IT'S cold and gloomy for the parts of the planet experiencing winter, so
what better time to consider a rooftop pool for catching a few rays now or to
put in the plans for your next sunny holiday.
To help you select a suitably chic place to soak up the sun, online men's
magazine AskMen.com (www.askmen.com) has come up with a top 10 list of rooftop
pools.
Beyond just offering a panoramic view of life below, these hotel pools each
possess distinctive 'wow' factors, from underwater sound systems to crimson
night lights and lush tropical greenery.
*Reuters has not endorsed this list.
#1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Architect Moshe
Safdie's multibillion-dollar resort and casino is the very definition of
balls-out: 55 stories crowned by a 500-foot rooftop pool, which is set amid 250
tree species and several hundred different plants in a blooming oasis called
the Sands SkyPark.
Three-times Olympic size and cantilevered so that the water seems to drop
straight over the sides of the hotel, this claims to be the biggest rooftop
pool in the world, and it's for guests of Marina Bay Sands only.
1. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Forget about views to
distant monuments; from the nearby observation deck (which is open to the
public), you'll be amazed just looking down at lower reaches of the monumental
hotel itself.
2. The Standard, downtown Los Angeles, California,
US
The 360 degree views of Los Angeles' re-energised downtown
are enhanced by the pool topping André Balazs' flirty revamp of the old
Superior Oil headquarters. Imagine vibrating cherry-hued water beds and yellow
1960s Panton chairs, Astroturf underfoot and a nightly DJ reigning over the
next-door dance floor.
2. The Standard, downtown Los Angeles, California,
US
If you're in the mood for cosy, order a drink from
waitresses dressed as cheerleaders and sit around the outdoor fireplace. The
party's on until 1.30am, after which you can satisfy late-night cravings at the
hotel's 24-hour outdoor patio restaurant, next to a flaming water fountain.
3. Andaz San Diego, San Diego, California, US
Some
pools we like purely for their design, others because, well, Prince Harry of
Wales does, too. He's one of the VIPs spotted recently at Andaz San Diego's
pool, where there's a continually throbbing DJ beat, VIP bottle service,
cushioned lounge beds, and endless babe-spotting.
3. Andaz San Diego, San Diego, California, US
We
figure if the Prince judged this a worthy pool, it must be - God know he likes
to party. Andaz is pretty much even in rep with another well-known pool party
spot, FLOAT, atop the Hard Rock Hotel, whose patrons include Brody Jenner and
Kim Kardashian.
4. The Joule, Dallas, Texas, US
There's plenty to soak
in from this cantilevered marvel on the 10th floor of Dallas' smartest boutique
hotel. The Joule juts eight feet beyond the hotel roof, so you're literally
swimming above the commuter rush of the downtown core, hemmed in glass.
4. The Joule, Dallas, Texas, US
Hungry? Charlie Palmer
at The Joule serves up a lighter poolside menu for swimmers. And poolside
service includes an imaginative custom cocktail list as well.
5. Pacific Regency Hotel Suites, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Luna Bar is a covered bar extending the length of the hotel's
rooftop pool. Views are of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, including the 88-story
Petronas Twin Towers, and the bar, which offers al fresco dining as well, is a
fixture of Kuala Lumpur nightlife and three-time winner of Hospitality Asia
Platinum Awards' "Best Night Spot Award".
5. Pacific Regency Hotel Suites, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The pool is a more exclusive, private venue that's only open
to hotel guests.
