LAGUNA BEACH
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 715-6000
The Montage Laguna Beach’s mosaic pool is the perfect place to have a Kodak moment: with its starburst tiling, it literally spells ‘photo opp.’ This chic watery retreat is also kid-friendly, as there is a children’s pool play area on premises. The private cabanas here are superb: they offer a Dyson bladeless fan, iHome, iPad2, newspapers and magazines, access to Netflix and Hulu, complimentary drinks and sunscreen.
SANTA MONICA
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 576-7777
Though the ocean is only a stone’s throw away, the pool at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offers an alternative to an afternoon playing in the endless blue sea. This pool is set amidst a lush garden on the hotel’s lobby level and, unlike the oft-frigid waters of the Pacific, is kept at a comfortable temperature year-round.
Mr. C
224 Beverwil Drive Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 277-2800
Mr. C is all about accommodation. The 4,500 squarefoot dipping den has a teak deck, poolside bar and dining options. Should you shell out for a private cabana, you also have the option of requesting poolside spa services. Lazy luxury never felt so good.
Montage Beverly Hills
225 North Canon Drive Los Angeles, CA 90210 (310) 860-7970
Talk about service that brings a smile! The Montage has absolutely everything one with a penchant for watery adventure could want. There’s an underwater sound system that pipes classical music as well as a relaxing whirlpool. The private cabanas on premises are fully loaded with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, well-stocked mini-bars and safety lockboxes. Locals may be just as driven to hang out here as visiting guests, as special daily rates are offered to Los Angeles residents.
BEVERLY HILLS
Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 West Sunset Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210(310) 276-2251
The Beverly Hills Hotel celebrated its 100th birthday this year, and attention to detail is just one of the many reasons the haute hotel has had such staying power. The Pink Palace’s poolside staff caters to every imaginable need, from sunglass cleaning to providing frozen towels for guests. There’s even underwater music for those who get easily bored while swimming laps.
Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 551-2888
The Peninsula’s rooftop pool is an oasis in the midst of Los Angeles. Not only are guests treated to stellar views of both Beverly Hills and Century City when they lounge here, but they’re also afforded killer service and complete privacy should they choose one of the VIP cabanas.
PALOS VERDES
Terranea Resort
6610 Palos Verdes Drive South Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275(310) 265-2800
Whether you’re taking a family vacation or releasing your own inner child, the Terranea Resort is accessible to those of all ages. The enormous pool has a 140-foot water slide, a lap pool, two Jacuzzis and a fire pit. Those who would rather soak up the sun than get wet in the water beware: the resort’s pool area is called the Splash Zone for a reason.
SANTA BARBARA
Four Seasons Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara (805) 969-2261
Those who choose to cool down at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara pool have made a smart choice, as it’s located in one of the most stunning areas in Southern California. The hotel’s Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club resides on beautiful Butterfly Beach, and offers 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and the magnificent Santa Barbara coastline. It’s also quite exclusive, as guests and VIPS are given a ‘passport’ for entry when they arrive.
