes the only respite from the summer heat is a plunge in a cool and refreshing pool. Read ahead to discover a few of our favorites in the city where you don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the facilities, although a staycation does sound pretty tempting now that we think about it...
Banyan Tree

Photo: Live (or spend the day at least) in the lap of luxury at a beautiful Banyan Tree cabana
What’s included: Use of a cabana and grand resort deck facilities; which include a wave pool, white sand beach, and the new river rapids that are set to open soon. The offer also includes MOP1,000 credit for food and beverage so you can sip and snack as you relax.
When it’s open: Offer is available from 10am to 6pm
How much: Starting at MOP1,500 for up to four people
Why go: Unless you shell out the money to stay at the one of the hotels in the Galaxy Complex, this is the only other way you can get access to the grand resort deck facilities, as there are no day passes on offer.
Call: (853) 8883 6060
Holiday Inn

Photo: A day at the Holiday Inn's pool will keep kids (and adults) entertained
What’s included: Pool, gym and locker room facilities
When it’s open: Pool: 7am to 7pm (November 1st to April 30th) and 6am to 8:30pm (May 1st to October 31st) Gym: 6am to 10pm
How much: Adults MOP210, children (aged 3 to 16) MOP84
Why go: With six pools and three spas you may luck out and have one all to yourself. Be sure to bring the kids as their summer fun program offers entertainment from 10am to 11am and 4pm to 5pm.
Call: Pool: (853) 8113 6193
Gym: (853) 8113 6199
Conrad

Photo: The pool at Conrad offers a relaxing afternoon ideal for the whole family
What’s included: Pool, gym and locker room facilities
When it’s open: Pool: 7am to 7pm (until April 30th) and 6am to 8:30pm (May 1st to October 31st) Gym: 6am to 10pm
How much: Adults MOP210, children (aged 3 to 16) MOP84
Why go: Water features, private cabanas and all the chilled water you can drink. There are four pools and one spa pool, all you could ask for in a pool day. The comfortable sun loungers are just a bonus.
Call: Pool: (853) 8113 6163
Gym: (853) 8113 6166
Grand Hyatt

Photo: Grand Hyatt offers a perfect pool for practicing the butterfly
What’s included: Pool, fitness center and locker room facilities
When it’s open: Pool: 6am to 8pm (September to May) and 6am to 10pm (June to August) Fitness center: 6am to 12am
How much: MOP258++
Why go: The pool deck is open and spacious while the 40-meter pool is perfect for swimming laps. If it’s relaxation you're after, you’ll enjoy the section of the main pool with in-water loungers, while the kids can enjoy splashing about in the kiddie pool.
Call: (853) 8868 1193
Sheraton

Photo: Head to Sala at the Sheraton for an evening of barbecue and breeze
What’s included: Pool and gym (gym access for guests 16+ only)
When it’s open: Sala: 7am to 8:30pm (April to October); Jaya: 10am to 6pm all year; Gym: 6am to 10pm
How much: Adults, Monday to Friday MOP150+ and Saturday and Sunday MOP200+, children (under 16) Monday to Friday MOP75+ and Saturday and Sunday MOP150+
Why go: Sala and Jala offer shallow wading areas perfect for a kids’ day out, a Jacuzzi and lap pool. Be sure not to miss Sala’s Saturday Portuguese barbecues.
Call: (853) 8113-0228
Hard Rock

Photo: For a party scene it's hard to beat the pool at the Hard Rock Hotel
What’s included: Pool and gym
When it’s open: Pool: Open at 8am, closing times vary (call to confirm)
Gym: 8am to 9pm
How much: MOP200++ per person MOP360++ per couple
Why go: Beach volleyball and rock music add to the laid-back party atmosphere, and the you get to enjoy feeling the sand under your toes without trekking to Hac Sa. Wave, the pool bar offers great drink and snack deals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a Brazilian barbecue buffet offered on the weekend.
Call: Pool: (853) 8868 6169
Gym: (853) 8868 3318
Sofitel

Photo: Sofitel's pool offers interesting harbor views and refreshing ocean air
What’s included: Pool and gym
When it’s open: Pool: 6am to 10pm Gym: 6am to 10pm
How much: MOP300
Why go: Although the view looking over to neighbouring Zhuhai may not be as stunning as some harbour views (Hong Kong comes to mind) the backdrop to the pool still makes for an interesting setting. The gym is small but it has equipment enough for a quick workout and nice locker facilities.
Call: (853) 8861 7410
Crown Towers

Photo: It will be hard to leave the classy confines of the lock room, but well worth it when you do
What’s included: Pool, gym and locker room facilities
When it’s open: Pool: 8am to 8pm Gym: 8am to 8pm
How much: MOP350
Why go: A well-equipped locker room may make you never want to step foot outside with vitality pools, a sauna and steam rooms with experience showers. While the large circular swimming pool outside may not be the best for laps, the cabanas and water loungers allow for plenty of relaxation and tanning.
Call: (853) 8868 6883
Grand Lapa

Photo: Although it may not be the newest of the bunch, Grand Lapa's pool offers plenty of shade, and even a slide for the kids
What’s included: Pool and fitness facilities
When it’s open: 6:30am to 10pm
How much: MOP350 + 5%
Why go: The serene setting of the Grand Lapa pool is nice for a quiet afternoon to read a book and relax. The tennis courts allow you the chance to work on your backhand before you make your way to the indoor or outdoor whirlpool to soothe well-worked muscles. If you’re making a day of it, journey the few steps to have lunch at the fantastic Thai restaurant, NAAM (read our review here).
Call: (853) 8793 4824