Best Pools in Miami

The Setai’s pool scene. 

Set Up:  Just walking to the pool from the lobby is a treat, as it’s filled with beauty and a Zen-like ambiance. The Setai has three temperature-controlled pools. The first is set at mid-70sF and takes into consideration those who do laps (not me!). Second is mid-80s and is central in its appeal. And the last is set in the 90s and serves the well-heeled child.

The nice thing about the Setai pools is the set-up of lounges and day beds on the actual pool deck and the perimeter. Privacy can be had here on the deck, which was skillfully designed with beautiful landscaping between lounges, so you don’t necessarily hear or see your neighbors

Poolside Dining & Wining: We were escorted to our lounges (at the mid pool) and immediately served Bellinis and provided with refreshing lemongrass aroma towels. The pool area is behind the Pool and Beach restaurant, which looks out over the ocean.  During our visit, couldn’t stop ordering everything we smelled.

Standout Dish: The grilled prawns

Poolside Service: It seemed like everyone on staff welcomed us with open arms, and we fell in love with the pool’s South African F&B manager, who personally whipped up some fresh guacamole and salsa (not on the menu) mid-day just because…. The Setai flies fresh coconuts in from Thailand daily, so health buffs can enjoy the coconut water or for us less healthy, they are happy to fill them with fun alcoholic beverages.

Who Belongs: Anyone who can afford to stay at the Setai.

Volume: Not loud; ambient music plays in the background

Who’s In:  While the pool is for guests only, some spa services include access to it. 

The James Royal Palm in Miami Beach.

Set Up:  The James actually has a plunge pool and two regular pools.  The thing we liked about The James the most was the “Sun Concierge”—an actual job title—who during our pool time hangout was there to take care of our every wish. First he helped us pick our lounge location: In this case, we opted for the lounges behind the actual pool area, for a little privacy. The James has direct beach access, meaning a short walk to the sand from our spot, which was nice for this lazy pool dweller.

Poolside Dining & Wining: The pool F&B is catered through one of the hotel’s two main restaurants, The Florida Cookery. Here, food is prepared under the auspices of the creative and may we say slightly wacky chef Kris Wessel, formerly of Miami’s Red Light.

Standout Dish: Biscayne Boulevard shrimp

Poolside Service: It’s attentive and great—and our sun concierge kept us smiling with trays of frozen pineapple (with and without alcohol), mixed fruit, chocolate and moist towels.

The pool on the upper deck is less crowded for those who want to be near—not in—the fray and boasts a beautiful view of the ocean.

Who Belongs: (Cool) families; gays and lesbians; and couples (in other words not a big singles scene)

Volume: Not loud; ambient music plays in the background

Who’s In: The James Miami pool is only available to guests staying at the resort.