Full of stunningly beautiful people and places, Miami lures
with its bright sunshine and shimmering ocean. Yet within this
continental Caribbean city, few spots hold the glamour, history, and
appeal found at the many pools that sparkle behind Miami's grandest
hotels.
To See and Be Seen
When The National Hotel wanted to put
a pool in its South Beach backyard, few could have imagined how perfect
it would come out. An infinity pool, its shallow recesses are shadowed
by lush palm trees as it stretches a canal-like 205 feet. Built in 1939,
the hotel itself stands as an Art Deco masterpiece. The pool retains the
building's original jazz-age character and attracts, quite naturally, a
sophisticated set ranging from Harrison Ford to Ricky Martin. Dip tip: Rent a room in the recently renovated Cabana Wing, which will
give great views of celebs by the pool.
For the Water Bug in Your Family
Squeeze into your gold
lamé muumuu, and get thyself to the grotto at Fontainebleau Hilton
Resort on Miami Beach. Once the city's hippest lodging, the
Fontainebleau served legends John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe and can
be spotted in movies such as Goldfinger and The Specialist.
Sadly, numerous "renovations" have left the rooms and lobby somewhat
muddled and tired looking, but the pool is tops if you have young ones
to entertain. The tropical gardens behind the hotel house the Lagoon
Pool, which is often serenaded by a calypso band and the screaming
children at Cookie's World. In a bizarre twist of Hilton logic, Cookie
is a 100-foot-long octopus that covers a children's wading pool and
260-foot spiral water slide. Dip tip: Renting a poolside cabana
for $50 a day is far cheaper than renting a room at the
Fontainebleau. Both allow full access to the fabulous pool facilities.
Sheer Beauty
For quiet romance and excellent service,
slip out to The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, and ease into the hotel's
infinity pool. Unlike many of the hotels in the area, this pool has a
commanding view of the beach and ocean. It's the perfect place to lounge
in privacy and beautiful seclusion. Dip tip: Wait until sunset,
and head to the gazebo near the adult pool. It may be one of the most
romantic spots in Florida.
The National Hotel: (305) 532-2311 or www.nationalhotel.com. Fontainebleau Hilton Resort: 1-800-548-8886 or www.fontainebleauhilton.com. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne: 1-800-241-3333 or www.ritzcarlton.com.
