Any Hong Kong local can tell you that summers in this high-rise city are nothing short of brutal. Blazing sun, insufferable humidity and torrential rains are just a few of the things that can turn a day out in the water into a sweaty mess. Luckily, the city is home to some of the most gorgeous (and refreshing) hotel pools that boast breathtaking scenes of the skyline and Victoria Harbour to make your poolside chilling experience all the more magical.

The best part? Many of these swimming spots also come with a bar and cafe that let you indulge in cocktails, bar snacks and high-speed WiFi. So if you’re looking for a unique way to cool down this summer, look no further than our roundup of the best hk pools that will give you a new appreciation for swanky swimming holes.

This rooftop pool is an infinity pool at the top of W Hong Kong and is known for its stunning views. The 76th-floor pool is one of the highest outdoor pools in the world and features deck chairs to lounge on, cocktail service and a menu of scrumptious treats that will keep you floating by as you soak up some vitamin D.

Guests can also take advantage of the pool’s wellness offerings, including yoga classes and tai chi sessions that are held by the side of the pool. Then once you’re done doing laps for the morning or just lounging around, be sure to head back for some sunset swims.

With a main pool, diving pool, leisure pool and pool for toddlers, the Tsing Yi Swimming Pool is a perfect family-friendly spot. Plus, it has several water slides that are suitable for kids of varying ages.

Nestled in the heart of Admiralty, this hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool that overlooks the city skyline and offers up plenty of scenic photo opportunities. Once you’ve had your fill of the pool, why not relax at the al fresco Fish Bar and Pool Lounge?

Another upscale rooftop pool, this spot is found on the 29th floor of Hotel Indigo and offers up one of the most Instagrammable views of Hong Kong. You can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the poolside bar, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book an aqua massage to get the most out of your time in the water.

The hotel is right next to the MTR station and within walking distance to various restaurants. There are also a number of shops and malls nearby, making it easy to pick up some groceries and snacks for your stay. The hotel staff is also helpful and friendly, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends. It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel has one of the most affordable room rates in Hong Kong, meaning you can enjoy some luxe poolside relaxation without breaking the bank.

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. The game has simple rules that can be learned easily, and the house edge can be brought down to less than 2% with proper strategy. The game can be played with a variety of side bets, as well. These side bets can increase the payouts and odds of winning. But before you can make these secondary bets, you must know basic blackjack strategy.

To play blackjack, the dealer will deal each player two cards face up. Players can then choose to hit and receive additional cards or stand, depending on predetermined rules. When a player has a higher hand value than the dealer, they win and are paid an amount equal to their original wager. If the dealer has a blackjack, all other hands lose. If a player has a blackjack and the dealer does not, it is a push (a tie), and the player gets their original bet back.

Counting cards is an extremely useful technique for blackjack, but it’s important to remember that it is only part of the overall game strategy. There are many other factors to consider, including the number of decks in use and the strength of the dealer’s up card. For example, it makes more sense to double down in a single-deck game, where the odds of getting a 10-value card are much higher, than in a game with multiple decks.

The decision to hit in blackjack is generally based on the dealer’s up card and whether your starting cards have a high value, such as a pair of tens. A good rule of thumb is to hit when your cards are worth 12-16 and the dealer has a weak card, like a five or six.

Another way to increase your chances of winning at blackjack is to split pairs, such as two threes or two nines. This increases the value of each hand and the probability that you will get a blackjack, which is paid at 6 to 5 or 3 to 2. However, always be sure to follow the rules of the table when splitting, as some casinos don’t allow it.

To avoid making costly mistakes, it is a good idea to practice your strategy at home before playing for real money. In addition, effective bankroll management is essential to long-term success in any casino game. Players should determine in advance how much they are willing to risk per hand and stick to it. This will prevent them from making emotional decisions that could result in financial strain.