If relaxing by a pool in a beautiful faraway destination isn't enough to satisfy your vacation needs (you deserve only the best, after all), we have some good news for you. Word on the street is that hotel pools around the world are stepping up their game with bonus perks. (And no, we don't mean a complimentary towel). From in-pool servers and mermaid classes to wearable tech that keeps your sun exposure in check, here are 13 amenities that go above and beyond. Dive in.
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1. In-Pool Bartenders at Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort
Swimming up to the in-pool bar takes so much effort. Thankfully, at Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort in Cancun, the bartenders swim to you. Place your drink order without sacrificing the perfect pool spot (the resort’s three-tiered infinity pool has a trio of temperatures so you can find what suits you best) and wait for your refreshing cocktail to be delivered. Extra credit for those who can fit some cash tips in their swimsuit.
2. A Luxe Sunscreen Bar at Four Seasons Maui
In addition to impeccable views, the Four Seasons Maui treats guests to a poolside sunscreen bar. Pump out an exclusive mango-scented sunscreen with SPF levels of 8, 15, and 30. Aloe vera is also provided for post-sun skincare as is fruit-infused water for all your hydration needs. The property is home to three pools, one of which is an adults-only infinity pool. Situated right on Wailea Beach, you can also snorkel in the ocean if you need a brief hiatus from the pool.
3. Mermaid School at Sanderling Resort
Mermaids and mermen in the making can build on their skills at Mermaid School offered at Sanderling Resort on the Outer Banks. This summer, the hotel will be offering hour-long classes with Fin Fun Mermaid Tails every Tuesday and Thursday. Instructors school students on how to put on, remove, and care for a mermaid tail as well as how to swim using dolphin kicks and proper breathing techniques. Aspiring merpeople can also participate in games and competitions.
The Mermaid Academy also holds classes at a variety of Florida hotels, including the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Students of all ages can learn to swim like mermaids during hour-long sessions or enroll in The Shark Finstitute, which teaches participants to cruise like the sharp-toothed creatures. The hotel is also home to a lagoon-style pool with a zero-entry section, lazy river, water slide, and hot tub, which is all the more reason to test the waters.
4. Dead Sea Salt Skin Repair at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
A trip to Tucson, Arizona may not be on your summer list now, but a trip to the pool at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa will change your mind. Take a dip in the resort’s therapeutic mineral pool, which uses skin-repairing salts from the Dead Sea. (It’s like two trips in one!). In addition to incredible views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the property also features several pools, including a lap pool for exercising, another with a water slide for kids (and adults, of course), an adult-only one, and more.
5. Underwater Music at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Leave your earbuds on the lounge chair and dive into the adult-only pool at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Below the water, you’ll be able to listen to music played via a waterproof sound system. The property also has another enormous pool accessible to all ages plus poolside (and beachside) food and drink service.
6. Tech Bracelets at W Retreat & Spa
At the W Retreat & Spa on Isla de Vieques, pool guests can use Netatmo’s June tech bracelets, which are designed to monitor and measure sun exposure and UV rays. The accessory alerts wearers when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. The property also boasts a multi-level infinity pool that’s decked out with underwater music and a pool bar. If you feel like an upgrade, book a poolside cabana complete with robes, slippers, flat-screen TVs, fresh fruit, chilled towels, and high-speed internet service.
7. Swim-up Spas at Excellence Playa Mujeres
Swim-up bars take a backseat to the swim-up spas at Cancun‘s Excellence Playa Mujeres. Pools that twist throughout the adults-only property allow you to swim directly to the resort’s Miile Spa, which features hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, and pretty much any treatment you could want. Those who want 24/7 pool access can book a room with swim-up access or a private plunge pool.
8. Pool Parties at The Verb Hotel
The Verb Hotel has partnered with Boston-based music magazine and indie radio station Vanyaland to host various pool parties throughout the summer. Expect themes like Shark Week that feature shark floats, libations, snacks, and DJs. Just be sure to RSVP early to get a spot on the list. Yogis will also have the opportunity to get their downward dog on at a poolside Rock ‘n Roll Yoga class, which is offered on summer evenings.
9. A Urban Beach at Dream Downtown
At New York’s Dream Downtown hotel, guests and those who purchase a day pass ($60 on weekdays) can relax at “The Beach,” a 4,800-square-foot pool area that features an actual sand beach, glass-bottomed pool, chaise lounges, and a menu with boozy slushies and chips and guac to share with your squad. On Monday mornings, visit for free poolside yoga.
10. Pool Concierge at Paradisus Punta Cana
Check in to the Paradisus Resort and upgrade to the Royal Service experience so that you barely have to lift a finger at the pool. Here, poolside concierges treat guests like royalty, bringing them fresh fruit, beverages, aromatic cold towels, newspapers, magazines, books, board games, playing cards, and more as they work hard at relaxing. A sunglass cleaning service is also available, in case you spill any of that catered piña colada.
11. Free Shots at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
After a day of relaxing at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, knock back a complimentary SunDowner Shot as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. The resort’s signature shot is made with sour mix and orange vodka and gets the party started as you shift from the pool to the resort’s on-site Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill.
12. Skinny Dipping at Artisan Hotel
If nude swimming if your thing, check out the erotic-themed Artisan Hotel in Las Vegas. The pool — cheekily referred to as the Naked Pool — lives up to its name. Here, you can book a private cabana before your stay or bare it all on a day bed. If things get romantic, the hotel is also home to an on-site wedding chapel and garden.
13. H2Whoa! at South Seas Island Resort
If just the sound of a word like H2Whoa! has you excited, check in at the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. Here, guests can glide down H2Whoa! water slides, which shoots swimmers out to a deep pool from a 16-foot tower. The 330-acre beachside property houses 20 pools, including kid-friendly options. The resort also has a tiki bar and on-site Starbucks for those who are jonesing for a coffee fix.
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