If there is something that beats the experience of viewing a city from above, it must be the experience of doing it from a rooftop pool.
Escape the buzzing streets of the Philippine capital, and join us as we dive into the 11 most fantastic rooftop pools in Manila.
Among the scyscrapers in the center of Makati - Manila, the excellent City Garden Grand Hotel with its 32 levels has a sparkling Manila swimming pool where you can cool off after a hot day in the city. The rooftop pool is accessible daily between 6am and 10pm and gives you the opportunity to take in the panoramic view of Makati City skyline.
Adjacent to the pool, at the so-called Firefly Roofdeck, there is a restaurant and a bar with the same stunning view. The restaurant serves dishes from the Filipino cuisine, and rice bowls – but also a selection from the rooftop barbecue and smaller plates. In the Filipino corner they serve the traditional chicken adobo and crispy pata of pork – both served with a typical sauce of soy and vinegar.
If you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious hotel in one of Manila’s liveliest neighborhoods, with all the rooftop swimming and dining you need, you should book a stay in this hotel.
Part of the prestigious Japanese hotel group Okura Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Okura Manila is situated within the Newport World Resorts complex in Pasay City, and combines Japanese omotenashi with Filipino warmth.
This luxurios hotel offers a variety of dining options, including the elevated and intimate Sora Rooftop Bar, surrounded by amazing views over the city.
While all are welcome to enjoy bites and drinks with a view at the bar, guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the exclusive pleasure of mixing it up with a refreshing plunge in the 20-meter rooftop swimming pool. Heated, and complemented with comfortable lounge cabanas and sun loungers, this is a prime spot to enjoy the best of Manila from above.
With a saltwater infinity pool, this escapade offers the perfect environment to enjoy and admire Manila from above. On the rooftop solar panels have been installed, which is part of the hotel’s commitment of going green and taking care of the environment.
Located in Alabang Hills Village, this eco-friendly boutique hotel is ideal for travelers on the go. Whether you are staying for one night or if you are in the city to explore, you find the green Filinvest City Park, restaurants with local food and stores with some of the most familiar brands just around the corner.
Besides the luxurious Manila infinity pool on the rooftop of Azumi, you can also luxuriate in big comfortable lounge beds and a poolside bar. While waiting for the snacks and refreshing drinks, take a swim and watch the view in this idyllic atmosphere.
“Your home away from home”. This is how Belmont Hotel describes their 4-star hotel concept in Manila. It is owned by Megaworld Hotels and Resorts which is one of Philippines largest hotel groups. Belmont is situated in Newport City – an area known for entertainment with a big lifestyle mall, a casino and a performing arts theater.
A four feet deep rooftop pool and a jacuzzi are placed on the roof level available for guests. With the possibility of a 360° view of the Manila skyline you can order a juice or drinks at the bar Rooftop 11 - open daily between 10am-10pm.
Among other services offered, Belmont also has an all-day dining in their restaurant. On the a la carte menu you can explore both international and local comfort food. The food can be ordered to any place you desire, which means that you can take the pool experience to the next level.
Besides the restaurant, you can book a treatment in the wellness spa or visit the gym, sauna or steam room accessible to all guests.
Marriott is not only a well-known hotel chain, but also the largest chain counting by the number of rooms available worldwide. The hotels always offer high value and quality when you stay as a guest.
Manila Marriott Hotel is no exception, and located on the west wing at the roof deck, there is a swimming pool and fitness center bringing a resort-like atmosphere to the outdoor rooftop.
There is also an outdoor pool situated on the ground floor, and for families, there is an outdoor kiddie pool available making sure that also the youngest crowd can enjoy a pool-day in the warming sun. Looking to swim laps, have fun in the sun or relax poolside with views? Then this is the perfect spot for you.
In addition to the rooftop pool and lounge area, you can enjoy tapas bites and drinks at the restaurant called Still, also located at the west wing, on the ground floor. Here you can find Asian tapas, sake and whisky cocktails with which you can round off the day.
As a part of One Esplanade – the cool and contemporary TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila is an inviting retreat for guests wanting to soak up some sun. Manila Bay is right in front of the hotel which means that this place can offer a unique spot to watch the ocean bay sunset.
