The ultimate Colorado staycation must include some water fun — either as a whole-day activity or as a way to relax after a thrilling day of adventures.

This summer, take family and friends to a newly opened hotel or resort in Colorado for a new pool experience. Each destination has a unique style and environment to explore.

Hotel Polaris — Stylish pool debut

The new Hotel Polaris on the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds is just a one-hour drive south of Denver.

The mid-century design-inspired hotel opened in late 2024, so this will be the pool’s first summer as it was not available for use during the cold winter months.

This 57.5-foot-long pool is tucked into the hotel’s west flank, named Flat Iron Plaza. From here, you can enjoy views of the mountains and the academy.

Reserve one of the four cabanas (amenities include TV, refrigerator, towels, and skin care kit), plan for a sunset splash, and enjoy snacks and drinks at Backyard Bites on the plaza.

The pool will be open to hotel guests and those with an appointment at their Ascend Spa & Wellness between May and mid-September (weather dependent). Diving isn’t allowed since the pool is just four feet deep.

Once you towel off, make the most of other features at this hotel, too: schedule a session with the hotel’s flight simulators to test your pilot skills for a bit of fun and have a meal at Doolie’s, the hotel’s vintage-style diner with milkshakes, hot dogs (including a unique vegetarian version), and nachos.

Take advantage of this prime location for hiking nearby trails, including the Santa Fe Trail. If current security clearances allow it, sign up for a tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds to learn more about the architecture and history of this place.

Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa — Soak up the view

In the San Luis Valley, the Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa opened in the spring of 2025 near the small town of Mosca and the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

This place drew attention even before opening for its pricey, clear-walled-dome villas covering Jacuzzi tubs.

The national park’s proximity is important because it is a certified International Dark Sky Park. They have also worked with towns in the area to minimize light pollution in this part of Colorado.

When the weather conditions are right, the nighttime views at Kosmos should be spectacular.

To ensure the resort stays as dark as possible, guests will park away from the villas and take low-light electric golf carts to their rooms.

Experience the beauty of Kosmos this summer. Consider returning in 2026 when the restaurant and spa—featuring a sauna and a cold plunge for additional aquatic experiences — are set to open. Additionally, an on-site planetarium is scheduled to open in 2027.

Kids, pets, and even your telescope are welcome here, though the hotel also provides telescopes.

Hotel 1888 — Closer than ever to pool access

Part of a huge remodel at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort includes Hotel 1888, a boutique inn inside the historic Stone Bath House with access to the seven hot springs pools. Hotel 1888 will have 14 rooms and two suites.

For those new to Colorado, Glenwood Springs is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, the Grand Pool with the Sopris Splash Zone.

There are also six pools here, including the Yampah Mineral Baths, which opened in 2024 and has five pools ranging from not-too-hot to very hot.

While this isn’t the first summer to test the waters here, it will be the first to stay in a property inside the pool grounds.

Overnight guests at Hotel 1888 — just like those at the 107-room remodeled Lodge — have unlimited pool access during seasonal business hours. Breakfast is included in each overnight stay.

Limelight Boulder — A pool with a view

For those waning summer days in September, head up to Boulder and plan for some pool time at the new Limelight Boulder before or after a University of Colorado football game.

This 210-room hotel will open in September 2025 and be one of the closest lodging options to the city’s signature campus. The rooftop heated pool will have views of the iconic Flatirons and a hot tub. This outdoor space will also include seating for dining.

With all of these options, you can go for a daytime pool day or a nighttime soak and, in some places, at the same place.