The VIP lounge in the B terminal of the Punta Cana airport in the Dominican Republic has a swimming pool overlooking the runway, and they take Priority Pass. If you’re flying American or Delta — or British Airways or Air France — this is your go-to.
I’m a big fan of outdoor decks of airport lounges. Austin airport has one for all passengers and the Delta Sky Club at my home airport has one too. One of my personal favorites is the Star Alliance lounge at LAX, whose outdoor deck has fire pits.
And is there any lounge in the world with a better view than in Bali?
However I had no idea that there was a Priority Pass lounge with an outdoor deck — and a swimming pool. Perhaps somewhat fittingly the lounge is located after security and passport control “next to the Victoria’s Secret store” across from gates 5 and 6.
Credit: Punta Cana VIP Lounge Terminal B
Scott Mayerowitz describes the pools scene,
It’s an outdoor rooftop pool with views of airplanes and the runway. And it’s close to the bar. Do I need to say more?
Most flyers were just dipping their toes into the water, but you could go for a real swim here. Not an Olympic-sized lap, but at least splashing around with the kids. One side has an “infinity edge” for unobstructed planespotting while swimming above the terminal.
…There is a separate set of bathrooms and showers so that you can rinse off after you swim before boarding that jet home.
This isn’t the only lounge where you can go swimming. Indeed, Virgin Holidays has a lounge in Barbados on the beach where they even give you plastic bags for your swimsuits. And I personally love just just getting a $28 per person credit for free food at a restaurant. However it may just be the coolest Priority Pass lounge out there. Although for a pool with a view of airport operations it’s hard to beat the Grand Hyatt DFW.
Realistically though, a swimming pool at an airport lounge is a waste of money. I mean, really. How often are you going to swim before boarding your flight?
Outdoor decks are nice, but only in favorable year-round climates. Like I’m impressed by DL’s JFK deck. But was that a good use of money? It’s usable, maybe, 3 months a year. At other times, the indoor lounge is overrun in the evening. They would have done far better spending that money on more indoor seating. I consider that deck a gimmick.
How do you access the outdoor deck in Bali?
What I really want right before getting on an airplane with screaming kids to to go to a pool with screaming kids. Hard pass unless it’s 18+