These Resort Villas Share One Massive Swim Lane Instead of Separate Backyards
When you picture a resort villa, it usually comes with a private backyard and its own pool. That sense of having a space just for yourself is part of the appeal. But there are places that take a different approach. Here, your backyard isn’t a closed-off space with its own pool. It opens directly onto a long stretch of water that runs past every villa. One continuous swim lane replaces individual backyards and connects the entire property.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Baodun Lake Hushan Hot Spring Resort. The entire layout is built around a shared 1.3-kilometer swim lane that runs past more than 200 villas. Instead of separate pools, the water connects each backyard in one continuous stretch, almost like a slow-moving river. Here, the backyard leads straight to the water, so the shift from villa to swim feels immediate and part of the design rather than an added feature.
A Waterway Like No Other
The idea sounds almost unreal at first, but it’s very much real at Baodun Lake Hushan Hot Spring Resort. The design gives each villa direct access to the water, so swimming or floating is always within reach. Every unit sits along the same extended swim lane, which creates a shared environment while still keeping the feel of a private stay.
The space doesn’t feel crowded or restrictive. You can float, swim, or move through the water at your own pace, whether it’s early in the day or later on. The villa still holds that sense of being your own place, but the connected water adds a layer of openness that you don’t usually get with separate backyard pools.
Swimming with Nature
Image via Getty Images/QQ7
Beyond just a novel design, this pool system helps guests feel more connected to the resort’s natural beauty. The waterway winds through lush green landscapes, making every swim feel like a scenic adventure. Guests often describe the waterfront area as scenic at night, though lighting details vary by season and facility schedule.
While it’s not quite like Venice, where canals are the heart of the city, the comparison isn’t far off. Locals have dubbed it “Guangdong’s water version of Venice,” and while it’s definitely not a literal replica, the idea is the same: a place where water brings people together in a way that’s both relaxing and memorable.
An Experience Like No Other
At Baodun Lake Hushan Hot Spring Resort, the swim lane becomes part of the stay rather than a separate amenity. Access to the water is immediate, so there’s no need to plan around shared pool areas or timings.
The layout changes how the space is used without taking away the privacy of the villas. It’s a simple shift, but it sets the experience apart from the usual resort setup.