Skiers know that the best places to stay are slopeside, where they have direct access to the trails. The tropical equivalent is the swim-up room, where you can step outside and right into the warm waters of a swimming pool.

A more affordable alternative to suites with private pools or those located directly on the beach, swim-up rooms are part of a wave of hotel accommodations with unique features that go beyond soaking tubs and patio hot tubs.

Here’s a sampling of resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico’s Riviera Maya where you can dive into a swim-up room:

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten

Lounge on recliners half-submerged in a pool just outside your room at this all-suites resort. All 130 suites have ocean views, and the swim up suites — which have the option of butler service for pool drinks on demand — have large glass walls with sliding doors that open wide to bring the outdoors in.