15 Lazy Rivers for Adults

If there was a competition on where is the best lazy river in the United States, you could place your bet on the 6.5-acre Grand Pool Complex at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. This massive complex has four pools, three whirlpools, multiple private cabañas, and waterfalls cascading into the 1,000-foot-long Lazy River. Float away your cares in the river’s current, enjoy bottle service in the poolside cabañas, or dance poolside at MGM’s Wet Republic Ultra Pool—where live DJs spin every weekend from March through October—as you choose between making your pool experience as lazy or lively as you wish.

Drifter’s Lazy River flows along the property under a cascading 9-foot waterfall, past mild rapids, and into a tropical rainforest setting. While the strategically-placed water cannons cool you down along the river, the vibey underwater music keeps things chill over at the adults-only pool.

There’s more fun to be had at the resort’s other pools where—in true Disney World fashion—you can embrace your inner child as you slide down either of the two 242-foot water slides or gaze at the choreographed fountains at the splash zone.

If only all lazy river hotels boasted picturesque views of the Sea of Cortez. Rosewood’s Oasis Pool was the first lazy river in Baja California Sur. The 5,000-square-foot infinity pool continues to impress with features including a swim-up bar, gourmet taqueria, and on-demand pool butlers. As you enter the grotto waterfall, a cascading curtain opens, and out comes a waiter with your margarita in hand. If music is your muse, Las Ventanas delivers with underwater speakers and a resident DJ spinning club favorites. De-prune those fingers with a game of mini golf or wind down with a private screening for two to four guests at the beach cinema, complete with cinema butlers, gourmet snacks, and fine wines.

Modeled after the Guadalupe River, the 950-foot lazy river has a dark bottom finish fashioned after the shaded waterways known for their limestone banks and cypress trees. Unlike the river inside Guadalupe River State Park, this Hyatt replica has a swim-up bar with ice-cold Texas beers and frozen margaritas. Poolside cabañas boast flat-screen TVs, minibars, lounge chairs, private concierges, and sundecks. After picking up an inner tube, you can ease past the sandy beach while taking in gorgeous views of the surrounding Hill Country lined with oak trees. The lazy river is part of the resort’s 5-acre water complex, featuring a wave machine, waterslides, activity pool, wading pool, adults-only pool, and, best of all, a spa.

Atlantis Paradise Island prefers its rivers to be slightly less lazy than the typical “hotel with lazy river.” As part of the resort’s 141-acre Aquaventure, its Rapids River puts a little more action in the drift as it traverses a brisk mile-long loop fueled by three million gallons of water and high-intensity waves. Positioned throughout the river’s route are surges, rapids, and drops of up to seven feet. Unlike traditional water slides that require you to exit and climb back to the start, Atlantis’s water conveyors mean you never have to leave the river—unless you want to grab a cocktail or nap in a private cabaña.

Grown-up tubers can float with the current at St. Lucia’s largest waterpark, Cocoland, home to a 1,500-foot lazy river. Lather on that sunscreen before coasting over a quarter mile around leisurely turns and under refreshing waterfalls. Travelers 18+ can head to the Harmony Oasis Pool and Harmony Tiki Pool and Bar, where cocktails are shaken at the Tiki Bar and served at both adults-only pools.

You’ll get river views while on the lazy river at the Kingsmill’s River Pool, which offers waterfront views of the historic James River. It’s a hotel lazy river with a history, as you can float mere miles from the original route taken in 1607 by the original British settlers. Even with history aside, Kingsmill River Pool still has a great deal to offer. Drifting on the surface are nearly 100 inflatable tubes for single, double, and even triple riders, as trusty lifeguards keep watch as adults spin and splash after throwing back a few mojitos and piña coladas. For seclusion, head to the small island centering the lazy river, a great place for adults to spend the day.

A highlight at Hilton’s all-inclusive Montego Bay resort is Sugar Mill Falls—one of Jamaica’s largest waterparks. Modeled after the aqueducts from the original Rose Hall tropical estate, the relaxing lazy river is the former site of a historic sugar plantation. For the adult water park unveiling, the Jamaican Bobsled team officially inaugurated the speed slide by testing the dips and turns. Today adults can find relaxation in the natural lagoons, three terraced pools, cascading waterfalls, and lazy river that winds just feet from the sand. Take a break from floating with a drink at the swim-up bar or a walk on private Cinnamon Beach. The hotel also has a watersports center for sailing, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Let the mild current of the Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita’s lazy river, move you along the Oasis complex—a mini-jungle that circles around portions of the resort. You’ll never miss a beat with soothing music above and below the water. Dotting the sundeck are plenty of lounge chairs and complimentary perks like magazines, sunscreen, and ice buckets of bottled water. The full-service bar serves poolside champagne and cocktails, plus a creative menu highlighting bento boxes, sushi, caviar, and tapas. Grown-ups can mosey over to the luxurious, adult-oriented Tamai complex combining four pools, a whirlpool, a full bar, and eight private cabañas. Ring your cabaña host for complimentary amenities, including fruit, flowers, beverages, and iced bottled water.

This hotel lazy river connects nine individual pools on six separate levels with its gentle rapids and soothing currents. Soak away your worries at the elegant, 4,850 sq. ft. Hibiscus Pool reserved exclusively for adults, where its 630,000 mosaic-tiled hibiscus flower and two jacuzzis are just far enough away from the bustling Wailea Canyon Activity Pool. Wailea Canyon also has four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan pool with rope swing, and a sandy beach. Find solace in the caves, waterfalls, jacuzzis, and swim-up bar, or opt for a thrilling race down the Lava Tube slide—a 3-story drop that propels you at 22 miles per hour.

This not-so-lazy hotel lazy river requires you to wear a helmet and life jacket, despite the fact you’re floating on a standard inner tube at the base of The Springs Resort. A mile below the sprawling property is The Club Rio Outdoor Center, the resort’s soft adventure course with a private tubing track that flows along the Arenal River (no children under 8). For a calmer soaking experience, relax in the hotel’s private hot springs and lagoons encompassing two tropical acres with multi-level terraces and a series of pools ranging in temperatures from 83 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees. A local bonus is the breathtaking view of Arenal Volcano while you nurse that cold Cerveza Imperial.

Despite its location in the Sonoran Desert, The Westin Kierland Resort delivers a beach experience with its private “islands” dotting a 900-foot lazy river. Start by reserving a Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef with a secluded cove, shaded lounge, day beds, umbrellas, and inner tubes. The largest of the Reef’s “islands” accommodates up to 10 guests and includes coolers, storage units, and lawn games like cornhole. With direct access to the lazy river, you can plunk your raft into the river and float over to the swim-up bar or the FlowRider surf simulator. Massages and mani-pedi combos are available at the adults-only Aquamiel Pool.

This Marriott property does hotel lazy rivers Texas style with a 10-acre Paradise Springs Waterpark and a 600-foot long lazy river. A man-made lagoon with a walk-in beach includes two indulgent hot tubs and more adventurous water features like slides, zip lines, and splash zones. For some romance between your drifting, request a couple’s cabaña on the banks of the lazy river. The full-service pool bar and grill are perfect for quick bites between dips in the lagoon.

Where is the best lazy river in the United States? You only need to make a trip around the entire state of Texas to figure that out. Float around the whole state—well, the shape of the entire state at least—in just 15 minutes at this rooftop lazy river. The adult lazy river at the Marriott Marquis Houston is an exact outline of the state of Texas, where bubble stations, waterfalls, and water cannons keep floaters entertained on their journey around the Lone Star State. The water is heated in the river, but the drinks are ice cold at the al fresco High Dive bar just off the river’s edge.