Time for a Dip: The Haute 5 Swimming Pools in Miami

In the summertime, there’s no better place to be than in the water. Grab your itsy bitsy bikinis and Dior shades; we’ve rounded up the best places to take a dip in the Magic City. From plunge pools to the most exclusive sundecks, Miami boasts beautiful views and spectacular amenities to enjoy the sunshine.

The Setai

The Asian-inspired Setai Hotel and Resort is one of the most glamorous hotels on the beach, and elegantly located between the 40-story hotel and residence tower and the infamous South Beach is a paradise of pools (yes, plural) and palm trees. The Setai offers three magnificent pools, each maintained at separate temperatures. At a moderate 75 degrees, the first pool is ideal for aquatic activity, while the second pool maintains 85 degrees and the third pool is 95 degrees for guests that prefer to linger in the tranquil atmosphere. The Setai offers day-beds by the pool as well as a full pool-side service that includes towels, water, magazines, and iPods.

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Club 50

When it comes to a pool party, Viceroy does it best. Atop the 50th floor of Viceroy Miami, Club 50 offers the city’s most exclusive indoor-outdoor lounge and private rooftop pool, with spectacular views unequalled in Miami. This airy yet intimate escape invites afternoon tanning and lounging well after sunset alike with specialty drinks and light fare.

485 Brickell Ave., Miami; (305) 503-4400

Venetian Pool

In the middle of one of Coral Gables’ residential neighborhoods, hidden behind pastel stucco walls and wrought iron gates, is found one of the most special attractions of this special city – Venetian Pool. According to the Venetian Pool’s Web site, it is perhaps the only swimming pool anywhere to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. Certainly it is the only swimming pool of its kind with its vine-covered loggias, shady porticos, Spanish fountain, three-story observation towers and cascading waterfalls that spill into a free-form lagoon complete with coral rock caves and palm-fringed island.

2701 De Soto Blvd.; (305) 460-5306; http://www.coralgablesvenetianpool.com/

Biltmore Hotel Pool

Thanks to a considerable refurbishment led by noted landscape architect Emilio Fuster, the Biltmore’s landmark swimming pool, the largest hotel pool in the continental United States, is more fabulous than ever. The 85-foot high diving tower was transformed into a lush tropical waterfall inviting the hottest in Miami while private cabanas are perfect for private relaxation poolside. The 700,000-gallon, 23,000 square-foot pool was emptied and completely resurfaced with polished marble making for a luxurious and beautiful swimming experience.

1150 Anastasia Ave.; Coral Gables; (305) 460-5360

Ritz Carlton, Ft. Lauderdale Beach

When you’re in the mood for dedicated poolside service overlooking the the Atlantic Ocean, look no further than the Ritz-Carlton on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. This new luxury beachfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale features a heated infinity pool on 29,000 square foot tropical pool deck. They also have a separate terrace with private cabanas overlooking the beach.

1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; (866) 622-1579