Say what you will about the opulence of a suite, the serenity of a spa and the magnetism of a bar — nothing shows off a hotel like a pool. With summer in full-swing in Vietnam, we’ve rounded up five of its coolest hotel pools for you to dive right into. From rooftop swimming holes to seemingly gravity-defying infinity pools, these beauties are made for days spent lazing by the water.
Related article: 48 Hours in Ho Chi Minh
The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh
In the age of FOMO, guests of The Reverie Saigon don’t need to miss a beat – literally. The hotel’s sixth floor 24-metre open-air swimming pool has its own underwater sound system that plays music that varies by the time of day.
For those who take a dip pre-dinner there’s an underwater light show that begins every day at 6:00pm. Above water, the entire contemporary exterior of the building also comes to life after dark when over 8,000 light bulbs create around 50 different lighting sequences. Pool-goers can also get a glimpse of the show from one of the two accompanying jacuzzis or while lying back in the resort-style pool furniture. Life’s hard.
Fusion Maia Da Nang, Da Nang
Framed by swaying palm trees and overlooking the ocean, Fusion Maia Da Nang’s main pool, lays claim to being one of the best… globally. This March, Conde Nast Traveller UK named the resort’s swimming pool as one of the most stunning in the world and it’s not hard to see why.
While It may be hard for guests to drag themselves away from the highly Instagrammable spot, the property’s Maia Spa is definitely worth a visit. With spa treatments included in the nightly rate, the sumptuous spot also boasts another stunning pool with an open-air jacuzzi and waterfall. Haven’t yet had your fill of glamorous pools? Each of the 87 private villas also have their own private plunge pool.
The Anam, Khanh Hoa
One thing is a constant at this compelling new resort overlooking Vietnam’s pristine Cam Ranh Bay: pool waters as brilliantly blue as the sea and sky. Whether plunging into The Anam’s stunning adult-only infinity pool that meets Long Beach, two other capacious swimming pools, or one of 27 private villa pools, couples are spoilt for choice. The reason behind the striking blue hues? Grey slate tiling sourced from Vietnam’s north that work wonders, reflecting the dome of blue sky.
Under the gaze of dramatic headlands, the Anam trades sunbeds for dining tables every evening by the infinity pool. Expect Champagne, live music and dips in the pool between seafood platters and main courses.
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi City
If the walls of Hanoi’s legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi could talk they would have some compelling stories to share. Frequented by an array of famous faces over the years, the hotel is home to an idyllic pool that offers respite in the middle of the busy city.
Surrounded by a lush courtyard garden and just next door to the Bamboo Bar, visitors can relax in a lounger and order one of the bar’s legendary cocktails named and inspired by two famous former guests – Charlie Chaplin (a blend of apricot brandy, gin and lime juice) and Graham Greene (a blend of Bacardi rum, gin and sugar syrup). Cheers to that!
La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue
At La Residence Hotel & Spa, couples can sightsee and sunbathe at the same time from the hotel’s sumptuous pool deck. Taking in breathtaking views of the Flagtower Bastion of the Hue Citadel, it’s a must-visit for a glamorous escape.
Once the colonial governor’s residence, the charming boutique hotel features 200 metres of frontage on the fabled Perfume River and exudes the style of a bygone era. Keeping its art-deco style with a distinctive bowed façade, long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, La Residence Hotel & Spa completes the luxury hotel stay idyll with a 30-metre saltwater swimming pool that looks straight out of an old Hollywood film – perfect for a romantic getaway.Helpful links: The Reverie SaigonFusion Maia Da NangThe AnamThe Sofitel Legend Metropole HanoiLa Residence Hotel & Spa
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