Sync or Swim

For the first time in history, the U.S. synchronized swimming team did not qualify for the Olympics. However, any fears that this may signal the demise of the oft mocked sport are misplaced, as aquatic choreography is having a moment, culturally speaking. From chic hotel pool performances to hip fitness classes, synchronized swimming is one of this summer’s hottest ways to stay cool.

The Brooklyn Peaches: Nearly two years after LA-based troupe Aqualillies hit the pool, New York has a similarly stylish crew of swimming dancers to call its own. The Brooklyn Peaches, a coed Kings County crew that formed at a neighborhood YMCA last fall, is making a splash with its elegant water ballets. The creation of the retro-styled ensemble, founded by friends Nicole Sciarrillo and Nicole Salm, dovetails with the hotel pool trend that’s taken swampy NYC by storm this summer. So far, they've performed at the kitschy midtown Holiday Inn and the bougie hipster oasis King & Grove, among others, their constantly crimson lips giving women everywhere proof that truly waterproof makeup does exist.

Sip and Synchro: The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs hogs the spotlight when it comes to trendy desert resorts, but The Saguaro in Scottsdale also deserves kudos for its creative entertainment programming. The colorful Arizona retreat, which made the cover of Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2012 issue, boasts events like Pool Camp and Sips and Synchro. Held every Saturday evening, the latter stands distinct from standard happy hours by staging flamboyant aquatic shows accompanying discounted cocktails. The hotel’s Picante Pool is transformed into an underwater Vegas, complete with shimmying mermaids and an Esther Williams-inspired synchronized swimming duo that exudes vintage glamour even amid a sea of pool noodles.

Aquabatix Master Class: London isn’t the best destination for sun-worshippers, making outdoor hotel swimming pools rare. In fact, The Berkeley is the only hotel in the city with a rooftop pool. But the hotel needs to find compelling ways to get people into the water given the UK's perennially gray skies. So, in celebration of the summer games, they’ve partnered with award-winning British synchronized swimming team Aquabatix to offer 90-minute master classes. The fitness-focused curriculum includes key moves such as the ‘egg beater kick,’ a graceful, hands-free method of treading water, and ‘sculling,’ which are hand movements used to propel the body. Each class concludes with a choreographed routine set to music.