As Spring evolves into Summer, so do people’s thoughts turn to swimming pools of all shapes, sizes and locales. Here are a few of my favorite rooftop pools and sky high escapes.
Brooklyn Pool Parties at ART Williamsburg , NY
Perched atop Arlo Williamsburg, ART Williamsburg is the ultimate destination for a quintessential Brooklyn rooftop experience. With a 40-foot swimming pool and panoramic views of New York City and the East River, this elevated space offers a blend of relaxation and energy where guests can sip cocktails while soaking in the sunset and admiring the sky-high 23-foot-tall mural by Thank You X.
Poolside Murals at ART DC
ART DC, the rooftop bar and lounge at Arlo Washington DC, features an exclusive outdoor pool reserved for hotel guests, offering a sleek, design-forward escape in the heart of the city. Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold custom mural by acclaimed artist ThankYouX, the pool deck blends art, atmosphere and relaxation. Guests can take in sweeping panoramic views of the Capitol Building and Washington, D.C. skyline while enjoying a refined rooftop experience that extends beyond the water.
Ara Rooftop & Pool Lounge – Destin FL
Perched high above Florida’s dazzling Emerald Coast, Ara Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie is the only hotel rooftop pool in the area. Lounge in style from the comfort of a private cabana, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and savor mouthwatering dishes – all while soaking in views that stretch to the horizon. Engage in competition with life-size chess or cornhole, or elevate your experience with rooftop yoga, wine tastings, bingo nights and live DJ sets.
Miami Vibes at ART Wynwood
At the heart of Wynwood’s vibrant cultural scene, Arlo Wynwood’s rooftop pool deck, ART Wynwood, is a hidden gem offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Miami and a larger-than-life mural by acclaimed graffiti artist ThankYouX. Its crown jewel, a sprawling 76-foot heated pool, beckons guests year-round for refreshing dips and rooftop revelry. Luxurious cabanas outfitted with sectional couches, mini fridges and TVs bring the comfort of a hotel room poolside, creating the ultimate retreat from the Miami sun. The rooftop also offers outdoor showers for a quick refresh before taking your first dip in the water. Poolside service delivers creative cocktails and globally inspired dishes, perfect for lounging or enjoying at the bar. By day, it’s a serene oasis; by night, it transforms into a high-energy hot spot, complete with live DJs and electrifying pool parties.
Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Novotel Miami Brickell
Perched above the buzz of Brickell, Novotel Miami Brickell offers a rooftop pool experience that feels equal parts elevated and effortless. The hotel’s climate-controlled outdoor pool overlooks the Miami skyline, setting the scene for laid-back days with sweeping city views. Just steps away, Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge anchors the sun-soaked pool deck, where guests can lounge between dips and enjoy light bites and refreshing cocktails in a stylish, retro-inspired setting.
The Betsy – South Beach
The Betsy – South Beach is a 130-room, family-owned oceanfront resort in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. Its Rooftop Pool is an infinity pool with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline, complemented by full bar and food service. Set within a 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex, the pool deck offers a versatile, picturesque setting for everything from relaxed lounging to lively gatherings, with adjacent spaces like the Skyline Deck providing additional panoramic views for private events. The second pool is a family-friendly Courtyard Pool, offering a more tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush vegetation.
The Elser Hotel & Residences – An Urban Escape
The Elser Hotel & Residences features an expansive 19,000-square-foot sun deck, home to a stunning 132-foot-long resort-style pool with pristine views of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami and South Beach. This poolside retreat features relaxing daybeds and chaise lounges, ideal for soaking up the Miami sunshine. Overhead is a showstopping 16-foot LED screen, which displays music videos, movies and sporting events, bringing the area to life. Enhancing the experience, the hotel boasts a massive hot tub offering incredible panoramic views of the Miami skyline. The pool area also hosts rooftop wellness experiences, including yoga and fitness classes, providing a balance of wellness and relaxation.
Feature Photo Credit: Novotel Miami Brickell
Photos Courtesy of The Dana Agency