By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
We’re all about the beach, but sometimes a little poolside relaxation is in order. When we’re craving some lounge time, these are the pools where we like to pull up a chaise (and suck down a pina colada). And then jump right in. Here are our favourite Caribbean pools for 2014.
Round Hill, Jamaica
This classic Caribbean resort’s main pool is a work of art — especially at the end of the day, when its infinity edge perfectly blends into the brilliant hues of a Jamaican sunset.
Ladera, St Lucia
In St. Lucia, the resort that originated the three-walled suite reveals sweeping Pitons panoramas not only from private plunge pools but also from the main pool, where sunset cocktails are de rigueur. But our favourite is the one at the striking Paradise Ridge suite, above.
Atlantis, Bahamas
There are 11 pools at this Paradise Island, Bahamas mega-resort, but we favor the one at adult-only Cain at the Cove, where the 9,000-square-foot waterscape is surrounded by a clutch of butler-serviced teak cabanas and an outdoor gaming pavilion.
Goldeneye, Jamaica
Any pool that sits on the beach and offers stunning views of the sea is a good one in our book, and this one at Oracabessa, Jamaica’s Goldeneye checks both boxes.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Mexico
Vast doesn’t begin to describe the huge three-tiered oceanfront pool at this year-old Puerto Morelos resort, which also boasts three others for guests’ poolside pleasure.
Graycliff, Bahamas
A tranquil and cloistered considering in the heart of Nassau, Graycliff’s intricately painted pool is one of our favorites.
Jade Mountain, St Lucia
No best Caribbean pools list would be complete without mention of those in the “sanctuaries” at this St Lucia resort, which are perfect for contemplation of the Pitons’ majesty.
Deep Water Cay, Bahamas
The hue of the infinity-edge pool at this tiny private-island resort just off Grand Bahama perfectly complements the archipelago’s famous “Bahama blue” waters.
Casa Colonial, Dominican Republic
You gotta love a rooftop pool. This oasis at the Dominican Republic boutique hotel overlooks the sands of Playa Dorada and is the ideal place to kick back with a cold cerveza.
Four Seasons Nevis
The Reflection Pool at this classic Caribbean hotel is an adults-only oasis removed from the resort’s main areas, and perfect for when you really need to get away.
Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
It doesn’t get more sleek and chic than the volcanic stone-clad pool at this Asia-inspired Providenciales retreat, which is one of the most expensive resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
The rooftop infinity pool at this city-slick Port-of-Spain hotel offers a view of the Gulf of Paria and is a hip hangout for hard-bodied revelers during the country’s annual Carnival celebrations.
La Toubana, Guadeloupe
This Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe resort is one of the French-Caribbean archipelago’s priciest but the view from the infinity pool, elevated above the sand-swept Sainte-Anne coast, may rightfully be considered priceless.