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South Beach, Miami, Florida
Drawing families and low-key couples, the cross-shaped pool at the Ritz-Carlton is large enough to swim a proper lap -- a fairly rare thing in South Beach. Plus, it comes with an excellent view of the ocean.

Best Hotel Pools in South Beach(2 of 8)

 Drawing families and low-key couples, the cross-shaped pool at the Ritz-Carlton is large enough to swim a proper lap -- a fairly rare thing in South Beach. Plus, it comes with an excellent view of the ocean.
The huge infinity pool -- also known as its "water salon" -- at the Delano is a South Beach attraction unto itself. Live DJs, tasty food and drink, posh cabanas, and bungalows make for a sceney but still relaxing retreat -- at least during the day, before the hordes of nonguests come to party. Music plays underwater, and an ornate silver table and chairs sit right in the pool. In front of the Philippe Starck-designed pool is a beautiful orchard of crisply manicured trees. A giant chessboard and huge mirror within the orchard, like the giant chair in the lobby, helps to create a surreal, Alice in Wonderland atmosphere. Drawing families and low-key couples, the cross-shaped pool at the Ritz-Carlton is large enough to swim a proper lap -- a fairly rare thing in South Beach. Plus, it comes with an excellent view of the ocean. One of South Beach's most infamous party hotels, the Shore Club packs the pool with 20-somethings pounding beers at Rumbar. DJs spin insider tunes from up-and-coming musicians like French MC Yelle and Robyn (Sweden's answer to Gwen Stefani). Three pools, each at a different temperature (75, 85, and 90 degrees Fahrenheit) for a warm plunge with the Setai's hot clientele. The pools are surrounded by what may be the most beautifully manicured grounds in all of South Beach. The Raleigh's free-form saltwater pool is where Esther Williams cavorted in The Million Dollar Mermaid and models strutted in 2008 for the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week swimsuit extravaganza. But on most days, this laid-back pool is better for basking in the classic, black rubber inner tubes or chowing down some mini-burgers at the nearby restaurant. Located off the beach, the Mondrian -- just opened in 2009 -- comes with a beautiful, bow-shaped infinity pool overlooking the Biscayne Bay. Guests can step into one of the fantastic outdoor living rooms for some shade or pay a fee for a large, souped-up cabana. Spanning 205 feet, the National's infinity pool rivals some of its considerably more expensive neighbors. Guests happily laze in inner tubes and drift beneath a shady umbrella and palm trees. The setting of many fashion shoots -- and lots of people watching even on an average day -- the Gansevoort South has the largest rooftop lounge in the country, with spectacular views of the ocean. There's also a larger, calmer, more kid-friendly pool below.
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