When sun-and-fun-seeking clients — Millennials in particular — choose their Caribbean destination, a stylish, swanky pool can go a long way in helping them make their decision. Here are a dozen chic pools Travel Agent recommends pitching to Caribbean-bound Gen-Y vacationers.
Pictured: The Edge Pool at Sonesta Ocean Point in St. Maarten leads up the resort’s Azul restaurant.
Ocean Pool, One&Only Ocean Club, Nassau, Bahamas
Live poolside entertainment celebrates the change of day and sunsets from 5 to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. The Ocean Pool area can also be rented out for private parties with advance notice, and can only be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Nude Pool, Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica
Though the resort offers three fresh-water pools and three cold-plunge pools, the Nude Pool is by far the most fun. Just a few feet away from the beach on Hedonism II’s “Nude” side, this pool is open 24/7 and has a swim-up bar open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bar reopens from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, pouring unlimited premium liquor. While all six pools allow nudity, this is the only one that requires it.
Queen’s Gardens Resort & Spa, Saba
Clients seeking an island and a resort that hasn’t been discovered by the masses yet should check out the Queen’s Gardens Resort and Spa on Saba. The resort’s pool is the largest on the island, and offers views of the Caribbean Sea, The Bottom (Saba’s capital) and the Saba rainforest.
Surrounded by comfy loungers, guests can quench their thirst from an array of cocktails, including Queen’s Gardens’ signature mojito, or a vintage from one of the Caribbean’s most extensive wine lists from the adjacent Ocean Bar and Lounge, which extends to an intimate terrace sheltered by several ancient mango trees. Tip: Queen’s Gardens is widely considered to be one of the most LGBT-welcoming hotels in the Caribbean.
The Infinity Pool , Viceroy Anguilla’s Sunset Lounge
The Sunset Lounge, which incorporates an infinity pool, can be rented out for private parties and functions. There is also a swanky, poolside bar. This is the place to enjoy the best sunsets on the island, as well as great views of Barnes Bay. The DJ mixes calypso and reggae sounds with a South Beach, Miami-type vibe. A collection of aged rums, Cuban cigars and fine champagnes are the lounge’s specialty. Sushi and light fare are served nightly.
The Infinity Pool, Sugar Ridge Resort, Antigua
Commonly referred to by guests as “Carmichael’s Pool” because of its proximity to Carmichael’s restaurant, this is a super-sleek place for the hip and trendy to hang out. The complex also includes waterfalls, a lap pool and lounge areas — both covered and open. The Sugar Club pool area can be rented out for private functions and weddings.
Carmichael’s Pool is perfect for leisurely chitchat and gazing at the sunset. Happy Hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily. The signature cocktail is “Carmichael’s Joy,” which comprises Cavalier Dark Rum, Orange Curaçao, pineapple juice, tamarind puree, passion fruit puree and angostura bitters.
Viceroy Anguilla’s infinity pool at its Sunset Lounge affords great views of sunsets and Barnes Bay.
Edge Pool, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten
Millennials making their way to St. Maarten should check out any of the three types of pools at the new, luxury, all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. The place is home to a stylish Swim Out Pool and the modern, chic Edge Pool, which is perched on a cliff on the southernmost point of the island, with its own man-made beach providing extraordinary views of the infinite horizon over Maho Bay.
Silica-based sand lines the bottom of the Edge Pool, which has a cleansing filtration system, while loungers and umbrellas surround the beach. The four-foot-deep pool is perfect for a refreshing dip and the sunsets here are incredible. After dark, the party gets started as fire pits take over the scene and illuminate the edge creating a dramatic and inviting atmosphere.
Sonesta Ocean Point’s signature Swim Out Suites feature seamless access from the terraces directly into the Swim Out pool that meanders alongside the hotel’s façade and charming pathway, offering gorgeous southern sea views.
