Summer is well and truly here, and if you’re not one of the lucky ones around the country with a backyard pool — finding somewhere to beat the heat (aside from Bondi) can be a challenge in the warmer months.
And while Australia is surrounded by arguably some of the best coastline in the world — nothing hits quite like a dip in a luxe pool post ocean swim, preferably with a cocktail in hand.
So if you’re looking for the perfect spot to sit back and relax this festive season — we have you sorted.
Oxford House – Paddington, NSW
One of the newest hotels to launch in Sydney this year, Oxford House is every bit as cool as you’d expect from a ‘lifestyle’ hotel in the city’s east.
With 56 stylish rooms, an amazing on-site restaurant and sitting right on Oxford Street in Paddington — the vibe is sleek and sophisticated with a sprinkle of Palm Springs cool throughout.
Following a recent stay, it’s without question the standout within the hotel is the pool area — with it’s own bar footsteps from the water so you can order Margs all arvo without having to move too far at all. The bar also has an extensive food menu, so you can sort those pre-dinner hunger pangs in an instant.
The pool isn’t overly big, and is exclusive to guests staying at the hotel, however visitors not checking in can order from the bar and enjoy the daily DJ set.
But to enjoy the full experience of OH! book a room for a night or two. It means you have full access to the pool and all that’s on offer at this new Sydney hotspot.
While the rooms are on the smaller side, the decor lets in plenty of natural light and has been styled to perfection — with each room featuring unique paintings, photography, drawings and sculptures from artists including Lena Gustafson, Adam Turnbull and First Nations artist Niah McLeod.
The hotel’s restaurant sits overlooking the bustle of Oxford Street, and is the perfect spot to unwind over a glass of Rameau d’Or Rosé.
Be sure to order a plate of the grilled prawns with garlic, chilli, lemon and crispy shallots — or for something more substantial — tuck into Jack’s Creek black angus sirloin which comes served with chimichurri butter, parsnip puree, jus and fried leek.
The other standout (if you can drag yourself out of a deck chair) is the proximity to some of the best boutique shopping, restaurants, galleries and bars in Sydney’s east.
Oh, and if you’re keen for that pre-pool ocean dip, Bondi Beach is just a 12 minute drive away.
The Langham – Gold Coast, QLD
As the Gold Coast’s first new beachfront luxury hotel to open in more than 30 years, The Langham was always going to make a splash – so it’s only natural its pool is the hotel’s showstopping centrepiece.
Not only does the hotel boast a 20m outdoor lagoon pool, replete with white sand, swim-up bar and a number of sun loungers; but in the event of a less-than perfect Queensland day, there’s also a 20m indoor pool featuring impressive Pacific Ocean views from the second floor.
And to add the icing on the cake – there’s a couple of big drawcards here outside the ripples of blue water. We’re talking about the lush pool bar you can swim up to and enjoy a refreshing beverage, all the while never having to physically leave and worry about towels and footwear. Yes, you can order snacks – and if alcohol isn’t your thing, the mocktails are divine.
Secondly, the direct beachfront access is completely underrated, which is rare for a hotel like this in Surfers. The convenience of not having to cross a road to get to the beach, mere metres away, is a luxury which suits The Langham to a tee.
The Ritz Carlton – Perth, WA
The ideal spot to catch the sunset over the Swan River, the infinity pool at Perth’s most luxurious hotel is one not to be missed.
The lengthy pool makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the world, and being heated means you can take a dip at any time of the year. There’s also a gym with yoga studio just footsteps away, which also offers some of the best views across the city.
If you get peckish while taking in the view, there’s a bar and lounge offering fresh seafood, signature cocktails, and craft beers, so you could essentially park yourself on one of the many deckchairs all afternoon long.
W Hotel – Melbourne, VIC
If you’re wanting to pair a luxurious stay with one of the best locations in Melbourne, you can’t go past a stay at the W Hotel in the city’s CBD.
Throughout most of December, the W Melbourne runs their Sunday ‘wet sessions’ — think DJs, cocktails and gourmet snacks by the water while enjoying the view below.
You can even swim up to the bar if you’re in no mood to get out of the water.
The hotel itself has a very instagrammable and sexy vibe, and given it is located on Flinders Lane — a stay here is a great option for those wanting a laid-back and creative style of accommodation that maintains all the comfort (and cloudlike bedding) of a luxury hotel.
Crystalbrook Riley – Cairns, QLD
When it comes to a trip to Queensland’s tropics, it’s hard to pull yourself away from the glitz and glam of the Crystalbrook properties that sit among the backpackers and hostels that fill the city.
The hotels (yes, there’s three of them) has turned this once lazy corner of the Sunshine State into a luxury-seekers paradise.
The Crystalbrook Collection, one of the largest privately owned hotel chains in Australia, is also arguably one of the key players behind Cairns’ transformation — spending $600 million opening the hotels – with nine bars and restaurants and two day spas between them.
The highlight is easily the pools within each hotel, with Crystalbrook Riley taking first place for the most excessive – sitting at 1000sq/metres.
Sprawling throughout the property, this pool is not just any pool with multiple covered cabanas, its own beach and if you’re wanting to get in a workout — there’s also a 25-metre ‘lap section’ tucket away from all the relaxation action.
Nearby to the pool, the onsite Eléme Spa has a range of different treatments on offer, while on Saturdays you can enjoy a spot of yoga before your morning swim.
This writer visited Oxford House as a gues of Oxford House.
