A swim is more than just an exercise – it’s good for your body, mind and wellbeing. Studies have shown that regular swimming can reduce your stress levels, boost your energy and even help you sleep better. Plus, it’s a fun activity you can enjoy with the whole family. So where can you find some of the best hongkong pools to go for a dip? We’ve rounded up a selection of our favourites.
The first pool on our list is the palatial indoor swimming pool at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Featuring a classically inspired design with wide marble columns, coffered ceilings and cornices, this is the perfect place to indulge in some luxury poolside lounging. Plus, you can swim with uninterrupted views of the iconic skyline – it doesn’t get much more relaxing than that!
Another luxurious option is the pool at Rosewood Hong Kong. Not only does it offer a beautiful setting for swimming, but it also comes complete with a deck where you can lounge around and soak up the sun all day and night. What’s more, you can indulge in a range of snacks and drinks by the poolside, from Alaskan king crab rolls to strawberry mirlitons.
For something a bit more quirky, head to Ma On Shan. The large water sports centre has four giant slides, including Hong Kong’s fastest slide at 9m high. The centre also has three leisure pools, along with teaching, training and Olympic-sized pools, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
The other big draw at Ma On Shan is the waterslide park, which offers a number of different slides and splash zones for all ages. The park is also home to a tree-shaped fountain, and there are also four other smaller slides, as well as a toddler pool and round stepping pool.
There are also a number of other great swimming spots in Hong Kong, with many of the city’s public pools opening for summer right now. But if you’re not up for a long swim, or are looking for a more relaxing experience, check out one of the city’s many spas, which have their own pools too.
Around 20 public pools will only partially reopen this month, and hundreds of licensed private pools may not open at all, due to a shortage of lifeguards, according to the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union (HKRSPGU). The union said modest salary increases would not address the problem, as public pool lifeguards are classified as artisans on the civil service pay scale. It added that a revamp of the lifeguard pay structure and a clearer career path were needed to attract more talent. The LCSD said it was continuing to work to address the issue. It has introduced a range of measures to ease the shortage, including hiring more seasonal staff and recruiting lifeguards on two-year contracts. It has also begun to increase the salary of pool lifeguards.