Make a Splash in These Superb Hotel Swimming Pools

Now that we're over a week into June, it's almost time to kiss the spring season goodbye. Summer is knocking hard on our doorstep as temperatures the world over - let alone those in such sought-after summer hot spots as Las Vegas, Miami and Orlando - continue to inch upward. There's no denying a hotel pool is more than just a place to swim laps and shed calories. A pool can be one of a property's most handsome architectural gems, not to mention a place to unwind, cool off, or work on a tan following a busy day spent sightseeing or in business meetings. And with lush gardens, luxury cabanas, sun loungers, swim-up bars, and other nice poolside features to boot, it's no surprise many travelers wouldn't mind spending an entire day in or near the pool. While a vast number of hotels have impressive pools to boast of, we especially recommend the three highlighted below, all of which are sure to unleash the adventure seeker in you.



1. Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Winner of the prestigious Four-Diamond Award each year since 1977, Golden Nugget L as Vegas features The Tank - a $30 million complex complete with a 3-story waterslide, 200,000-gallon shark tank, and thirteen private cabanas that can be rented for as low as $175 per day. Get up close with sharp-toothed creatures of the deep or climb 30 feet in the air, lean back and let the Golden Nugget's enclosed water slide propel you through the shark tank itself. You'll also be well occupied at The Hideout, accessible via the third floor of The Tank, where you can take a dip in a two-story infinity pool or lounge about in one of eight poolside cabanas. Once you've had enough shark-gazing for one day, grab a drink at H20 Bar before hitting the town for world-renowned dining and entertainment.
2. The National Hotel South Beach - Ask any swim lover what his or her idea of the perfect afternoon in Miami would be like and most likely it'll involve a carefree swim in the glistening waters of the Atlantic. Guests at The National Hotel South Beach, however, might have other ideas in mind. Nestled in the heart of the Art Deco district - the hotel was fully restored in 1997 to its 1940s Art Deco splendor - its infinity pool stretches a whopping 205 feet, eventually meeting a smaller heated pool. You can indulge in a stress-relieving poolside massage after a busy afternoon spent shopping at Lincoln Road Mall or dining with friends on Ocean Drive. Aquabar, the poolside bar and grill, couples delicious food, exotic drinks and relaxing music for a casual-chic dining experience. In case you'd still like to squeeze in some time for a leisurely walk on the sand, the hotel offers direct oceanfront access to the beach.



3. CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort Orlando - If you're big on family-friendly, waterpark fun, you will enjoy 62,000 square feet of it at CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort in Orlando. From slides that twist and turn all the way down to Parrot's Perch, an interactive jungle gym adventure featuring a zero depth entry, this canopy-covered waterpark offers something for kids of all ages. The only caveat: The waterpark imposes a height requirement of 48 inches or taller. In all, the property has four outdoor swimming pools, ensuring there's ample room for the little ones to frolic in the water. Should the kids not meet the height requirement or opt for something a little dryer, they can check out loads of popular video games at the resort's 6,400-square-foot arcade or stay entertained in the on-site children's club.
When making plans for summer travel this year, don't assume that a trip to a nearby waterpark or beach is a prerequisite for wet fun in the sun. Instead, your hotel's on-site swimming pool area might make the perfect place for a fun-filled afternoon with friends and family. Relax, refresh and enjoy!

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Top 5 Luxury Spa Hotels in Europe

If you're looking for a relaxing weekend break, a few nights at a spa hotel can really recharge your batteries. Discover a world of relaxation and indulgence at Europe's top luxury spa hotels, from award-winning afternoon teas to exotic treatments.
Here's the low-down on the best spots for a massage that the continent has to offer...
1. Berkeley Hotel, London, UK
Contemporary elegance is the best way to describe the beautiful Berkeley in Knightsbridge. Escape the pressures (and pollution) of the big smoke with a relaxing rooftop swim beneath the stars or one of the infamous Pret-a-Portea afternoon teas. What could be more relaxing than haute-design treats, such as Chanel lime cakes and Christian Dior pink chocolate biscuits? The legendary hotel is also top of the list for treatments; soothe yourself with a delicious LaStone massage or traditional Balinese therapies.



