The steamy summer heat has well and truly arrived and it looks like it’s going to be a long, hot one. Taking refuge inside an air-conditioned apartment is one way to survive, but let’s face it, eventually you are going to have to venture outdoors, especially if you have kids who need to burn off some energy.
At first glance, there may not seem to be that many options, but actually, scattered throughout this small city there are close to 30 swimming pools to choose – from a number of very affordable and easy to access public pools, to a wide variety of higher end venues – something for every taste and budget.
And all those glamorous five star hotels are not just for tourists either. Many of them have membership deals and even day-passes for you to enjoy their beautiful pools and facilities.
And as for the few that are only available to hotel guests, well, they are definitely worth checking-in to for a night just to spend a day lounging in poolside luxury.
To get your summer survival strategy started, CLOSER has checked them all out and presents a guide to some of the best pools in town. So grab your swimsuit, hat and sunscreen, a good book and your favourite playlist, and choose your ideal place to cool down!
MEMBERSHIP POOLS
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Mandarin Oriental, Macau features a 25-metre, temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool on the hotel’s 4th floor that enjoy spectacular views over the South China Sea. A poolside service with refreshing facial spritzers, cool towels and light refreshments is also available.
Day Pass: MOP500.
Open: 8am – 7pm.
GRAND LAPA
Relax or do laps in the heated swimming pool surrounded by cascading waterfalls. There are also water slides to keep children and adventurous adults occupied, as well as indoor and garden whirlpools and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The Children’s Centre caters for children aged 3–12 years and is free for members and allows you to drop off your children and make full use of other facilities.
6 month single memberships from: MOP19,420
family membership (2 adults and 1 child): MOP27,200
Open: 6:30am – 10pm.
MGM Macau
MGM Macau’s infinity pool is the perfect chill out place with a wonderful view over Macau’s harbour. With a length of 27 meters and a depth of 0.8 -1.2 meters guests can relax and unwind in the pool but also do laps to exercise. There is also a Jacuzzi for 6 people with a 180 degree view over the Chinese sea. A light Food and Beverage menu is available for guests to enjoy by the pool side.
Day pass: MOP400
Monthly Membership: MOP3,200
Open: 8am – 8pm
SOFITEL
The Sofitel swimming pool is a tranquil oasis in the Inner Harbour district of Macau and the perfect place to relax and cool down.
Day-pass: MOP300
MOP1,600
Monthly Membership packages start from: MOP1,600
Open: 6am – 10pm.
GRAND LISBOA
Right in the centre of town, enjoy a leisurely swim at the Grand Lisboa Hotel’s swimming pool all year round. With its state-of-the-art temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool, guests can enjoy swimming even during the winter.
Yearly membership: MOP12,000
with a monthly fee of: MOP1,500
Open: 8am – 10pm.
CROWN TOWERS – City of Dreams
Relax and unwind in this luxurious outdoor heated swimming pool with private cabanas and landscaped gardens
Day pass: MOP250
Open: 8am – 8pm
GRAND HYATT
Grand Hyatt Macau features a 40-meter aqua green-tiled, temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool that is open year-round. Centered around the swimming pool, the Pool Deck offers a stylish water lounge with loungers submerged in shallow water, private cabanas and children’s pool.
Day Pass: MOP258
Family day pass (2 adults+2 children): MOP500
Open: 7am – 8pm
HARD ROCK
True to its rock origins, Hard Rock Hotel Macau has a cool guitar-shaped circular outdoor heated swimming pool with built-in bar, beach volley court and private cabanas. Wave, a pool bar and grill, offers a special weekend poolside barbecue with a diverse array of cocktails and snacks during summer time in a relaxed pool-side setting with a friendly atmosphere and stunning views overlooking Cotai.
Day pass Weekday:
Adult: MOP150 / Child: MOP60
Weekend & holiday:
MOP200 / Child: MOP80
Open: 8am – 10pm
ALTIRA
Altira’s spectacular infinity edge swimming pool has been named by US Forbes Traveler as one of the 10 best hotel swimming pools in the world. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor terrace, underwater music, and a constant water temperature of 29-30°C, this is the place to take in an unmatched view of the Macau peninsula, enjoy a drink from the bar, and revel in a truly one of a kind experience.
Single annual membership: MOP38,000
One entrance pass: MOP300
10 entrance pass: MOP2,200
THE VENETIAN
There are various swimming pools at The Venetian – two large main pools, one of which is heated in winter; an adults-only pool; a heated Jacuzzi and a Murano pool. You can book on of the 48 air conditioned cabanas and relax while the kids play in the shallow pool as well as the outdoor playground close by.
Monthly Memberships: MOP950 single / MOP1,620 couples.
Accompanying guests pay a fee of MOP50.
Open: 7am – 8pm.
CONRAD
Located on the 4th floor of the hotel on the Cotai Strip, this pool deck is perfect for that getaway within the city. There are four pools, two spa pools and private cabanas. Open throughout the year, two of the pools are heated in winter. Take a refreshing swim, relax with a good book under the shady canopy, or sip on a bespoke cocktail on one of the comfortable lounge chairs.
Family day passes: MOP500 (2 adults, 2 children)
monthly memberships: children: MOP500
individuals: MOP1,800 / couples: MOP2,800.
Open: 6am-8:30pm.
SHERATON
Bordered by a Jacuzzi and sun lounges, the Jaya Pool on the 4th floor is ideal for a family excursion or lap swimming. Fuel up under the sun at the adjacent Jaya bar and relax in the shade of one of seven cabanas with inviting day beds and cooling ceiling fans. The Sala Pool offers wading areas so that guests of all ages can enjoy a dip. Eight cabanas, along with tropical foliage, water features and views of Cotai Strip add to the lively environment. Sala Pool also has two heated pools which are available during cold weather periods.
Day pass: MOP158 weekdays / MOP210 weekends
Monthly membership: MOP1,500singles / MOP2,000 couples.
Open: 7am – 8:30pm.
GUEST ONLY POOLS
WYNN MACAU
Surrounded by lush gardens and tropical palm trees, the Wynn pool garden features two heated pools, a whirlpool, plush lounge chairs and inviting cabanas. Lounge by the pool, as attendants serve complimentary sunscreen on a silver tray in addition to ice water and towel service. Lunch and drinks are also available.
STARWORLD
StarWorld’s impressive Infinity Swimming Pool and gym facility are located on the 17/F. Here you will be treated to an exceptional swimming experience and get the best of both worlds: swimming in an elegant and tranquil environment while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking vista of Macau. There is plenty of space for you to enjoy the fun of swimming, take in the magnificent view, or simply bask in the sun.
GALAXY
Galaxy Macau’s Grand Resort Deck features an impressive network of beautiful swimming pools, relaxing cabanas, soaring palms and lush tropical gardens. Guests can swim and surf in the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool and play on the pristine white sands of the 2,000 square meter beach.
BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree Macau has two swimming pools, an outdoor swimming pool, which is located on the 2nd floor, attached with 8 luxurious Cabanas on the resort deck area and an indoor swimming pool, which is located on the 31st floor inside the recreation center.
THE FOUR SEASONS
The Four Seasons Hotel Macao, offers five outdoor pools. Two of the pools are shallow pools, perfect for children, while another is a lagoon pool. Located on the lobby level, the pool area also boasts a hot tub.
