To me, the perfect pool bar conjures up images of palm trees, wispy azure skies, light fabric blowing in the breeze off a cabana frame, bare feet, swim trunks, a beat-up old visor and a pair of Oakleys, bikini-clad waitresses, frothy blender drinks, Bob Marley on the sound system, and a bar stool that's underwater.  So here's a tour of some of the best pool bars in the South Pacific, along with a sporty course or two nearby.  These are days well spent.

Here's the thing about pool bars:  If they're cool enough to make a list such as this, they might be in far flung tropical locations, and chances are there's demand for the pool and/or the hotel they're connected to...  And if I recall from Econ 101, Demand = Higher Prices, for plane tickets, hotels rooms, drinks, and/or cover charges for the pool.  Most of the great pools in the world come with a price tag in some form or another, so forgive me if the economic structure of the pool party scene dictates this list be more upscale than some of my normal recommendations.

If you've seen Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn, then you've seen the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.  This definitely isn't a boy's weekend destination; this is pure couples' paradise.  Thatch roof cabanas on pylons out over the water with plexiglass floors, crystal clear blue water, and palm-shaded white sand beaches. Let's be blunt:  If you can't get laid (well) here, you'll probably die a virgin. The St. Regis' central pool has a 10-seater swim-up bar that is a perfect kick-off point for any day here in paradise.

AOL Travel also digs the St. Regis' waterside Lagoon Bar. "For a bar at the end of the world, seek out the overwater porch at Lagoon by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The sunset majesty of Mount Otemanu is a nightly special in this Polynesian haven, but urban Bloody Marys are the signature cocktails."

Lagoon Bar

While there's no golf on Bora Bora, nearby Tahiti has the Olivier Breaud International Golf Course, designed by California golf architect Bob Baldock. But it requires a flight or a boat ride to get there, and it'll be hard bring yourself to leave this paradise for 6 hours or so.

Hayman Island, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

WorldGolf.com digs this idyllic spot for both the pool bar and nearby golf.  The Hayman Island Resort is listed among the Leading Hotels Of The World, with ocean view swim-out guest rooms, fine and casual dining, and the Great Barrier Reef is just a short boat ride away.

For golf, take a short trip via ferry or Hayman Island Helicopter to nearby Hamilton Island GC, designed by five-time British Open winner and Australian Peter Thomson. The course has some legendary views, tiptoeing along the water's edge from high above, and a fantastic closing stretch.

Know a great pool bar?  Send it to me at the Contact Fat Guy link below, and I'll add it to the list.

[Fat Guy Note:  I have only explored some of these courses/locations.  As always, proper research and reservations are required.]