Watch CBS News

Tippler on the Roof

ESP Logo3Sign up here for more E.S.P. recommendations of things to eat, see and do nearby.

roof
The Colonnade Hotel

Roof Top Pool at the Colonnade Hotel
20 Huntington Ave.,
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 424-7000
www.colonnadehotel.com/roof_top_pool

As evidenced by everyone and their mother's Instagram feeds and early Leo DiCaprio films, the beach is pretty great...as long as you manage to steer clear of "herbal" farmers and Tilda Swinton.

And while this fact is unlikely to change at any point, we can think of one thing that would make it even better: not having to make the long, sunburned trek to-and-from the actual beach. Luckily, the Colonnade Hotel recently premiered its newly redesigned Roof Top Pool, a sand-free oasis right smack dab in the middle of Back Bay. As the city's only outdoor rooftop pool, it could have rested on their 12-story high laurels – instead it upped the ante.

More: Boston's Best Roof Decks

This sky-high hangout is the East Coast's version of California cool, with modern details playing up the beach bungalow vibe; bright blue accents stylishly clash with the typically neutral beach hues, greenery sprouts up from long wood planters, white curtains billow from luxe cabanas, and tropical bamboo planks surround the bright waters of the centrally located pool. Without venturing past the city limits, you can have your own beach day, relaxing on a wicker lounge chair, only getting up to cool off in the pool and replenish your glass of sangria.

To fully complete the ultimate beach-but-not-a-beach experience, there will be concerts all summer long – recent performers have included Ed Sheeran, Fitz and the Tantrums and Neon Trees, plus poolside yoga classes...if you're in need of a little time with your downward facing dog. But if you're just in the mood to relax with no distractions, make sure to stay properly fueled with summery eats like spice-rubbed swordfish tacos, chilled Yucatan volcano shrimp and pizza from Pizzeria Regina, all of which you can pair with speciality cocktails like white sangria, ginger caipirinha and Grey Goose summer punch.

More: E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. Boston

And now that you no longer need to lug all your stuff to the beach, there's really only one thing to remember: waiting the requisite 30 minutes after eating before you swim.

By Arielle Sachar

Arielle Sachar writes and edits E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. lifestyle content for CBS Boston.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.