Haute 5 Pools: Cool Down in Miami

If you live in Miami, or have plans to travel there, you’re probably in need of a great place to spend your time under the sun that will cater to your every “cool down” need. Here is a list of Haute Living’s favorite five pools to help you relax without the hassle of sand-filled shoes and over-crowded beaches.

The Setai Hotel and Resort

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

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.

The Mondrian Hotel

1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

When it comes to soaking in the sun and dipping in the pool in Miami, style is everything. The Mondrian Hotel exudes style no matter where on the premise you find yourself, but head to the pool and you’re sure to be blown away by what you see. The Mondrian’s main swimming pool, designed by Marcel Wanders, is surrounded by large lounge pillows, lavish gardens that include hammocks and labyrinth-like trails, secret pathways, and “kissing corners.” There is a second level terrace overlooking the pool which is mainly used for entertainment purposes such as dining and private events. Poolside, guests can also enjoy cocktails, light dishes, spa treatments, and private cabanas. There is even a separate kid pool and play area as well as large cabanas for family rentals.

Fontainebleau Hotel

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140

The Fontainebleau Hotel has long been one of the most famous names in the South Beach hotel scene, and there’s a reason for it. Everything about this hotel is memorable—from its famous guests to its headline-making renovations–and spending the afternoon at this hotel’s pool is surely something you won’t soon forget. Fontainebleau’s “new poolscape boasts walls of waiter intermingled with a free-form pool.” There is also an exclusive European-style pool with an enclave surrounded by cabanas and sun-seekers. In total, the resort has six pools, including multiple small dipping pools for families with children. Each private cabana located around the pools is incredibly equipped with a 32-inch flat screen television, wireless internet, butler service, mini refrigerator, phone with data connection, and even a digital safe large enough to store or laptop and other valuables.

The Shore Club

1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Like the other fabulous and exclusive pools mentioned, the Shore Clubs is perfectly located in the heart of South Beach, allowing guests to wander around town and never be far from a relaxing afternoon or evening poolside. The Shore Club features two elevated infinity edge pools and a hot tub which are surrounded by oversized bed for a relaxing lounge area. If you have to be slightly parched from the scorching Florida sun, don’t fret, located between the pools and surrounded by white sheer curtains is Rumbar where you can choose from 75 different rums. If you’re in town looking for something vibrant rather than relaxing per say, the Shore Club is certainly known for its poolside partying so you won’t be disappointed.

The Delano Hotel

1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

If rum and late night partying isn’t your thing, head a few blocks South to The Delano Hotel where the pool is a complete reinvention of the standard form, and boasts being “more akin to a Water Salon.” The pool area includes relaxing underwater music and separate areas devoted exclusively to floating and meditating. Of course, this is South Beach where only the finest service is expected, so there are private cabanas with poolside dining and butlers available. Known as “The Orchard,” the area was conceived as an indoor room moved outdoors with a fully landscaped lawn filled with Philippe Starck-design “vignettes” lending to atmosphere of sublime relaxation.