Best Pool Hotels in Antigua

Flanked by the crystalline waters of Dickenson Bay in northwest Antigua, this adults-only, all-inclusive Sandals resort caters to couples looking for a romantic retreat. Guests can choose between a cottage in the Caribbean Beachfront Village or a suite at the Mediterranean Oceanview Village. Whichever accommodation type travelers choose, they'll find mahogany, four-poster king-sized beds, plush bathrobes, complimentary Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. The resort features an impressive seven bars and 11 restaurants, serving everything from pizza to Tex-Mex to sushi. For R&R-seekers, Sandals Grande Antigua's Red Lane Spa offers treatments like massages and body scrubs. Meanwhile, active duos have their pick of various land and water sports, including paddleboarding, snorkeling and beach volleyball. Though most recent guests praised the friendliness of the staff, some were disappointed with their room service and restaurant meals.

Close to Antigua's northernmost point, Blue Waters' whitewashed exterior offers a striking contrast to the Caribbean Sea. Couples and small groups can choose from a range of guest rooms, villas and suites to fit their needs (each comes with twin or king-sized beds and private patios or balconies). Larger groups can opt for a stay in Rock Cottage, Turtle Cottage or Pelican House, multiple-bedroom villas that boast private pools. Regardless of your preferred digs, you'll gain access to the resort's amenities, which include a gym, a spa, a tennis court and beach access at Soldiers Bay. When you get hungry, you can choose from three different restaurants, including the intimate Bartley's Restaurant and the oceanfront Cove Restaurant (which is covered by the property's optional all-inclusive rate). However, you may also want to consider trying a dining establishment off the resort's grounds, as some recent guests report dissatisfaction with Blue Waters' menu offerings and open-air settings.

Situated on a tiny strip of land between Mamora Bay and St. James Bay in southeast Antigua, the St. James's Club offers an all-inclusive resort experience for both couples and families. Accommodation options include guest rooms, suites and villas, each with terra-cotta floors, a private balcony or terrace and dark wood or wicker furnishings. The property also features five bars and four restaurants, which serve everything from casual American fare to upscale Italian-Caribbean fusion cuisine. Additionally, visitors have access to two white sand beaches, a fitness center, four tennis courts, a kids club, a spa and six pools. Recent guests raved about the resort's lush grounds and four dining venues; however, some cited inconsistent service throughout the property and bemoaned the renovations taking place in select areas.

If you're seeking over-the-top luxury on Antigua, look no further than Jumby Bay Island. For a pretty penny, you can bask on this small private islet 2 miles off the northeast coast of Antigua and soak up the rays on its powdery white sands. Despite its cost, recent guests thought their money was well-spent: With spectacular vistas and top-notch service, visitors had very few complaints. As for digs, Jumby Bay's Rondavel rooms reside in octagonal cottages, and each features a four-poster bed, a private courtyard, a wraparound terrace and an outdoor shower. If you can shell out some additional coin for a private villa (read: estate), you'll get your own pool and direct beach access. The resort itself offers land and water sports, three pools, a tennis club and The Jumby Bay Spa. When hunger sets in, you'll have your pick of three sit-down dining venues, which serve everything from casual poolside fare to Italian-inspired dishes to upscale Caribbean cuisine. A grab-and-go beach shack with West Indian-style street snacks (think: fresh seafood and wraps) is available as well. All meals, snacks and beverages are covered by the resort's all-inclusive room rates.

A sister of the St. James's Club and Galley Bay Resort & Spa, The Verandah Resort & Spa hugs Antigua's eastern coast. Each suite and two-bedroom villa at this all-inclusive property boasts its own private veranda from which guests can gaze out at the ocean or the lush grounds. Romantic vacationers can choose from wedding, honeymoon or anniversary packages, while active travelers can take advantage of the resort's tennis courts and fitness center. Though the two white sand beaches are small, The Verandah touts Antigua's largest free-form swimming pool, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens. Parents can drop off their little ones at the Kids Club and sign up for a massage at Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. For all its relaxing benefits, previous guests noted the remoteness of this resort, saying it's great for couples and families who want peace and quiet. Many also praised the cuisine served at the property's five dining venues. However, some recent visitors wished the nightly poolside entertainment wasn't as noisy, while others desired more updated accommodations.

