Reunion Island Is Melbourne CBD's New Rooftop Pool Club and Bar
Ten plunge pools, an infrared sauna and yoga classes — all hidden atop Melbourne Central.
It's no secret that Jerome Borazio is an ideas man, and a pretty good one at that. Not only is he the mind behind the 18-year-old Laneway Festival, he sold us all on the concept of camping in the CBD with his award-winning rooftop glamping set-up. The latter closed in April last year, but, that same sky-high space above Melbourne Central has been activated again — and is now home to a pop-up rooftop pool, bar and leisure club dubbed The Reunion Island Pool Club.
Initially launching for private bookings only in October, Reunion Island will now be open to the public from Friday, January 25 — just in time for the long weekend — through till the end of May.
It's kitted out with palm trees and design elements of a public pool-meets-Palm Springs resort. And while it's not the CBD's only rooftop pool bar (see: The Adelphi), it is the only one to offer classes, an infrared sauna and spa offerings. Plus, those rooftop parties will take place ten temperature-controlled plunge pools. Yes, ten.
One of the ten plunge pools by Albert Comper.
Opening from 12pm during the week (for a cheeky lunchtime dip) and 9am on weekends, it's not just the pools that are tempting punters — it's also hosting a lineup of rooftop yoga, pilates and boxing classes. They start from $20 and you can book in for an after-work session online now.
If you prefer being relatively sedentary, you can stop by for a splash, or just some poolside socialising and a well-earned after-work rooftop tipple right up until 9.30pm. Prepare to spend many a steamy Melbourne evening up here.
Price-wise, your sky-high waterside party will start from $10 for regular entry only. Pools are available for groups of four to 12 people, and start at $100 for an hour. You can extend your stay for $60 per hour, include a sauna session for $5 or nab a Turkish towel, visor or stubby holder. At the moment single-person swim passes aren't available (but we're promised they're coming soon) so you'll need to round up some friends if you'd like to splash around.
The food and drink selection includes a five-month pop-up poolside snack kiosk from Collingwood's Easey's, who'll be slinging tacos, burgers and club sandwiches. You can pair them with Melbourne Gin Co G&Ts, cocktails, wine and Champagne and icy cold Kirin beers.
The Reunion Island Pool Club will also feature a General Store, showcasing a heap of the venue's fashion partners.
Find Reunion Island Pool Club at Level 3/271 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne from Friday, January 25 until the end of May. It's open from midday–9.30pm weekdays and 9am–9.30pm on weekends.
Images: Albert Comper.
