Must-See Pools in the Caribbean

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

You’ve taken the plunge metaphorically (you’ve gotten married!), now it’s time to take the plunge — literally! And what better place for a refreshing dip than one of the many fabulous pools located within gorgeous resorts across the honeymoon-perfect Caribbean islands. From the Bahamas to St. Lucia, we hopscotched across the tropical region and tested the waters to find the best pool just for you. Whether you’re looking to luxuriate in a sublime infinity pool, order rum punches from a swim-up bar or submerge in the privacy of your own in-room plunge pool (the ultimate in romance), here are our picks for the top 10 pools in the Caribbean. Get ready to dive in! 

Best In-Room Pool: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Photo: Jade Mountain

At the storied Jade Mountain resort, tucked into St. Lucia’s lush hillside, rooms have just three walls and an open “fourth,” so you’re always in full view of stunning daydream-realized panoramas. And with no phones or TVs to disturb the blissfully unplugged experience, you can take in the spectacular back- drop of the Piton Mountains and the turquoise sea from the comfort of your private infinity pool without any pesky distractions. If you’re looking for some beach time, head down to luxe sister property Anse Chastanet and stretch out on the sands (room rates start at $1,225 a night).

Best Pool Scene: The Cove at Atlantis, Bahamas

With 11 pools, endless water slides, sprawling aquariums and interactive dolphin experiences, the aptly named Atlantis is always a front-runner for best pool complex in the Carib- bean. And if you’re looking for an adults-only, Vegas-style pool party vibe, head to its resort within the property, The Cove at Atlantis. As a DJ spins, chill out in one of the coveted cabanas with butler service, catch some rays from one of the sexy daybeds on an island in the middle of the exclusive pool, or try your luck in the outdoor gaming area — complete with blackjack and craps tables. Lunch on lobster quesadillas and Goombay Smash cocktails at the casual-chic Sip Sip, a branch of the beloved Harbour Island eatery (room rates start at $479 a night).

Best for Aqua Loungers: Serenity at Coconut Bay, St. Lucia

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury adults-only all inclusive, is a resort-within-a-resort with just 36 villa-style suites on St. Lucia’s southern coast. The cabana-bordered pool is a standout. Contemporary loungers on a platform directly in the pool mean you can always keep cool while chilling under the Caribbean sun. Don’t miss in-room spa treatments, a dip in your private plunge pool and a meal at the 10-seat chef’s table in The Greathouse (room rates start at $782 per person, per night and are all inclusive).

Best Lagoon-Style Pool: Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

There’s nothing like a jaw-dropping lagoon-style swimming pool to remind you that you’re in the tropics, and the one at this 600- room all-inclusive at Playa Bavaro is a the epitome of hot. Running the length of the resort, the 985-foot freshwater serpentine pool is dotted with palm-tree-sprouting, man-made islands and features plenty of thatched-roofed barefoot bars and hot tubs along the way. The property is also home to seven restaurants and a pampering spa (room rates start at $257 per person, per night and are all inclusive).

Best Lap-Style Pool: Silversands Grenada, Grenada

Photo: Silversands Grenada

This recently opened luxury resort, the first major property to be built on Grand Anse Beach in more than 20 years, has 43 suites, each with a clean, modern design. That sleek aesthetic extends to the sexy lap pool, which at 330 feet creates quite a striking visual. But it’s not just for show; you can definitely get a workout swimming from one end to the other. Afterward, you’ve more than earned your poolside piña coladas (room rates start at $800 a night).

Best Pool with Island Feature: The Shore Club Turks & Caicos, Turks & Caicos 

This exclusive resort, on a prime stretch of Long Bay Beach, is all about pampering, from indulging in deep-tissue massages in the Dune Spa to enjoying leisurely oceanside meals of freshly grilled fish. While the resort has several pools, the cabana-lined Colonnade pool is the most notable thanks to the island positioned in the middle. The chill space features a few banquettes centered around a modern fire pit (there are even a few palm trees), making it a fabulous spot to take in the scene with snacks and cocktails (room rates start at $499 a night).

Best Swim-Up Bar: The Palms Turks & Caicos, Turks & Caicos

Photo: The Palms Turks & Caicos

The Palms Turks & Caicos, the stylish 72-all-suite resort on stunning Grace Bay Beach, offers its guests a next-level swim-up bar experience. Not only does its plunge pool have bar stools where you can sip your daiquiri while partially submerged, it also has underwater curved “banquettes” complete with an in-water table, so you can snack on conch fritters and pan-seared grouper wraps without ever having to leave the pool. Trust us — it’s as amazing as it sounds (room rates start at $469 a night).

Best In-Pool Attraction: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas

Photo: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

From a beachfront setting and a glittery casino to upscale restaurants and a golf course, Nassau’s Baha Mar complex has all the luxurious requisites for a romantic and action-packed honeymoon. One of its coolest features is the swimming pool at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. This freeform beauty has a “cave,” featuring a swim-up aquarium stocked with nurse sharks, stingrays and tropical fish, as well as a 15-foot “cliff” jump, where you can snap stories of the two of you really making a splash (room rates start at $225 a night).

Best Zero-Entry Pool: Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Located on Banana Bay, the 126-room ultra-luxe resort is composed of a series of low-rise buildings just steps from the ocean. There are plenty of watersports to keep you busy, but you may find yourself gravitating to the pool, which has a zero- entry feature and its own mini beach complete with loungers and umbrellas. Other on-property must-trys include couples’ massages in the spa and dinners in the Great House, overlook- ing the neighboring island of Nevis (room rates start at $500 a night).