The Coolest Adult Pools at Caribbean Resorts

These adult-only pools deliver sophistication, relaxation, and exclusivity

 

At the heart of nearly every tropical resort is the pool. It’s where we catch some rays, cool off, and chill out with a good book and a refreshing libation. However, it is hard to do when enthusiastic youngsters are running about, having the time of their lives. To combat the commotion, many resorts are adding adults- only pools. It’s simply a matter of separation, giving those with more mature tastes a body of water to call their own, a place to swim a few unencumbered laps, float peacefully, or recline poolside in a chaise lounge.

For all who yearn for this more civilized and sophisticated version of pool deck leisure, we offer six of our favorite resorts with adults-only pools.

Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Plan to immerse yourself in luxury with attentive and personalized 5-star service when you stay at this resort, one of the first luxury retreats to honor the shores of Grace Bay Beach. Set on 11 acres of oceanfront isolation, offering an escape from the outside world, the white sand beaches rimmed in azure waters provide the ideal visual escape. Adults find plenty of seclusion staying at the hotel (catering to only adults) or any villa options, as there is always that perfect place to hide out.

The exclusive adult-only pool features a glass- ended infinity edge and impressive sea vistas. Guests can unwind on plush sun loungers that line the pool edge, where umbrellas are on location for respite from the sun’s rays. For added convenience, the pool is next to The Infiniti Bar, the longest bar in the Caribbean at 90 feet and the first infinity-edge bar in the world. Here, you can sip on handcrafted cocktails and sample creative tapas in a quiet atmosphere away from the main pool activity. For added privacy, settle into one of the plush, poolside cabanas immersed in exclusivity and order a Jalapeno Margarita.

The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

They call it an ultra-pool, an aquatic feature that takes sunning, mingling, and relaxation to a higher level. Much like a private club, right down to the high-energy house music playing in the background, the area is an exclusive enclave for adult guests staying at The Cove Atlantis. A touch of the exotic transforms this hip water hole into a daytime place to mingle, with concierge service, an onsite cafe, and even an outdoor gaming pavilion near the water’s edge.

Stunning views of Paradise Island beaches provide the backdrop, with activity centering around the 9,000-square-foot central pool, which is in turn flanked by a pair of raised infinity-edge water features. If zoning out is in order, plenty of daybeds are on deck—or you can wade out to the center of the pool to secure a coveted spot on one of the daybed islands surrounded by water—definitely the place to be seen. For an added degree of seclusion, guests can reserve one of the 20 private cabanas with teak-louvered walls scattered about the pool area, each offering a perfect combination of privacy and grand views of the beach and pool.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Aruba

The name says it all. The H2Oasis provides a haven from the all-age activity of the resort’s primary pool yet lacks in nothing. A room key is required to enter the fenced environs of this 10,000-square-foot adult playground, where tall royal palms hover over a mosaic-tiled pool. Much like a communal fireplace at a ski lodge, the pool becomes a focal point for guests to mingle in chaise lounges, drift off under the shade of nearby cabanas, or linger in the notched aquatic alcoves that line the perimeter of the pool, with the bar steps away. The entire space is dedicated to adult tastes, with Wi-Fi coverage to stream your tablets and e-readers, and never a worry of youngsters running through and toppling your cocktail or splashing your screen.

For the definitive escape, you can book a private cabana, where your reservation gives access to your own wood-framed bed surrounded by billowing white drapes and enjoy onsite treatments from the hotel’s Mandarin Spa staff. The inviting stools of the pool bar await under a palapa roof. Still, if even that short walk from your chosen chaise threatens to interrupt your languor, you can order lunch and drinks from the pool attendant to be delivered to your poolside hangout.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico

This five-star lux resort sits smack in the center of the Hotel Zone of Cancun, where white sand beaches and turquoise water are part of the equation. The JW sports three outdoor pools on the massive pool deck and garden arena with sets of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and hot tubs scattered about, all facing the ocean. Each offers a lagoon appearance meandering through the patios and walkways; there is an infinity edge to swim up to for that direct ocean view, a mixed population pool with a high dive area, and a simulated tropical reef where kids learn the basics of scuba diving. And adults looking for a bit of distinction can gravitate to their designated pool and enjoy a cocktail in swim attire at the swim-up bar.

If even more quiet time is on the agenda, then book one of the private poolside cabanas with a brunch basket filled with fresh tarts and chilled Champagne. Take a few more steps toward the beach, reserve one of the palapa-topped cabanas with plush lounges set in the sand and have that picnic basket delivered. In the evenings, shake things up at the JW Lobby Bar, where a menu of 150 margaritas awaits. Choose from the selection of expertly crafted cocktails inspired by the resort’s extensive offering of 150 fine tequilas featuring native Mexican ingredients.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Nevis

There are three pools at the Four Seasons, each infinity-edged, nestled in tropical landscaping and stunning. But there, the similarities end, as each attracts a different group of guests. The Garden Pool sits right adjacent to the lobby and restaurant, which is the happening spot for lunch and cocktails. This pool provides the primary hub for family activities. The Ocean Pool is great for swimming laps, but it is the tranquility of the Reflection Pool that adults gravitate to when looking for some downtime.

Here, sequestered from resort activity, is the spot where adults can unwind and chill without youngsters, noise, or interruptions. Lush landscaping provides a tranquil setting where one can read, converse quietly, or sip cocktails in a low-key, sophisticated atmosphere. There are adult-size water toys for those who wish to float away the day, but most find a chaise under one of the umbrellas on the teak deck that surrounds the pool and settle in for the duration, mesmerized by the reflection of Mount Nevis mirrored in the waters of the pool. In the foreground, the deep blues of the Caribbean Sea are fronted by café au lait sand of Pinney Beach. The Kastawey Beach Bar is just steps away, where sushi chefs prepare unique rolls and sashimi. You can dine under umbrella- topped teak tables or order from the pool area. Don’t forget the resort’s signature cocktail, the Nevisian Smile, served to you in your cushioned poolside chaise.

Ritz-Carlton, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

New to the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, opening in 2021, is the Ritz-Carlton, the first actual high-rise for this stretch of beach, promising the best island views from oceanfront balconies. And the main focus here is to enjoy the sea views that begin right from the open-air lobby, which reaches out to the sand and shimmering blue sea the island is famous for. From the walkway, you’ll find direct access to the two pools.

Adults looking for some quiet time will head to the specified adult pool backed by tropical landscaping and close by to the outdoor restaurant for lunch or drinks. The pool is long, shallow, and placed within a few steps of the beach. The most unique feature is the floating day beds, set up on a tiled platform, not floating, but access is via the water. You can order from the pool attendants once you settle in and hunger strikes. The menu runs from Mediterranean with Caribbean tropical highlights like the island favorite, conch salad, served fresh and spicy. Seafood lovers will find the grilled fish sandwich, or the Mediterranean fish wrap a bonus. Chill out the afternoon with a bottle of Prosecco. And there’s always that ultimate splurge and a refuge from the sun at one of the cabanas sitting at the pool’s edge where the breezy drapes offer just enough privacy for an afternoon nap.