A guide to the best Insta-worthy pool floats and accessories at Vivo Resorts

Vivo Resorts sits beside Playa Palmarito on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, where broad ocean views, warm light and calm pool time create an easy backdrop for holiday photography. The resort’s all-suite accommodation, private villas and spacious outdoor areas give couples, families and wedding groups plenty of room to style relaxed poolside moments without making the day feel like a photo shoot.

For Australian travellers, the appeal is especially strong when escaping winter in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. The seasons are reversed, so a sunny Mexican pool holiday can be a welcome break from cooler months at home. Add bright swimwear, a few well-chosen accessories and a float that suits your group, and the resort’s pools become a natural setting for colourful holiday memories.

The best approach is to choose pieces that are practical as well as photogenic. Lightweight inflatables, waterproof phone gear, a wide-brimmed hat and high-protection sunscreen can make pool days more comfortable while keeping your images polished. For easy planning, compare accommodation and holiday inclusions through Vivo vacation packages before deciding which accessories are worth packing.

Choose a float with shape and colour

A classic round ring is an effortless choice for a resort pool. Select a saturated colour such as coral, turquoise, mango or white, then coordinate it with a swimsuit or cover-up rather than choosing several competing patterns. The simple silhouette works well for solo portraits, overhead images and candid shots of children floating close to the pool edge.

For couples, a two-person lounger or connected ring can create a more relaxed composition. Families may prefer separate smaller floats in matching colours, which make group images feel coordinated without requiring everyone to pose rigidly. A fruit-shaped inflatable, scalloped design or oversized flower can add personality, though compact options are easier to carry and inflate.

Check the pool’s rules before using any large inflatable. Some resorts restrict oversized floats during busy periods or ask guests to keep clear of swim lanes, steps and edges. A small manual pump, repair patches and a mesh carry bag are useful additions, particularly if you are moving between the accommodation, pool deck and beach.

Build a poolside accessory kit

Waterproof accessories often make a bigger difference to your images than an elaborate float. A floating phone case, dry bag and adjustable wrist strap help protect your device when photographing from the pool edge. A compact action camera can capture movement in the water, while a flexible mini tripod is useful for group photos, anniversary portraits and villa shots.

Choose accessories that handle intense sunlight and salt air. A wide-brimmed straw hat, neutral sarong and oversized sunglasses bring texture and shape to a simple poolside image. Australian travellers are accustomed to taking sun protection seriously, so pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, a long-sleeved rash vest for children and a reusable water bottle alongside the more decorative pieces.

Neutral towels, woven bags and lightweight sandals can create a cohesive frame without looking over-styled. Remember that Australian “thongs” means flip-flops in local usage, while the resort setting may also call for secure sandals around wet surfaces. Keep valuables in your room or villa safe and bring only the items needed for the day.

Style images for families and food lovers

Family photos work best when the accessories support natural activity. A parent can hold a smaller float while children play nearby, or everyone can gather at the shallow edge for a cheerful image. Matching hats, colourful goggles or coordinated rash vests provide visual connection without asking young travellers to stay still for long.

Timing matters as much as styling. Early morning offers softer light and quieter pool areas, while late afternoon can add a warm glow to skin tones and water reflections. Keep the brightest float behind or beside the subject rather than directly covering faces. After swimming, a shaded table or relaxed meal can extend the story of the image; families may also find the resort’s picky-eater dining guide useful when planning days around children.

Avoid taking photographs while guests are eating, changing or using private spaces. Ask before including other holidaymakers, and be especially careful with children who are not part of your group. A thoughtful approach keeps the atmosphere comfortable and preserves the resort’s calm, family-friendly character.

Capture the Pacific backdrop without clutter

The pool should frame the scenery rather than compete with it. Position a bright float in the foreground, leave open water between the camera and the subject, and allow the ocean horizon or palm-lined surroundings to provide depth. A low camera angle can make a float look more substantial, while a higher viewpoint shows its shape clearly against the water.

Use simple colour combinations inspired by the coast: aqua with white, sunset orange with sand tones, or green with natural woven textures. Avoid filling every corner with props. One statement float, a hat and a drink in a reusable cup are generally enough to suggest a complete pool day.

For practical composition ideas, the resort’s guide to Instagram-worthy photo tips can help you make better use of light, angles and architectural details. Keep your phone lens clean, turn off unnecessary filters and take both portrait and landscape versions so the images work for stories, albums and printed keepsakes.

Pack smart for a polished pool day

Australian travellers should consider luggage space before buying a giant inflatable. Airlines and transfers can make bulky items inconvenient, especially when travelling from Perth or Adelaide with multiple connections. A deflated ring, foldable pump and compact accessories will usually fit more easily than a large lounger, while a local purchase may be preferable if availability suits your plans.

Budget in Australian dollars and allow room for resort dining, spa treatments, excursions and unexpected replacement items. A waterproof pouch for cards and room keys is more useful than carrying a full beach bag to the pool. Lightweight fabrics also dry quickly in the coastal climate and reduce the need to pack several changes of clothing.

For destination weddings or larger groups, select one shared colour palette rather than asking every guest to bring a different float. White, terracotta, sea blue and soft pink photograph well against tropical surroundings and can connect pool images with welcome events or post-wedding celebrations. Keep branded packaging and loose plastic away from the deck, and dispose of damaged inflatables responsibly.

A memorable pool photograph usually comes from a clear idea rather than a large collection of props. Choose one float, two or three practical accessories and a time of day that suits your group’s energy. The result will feel more like an authentic holiday moment at Playa Palmarito than a staged catalogue image.

Before packing, save a short checklist in your phone: one compact float, a pump, waterproof case, SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, cover-up and a small dry bag.