FOR THE FAMILY
Nestled among palm trees and Spanish-style gardens, the pool at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is “the only one of its kind in southern New Mexico,” says Liz Robinson, corporate director of branding and marketing for Heritage Hotels & Resorts. “We don’t do separate pools for kids and adults; we want everyone to enjoy the great ambience.” To make the most of it, book one of the 11 patio rooms that overlook the long rectangular pool or spring for the Deluxe Terrace Pool room, designed as a Space Age–style collaboration with Virgin Galactic. “They spill onto this beautiful pergola,” Robinson says. “There’s so much green.” TRY THIS: Dine poolside with shrimp ceviche or the cantina nachos and a refreshing guava Chilton.
📍705 S. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces; 575-522-4300
Throw it back at the Imperial.
Photograph courtesy of SOMOS Destinations.
FOR THE HISTORY BUFF
An extensive 2023 restoration gave the Imperial’s original 1964 motel pool a facelift without losing any of its vintage charm. “The shape of the pool echoes the midcentury design of its era,” says India Archer, sales manager with the hotel’s owner, Somos Destinations. With 52 guest rooms and 16 residential suites, the Route 66 boutique hotel maintains its butterfly roof while paying homage to its Jet Age architecture with the new Dive food hall and cocktail bar. Try Salvadoran specialties from La Cocina de Maria before checking out the local vendors at the Imperial Shops. TRY THIS: On summer Sundays, the pool opens to the public for parties featuring local DJs who “set the vibes just right for a fun afternoon in the sun,” Archer says.
📍 701 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque; 505-460-1950
Lounge at El Rey Court.
Photograph courtesy of Elizabeth Wells.
FOR THE VIBE CHASER
Located along the original Route 66 in Santa Fe, El Rey Court is a white adobe oasis that attracts a hip, vibrant, and local-leaning crowd. With blue waves and “Swim Club” enticingly painted across the back wall, the pool is tucked at the back of the 86-room property, giving off a private, exclusive air. The hot tub is even harder to find: “It’s located across the property in the Alamo Courtyard, making it like a scavenger hunt, and the reward is a hot soak,” says marketing manager Cecilia Doria. A pool bar opens during the afternoon, serving fresh margaritas, micheladas, and a partylike vibe. “It’s like the Cheers of pools,” Doria says. “Everybody knows your name.” TRY THIS: No need to book a room; use the ResortPass app to gain one-day access to the pool.
📍 1862 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe; 505-441-1952
Swim at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa’s rooftop.
Photograph courtesy of Heritage Hotels.
FOR THE ELEVATED TRAVELER
“Obviously, the Eldorado is iconic in Santa Fe,” says Liz Robinson, of Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Built in 1986 and designed by local architect Wayne Lloyd, the four-story Spanish Colonial–inspired 219-room Eldorado Hotel and Spa towers above downtown buildings. The pool is tucked away on the second-story roof. While you can get a room right off the swimming area, many visitors opt to book one of three cabanas, which include partially covered couches. The spacious rooftop is fully staffed and includes two hot tubs, while the hotel kitchen offers a full rooftop menu. “It’s not your run-of-the-mill pool experience, that’s for sure,” says Robinson. TRY THIS: Head to the pool around dusk—with a Golden Adobe Mojito in hand—for the best pics and a chill evening.
📍 309 W. San Francisco St., Santa Fe; 505-988-4455
Chill at the Blake.
Photograph courtesy of Taos Ski Valley
FOR THE SKI BUM
Few swimming spots offer a view as stunning as the Blake’s, which sits directly at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, surrounded by the chalet-style architecture of the 115-room hotel at Taos Ski Valley. “The hotel’s location at high elevation makes for an invigorating pool experience, especially since not many pools are found above 9,000 feet,” says Erin Dolin of Taos Ski Valley. Open year-round, the heated outdoor saline pool and its two flanking hot tubs soothe weary skiers during the winter months. Things calm down a bit during the off-season when local New Mexicans and those yearning for the slopes rule the pool. TRY THIS: Check out the Blake events calendar for Community Days, which take place in both winter and summer and feature free activities, including pickleball tutorials, community yoga, and live mariachi music.
📍 116 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley; 855-385-0437
