10 Sexiest Swim-Up Pool Bars
Photo by Nik Wheeler/Corbis. Design by Erik Mace for Yahoo Travel
When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, nothing beats the pleasures of a cold drink and a refreshing pool — preferably at the same time. Thankfully, our favorite swim-up pool bars offer the perfect place to take a dip and sip on a cocktail.
Found in posh resorts from Thailand to Barbados, these lush and lavish oases are sure to make a splash on your next vacation with their combination of creative libations and lively poolside action. Dive into our list to find the hottest places to cool off on your next vacation.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu
Kona, Hawaii
Courtesy: Four Seasons
There’s nothing quite like going to Hawaii and enjoying a drink at the pool — but it’s even better when you can do so while wading in the cool, refreshing water. This Four Seasons outpost features the 4-foot-deep, adults-only Palm Grove Pool with an oceanfront swim-up bar. Bench seating is offered, so you can relax, take in the beautiful views and beat the heat with the resort's signature “shave ice” cocktail, a mai tai served over crushed cubes.
Esperanza, Auberge Collections Resort
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Courtesy: Esperanza
The perfect year-round destination, Esperanza resort overlooks the Sea of Cortez in a private, lush setting with a climate that offers 350 days of sunshine per year. Although the property boasts multiple swim-up bars, our favorite is La Palapa — a casual outdoor spot serving authentic Mexican food and drink. Simply wade over to the counter to experience the local cuisine and pair it with the signature ¿Por Qué No? cocktail made with silver tequila, Cointreau, avocado purée, lime juice, agave syrup and pineapple juice. Because why not?
Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels
St. James, Barbados
Courtesy: Crystal Cove
Situated on a beachfront cliff on Barbados’ sparkling west coast, this Caribbean getaway is ideal for those seeking an island escape. Along with 88 stylish guest rooms and suites, complimentary motorized water sports and dining options available throughout the day, this all-inclusive resort offers three freshwater lagoon-style swimming pools. Tucked away behind cascading waterfalls, the crowd-favorite swim-up Cave Bar is a definite highlight. Although no food is served, guests can enjoy the resort’s refreshing signature Crystalgia cocktail made of Mount Gay Silver Rum, pineapple juice, falernum, Blue Curaçao, and simple syrup.
Related: Hotel Infinity Pools You Will Be Dreaming About Forever
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Courtesy: Anantara
Surrounded by coconut palms in picturesque Koh Phangan, this Anantara outpost is — simply put — a tropical oasis. The accommodations are luxurious and contemporary, but we prefer lounging at the sparkling pool. With drink in hand, guests enjoy spectacular views of the white, powdery sands of Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach without ever leaving the water. If you’re there between May and October, try the seasonal signature Mangosteeni cocktail, made from Absolut vodka, fresh mangosteen and mangosteen wine — the taste of pure tropical heaven.
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas
Courtesy: Caesars Palace
There’s really no party like a Vegas party — and at Caesars Palace, you can take the shenanigans to the pool. The iconic resort doesn’t have a swim-up bar, but it does have swim-up gaming, which, depending on who you ask, might even be better. During your dip in the elegant Fortuna pool, take to the tables, order a drink and play a hand of blackjack. Win or lose, you can always swim away and check out the scene at the nearby bar.
Related: Strip Down at the Sexiest Pools in Vegas
Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
Courtesy: Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa
A stay at this Cancun resort begins with a welcome cocktail. After you’ve settled in, your vacation state of mind is maintained with little complimentary delights like tea time, a sunset glass of wine, and nightly dessert. Of the 155 chic guest rooms, 19 are suites offering extras like an aromatherapy kit and a hot tub for two with sprawling ocean views. Of course, you can also take in these vistas at the pristine infinity pool, which features a swim-up bar serving food and drinks.
InterContinental San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Courtesy: InterContinental San Juan
This InterContinental’s Isla Verde beachfront hotel is mere minutes from historic Old San Juan and the upscale shopping district of Condado. However, you’d do well to stay close to home at Akua Bar, the property’s poolside restaurant with a swim-up counter. Enjoy sandwiches, snacks and your favorite drinks as you take in your luxurious surroundings and contemplate which of the hotel’s many activities you would like to try next.
Related: 8 Cruise-Ship Pools that Make You Say Wow
Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Courtesy: Nayara Hotel & Gardens
Located within the lush Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a boutique property committed to sustainable practices and offers casitas, suites, and villas that complement its rainforest setting. The tropical ambience also stretches to the Kali Kali swim-up bar, which overlooks the resort’s verdant natural surroundings. Guests can dine on poolside cuisine like hamburgers, ceviche and quesadillas, and sip on smoothies, beer or cocktails (the piña colada is a favorite).
The Naviti Resort
Korolevu, Fiji
Courtesy: The Naviti Resort
What says “vacation” more than a drink in your hand… in the pool… in Fiji? We certainly wouldn’t have it any other way. A stay at The Naviti Resort means beachside bliss in stylish rooms, suites and villas with garden or ocean views. Of course, we recommend you take a dip in the pool and check out the swim-up bar, where you can while away your afternoons sipping delicious fruity cocktails and slushies.
The Pacific Sutera
Sabah, Malaysia
Courtesy: The Pacific Sutera
The luxurious Pacific Sutera hotel offers 500 contemporary guest rooms and suites with impressive vistas of the on-site golf course or the tranquil South China Sea. Perched on the edge of the water, the property’s Waves Pool Bar is the ideal place to soak up some sun while enjoying cocktails. Lush, landscaped gardens and a view of the neighboring islands set the tropical tone at this swim-up bar, which offers poolside seating, local and international cuisine, and a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
More from Gayot:
WATCH: The Blue Lagoon: A Geothermal Spa Heaven
Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.
