When temperatures rise, nothing feels more refreshing—or indulgent—than slipping into a hotel pool designed to be as memorable as the destination itself. At these Michelin Guide properties across North America, pools aren’t just amenities: they’re showstopping centerpieces and true destinations in their own right. From cliffside infinity pools perched high above the Pacific to jungle hideaways in Mexico and sleek rooftop decks in major metropolises like Vancouver and New York, each pool is rooted in a strong sense of place. Whether you’re after a lively scene or a serene escape, they all invite you to slow down and soak it all in (pun intended).
Pack your sunblock and your suit and dive in below.
California
Post Ranch Inn
Big SurThree MICHELIN Keys
Perched high above Big Sur’s cliffs, Post Ranch Inn is defined by its quiet, nature-focused atmosphere. Among its most striking features is the Jade Pool, distinguished by smooth, locally sourced stones, each carefully placed by hand. The dark green pieces of Big Sur jade, which are shaped and polished by the Pacific’s waves, make the pool feel like an extension of the dramatic coastline itself. Rather than a traditional swimming pool meant for laps, the Jade Pool is designed for serene soaking some 1,200 feet above the Pacific, offering uninterrupted views that create the feeling of floating above the rugged cliffs. It's exceptionally breathtaking at sunset, when the water seems to slip seamlessly into the horizon.
Canada
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Vancouver Island, British Columbia Three MICHELIN Keys
Accessible only by seaplane or boat, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge feels worlds away on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Instead of a traditional swimming pool, the luxury resort offers a pair of heated cedar hot tubs where guests can unwind while taking in the hush of the forest and the steady rush of the river. Set along the Bedwell River in the Bedwell River Valley (part of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and nestled among towering trees, these tubs also provide a front-row seat for spotting local wildlife like eagles and the occasional black bear. Open from May through September, in line with the rest of the property, the tubs serve as a restorative reprieve following a day of hiking, kayaking, or exploring the rainforest.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Vancouver, British ColumbiaTwo MICHELIN Keys
Rosewood Hotel Georgia's 52-foot heated saltwater lap pool is adjacent to the spa and the outdoor restaurant, Reflections, on the hotel's fourth floor. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light, revealing striking city skyline views. Before you begin swimming, take a moment to admire the space's impressive architectural elements, including stately stone columns and sleek black marble accents, all of which contribute to the sophisticated setting. Come nighttime, the illuminated geometric panels at the bottom of the pool cast a soft, ambient glow that enhances the serene atmosphere.
Florida
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
MiamiTwo MICHELIN Keys
Just steps from the sand, the pool at Faena Hotel Miami Beach stands out with its sleek, geometric design—a perfect complement to the hotel’s maximalist, Latin-inspired aesthetic. Surrounding the pool is a collection of retro-esque red-and-white-striped loungers and umbrellas, creating a visually dynamic space that's equal parts playful and luxurious. Between dips, guests can relax in the sun while enjoying refined poolside service and easy access to a full bar. The striking design and vibrant colors, combined with the stylish sun-soaked setting, capture Miami’s free-spirited energy.
Hawaii
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
One MICHELIN KeySet along Hawaii’s sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani’s Adult Pool offers sweeping Pacific views framed by lush tropical foliage and swaying palms overlooking historic Hawaiian fishponds. It’s the perfect setting for a serene afternoon spent wading in the water or relaxing in one of the shaded cabanas discreetly placed along the water’s edge. The infinity edge seamlessly blends the pool with the ocean beyond, creating the feeling of floating out toward the horizon beneath the warm Hawaiian sun. Guests come here to unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere, away from the lively energy of the equally stunning Resort Pool or the Keiki “Sandy Bottom” Pool, which features shallow waters and a soft sand floor designed to evoke a beach, perfect for little ones to play safely.
Mexico
One&Only Mandarina
Riviera NayaritThree MICHELIN Keys
Situated 187 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the adults-only cliffside Alma Infinity Pool at One&Only Mandarina offers sweeping ocean views framed by lush jungle surroundings. The pool's striking design features two long cantilevered lap pools positioned at right angles—one extending into the jungle and the other hovering dramatically above the ocean. This architectural marvel offers swimmers stunning, unobstructed views of the ocean beneath them, further enhancing the dramatic effect.
Xinalani
Puerto VallartaThree MICHELIN Keys
Xinalani’s infinity-edge pool sits high on a jungle-framed hillside overlooking Banderas Bay. Given that this eco-resort is a yoga retreat, it is only fitting that its pool provides a quiet, serene space for relaxation and reflection. Its minimalist design and use of natural materials help it blend into the surrounding landscape. Plus, it offers unobstructed views of the water below that create a calming atmosphere in line with the resort’s emphasis on mindfulness and connection with nature.
Book Xinalani with The MICHELIN Guide →
New York
The William Vale
BrooklynIn a city where outdoor space is a rare treat, The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, stands out with the longest outdoor hotel pool in New York City, measuring a full 60 feet in length. Located on the fourth-floor terrace, the seasonally open space offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline across the East River. With lounge chairs, daybeds, cabanas, and a full poolside bar, the space feels more like a seasonal social club than just a hotel amenity. It draws both guests and day-pass visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind New York experience where they can cool off while soaking in breathtaking cityscape sights.
Hero Image: Post Ranch Inn
