Aquatic Paradises: Opal’s Best Hotel Pools

When it comes to truly cool pools, no other properties know how to make a splash quite like these Opal resorts.

Pools are often the center of warm-weather getaways. And we’re not talking about the boring, over-chlorinated, faded-color variety. We’re talking watery oases with all the sparkle: infinity edges, spectacular views, fire pits, rock waterfalls, and more. So what do you look for in your perfect pool experience? Something family friendly? Adults only? Private cabanas? Bar service? To help you get you thinking about your next Opal vacation, we’ve profiled the properties’ coolest pools from Maine to Florida.

Adult Swim with a Rooftop View [Bar Harbor, ME]

If you’re traveling sans kids or don’t love the idea of sharing the deep end with a water-winged doggy paddler, it’s always adult swim in Maine’s only rooftop pool at the West Street Hotel (read: no children permitted). Perched five stories high, this infinity-edge pool overlooks gorgeous views of Frenchman’s Bay and its Porcupine Islands and features a furnished poolside deck for stretching out and soaking up the sun (that is, when you’re not soaking in that view). If you can, plan a trip around the Fourth of July – it’s the best place to catch the fireworks in town, hands down.

An Oasis Blended into the Landscape [Bar Harbor, ME]

Interwoven with flowers and lush landscaping, the free-form pool at Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina feels like a retreat hidden among a secret garden on the edge of the ocean. The expansive pool deck is peppered with comfortable loungers and umbrellas, offering 180-degree views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding Porcupine Islands. When you need to recharge after a few laps, enjoy the delicious sandwiches, appetizers, fresh salads, and colorful libations at Splash Pool Bar.

The Hub of the Hotel [Clearwater Beach, FL]

Intended to be the focus of the resort with a central location in which everything else – the lobby, the restaurants, and the guest rooms – pivots around, Sandpearl Resort’s climate-controlled pool is the place to see and be seen. While the relaxed zero-entry entrance is great, the best feature may just be the ozone filtration system that significantly reduces the amount of chlorine in the water, saving guests from stinging eyes often associated with pools. It’s also an ideal choice for families, as the beach toys and seasonal programs – like Dive in Movies and Mermaid Tales – keep kids busy while Mom and Dad relax nearby in the comfortable lounge chairs. And when everyone works up an appetite, Tate Island Grill, just steps from the pool, awaits.

Steps from the Beach [Jupiter, FL]

Don’t worry about having to choose between a pool day or a beach day at Jupiter Beach Resort. Here, they’re just a few feet away from each other, so with a quick walk across the patio, you can easily change up your perch throughout the day. But the pool certainly has unique features you won’t find on the sand. A rock waterfall contributes to the oasis feel and hammocks, movies, and games keep those not in the water entertained. When it’s time to take a break, The Sandbar restaurant and bar allows swimmers to refuel with casual fare and drinks. There’s even live music on the weekend.

Luxury by the Water [Clearwater Beach, FL]

The pool at Opal Sands Resort features an inclined entrance, making it suitable for swimmers young and old. Pool-goers appreciate the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico – in fact, the deck cantilevers over the ocean, giving guests close-up views of fish, manatees, and even dolphins. If your goal is to truly luxuriate, reserve one of the three private cabanas, outfitted with lounge chairs, a sitting area, flat-screen TV, and wait service from the nearby Reflections pool bar.

Where to Stay

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa | Opal Sands Resort | Sandpearl Resort | Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina | West Street Hotel