Departing the deep end for a refreshing cocktail isn’t necessary at some of the world’s most popular resorts, thanks to swanky swim-up bars. Swim-up bars offer classic cocktails, tasty nibbles, and enviable views without leaving the water.
Swim-up bars are the perfect respite from the sizzling sun. Often perched poolside, they feature a collection of submerged stools for swimmers to sit and sip colorful cocktails, ice cold beers, or chilled wines without drying off.
From betting on waterproof Blackjack in Las Vegas to in-pool dining in sunny South Beach and sampling seafood from a floating tray in Cam Ranh, we swam up to 19 of the world’s most amazing swim-up bars, and here’s what we found.
Hang with iguanas in Palm Beach, Aruba
Don’t be surprised if a friendly iguana keeps you company at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino‘s swim-up bar. Listen for the sound of bells every afternoon signaling the start of 2-for-1 happy hour at the six-seat bar. Enjoy the island’s signature drink, the Aruba Ariba, made with four different types of alcohol including Coecoei, an Aruban liquor, while listening to live music.
Sip Bahama Mamas at Oasis Swim-Up Bar in Bimini, Bahamas
Swim up to one of Oasis Swim-Up Bar’s nine seats to sip on rum punch Bahama Mamas and snack on loaded jerk chicken fries while admiring the views of the cerulean Caribbean Sea. Located on the seven-mile island of North Bimini, the Oasis Swim-Up Bar at Resorts World Bimini is located on the resort’s ground floor, 600-foot lagoon pool (one of two hotel pools).
Sip bottomless cocktails at Manatees in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Tucked inside the adults-only Secrets Cap Cana is swim-up bar Manatees, where guests can enjoy unlimited tropical drinks made with international and domestic top-shelf liquor as part of the all-inclusive resort’s unlimited luxury experience.
Enjoy mesmerizing Mykonos views at Del Mar in Ornos, Mykonos, Greece
Tune out the world with cool tunes and creative cocktails at Del Mar, the swim up bar at the boutique 40-room Kivotos Mykonos Hotel. There’s no need to leave the Greek resort when you can sip sundowners submerged in the water and beneath the sizzling Mykonos sun.
Clink glasses in a cave at The Grotto Bar in Maui, Hawaii
Hidden between two waterfalls inside of a swim-through cave, The Grotto Bar at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is the perfect respite from the Maui heat. The intimate, dimly lit swim-up bar has seating for 16 people who can watch sports on TV while enjoying pub fare, beers on tap, and tropical cocktails like the signature Skinny Rita: tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and coconut water.
Sip sundowners at the Caribbean’s first swim-up bar in Montego Bay, Jamaica
The Caribbean’s first ever swim-up bar opened at the adults-only Sandals’ flagship resort Sandals Montego Bay in 1984. The six-seat bar, which underwent a renovation for its 35th anniversary in 2019, features coral stonework, quartz countertops, Spanish porcelain floor tile, and chandeliers with glass imported from Spain. Order the signature cocktail Dirty Banana: Appleton Reserve Rum, Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, banana, and milk.
Watch sports at El Patio in Los Cabos, Mexico
Sports fans can catch the latest games and enjoy tequila and tacos without leaving the water at El Patio at Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences. While you catch the game, don’t be surprised if you’re distracted by the incredible views of the Sea of Cortez.
Indulge in a tipple or two at Ío Pool Bar in Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Located in the TRS Coral pool, Ío Pool Bar at the all-inclusive TRS Coral Hotel offers chill vibes, cocktails, and fun in the sun without leaving the water. Drink, dunk, dive, repeat.
Eat tasty tostadas at Nosh in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Whether opting for a swinging bar seat or an in-pool stool, all seats at Nosh at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa afford beautiful 180-degree views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. Located in Puerto Vallarta’s largest infinity pool, the two story swim-up bar serves margaritas and a variety of Mexican inspired bites, like handmade tostadas piled high with fresh seafood caught right in the surrounding Bay.
