Laps of luxury: 10 South Florida hotel pools offer day passes

The snowbirds have flown the coop, the summer swelter has peaked, and we can picture no better staycation oasis than lapping in luxury at a hotel swimming pool.

Hear us out: We don't mean renting a room before you soak (although you can). We mean buying a day pass — a flat-fee passport that grants all-day access to swanky hotel pools, spas, hot tubs, beach access, chairs, fitness rooms, even free cocktails and water in some cases — without splurging on an expensive overnight stay. This summer, such day passes range in price from $25 to $75 for adults and less for children. (Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.)

For those craving a relaxing splash in posh surroundings, here are 10 South Florida hotels, boutique resorts and a hotel water park (!) with lush pools you can visit now.

BROWARD COUNTY

Aloft Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel

On clear days, the 14th-story rooftop deck at this Marriott hotel offers visions of cruise ships docking at Port Everglades to the east and Fort Lauderdale's ever-widening skyline to the north. Aloft, which debuted in January , touts a $30 pass for access to a 540-square-foot swimming pool, plus cocktails from WXYZ Lobby Bar (weekends only), a gaming area, TVs, cabanas, loungers and a fire pit.

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Offering picturesque views of the Intracoastal Waterway to the west and the tranquil Atlantic Ocean to the east, Bahia Mar's $30 day pass grants access to its High Tide Lounge and outdoor heated pool, plus a key card for the beach and tennis court. Passholders also receive a complimentary bag with water bottles and towels, and there's discounted valet parking ($20) or self-parking ($5/hour).

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

As A1A beachfront pools go, the Atlantic's $40 day pass is loaded with more amenities than its neighbors. There's a fifth-floor, outdoor heated pool, an oceanfront hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and first-come-first-served access to sun loungers, pool umbrellas and towel service. For savings, use metered street parking, or splurge on a $65 day pass that includes free valet service.

The boutique hotel Dalmar, which overlooks downtown Fort Lauderdale, offers a heated saline pool with towel service and lounge chairs with its day pass. (Michael Stavaridis for The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale / Courtesy)The Dalmar

Retro mod-style furnishings, classic and tiki cocktails and sweeping skyscraper views distinguish this luxe hotel's sixth-floor pool perched on the edge of the exploding Flagler Village neighborhood. Yes, you're in the thick of the downtown with a $35-$45 day pass and swimming in perks obvious and subtle: an outdoor heated saline pool, first-come-first-served lounge chairs and free towel service and Wi-Fi. The pool shares its building with a killer rooftop cocktail bar, Sparrow — and we hear the hotel even has a Champagne vending machine, which is nice .

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach

A $35 day pass here buys you access to a beachfront infinity-edge pool in the shadow of this ship-shape hotel icon (formerly called the Yankee Clipper). While its Wreck Bar mermaid shows are worth the detour alone, the pass also grants sun-seekers a pair of outdoor heated pools, beach access, first-come-first-served poolside and beach chairs, and free Wi-Fi and towel service.

Sands Harbor Resort & Marina

A trout's throw from seriously scrumptious seaside eats (ahem, Oceanic) and pelican-watching on Pompano Beach's Fisher Family Pier, this 5-acre Intracoastal hideaway plants you right in megayacht central. The ground-floor pool puts sunbathers eye-level with fleets of passing pleasure boats, and its $50 day pass comes bundled with a hard-to-beat perk: a free rumrunner cocktail. The nearly 60-year-old hotel also offers access to a waterfront heated outdoor pool, first-come-first-served lounge chairs, towel service, a poolside shower and free Wi-Fi.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

The Ray

What The Ray's rooftop lacks in height (four stories), it makes up for in tropical splendor: A lush wall of palms, wood accents and white sunbrellas frame its 20,000-square-foot pool deck, which is attached to an equally luxe cocktail haven called Rosewater Rooftop. Sure, that it's within walking distance to Atlantic Avenue's restaurant row is also appealing — but why bother escaping this playground? A day pass ($40 Monday-Thursday, $50 Friday-Sunday) includes first-come-first-served lounge chairs, access to its fitness center, free towel service and Wi-Fi.

Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel

Sure, you might have a better view of Bowlero or Bloomingdale's instead of the beach at this 184-room Marriott resort overlooking the Town Center at Boca Raton Mall. But it's tough to overlook this $30 day passport , which offers access to a ground-floor, outdoor heated pool and waterfall backdrop, along with free Wi-Fi, towel service and self-parking. There's also first-come-first-served lounge chairs and complimentary bottles of water.

Hilton Palm Beach PBI Hotel

Sunbathers will hardly mind that one of West Palm Beach's best staycation spots overlooks Palm Beach International Airport after spotting its raft of perks. A $25 day pass includes access to the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, first-come-first-served lounge chairs, free Wi-Fi and self-parking. There's also a complimentary swag bag at check-in, a 15% food discount at the tiki bar, and access to outdoor games such as Connect 4, cornhole and a billiards table.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Tidal Cove at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa