MAGNIFICENT POOLS
- Karen Kinnersly
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Sure, beaches get all the summer glory, but there’s something irresistibly chic about swapping the surf for a sun-lounger and a pool that practically begs for a midday dip. No sandy towels, no crowded shores, just sparkling water, shady palms and a cocktail that always tastes better poolside.
From jaw-dropping five-star resorts to chic boutique hideaways, we’ve hunted down the crème de la crème of Australian hotel pools — perfect for grown-ups craving sunlit luxury, shimmering reflections and a little adult downtime (aka: nothing short of magnificent).
THE EXPANSIVE
SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT, Gold Coast
If ever a pool deserved star billing, it’s the shimmering Oasis Pool of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Step into the lobby and the first thing you see is water — glittering expanses that stretch towards the Pacific, framed by palms and over-water walkways that instantly transport you to holiday mode. Honestly, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on a faraway tropical island rather than the heart of the Gold Coast.
This beachfront icon is wrapped in six hectares of pools and lagoons, the kind that beg for a slow dip before sliding onto a shaded deckchair with a book (or better yet, ordering something icy from the swim-up bar). The Oasis Pool is family-friendly, complete with a dedicated children’s area, while the more secluded Villa Pool threads between accommodation wings with timber bridges leading you across the water. Both are heated to a balmy 27 degrees — just in case you needed another reason to linger.
Of course, poolside paradise is only part of the allure. The resort also boasts direct access to Main Beach, panoramic ocean views, four standout dining options (including the famous Terraces seafood buffet), and a location just across from Marina Mirage for those craving a little retail therapy between swims.
Whether it’s a splash-filled family holiday or a grown-up escape of cocktails at golden hour, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort proves that on the Gold Coast, sometimes the pool really does outshine the beach.
THE SUBLIME
HAVEN POOL CLUB, Mondrian Gold Coast
If there’s a place that defines coastal cool right now, it’s Haven Pool Club at the Mondrian Gold Coast. Perched above Burleigh’s beachfront on level three, this elevated oasis brings a touch of international glamour to Australia’s favourite surf town. Two plunge pools and a sleek, marble-clad lap pool are framed by breeze-block cabanas, handcrafted tiles and ocean views that rival the Riviera.
Designed by acclaimed Sydney firm Alexander &CO., the space channels a mid-century coastal daydream — where natural textures, warm timber and custom finishes meet laid-back luxury. From long lunches in the dining room to lounging poolside in a private cabana, Haven invites guests into an escape defined by flavour, sound and sea breeze. As afternoon turns to evening, the mood shifts with curated playlists and live sets. Equal parts exclusive and effortlessly relaxed, Haven Pool Club is Burleigh’s new benchmark for elevated summer sophistication.
THE CHIC & BOUTIQUE
BASQ HOUSE, Byron Bay
Basq House is Byron Bay chic at its finest — a boutique hideaway designed to make you slow down, sink into comfort, and soak up the sun. Undoubtedly the highlight is the logo-embossed, temperature-controlled magnesium pool, inspired by the serene courtyards of Moroccan riads and framed by lush greenery, sun-drenched daybeds, and shaded cabanas. Many rooms overlook this central oasis, offering guests a contemporary sanctuary where barefoot breeziness meets understated luxury.
More than just a visual delight, the magnesium water is gentle on skin and eyes, with therapeutic benefits like stress relief and muscle relaxation — every swim feels like a mini wellness ritual. Poolside snacks and drinks add to the indulgence, while exclusive guest access ensures calm and privacy.
Winner of gold at the 2025 SPASA Awards for design and construction, Basq House stands out as one of Byron Bay’s most stylish boutique escapes. Morning dips, lazy afternoons, or sunset cocktails — this is where you basq in style.
THE ICONIC
THE SURF, Yamba
There’s no more quintessential beachside escape than Yamba — and The Surf is the stay we’re bookmarking for summer.
Perched above Main Beach with sweeping views that stretch from Iluka to Angourie, this 12-room boutique hotel exudes effortless seaside sophistication. Its exclusive, guests-only rooftop pool is intimate and spectacular — a heated plunge perfect for floating while taking in the horizon. Striped loungers, lush greenery, and the rhythmic crash of waves below complete the picture, making it a blissful spot we guarantee you will never want to leave.
Inside, the hotel continues the theme of coastal elegance with curved walls, light timber accents, and ocean-inspired rooms. Its central Queen Street location puts the best of Yamba on your doorstep — cafes, shops, and the iconic Main Beach are all within easy reach.
From sunrise swims and sundowner cocktails to whale spotting through the rooftop telescope, The Surf Yamba turns a simple pool visit into a full coastal experience.
THE MED REIMAGINED
QT GOLD COAST, Surfers Paradise
I mean, if this isn’t a pool you want to dive straight into, we don’t know what is. Welcome to the glorious striped paradise of The Spring at QT Gold Coast, where summer days stretch long and lazy and the vibe is pure holiday mode.
This isn’t your average hotel pool — it’s a full-blown beach club experience in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Open daily, The Spring tempts with curated cabana packages featuring seasonal fruit platters and bottles of sparkling wine orChampagne, all served with a side of Riviera chic. Between dips, graze from a menu of flavours from Japanese izakaya to Mexican infusions and Mediterranean seafood.
From midday cocktails to sunset sips, the restaurant and bar keep the good times. It’s a little bit glam, a lot like how the other half live, and your ultimate summer escape.
THE TIMELESS COASTAL GLAMOUR
HALCYON HOUSE, Cabarita Beach
It’s the kind of pool that feels plucked straight from a movie set — a dreamy collision of seaside sophistication and Palm Springs nostalgia, where aqua waters shimmer against a crisp white façade. This summer, the Tweed’s most iconic boutique hotel has unveiled a refreshed poolscape in collaboration with Business & Pleasure Co., where playful peach and mint tones meet striped umbrellas and sun-bleached deck chairs beneath swaying palms, with the ocean just steps away.
An award-winning destination celebrated for its chic interiors, impeccable service and Hatted restaurant, Halcyon House continues to set the benchmark for coastal luxury. The effect? Pure Palm Royale fantasy on the Tweed Coast. Days here drift in a languid blur of sunshine and sea air — beside a pool made for long, sun-drenched afternoons of swimming, sipping and sun-lounging. With poolside service, signature cocktails — officially crowned Best Cocktail List in Australia 2025 — and that unmistakable Halcyon polish, this is escapism at its most glamorous, carefree and photogenic.
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