Living in Miami, we sometimes can’t help but feel like the fictional sailor in Samuel Taylor’s Coleridge’s famous poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” “Water, water everywhere/Nor any drop to drink,” he utters, looking out into the saltwater he cannot drink. For us it is pools, pools everywhere/nor any chlorinated body to swim. It’s true, there are so many swimming pools in Miami but most are closed to locals right now. We’re entering the last full month of summer (sigh) and it’s only now that some are welcoming back guests with resort passes that let them frolic for the day. Below, a bunch of glistening local pools—and in some cases, beachfront areas—you can book for a day in the sun. It may not be a vacation, but you can certainly feel like you got away for at least a day.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
It used to be that most hotels participating in Miami Spa month allowed guests to use the property’s facilities after their treatment, but those instances are few and far between. The Carillon, however, holds on to tradition with a wellness package that includes a 50-minute treatment or facial, complimentary valet and—the part we’re really interested in—access to the resort’s rooftop saltwater pool or its private beach with a chair to relax on.
Fri–Sun $159 (plus tax and gratuity). Book here.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Celebrate that you and your partner (or roommate) haven’t killed each other after months of lockdown with a day at the Fontainebleau’s spa and pool. The resort is offering a deal for two that includes a treatment for each person, lunch outdoors at La Cote, access to the spa’s water journey and the gym, plus chairs by the pool or on the sand behind the property.
Daily $398 per couple. Book here.
COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach
The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it boutique property is centrally located but tucked away just enough to make it feel exotic and secluded. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, this is the spot for you. They offer a range of options, both with and without cocktails, that work for solo daytrippers interested in a lounger and access to sunshine as well as a family of four who need a place to relax for the day.
Daily $30–$200. Book here.
Eden Roc Miami Beach
Are you the type who brings sneakers on vacation? Is an early morning sweat sesh your idea of relaxation? Make a plan to spend the day at the Eden Roc. Each resort pass includes gym access as well as one complimentary wellness class. Once you’ve burned some calories, start your day at either the hotel’s pool or opt for a lounger on the beach. Either way, you’ll get to order breakfast or lunch and have it served right to your lounger.
Daily $65–$250. Book here.
Kimpton Palomar South Beach
It won’t cost a ton to be a VIP at this South Beach hotel. The Kimpton is making it all possible for less than you’d spend on dinner in the neighborhood, and it includes complimentary Wi-Fi (you can work while you lounge) and a bottle of champagne. Although the property isn’t oceanfront, guests who book the regular day pass or upgrade to the VIP option will get shuttled to the beach and be given chairs to enjoy.
Daily $20–$200. Book here.
SLS South Beach
The party poolscape looks different when it’s not overrun by bikini-clad bottle girls and inflatable swans, but we promise it’s still just as fun. Spend a relaxing day lounging by the SLS pool, ordering food from The Bazaar by José Andrés and enjoying an unusually quiet afternoon at the luxurious beachfront hotel.
Daily $25–$475. Book here.
St. Regis Bal Harbour
It’s one of the most opulent properties in all Miami-Dade and now the beachfront hotel is letting locals get in on the fancy fun. Reserve a single chair and umbrella by the pool or on the sand or bring your friends for a day in the sun. The oceanfront villa package for four includes complimentary valet parking, $100 credit for food and drinks, pool and beach access with loungers, and two bicycles for up to two hours.
Daily $100pp, $550 villa. Call to book: 305-993-3300.
Setai South Beach
Relax poolside surrounded by the Bali-inspired landscape of this serene South Beach hotel when you book an even more calming 50-minute treatment at its spa. You’ll need (and want) the $149 service for access to the amenities, which includes either the pool or beach areas—both with a lounger and umbrella. Book a 60-minute session and the spa will throw in a $50 credit for food and drink and complimentary valet.
Daily through Aug 31, various prices. Book here.
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