The Raleigh
The Raleigh’s Art Deco swimming pool is one of the most iconic on Miami Beach. In fact, Life magazine called it “the most beautiful pool in America” in 1947. Designed by architect L. Murray Dixon, it takes on the outline of a baroque beveled mirror and was made famous in the 1950s by movie star and synchronized swimmer Esther Williams. Today, The Raleigh retains its mid-century charm with the beautifully landscaped pool and a lovely al fresco restaurant shaded by seagrape trees.
The Biltmore
At 23,000-square-feet, The Biltmore’s swimming pool was once the largest in the world. Set amidst a stunning Mediterranean Revival resort in Coral Gables that was dreamed up by George Merrick in the 1920s, it’s one of the most legendary hotels in Miami. The pool is a true oasis surrounded by palm trees, lounge chairs, cabanas and Roman-style sculptures.
Fontainebleau
The Fontainebleau is a classic Miami Modern hotel originally built in 1954 by Morris Lapidus. Once a playground to the Rat Pack and a filming location for James Bond’s Goldfinger, the poolscape is iconic. With 11 distinct pool experiences spanning the spacious oceanfront area, the choice is yours between the free-form, bowtie-inspired pool (a hallmark of the hotel’s original lobby flooring still intact today) or the children’s waterscape complete with a winding waterslide. There are also multiple daybed, cabana and lounge chair options to choose from.
Delano
The Delano opened in 1995, ushering in South Beach’s renaissance as a playground for celebrities, models and the international jetset. Designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager, the hotel’s infinity pool is surrounded by an Alice in Wonderland-like poolscape with trees trimmed in the shape of gumdrops and an oversized chess set. At the far end, you’ll find a café table in ankle deep water and the rest of the pool is a level four-feet so you can traverse one side to the other and socialize without compromising a cocktail in hand.
W Miami
With three wet-edge infinity pools spanning a two-acre pool deck leading towards stadium-style seating overlooking Biscayne Bay, W Miami claims the longest pool in Miami. This high-style hotel is a feast for the senses with breathtaking views and plenty of areas to lounge along this oversized pool deck. Expect a DJ spinning ambient house music on the weekend for a festive atmosphere.
The Miami Beach EDITION
The Miami Beach EDITION opened its doors in December 2015 restoring a historic property on 29th Street along with its original swimming pool complete with its decorative diving platform. They also built a second pool amidst the lovely, rolling landscape. The central Tropicale Bar features a circular rooftop space ideal for lounging with a frozen cocktail in hand. Surrounded by palm trees and hanging plants along the restaurant’s poolside patio, it’s definitely a chic spot to cool off.
Turnberry Isle
Turnberry Isle is a gorgeous destination resort in Aventura boasting two unique poolscapes. The 7,500-square-foot Laguna pool features a sprawling lagoon pool with a 1,600-foot lazy river and a 35-foot high waterslide for an action-packed pool day with the whole family. By contrast, the Cascata Pool is designed for adults-only inside a Mediterranean-style courtyard, shaded by lush palm trees, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
Epic
Perched on the 16th floor, the Epic hotel’s swimming pool offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River and the downtown skyline for a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe. Anchored by Area 31 restaurant and Exhale Spa, enjoy your afternoon with a core fusion barre class, a spa treatment and then relax poolside over lunch surrounded by an upbeat, yet mellow scene.