Perched on a hillside in southwest Antigua, Sugar Ridge offers the luxuries of a big resort but with the intimate atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Rooms boast twin beds or king-sized canopy beds draped in muslin, plus free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. On the upper floors, rooms open up onto verandas with views of the island and sea, while the lower floor accommodations have private plunge pools. To help you relax, you can get a mani-pedi or a massage at the on-site Aveda Concept Spa, the only one available in the Caribbean. As far as dining goes, the resort offers two options: the upscale Carmichael's restaurant and the Sugar Club Restaurant, where guests can enjoy themed meals and live music. If you opt for the property's all-inclusive package, meals and drinks at both eateries are covered. The only complaints from guests? The slow service and lack of direct beach access. However, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby beaches.

Hermitage Bay, a boutique, all-inclusive resort on Antigua's secluded western shore, gives guests optimal sunset panoramas from private bungalow suites. All of the resort's 30 accommodations face the ocean and are outfitted with outdoor showers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and hardwood floors. The organic fare served at the on-site restaurant received high marks from reviewers, but it's the staff's attention to detail that guests appreciate the most. Hermitage Bay caters specially to romantic vacationers, offering wedding and honeymoon packages, as well as a spa with the tantalizing Siddhartha Art of Love treatment, which includes aromatherapy services and exotic tea tastings. When visitors are not relaxing in their room or at the spa, they can get their hearts pumping while enjoying complimentary activities, such as scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking.

Tucked in a lush green cove on the southern coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay specializes in offering an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and relaxing. All of its 87 suites boast ocean views, espresso machines and floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to private balconies or terraces. However, some visitors caution that the decor is a bit dated. The resort features four restaurants, including Ottimo! (a pizzeria with a wood-burning oven) and the adults-only beachside Jetty Grill. After a late afternoon tea, guests can go to the beach with their children or drop the kiddos off at the Cool Kids Club before unwinding by the pool or in the Blue Spa's sauna. Part of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property participates in the Leaders Club loyalty program.

With just 72 rooms and suites nestled into a cove on Antigua's southern coast, Curtain Bluff emphasizes its Caribbean setting – wild nightlife and modern luxuries are secondary. Reviewers are quick to stress that this all-inclusive resort doesn't cater to the party crowd. The property offers an immersive vacation experience – guest rooms don't include televisions. Instead, you'll get floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Spend your days enjoying spa treatments (for an extra fee), playing tennis, scuba diving or napping on the beach. In the evening, dine at The Tamarind Tree or The Seagrape, or savor a glass of wine from the resort's specialized cellar. Curtain Bluff may not boast some of the conveniences of home, but visitors find the resort's other amenities outweigh those needs. Note: Curtain Bluff closes annually between mid-August and late October.

Roughly 5 miles west of St. John's on Antigua's west coast, the all-inclusive Galley Bay Resort & Spa stands as one point in the triad of Antigua's Elite Island Resorts family (also included are St. James's Club and The Verandah Resort & Spa). Galley Bay Resort's 98 guest rooms and suites feature prime real estate (close to Galley Bay Beach), private balconies or patios and minifridges. For a more secluded experience, guests can select one of the Gauguin Suites – thatched-roof accommodations with private pools and patios that are close to the resort's lush lagoon. Outside the rooms, visitors will find three fine dining restaurants (with a smart-casual dress code), a casual beach grill, a coffee shop and multiple bars and lounges. Additionally, guests can get pampered at the property's Indulge Spa. Recent travelers raved about the resort's cuisine and friendly and efficient staff. But remember, children 15 and younger are not welcome at this adults-only property.

The Inn at English Harbour – located less than 13 miles southeast of St. John's, Antigua's capital – has all the amenities of a big-name resort, such as the beach at Freemans Bay and the many on-site activities. Treat yourself to an afternoon at The Inn's Asian- and Caribbean-inspired spa or play a round of tennis on one of two grassy courts. The 28 marble- and mahogany-floored rooms are within walking distance of the beach, while the cottages sit right on it. Recent guests said that while the food at the Terrace Restaurant was good, it lacked a large variety for those on extended stays. Guests were more complementary of the resort's rooms, which feature ocean views, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and private verandas. Since this property is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World family, members of SLH's INVITED rewards program can use accrued free reward night vouchers to pay for rooms here.