👳🏾♂️ Salem’s Take: The Water Kingdom
This hotel answers the question: "How many pools is too many pools?" by saying "We don't know, let's build another one."
Jaz Aquamarine is a beast. It’s massive. It’s located in the south (Magawish area), which means it gets a nice breeze. This makes it a mecca for two groups of people: active families who want endless swimming choices, and kitesurfers who want to harness the wind.
Why It’s Famous
17 Pools
Yes. Seventeen. Some are huge, some are for kids, some are quiet. You can swim in a different pool every hour of the day.
Kite Surfing
The beach here has very shallow water that stretches for 500m+ and consistent wind. It is one of the best places to learn how to kite surf.
Lobby Bar
The lobby is grand and the bar service is surprisingly fast for a hotel of this size. It's the hub of evening life.
Detailed Assessment
✅ The Wins
- Space: The grounds are impeccably kept. Even when full, it absorbs crowds well because it is so physically large.
- Kids Pools: They have specific splash areas that are safe for toddlers, separate from the deeper teen/adult pools.
- Food Variety: With so many guests, they have multiple restaurants to handle the load. The Asian à la carte is a highlight.
❌ The Reality Check
- The Sea (Swimming): If you want to swim in the sea, you have to walk VERY far out. The water is ankle/knee deep for hundreds of meters. Great for kids/kiting, bad for laps.
- Walking: Did I mention it’s big? If your room is near the reception and you want to go to the beach, bring a snack for the journey.
Distance from Airport
It’s about 15-20 minutes south of the airport. Street taxis here can be aggressive on price.
A pre-booked van is the smartest move, especially with kite gear or kids.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I swim in the sea?
Not really deep swimming. It’s a lagoon flat. You walk out 500m and it’s still waist deep. It is beautiful, but not for swimming laps.
Is there a heated pool?
Yes, several of the 17 pools are heated in winter. Check with the towel center for which ones are "active" heating.
Is it good for couples?
It’s family-heavy. However, because it’s so huge, you can find quiet corners. But expect kids running around.