10 Caribbean Getaways Where You Can Have Your Own Private Pool With a View
Pelican Ridge, Bethesda, Antigua and Barbuda
Set on a hillside overlooking the point where Willoughby Bay meets the Caribbean, Pelican Ridge is a six-bedroom oceanfront villa straight out of a design catalog. The refined decor and spacious rooms are part of the draw, but the real star here is the centrally located pool, which boasts panoramic views of the crystal-clear sea. All bedrooms except for the master offer direct access to the pool, so you’ll feel as if you’ve got the whole place to yourself. Speaking of the master, it’s the only room with a private balcony, jacuzzi and sun terrace. Yoga, anyone? Rates from $444/night on ThirdHome.
The Plantation, Saint Michael, Barbados
Formerly called Anton Hall, the tastefully renovated Plantation house has all the charm of the old days without the lack of conveniences. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV and internet are included. In keeping with the Caribbean Georgian style, the eight-bedroom house features tropical touches like a low rectangular shape, sweeping verandas, and sturdy shutters. While the view from the pool will dazzle guests, the entrance hall and formal living area, done up with antiques, are perfect for hosting events. Rates from $1,000/night for main house, $1,500/night for main house and cottage.
Catch a Wave Bahamas, Elbow Cay, Bahamas
This six-mile-long island, part of the Abaco Islands, is as vibrant as it is quiet. You won’t find the touristy, all-inclusive crowd here, just pastel clapboard cottages, full-service marinas and resorts and beautiful beaches. This three-bedroom beach house packs the usual Caribbean amenities like Wi-Fi and A/C, as well as an outdoor grill and pool. There, you’ll find views of the Atlantic Ocean and White Sound, where the waters are as pristine as Tahiti Beach, which is just a short distance away. As if that isn’t enticing enough, the outdoor deck has its own private shower. Rates from $385/night.
Cobalt Villa, Blue Mountain, Turks & Caicos Islands
An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living makes this four-bedroom home a good option. An al fresco kitchen comes equipped with a grill, refrigerator, bar and sink, while an adjacent dining area encourages afternoon dips in the pool. On the second floor, a bedroom opens directly onto a patio with seating. Thanks to its prime location on the central north coast of Providenciales, Cobalt Villa also offers the best of both worlds: a private pool and easy access to the boardwalk, which leads to the beach. See rates on ThirdHome.
Villa Chloé, Lurin, Saint Barthélemy
This cozy two-bedroom villa, near the capital of Gustavia, feels like an upscale cabin. Downstairs are the common areas, with a sophisticated living room and kitchen; upstairs are the master bedrooms, with vaulted ceilings and unbeatable views. The third level has a heated plunge pool overlooking the sleepy marina. After a day of lounging, head to the main town of Gustavia for some shopping — don’t miss Les Petits Carreaux, artist Veronique Vandernoot’s whimsical outpost, or the Fish Market, where local fishermen flaunt their morning catch. Cap things off with a Latin-inspired dinner at Bonito; order the ceviche and tiraditos. Rates from $3,000/week.
Casa Azure, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
This three-bedroom property, overlooking Nazareth Bay on the east side of the island, is all about comfort. Each bedroom features its own en suite bathroom, while the one downstairs has its own kitchenette with a fridge for added convenience. All rooms are also equipped with air conditioning and screens. Sip a rum punch as you sun on the deck by the pool. And be sure to carve out time for a day trip to nearby St. John island, a national protected park just a quick ferry ride away. Rates from $499/night.
St. Thomas Luxury Villa, Misgunst, U.S. Virgin Islands
Perched on a bluff overlooking Magen’s Bay Beach is this luxurious four-bedroom villa. The contemporary home is part of a gated community that includes an outdoor terrace filled with exotic plants and a fountain. Inside, the renovated kitchen beckons guests to linger over Presidente beers and pate. Outside, the pool makes a statement with dramatic views of the ocean. Nearly every level has seating for small groups of guests, making this a good place for entertaining. For those who crave more privacy, the three master suites have their own balconies or terraces. Rates from $975/night.
Wheel House Villa, Sandy Bay, Jamaica
The Wheel House Villa is part of the Tryall Club, a 2,220 acre Jamaican resort. Tennis courts and the gym are a short stroll away, and a golf cart can ferry you down to the golf course. All six bedrooms are air conditioned — the better to combat the island’s sweltering heat — and come with king-size beds, walk-in closets and marble and granite bathrooms. You’ll also love the private verandas from which you can soak in the postcard-perfect surroundings. To ensure you never go without, the full-service staff includes a cook, housekeeper, pool cleaner and gardener. Guests can even have groceries delivered. Rates from $7,000/week.
Villa Nonna, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
You’ll feel like royalty in this secluded villa with a Spanish tile roof. All five suites have ocean views, and the home is centered around the pool. You’ll find yourself spending most of your time there, as it arguably has the best view. A stone wall with a tropical backdrop looks onto an outdoor seating area, and there’s also a hot tub and pool table. French doors lead to the gourmet kitchen, where just beyond the massive living room is outfitted with sumptuous sofas and sky-high ceilings. See rates on ThirdHome.
Is a Caribbean getaway in your future? It should be.