The best hotels with swim-up bars
Stay cool in the pool with a drink in hand in these sun-kissed spots
07/05/2026
Words: Siobhan Grogan
A swim-up bar is the ultimate holiday indulgence. If you fancy something refreshing to sip while you’re taking a dip, there’s no need to dry off to head to the bar. You won’t even need to detour to your lounger to grab some flip-flops. At these hotels, you can just glide straight over to the swim-up bar and place your order while still waist-deep in water to make the most of every second of glorious holiday sunshine. Here are some of the best places to sip and swim.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli, South Malé, Maldives
Fancy getting some lengths in before you take a cocktail break? Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveiled the longest pool in the Maldives in March, with 210m of water running parallel to the beach for serious swimming before you visit the pool’s new sunken bar. No need to worry about checking prices, either, as the hotel’s generous all-inclusive package includes unlimited drinks, a complimentary mini-bar, non-motorised water sports and even sunset cruises. Spread across three islands, there’s plenty to enjoy when you do get out of the pool, including a diving centre, three spas, a kids’ club with its own pool and a house reef.
Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Barbados
With its palm trees, white sand beach and tropical gardens, the five-star Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Barbados (above) on the island’s sunset-facing west coast looks lifted straight from a postcard. The focus is firmly on relaxation in this 1930s-built property, whether that means feasting at the lobster and jazz brunch, sailing the coast on the hotel’s free water taxi or poring over the wine list to choose a glass to enjoy at the swim-up bar. If you make it back to your lounger, the pampering continues as staff deliver complimentary homemade sorbets and polish your sunglasses while you snooze.
Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico
There’s only one thing better than a hotel with a swim-up bar and that’s when it has three. The adults-only beachfront Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa’s trio of pools includes one with a DJ for non-stop party vibes and an exclusive rooftop option for guests staying in the hotel’s premium xhale club suites. Drinks, dining and even 24-hour room service are all included as part of your holiday, too. Cancun’s lively strip is two miles away for clubs and bars or you could day-trip to the Unesco-listed ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Zafiro Can Picafort, Mallorca, Spain
It’s not just adults who love the thrill of a swim-up bar. Kids will adore ordering mocktails and milkshakes without getting out of the pool at family-focused Zafiro Can Picafort, less than a mile from Playa de Muro in Mallorca. The fun doesn’t stop there, as there’s also a dedicated children’s pool with slides, a playground, mini-golf, a cinema room, a kids’ club and a jam-packed schedule of activities, from talent shows to football tournaments. Venture out of the hotel to S’Albufera Natural Park three miles away where the whole family can cycle car-free trails or sail a traditional boat through the marshlands.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, Cancun, Mexico
Soak up the Mexican sunshine without sweltering by paddling over to the picturesque swim-up bar in the main pool (above) at the all-suite Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. Upgrade to the hotel’s Vantage Club and you can also enjoy a second swim-up bar in Cancun’s longest rooftop pool. The all-inclusive covers countless dining options, from food truck tacos to fresh poolside ceviche and Japanese fine dining with panoramic sea views. You can also try a huge range of activities, from boxing to tequila tastings, or hop on the free shuttle to the hotel’s own stylish beach club (opening image). But no one will judge if you don’t stray too far from that swim-up bar…
Ikos Olivia, Halkidiki, Greece
Luxury all-inclusive Ikos Olivia, just under an hour from Thessaloniki, has bags of Greek chic. Rooms are in tasteful neutral shades with Nespresso machines and complimentary fully stocked mini-bars, there’s a 450m stretch of golden Blue Flag-awarded beach and a lagoon pool surrounded by ancient olive trees has a swim-up bar for perfectly chilled drinks. Should you wish to venture further afield, the lavish all-inclusive package includes use of an electric car, free tickets to local museums and even the chance to dine in charming restaurants in local villages.
