Swimming. People say that this is the best exercise. Why? Scientific studies have discovered that it effectively impacts total-body workout, enhances the cardiovascular system, relieves stress, burns calories, improves physical posture, cools the temperature - to name a few. In fact, the pros outweigh the cons.
And although Mother Nature has already bestowed us richly with the Earth's oceans, seas, lakes, and other aquatic environments, the world of architecture and design has also offered us the same health benefits through a technological alternative: swimming pools. It's almost like transferring the planet’s natural bodies of water directly to your doorstep.
Therefore, whenever I'm booking accommodations for family leisure trips, business activities, or simply for personal relaxation, I always ensure the availability of their swimming pools as part and parcel of my priority list.
One morning, while staying at a high-rise boutique hotel called Holiday Inn at the Cebu Business Park, I decided to take a quick dip at their swimming pool before breakfast. The beautiful facility was situated at a floor level approximately halfway the skyscraper's total height. As I stepped into its semi-outdoor space, a warm flood of daylight suddenly greeted me. With sunny blue skies, a slight breeze, and no sign of rain clouds, the prevailing weather was perfect for swimming. I simply couldn’t wait!
Most of the swimming pools I’ve been to in the past were typically perched on the hotel building’s topmost floors or roof decks. From those elevated points, guests can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the surroundings.
However, the Holiday Inn’s swimming pool was quite different. Because of its mid-floor location, it was stationed much closer to neighboring towers, almost kissing each other. A bit intimidating at first due to privacy reasons, but since it had an open-air setting, there wasn't much I could do about it. Would you feel conscious in such an exposed environment?
“Good morning! How are you today Sir? May I take your order?” A friendly hotel staff approached me while making myself comfortable on the poolside lounge chair.
“I’m doing well, thank you Miss! I’d like a delicious cup of brewed coffee please.”
“Sure Sir! While waiting, feel free to check out this place, and let me know if you need anything else, okay?” She nodded politely with a smile.
And that was exactly what I did. With my camera on hand, I snapped lots of interesting architectural details that captured my curiosity. Since it was a decently sized area, it didn't take long to document everything.
Basically, these were my actual visual impressions. The entire facility was clearly designed with a modern to contemporary appeal, utilizing minimalistic and accented themes that reflected this distinctive style.
The pool’s water chamber was covered in blue and white surfaces and pronounced by large mosaic tiles at the bottom. On the normal floor level, it was bordered by dark gray floor tiles, emphasizing the pool’s rectangular shape. Its outer perimeter was layered with light colored tiles forming alternate square patterns.
Neutral colors make up most of the building materials used but with a few splashes of organic hues such as green and brown to mimic a seaside atmosphere.
The exquisitely crafted furniture sets were waterproof and designed to withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors. They were mostly for seating and lounging purposes, plus the standard-height and low tables. The huge beach umbrellas really stood out due to their green tones. Plants and other nature-inspired elements also completed the scenario.
The entire complex radiated with a tropical vibes, perfect for hotel guests like me who love natural settings and their accompanying experiences.
Moreover, there was also an outdoor cafe attached to the hotel’s specialty restaurant inside and the swimming pool area outside. From there, one could fully view the pool and enjoy the surrounding urban environment while dining.
These were the breathtaking views of the modern buildings in the neighborhood. I had the strange feeling that they were like nosey spectators watching the hotel guests with prying eyes. Anyway…
“Excuse me Sir, here’s your brewed coffee.” My order was finally ready.
After thanking her and indulging in my favorite beverage, it was high time to splash some waves. The coffee was indeed the ideal stimulant needed to energize my swim. Care to join me?
I’m not an exercise-freak. But I do invest ample time for periodic physical movements such as brisk-walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming. These valuable habits are absolutely crucial for longevity, right?
With our tremendous gratitude to the architectural ingenuity of swimming pools, the extensive physical exercises of humans have never been easier.
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