Listings:

Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai

Home to the largest fi tness and recreational center in Shanghai, the hotel has perhaps the most spacious swimming pool in downtown Shanghai. The pool area includes an indoor heated 25-meter-long pool, a “vitality pool” with message jets and a mini pool for kids.

The swimming pool is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, to both hotel guests and members. The membership card, with access to the whole fi tness center, starts from 13,000 yuan a person for half a year, and goes to 34,000 yuan a year for one family (2 adults and 1 child).

Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, 1388 Huamu Road,021-6169-8888

Puli Hotel and Spa

Tucked deep in the long corridor on the third fl oor of the hotel, the swimming pool boasts a “homeaway- from-home” private space with large comfortable daybeds, tall lamps and dark furniture. The 5.5-meter-high ceilings and exclusive view of the lush greenery of Jing’an Park provide a tranquil experience.

1 Changde Road,021-2216-6973

Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong

Sitting on the 53rd fl oor of the hotel, the pool has a spectacular view of the century-old Bund area. Best enjoyed at around 5 to 6 pm in summertime, when the lingering light of the setting sun paints the whole city, as well as the fl oor-to-ceiling windows of the pool, a resplendent golden color. The pool is not open to the public.

8 Century Avenue, Pudong,021-2020-1888

Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai

dome above, the indoor pool allows swimmers to enjoy natural light and a view of the petite garden outside. The pool can be used by both hotel guests and members.

1218 Middle Yan’an Road,021-2203-8888

THE MANSION

The Mansion’s ghetto-fabulous pool parties always get good reviews, as French models rub shoulders with dreadlocked crusties. During the winter the artists who slum it at this quasihippie commune use the pool as a skateboard ramp. In the summer they add water, electronic music, reggae and a decent barbecue to their urban beach-ifi ed backyard (sand not grass). Bit of a cab ride from downtown but plenty of fun in the sun, and the interior of the mansion itself is something else, from its spiral staircase and velvet cushions to a Shelter-type basement. Entry costs 100 yuan and includes three drinks.

Add: Dynasty Villa, B18, 851 Hongjing Road, near Yan’an West Road

Tel: 186-0177-3399 Open: 2-10pm