Accompanied by a bar you can enjoy the rooftop pool on the 18th floor to the sounds of lounge music. With flavors from Manila, order a snack or drink from the menu.
When you feel ready to explore the area, take a walk along the bay and stop at the beach or visit the famous SM Mall of Asia, which is within walking distance of TRYP by Wyndham.
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is found in the financial district, which is known for five-star hotels and premium shopping malls.
On the top level of the building, this five-star hotel has a wooden deck with a Manila rooftop pool – and in the background you find two skyscrapers joining the building, contributing to the pulse of the metropolitan. In the modern sky bar by the pool you can delight in refreshing fruit smoothies, iconic drinks and mouthwatering smoked salmon spring rolls.
The hotel is extremely family-friendly, offering children up to 12 a free stay and free food when sharing a room with a parent. Whether you or your family wants a lounge day by the pool or do more intensive activities, Holiday Inn and Suites got you covered.
In the bottom floor of the building, you find the Glorietta Mall with stores and playgrounds. For those wanting to do workouts the the fitness gym with sauna has a beautiful environment with windows from floor to ceiling.
Facing gold shimmering windows, this outdoor pool is located on top of the luxury integrated resort Nüwa Manila. It is part of a complex including two other hotels, Hyatt Regency and Nobu, offering stunning views of the capital city. Besides the view from the outdoor pool, you also find a casino, fine dining and wellness.
Surrounded by stylish day beds, comfortable bean bags, and giant cushions, U Paasha's rooftop pool is the hotel's relaxation center, a peaceful location to relax and enjoy yourself while overlooking the ocean and witnessing Bali's legendary sunsets.
“A lush sanctuary”, this is how the Melco Resorts and Entertainment-owned hotel describe the environment. The resort wants you to indulge in a refreshing swim and enjoy the luxurious, comfortable sunbeds.
During your stay, you can also book a treatment at the Nüwa Spa. An oasis away from the more active places. Professional therapists take you on a relaxing spa journey where you can feel completely disconnected from the outside world and devote yourself to relaxation.
At the rooftop on top of the Privato Quezon City, the pool is elevated so that the guests can see through the glass. So the scenic views of the Tomas Morato area are available both below and above water.
The vacation will be both affordable and enjoyable with this budget-friendly hotel. Except from the rooftop pool, you can treat yourself to a good breakfast and start the day off with a visit to the garden by the hotel.
The district is known for research, art and politics. Here you find the University of Philippines, art museums and the park La mesa – a public eco park with beautiful scenery.
The centrally located Armada Hotel Manila has placed a rooftop pool with lots of greenery on the 15th floor of the building.
Year-round swimming is possible in the outdoor pool and if you are interested in exploring the beach, you have the Manila Dolomite Beach within 20 minutes by walk. Take a stroll along the coast and sense the pulse from the living and vibrant city at the same time as you feel the ocean breeze.
Armada Hotel also features a premier restaurant, serving exquisite breakfast with a selection of American brunch classics and specialties from the Philippines. For the Filipino breakfast you can order garlic rice, eggs any style and pickled papaya together with juice or coffee. On top of the rice, you also have the opportunity to add fish – beef tapa - pork tocino or sausage.
At Lime Resort Manila, you find the best of both worlds. With an infinity rooftop pool overlapping the view of the ocean, it really becomes an experience on its own to spend time at this roof deck. Every Friday and Saturday they play acoustic music at the Sky Lounge Bar where you can order drinks and spend an incredible evening.
With the beach just a short walk away, you can bring the after beach up to the rooftop and sip drinks in the pool as you watch the Manila sunset in this extraordinary setting.
The resort is situated in Seascape Village where you can find the Bay market with restaurants and take-out counters. If you want to eat more local food, this is the perfect place to by fresh seafood, spices, fruit and vegetables.
While the infinity pool Lime Resort Manila is lovely, it is not the most elevated swimming destination here. To reach the top, book the King Bayview Pool “Sky Villa” at the top floor, and enjoy your own private Manila rooftop pool.
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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