Indulge in unlimited drinks at Aqua Bar in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Located in the three-temperature tiered infinity pool at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the 10-seat Aqua Bar serves snacks and sips that are part of the resort’s all-inclusive rate. Enjoy a Yashu Margarita made with Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur and yashu (Zapotec for avocado) that pairs perfectly with tacos al pastor and shrimp Aguachile ceviche while admiring unobstructed views of Banderas Bay.
Say cheers at Bagua Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sip refreshing piña coladas at Bagua Bar at Caribe Hilton. The frosty beverage of Don Q Gold rum, Coco López, cream, and pineapple juice was invented here. Overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the seven seat swim-up, eat-up, and-drink up bar serves a full menu including a Puertorican hot dog with all the fixins.
Get lucky at the Fortuna pool in Las Vegas, Nevada
Try your luck at the four swim-up Blackjack tables at the Fortuna Pool, one of seven pools at Caesars Palace’s Italian-inspired Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. Named for the goddess of luck, grab a drink at the Fortuna Bar and place your bets without leaving the water. Planning to visit soon? Check out the Las Vegas trip planner.
Wade into West Coast waters at The Cove in Temecula, California
Saunter and soak up the sun at The Cove, a massive 4.5 acre collection of four pools, three spas, 27 cabanas, and two twisty water slides in Pechanga Resort Casino, the largest resort casino on the West Coast. The 2,500-square-foot main adults-only pool includes an 18-seat swim-up bar serving frosty beverages like the Mermaid Water, a colorful, tropical drink with rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Blue Curaçao.
Soak up sun, fun, and sips at Grotto Bar in Maui, Hawaii
Say aloha to in-pool drinks at the Grotto Bar at Grand Wailea’s massive 2,000-foot-long Canyon Activity Pool. The epic 25,700-square-foot Canyon Activity Pool is actually nine individual pools on six levels that are connected by a lazy river leading to endless activities like water slides and day drinking at the swim-up bar.
Dip and dine at the Delano Water Salon in Miami, Florida
Dip your toes in the water and dine like a VIP at the “water salon” at Delano Beach Club. Conceived by Philippe Starck, sun worshippers can dine and drink at the submerged wrought iron bistro table and chairs in the shallow end of the iconic South Beach pool.
Skip the stress and say cheers at Cambrian Oasis in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Set in an 80-acre pine forest on the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sundara Inn & Spa offers a tropical respite year-round. Dive into 84-degree water at Cambrian Oasis, an indoor/outdoor pool for craft cocktails and mocktails at the indoor swim-up bar. Even on snowy days, the heated pool, named for the Cambrian-era sandstone cliffs that tower above the Wisconsin River, is open for signature cocktails like Wisconsin is the Old Fashioned made with local wildflower honey and whiskey.
Enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise at Chill Bar in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Channel your Jimmy Buffett vibes with a margarita and cheeseburger at Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham in St. Thomas. Whether you opt for a seat at the eight-seat Chill Bar or soak up the sun from a submerged lounge chair, the pool offers enviable views of the mountains and Water Bay’s white sand beach.
Quench your thirst at Pool Bar in Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand
Guests don’t have to leave the pool to snack on Thai tapas and tropical drinks at the 20-seat Pool Bar at Melia Koh Samui, which overlooks Choeng Mon Beach on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui island off Thailand’s east coast. Guests on floats can glide past the bar, which merges into the 2,296-foot-long lagoon pool that meanders like a river through the resort’s lush grounds.
Enjoy lunch with a view at Beach Bar in Cam Ranh, Vietnam
The breathtaking Beach Bar at Alma Resort on the Cam Ranh peninsula in Southeastern Vietnam is part of one of 12 swimming pools that cascade down to Long Beach. Enjoy an ice cold beer and chilled wine from swim-up seats that are situated closest to the beach’s aquamarine waters where traditional sampans and coracles still ply the coastal waters. Swimmers can even order a floating tray of seafood from the resort’s adjacent beachfront restaurant Atlantis.