A Refreshing Look at Resort Pools

 
 
 

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By Kelly Potts

Some resorts are pool sharks at providing guests with options to swim and play in water. But there’s more to just having a crystal-clear pool, river or waterfall to splash in. These AAA Four and Five Diamond resorts have anticipated every want and need of their guests. Many resorts go the extra mile with special summer events like dive-in movies, themed weekends, poolside entertainment and games. 

For example, many resorts offer private cabanas for guests to rent – adult or family – to get out of the sun and eat and drink. Besides lounge chairs and shade, some cabanas go as far as having televisions, ceiling fans and refrigerators. If a cabana isn’t for you, most of the resorts have bars and grills next to their pools to enjoy. The following four resorts offer waterlogged options to people of all ages:

Arizona Grand Resort and Spa (5273 E. Beverly Road, Phoenix): Voted by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s Top 10 Water Parks, this resort has 7 acres of aquatic recreation, cascading waterfalls, lush foliage and towering palms. Slide Canyon Tower is eight stories tall and includes a 225-foot free fall and a 220-foot Roadrunner that drops 51 feet. The Oasis Wave Pool is a large, zero-entry pool that ranges from 1 to 5 feet deep and comes with 2-foot swells. For river rafters, the Zuni River Experience is a side-by-side rolling river for double inner tubing. And for kids, Wild Cat Springs offers three jet sprays that shoot into a pool as well as six more water jets on the water spray deck.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale): This resort’s water playground long has been a guest favorite, featuring 10 swimming pools, 20 fountains and 45 waterfalls.  Highlighting the transformation is the all-new, totally cool, 30-foot, 3-story, high speed waterslide, where participants will zip down the triple turns at 25 miles per hour.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa (5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix): This sprawling resort offers five outdoor swimming options throughout its grounds. All of the pools are heated, and towels are provided. The resort has the Lazy River Pool; Mesa Pool; Serpentine Waterslide; Sidewinder Pool; and Wildfire Pool.

Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa (3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson): The Westin includes five pools, and it features one of Tucson’s longest resort water slides – the 177-foot-long SlideWinder. Grown-ups also can enjoy an adult pool that provides a relaxing experience.

Take advantage of AAA savings at AAA Diamond-rated hotels this summer. For a complete list of Four and Five Diamond properties across the state, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.