2. Canbonastre Wine Resort Hotel, Masquefa, Spain
This divine wine resort in Spain is a masterpiece of indulgence - great Mediterranean food, fine wines, luxurious Lanvin accessories and the excellent Acuba Spa. Alongside the myriad treatments, there's a pool, sauna and steam room to enjoy. There's also a 'wine therapy' programme to ensure your total relaxation.
3. Capri Palace Hotel and Spa, Capri, Italy
Capri is the destination for glitz and glamour. A firm favourite with the stars, it's easy to see why this island pulls in the crowds year after year. The hotel takes uber-chic to a new level, but the spa is still the real gem here. It's the kind of place where you can book a vascular stimulation treatment and a simple mud wrap all in one day. The pool scene is fabulous, too - enjoy the views of celebs sunning themselves, and the cliffs and sparkling seas beyond.



4. Lucknam Park Hotel, Colerne, UK
Another exceptional spa in England, the Lucknam Park near Bath lies in the Wiltshire countryside. It's a romantic hideaway of serenity and calm and the spa is a brand new multi-million pound extension to the manor house. Enjoy the hydrotherapy pools, long list of treatments and body-moulded heated beds - and if you get hungry, there's a smart, contemporary brasserie on hand for a snack or two


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5. Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, Prague, Czech Republic
Further afield in the Czech Republic, this gorgeous neo-Baroque boutique hotel is located in the centre of Prague. The Alchymist has certainly never heard of minimalism; downstairs in the spa, the style switches to neo-Bali for the extensive health club facilities. Top of the list is the Jacuzzi lit by chandeliers.

Best Luxury Hotel Restaurants in America

In the past, hotel restaurants in America were merely a place to fill up after a long day of sightseeing or a late flight into the destination. Even the most luxury hotels weren't renowned for their eateries - they provided decent enough fare for hungry guests, but outside customers could rarely be tempted in and the food was certainly not a reason for making a booking.
Now, however, things have changed dramatically and they have really pushed the boat out - some of the most elegant and exclusive restaurants in America can be found within the walls of luxury hotels. Here's the lowdown on the latest hotel dining spots to be voted into the top five.

 

1. French Room - The Adolphus Hotel, Texas
A gorgeous grand dame of a hotel in downtown Texas, The Adolphus tops the bill with French Room for its menu but also its décor and service. The atmosphere is pure old-world romance with subtle lighting and hand-painted ceilings - and the food is an unpretentious yet fabulous fusion of French and American cuisine.
2. Fountain Restaurant - The Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia
The Four Seasons is an American institution and a byword for superb luxury. Here in Philadelphia, the Fountain continues to be a firm favourite in the city and beyond thanks to the classic dishes served up by chef Martin Hamann in the New French-Continental style.

 

3. Dining Room - Little Palm Island Resort, Florida
This romantic getaway hotel is a boat ride away from the keys, set on its own private island. Both the hotel and restaurant promise a magical setting and they don't disappoint. The food is just as exceptional; the French-Caribbean themed menu adds to the exotic vibe of the location.
4. The Inn at Little Washington, Washington
A luxurious Virginia inn, the prestige of the hotel spills over into the dining room where chef Patrick O'Connell uses only the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce for a New American menu. With its romantic décor, the experience of the out of town hideaway is complete.



5. Maestro - Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, Virginia
This elegant restaurant has all the impeccable style you would expect from the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotels, but with a modern twist - an open kitchen to watch the master Fabio Trabocchi at work. The wine list (put together by sommelier Vincent Feraud) is something any restaurant in Italy would be proud of, whilst the flavours and dishes bring the kind of depth and subtlety that reflects their Italian heritage to perfection.