What’s On rounds up the best swimming pools in Dubai, from the private hotel pools to the public access pools in Dubai, we list venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and more.

Melia Dubai
A short walk from the New Gold Souk, the Meliá rooftop pool may be the best respite when you simply can’t carry any more gold. The panoramic views are a big selling point, and this being the first Spanish five-star hotel in the Middle East, you can imagine Penelope Cruz or Xavier Bardem emerging from the water. Don’t call us if they don’t.

Best swimming pools Melia

23 Kuwait Street, Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, 8am to 8pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3868111. Taxi: Kuwait Street. melia.com

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
This is a whopper of a pool at 1,600sqm. Such is its size, you can happily paddle around with your eyes closed without fear of bumping into a fellow swimmer. The natural sandy beach is just metres away. Plus, there is a shady canopy over one section and handy podiums dotted around if you need a breather which, unless you’re Michael Phelps, you probably will.

Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 8pm, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 8188888. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. ritzcarlton.com

Mövenpick Ibn Battuta
A calm and pleasantly enclosed pool on the eigth floor of this hotel, the Mövenpick’s pool is just for guests. Lucky guests. This spot is beautifully set between the walls of the hotel. With pretty lanterns that glow at night, you might just get a glimpse of the twinkling lights in the distance that hint at the bustling city, but they won’t put you off your backstroke.

Best swimming pools Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta Gate, Dubai, 6am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4440000. Metro: Ibn Battuta. moevenpick-hotels.com

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
For hotel guests only, the infinity pool at Zabeel Saray overlooks the Arabian Gulf and features in-pool trees that let you wallow in the shade of the palms. Hot shots staying in the Royal Residences get to paddle in their private lagoon pool, but that’s just showing off.

Best swimming pools Zabeel Saray

The Palm, Crescent Road (West), 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 453 0000. Taxi: Zabeel Saray, The Palm. jumeirah.com

Jumeirah Creekside
The large D-shaped pool at Jumeirah Creekside has two lap lanes for the Speedo brigade, as well as an area for general splashing around. Glass extensions jut into the hotel atrium at a dizzying height, making you feel like an angel or a goldfish depending on your mood. Children will love the kids’ play pool.

Best swimming pools Jumeirah Creekside

Al Garhoud, Dubai, 6am to 11pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 2308555. Metro: GGICO. jumeirah.com

Monte Carlo Beach Club
From the same people who brought you Monaco’s Hotel de Paris, Monte-Carlo Casino and the original Monte-Carlo Beach Club, this Abu Dhabi outpost is a high-roller’s heaven. The 650sqm pool is flanked by private cabanas, letting you kick back like the cat that got the cream.

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am to sunset, Sun to Thur Dhs250; Fri and Sat Dhs450. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Island. montecarlobeachclub.ae

Address Dubai Marina
The Address doesn’t do things by halves so it’s no surprise its pool is something special. Surrounded by the soaring towers of Marina, the fourth-floor infinity pool is big enough for laps, but just as good for a stylish float and soak. The poolside bar/restaurant will meet your chic dining needs.

Best swimming pools Address, Marina Mall

Dubai Marina, 8am to 8pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com

One&Only The Palm
One of Dubai’s more decadent resorts – and that’s saying something – One&Only The Palm has a super-smart pool surrounded by palm trees, pristine gardens and the peace that comes with The Palm. Plush cabanas put other poolside lazing to shame.

Best swimming pools One and Only

The Palm, West Crescent, Dubai, 9am to 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4401010. Taxi: One&Only The Palm. thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com

Inter-Continental Festival City
The infinity pool here is for hotel guests with a good head for heights. We’re referring to a glass tank that pokes out of the building at a height meant only for Jason Bourne and window cleaners. The less intrepid can glide between the in-pool palm trees and admire the cityscape.

Festival City, Dubai, 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 7011111. Taxi: Dubai Festival City. intercontinental.com

Armani
Not only can Giorgio Armani turn out a rather snappy suit, he’s also a dab hand at hotel design. Take his Dubai creation, for instance, which features one of the coolest pools in our list. All sleeks lines and symmetry, this is a pool worthy of a fashion god.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 6am to 10pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 8883888. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. armanihotels.com  

Meydan Beach Club
Never has a sun lounger looked so inviting. The slinky sofas at the Meydan infinity pool would give Philippe Starck a run for his money, sitting half submerged in the tiered shallows. All-day service from the poolside bars lets you navigate the cocktail list without moving a muscle.

The Walk, JBR, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 7pm, Dhs 250; Fri to Sat 10am to 7pm, Dhs 495. Tel: (04) 4333777. Taxi: The Walk, JBR. meydanbeach.com

JW Marriott Marquis
Not a shy and retiring type, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is the world’s tallest hotel and stands proud on Sheikh Zayed Road. The pool overlooks the business district and offers R&R to corporate bigwigs. For inhouse guests only.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, 7am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4140000. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. marriott.com