The Regent Palms, Turks & Caicos Islands

Photo courtesy of The Regent Palms

The Caribbean has a healthy ensemble of notable swim up bars, from Anguilla to Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Tobago. If pressed to pick one however, we might be inclined to go with the elegant Regent Palms in gorgeous Turks & Caicos. A class five-star property all the way, with a terrific infinity pool.

Encore at Wynn, Las Vegas

With swim up bars now a practical prerequisite in Sin City and almost as common as slot machines, competition in Vegas is as stiff as the drinks. While poolside scenes at places like Bare at the Mirage, Liquid at Aria, The Cosmopolitan and Tao Beach at the Venetian sizzle, the over-the-top Encore rules. Aside from a stellar swim up bar, the Encore Beach Club features a nightclub atmosphere, 26 luxury cabanas, 8 private bungalows and tops out at over 5,500 m².

Room Mate Grace, New York City

No longer the best-kept secret in Manhattan, the Room Mate Grace placates winter-weary New Yorkers with a stylish pool bar. DJs spin five nights a week at the Bryant Park gem and non-guests can indulge in the swish pool and lounge for a mere USD 10.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Dubai

It’s near-impossible to compile a list of quality hotels around the world these days without including one or two from Dubai. This is definitely the case when it comes to swim up bars, with the desirable scene at Horizon at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort firmly in the running. With five pools to choose from, you’ll never want for a place to get wet and refreshed here.

Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, Viti Levu, Fiji

Photo courtesy of the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa

It would be downright criminal to ignore the South Pacific in a round up of top swim up bars. In fact, we could just as well focus solely on Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia and run down a dozen top spots. Do yourself a favour though and check out the splendid Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, where even the restaurant is in the water.

Occidental Grand Aruba Resort

There’s nothing lesser about the exquisite swim up bar at the Occidental Grand Aruba Resort in the Lesser Antilles. The appropriately-titled Splash Bar accents a remarkable free-form pool and provides a nice alternative to the hotel’s Bikini Beach Bar.

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Kuta, Bali

Bali has no shortage of swim up bar cred, with the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Kuta up there with the best.

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Gold Coast

Photo courtesy of the Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa

The most luxurious hotel in Queensland’s Gold Coast also has the hottest pool scene, with a seductive swim up bar to boot.

Kivotos Club Hotel, Mykonos

Sultry Mykonos has some of the best nightlife in Greece, let alone the Cyclades. The Del Mar Cocktail Swim Up Bar at the Kivotos Club Hotel is just the place to unwind under the sun.

Crystal Hotel Pacha Marrakech

Take in a singular cultural landscape in UNESCO World Heritage Marrakech, where the Crystal Hotel Pacha emerges as a standout luxury boutique property. For unforgettable fun in the brilliant Moroccan city, spoil yourself at the hotel’s fabulous restaurant, nightclub and, of course, swim up bar.