Hong Kong summers are hot and humid, and they can make even the most ardent sun worshipper want to hide indoors with a book and an ice-cold drink. Thankfully, the city has plenty of stunning hotel pools where you can cool off while enjoying spectacular views of the skyline.
Take a dip in JW Marriott’s outdoor pool and bask in the sunny views of urban Hong Kong – it’s quite the experience! Once you’re done swimming, head to the al fresco Fish Bar and Pool Lounge for drinks and snacks. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the pool and lounge for free, but non-hotel guests can purchase entry to the pool on weekdays for four hours with a HK$200 pass.
This stunning swimming pool in Tung Chung is a work of art. Inspired by the seashell shape of its surroundings, this unique pool uses materials that allow natural sunlight to enter the interior space. The pool also has a large terrace where you can sit and watch the Ngong Ping cable cars pass by, or head to the balcony for people-watching and sunsets.
The iconic design of this swimming pool is a feast for the eyes, but it’s the pristine water that really impresses. The pool is located right along Victoria Harbour and has a one-of-a-kind view of the city’s skyline. There are also several seating areas and a snack bar, so you can spend hours here, relaxing and taking in the view.
It took eight years to complete, but this spaceship-like pool finally opened to the public in February. Designed by Terry Farrell and Partners, the unique complex features a range of aquatic activities, from an indoor swimming pool to an outdoor kid lagoon and more. Non-hotel guests can buy a day pass to swim at the pool, which is open all year round and includes access to a pool bar serving cocktails and food.
Despite the government’s attempts to recruit more lifeguards, some pools are still not fully open due to the shortage of staff. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said that only 40 per cent of the 600 seasonal lifeguards had returned to duty, despite the introduction of higher salaries and two-year contracts.
In addition, many private pools will not open this summer as a result of the ongoing shortage of lifeguards. The Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union (HKRSPGU) warned that this would cause many children to miss out on swimming lessons, which are often the best way for young kids to learn to swim. Eddy Lau Tak-hung, the union’s secretary and a full-time swimming instructor, said beginners had gone without lessons for three years during the Covid-19 pandemic, and many had to wait until they were seven or eight before starting to learn.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has been monitoring developments in dark pools worldwide and will continue to monitor their impact on market efficiency. In light of the ongoing concerns, the SFC has amended the rules in respect of dark pool trading and implemented a number of measures to improve supervision of these markets.