NACHOS, BEER & A SWIM

In Bangkok we had an infinite supply of swimming pool access and desperately craved a visit to the beach. In Isla Mujeres, surrounded by the most beautiful coastline we’d ever laid eyes on, we missed swimming our regular lengths and wanted somewhere to swim where we wouldn’t be bowled over by humongous waves!

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Whilst not advertised as a public pool and belonging to Puerto Isla Mujeres Resort and Yacht Club, after asking the security staff we established that as long as you made use of the bar and restaurant, anyone is welcome. That could certainly be arranged…

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OUR GUIDE TO POOL CRASHING!

There are few things we enjoy more than immersing ourselves in the bustling Bangkok streets, but occasionally, amongst the markets, street food, queues of people and standstill traffic, it can get a bit sweaty. Add to that the extraordinary heat of March/April and the thought of escaping amongst the clouds for a few hours seems like utter bliss. Frustratingly for budget backpackers, whilst you’re shuffling along the hot pavements with the crowds, you need only tip your head back and scan the skyscrapers to spot the tell-tale signs of the roof-top pools. Sadly, very few hostels offer this luxury – but imagine if you could use one of these 5* pools for free…

If you are so inclined, these are some top tips for pool crashing and enjoying the luxurious facilities of some of Bangkok’s finest hotels, for free:

Step 1. Look smart; the hotel staff have to believe you genuinely belong lying around such a fantastic pool. Swap the backpacker trademark slogan t-shirts for something plain and simple.

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Slightly different from her usual backpacker look…

Step 2. Be confident. Strut in and don’t forget to smile at the doorman whilst offering him a breezy ‘Sawadee-ka!’ as if you do it everyday!

Step 3. Go straight to the lifts and press the button for the floor with ‘pool’ written next to it; if you can’t see that button just head for the top. Should there be a lift attendant simply ask for the pool, whilst smiling and asking about their day. Continue reading