Get Your Swim On
It’s about this time of year when the tirelessly cool New York City days and even chillier nights has us conjuring up fantasies of basking in the sun and lying on the beach with a drink in hand. If a getaway to a Caribbean island or some other warm weather destination isn’t in your cards, it is still possible to get a taste of summer without going far. Several indoor pools around the New York City area welcome visitors for a day or weekend with a hip ambiance, upbeat music, good food and that oh-so-important drink. We guarantee that these spots will give you your warm weather fix till July rolls around and are a far cry from the chlorine reeking pools you knew as a kid.
The Ritz-Carlton Westchester
914-946-5500
The temperature at this glass ceiling and walled space which overlooks the sky and the surrounding nature surroundings is close to 80 degrees and summery songs such as “Stayin Alive” are constantly playing. An attendant mans the space and brings guests newspapers, drinks and nibbles like dried fruit and pretzels. It’s also possible to order lunch from the pool and spa menu which includes choices as fancy as lobster macaroni and cheese and as basic as individual pizzas. Room rates from $199. It Non-hotel guests who book a spa treatment $100 or more can also use the pool.
The Water Club in Atlantic City
800-800-8817
The glass ceiling space at this hotel which made Atlantic City a place to visit has two pools- one for laps and another with an infinity edge. Guests, who must be 18 and over, are greeted by a fresh orchid on their lounge chairs, 50-foot ceilings and tropical foliage including towering Ficus Alii trees from Florida and pineapple plants with the actual fruit hanging from the ends. There are also two Jacuzzis, a marble clad bar, cabana rentals and a dedicated menu. Room rates from $119. Pool is only for hotel guests.
The Grace Hotel in New York City
212-354-2323
A constant party in Midtown. Anyone can pay $10 to have access to the space which has a swim-up bar, torpedos that spray guests, neon lights and a deejay on weekends.
The Peninsula Hotel in New York City
212-956-2888
For a more refined pool atmosphere, check out the black tiled pool at this swanky Midtown hotel. The recently renovated space has views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. There is free W-Fi, and guests can also get poolside manicures and pedicures and order drinks and food from a spa menu. Non-hotel guests who book a half-day of spa services or the $250 “Spa-cation” package can use the pool. This special normally costs $405. In addition to using the pool, guests get an hour-long massage or facial, a poolside lunch, a $30 gift certificate, access to fitness classes and a bag of spa products.
***This article was written by Guest Contributor and New York Times Journalist Shivani Vora. To view Shivani’s full bio and contact information click here!***
One Comment
This is great for a detour from the cold winter months!