Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa, Koloa, Kauai,
Hawaii
Set on a beautiful but rough and rocky stretch of coastline, the
hotel needed to go big to keep guests out of the ocean. The
solution? A five-acre saltwater lagoon, which is totally enclosed,
heated, filtered, and even equipped with a deluxe sandy bottom.
Giving the feel of the ocean without the seaweed or current, the
lagoon has kayaks to rent for exploring and several islands where
guests can try out the relaxing hammocks. The resort also has a
secluded, adult quiet pool with three 12-person hot tubs, and a
larger action pool with waterfalls, a water slide,
volleyball, hot
tubs, and a roped-off area for small children. $375-$630; (800)
554-9288;
www.hyatt.com
NEW POOLS, NEW LINGO
Whether you call them water features, fantasy complexes, or water
parks, they have a lot of similarities. These are features you are
likely to encounter as you shop for the perfect resort pool.
River pool: A narrow pool, usually just 5 to 10 feet wide,
winding through rocks and vegetation to create a flowing,
river-like experience
Zero-entry: A beachlike
entrance, with or without sand, where the pool's bottom slopes away
gently, with no steps or drop-off, making it safer for monitoring
children at play
Infinity pool: A pool, usually overlooking the ocean or
another water body, in which the water level reaches the top of one
edge and spills over to create the illusion that there is no wall
but, rather, it goes on forever
Free-form pool: A pool with the irregular shape of lakes or
ponds, rather than a conventional rectangular shape
Activity pool: A sports area, often with water
basketball or
volleyball nets set up
Cabanas/bungalows: A poolside home base, sometimes equipped
with television, bathroom, and room service, that you can rent in
addition to your regular room