Freshwater Pool, Sandals LaSource Grenada
There is actually an array of cool pools here, mostly found in the Skypool Suites category, but the main, fresh-water pool located in the Italian Village is considered the hotel’s best one overall. Set on the beach and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, its amenities include poolside bar service, curtained cabanas that are included in the cost of stay and an adjacent Jacuzzi.
This pool’s most spectacular feature, however, is a sexy lounging area with a fire pit that comes alive at night. We were told this very special setting is a favorite location for events and meetings.
H2Oasis, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
This 3,364-square-foot, adults-only swimming pool at the Aruba Marriott sports a unique shape that provides a long strip of water perfect for taking uninterrupted laps while still providing pockets of open areas on either side for those travelers who just want to soak in one spot.
With no rowdy children in sight, grown-ups can put their feet up in the serenity of a stylish cabana, complete with poolside service, so they don’t ever have to leave. Bonus: “Happy Hour” and two-for-one cocktails start at noon daily. Tip: The hotel is a hot spot among both Millennial and LGBT markets.
Infinity Pool and Bar, The Palms Turks and Caicos
At the heart of The Palms Turks and Caicos resort lies a gorgeous infinity pool with undisturbed ocean views. The design revolves around wooden decking and an array of sun pods fitted with white parasols, together with a “hot tub island” at the center of the pool. Millennials can expect perks such as cold towels, fresh fruits and refreshing lavender spray to cool off when temperatures soar.
Plunge, the pool bar and restaurant, offers a wide range of Caribbean-inspired menu items. Guests can relax in a water banquette or at the swim-up bar while sipping the popular Palms D’or made with gold rum, coconut rum, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, muddled mint leaves and champagne. At night, guests can gather around the fire pit at Plunge while sipping cocktails, or enjoy “moonbathing,” and relax in one of the lounge chairs under the night stars while enjoying mini spa treatments and after-dinner cocktails.
In-Room Infinity Pool, Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Millennials staying at the over-the-top luxurious Jade Mountain resort in St. Lucia won’t have to venture far to find the best pool on the property as it’s right in their own room. Each of the roughly 30 suites at this hotel comes with an infinity pool that begins from the bed, which is netted to protect guests from mosquitoes, and extends to the front of the living room with perhaps one of the best views you’ll ever see at a Caribbean hotel.
Looking out from the edge of your pool, you can see the pride of St. Lucia — the Pitons, two gigantic, gorgeous, green twin mountains. To your right is more ocean, which looks like a painting when the sun goes down. The bottom line is this: You can be in this pool, drinking a cold beer or rum on the rocks, overlooking a real-life mountain, and butlers, upon request, can bring wireless devices to your room, so you have Internet service if you feel the desire to connect with the outside world or to brag to your friends.
White parasols and a “hot tub island” are among the highlights at The Palms Turks and Caicos’ infinity pool.
Langara, The Penthouse at Sandy Cove Barbados
Millennials looking for a high-end, private pool scene in Barbados should consider Langara, which recently joined the Blue Sky Luxury portfolio. Langara’s private chef can throw a barbecue party on the pool deck and the penthouse’s private butler can make cocktails and pass the hors-d’oeuvres as guests enjoy the view. Also, the Blue Sky Luxury “Concierge Can” team will assist with booking a band, steel or otherwise, or a DJ for dancing.
Vertygo 101 Lounge, JW Marriott Santo Domingo
The JW Marriott Santo Domingo stands out as one of the only chic, modern hotels in this historic city and offers perhaps one of the coolest pool scenes in all of the Dominican Republic. The main draw here is the Vertygo 101 Lounge & Bar, the country’s first “floating” restaurant and bar, which has a glass floor and terrace rising 101 feet above the city. For those who fear heights, it can be a little scary to walk on, but it is definitely worth experiencing at least once.
The ice cube-shaped rooftop infinity pool at the lounge beckons guests to take a dip while overlooking the beautiful city of Santo Domingo. But be careful of what you do underwater, as the glass surrounding the pool is see-through. Think of an aquarium, but replace the fish with A-list travelers.