Location, activities, cost … when so many factors go into planning the perfect family vacation, it can be easy to overlook this make-or-break detail: The ultimate kid-friendly pool.
When your gang is ready to cool off and jump in, you want to know the right pool is waiting. And from epic waterslides and lazy rivers to splash zones and “waterfalls”, these seven hotel pools deliver all-ages fun.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
You’ll never want to leave the River Bluff Water Experience at this Texas Hill Country hotel. There are nine-acres of water fun here, including an 1,100-foot lazy river. Ride down tube slides, soar through body slides and take a ride on the twisty Pedernales River ride.
There’s a kids-only pool, a sand beach pool for making sandcastles and a 261,000-gallon activity pool. Adults can catch a break in their own infinity-edge leisure pool where they can admire the lush greens surrounding the property.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Water activities are marquee attractions at Orlando World Center Marriott, where a waterpark is guaranteed to thrill all ages.
Keep the whole family entertained for hours with a 575-foot, zero-entry lazy river that travels through the lush tropical landscaping; a kids splash zone; three rip-roaring, multirider waterslides; and the Falls Pool for swimming and soaking up the sun.
There’s always something happening at the pool, from poolside activities to a nightly laser show set to popular music.
There are plenty of places for chill time, too, with private cabanas and daybeds — and lots of poolside lounging.
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
Follow the palm-tree-lined path from the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos to the resort’s sparkling family and adults-only pools.
Both overlook spectacular Grace Bay, named one of the world’s best beaches for its turquoise waters and soft white sand. Need pool towels, an umbrella or chaise lounges? Just ask. They’re available daily.
Take a break from watching the little ones when you sign up your confident swimmers, ages 6 and up, for Ritz Waterkids activities. Swimmers 6 to 12 can enjoy treasure hunts and more through the Ritz Kids Watersports program. Check the resort’s website for a schedule of activities.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Coastal design meets British Caribbean style at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, located on award-winning Seven Mile Beach.
For family fun, head to the resort’s colorful Starfish Cay water attraction. Little ones can wade into the zero-entry splash pool while older children shoot water nozzles, slip down slides and soak under “waterfalls” that splash out of overhead buckets.
The waterpark also has access to Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment splash pool, part of a fun and educational outreach.
The resort’s main pool, just steps away from the waves and coral-sand beach, offers postcard-perfect views, comfortable hammocks, lounging beds and cabanas.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
From the moment the water shuttle lands on the shores of Isola delle Rose, home to the JW Marriott Venice, you’ll feel the opulent pull of private-island living.
For family fun, kids can frolic the day away at the interactive water play fountain while couples can retreat to the spa’s tranquil vitality pools followed by an indulgent body treatment.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Gold Coast beaches may be known as Surfers Paradise, but JW Marriott Gold Coast’s freshwater outdoor pool and Saltwater Lagoon are sheer utopias unto themselves.
Sandy beaches, a waterfall, artificial coral reefs and a waterslide send up a siren song: “Come and play!”
Prefer kicking back? Poolside daybeds and a bar that delivers frosty cocktails have their own message: “Just chill.”
The St. Regis Doha
The St. Regis Doha rises from Qatar’s West Bay beach like a palatial sandcastle. Its Olympic-size pool is the largest swimming facility in the country, complete with butlers who serve poolside-lounging guests anything they care to order from Oyster Bay & Bar.
The private beach affords views of the Persian Gulf and Pearl Island, and guests can rent water sports equipment, soak in Jacuzzis or relax in a private cabana on the beach, and enjoy a Lebanese feast from Al Sultan Brahim restaurant.
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