Best Pool Hotels in St. Lucia

Marigot Bay Resort and Marina provides luxury-seekers the ultimate in island privacy. Because of its secluded St. Lucia location, honeymooners and families looking to reconnect while on vacation flock to this high-end resort. Although amenities may be limited in the area, visitors will find two infinity pools, a spa, a fitness center and more on-site. Vacationers also have access to a nearby beach, but it requires using the property's complimentary ferry to reach. When it's time to dine, guests have their choice of three restaurants, two swim-up pool bars and private dining in their rooms, cabanas or treehouses. Most previous travelers enjoyed the property's cuisine but suggest opting for the optional all-inclusive meal plan to save some coin. Others heaped praise on the friendly staff and beautiful accommodations. Each room and suite is set on 30 acres of leafy tropical gardens and includes one or more balconies or patios that overlook the resort grounds or bay. Every space also comes outfitted with snacks and drinks, canopy beds and fully equipped kitchens. Select accommodations even tout private plunge pools or laundry rooms.

Allowing travelers to masquerade as temporary millionaires during their St. Lucia getaway, the adults-only Sandals Regency La Toc offers a wealth of glamorous (and romantic) amenities. Book a Butler Level suite and let a personal valet draw a rose-petal bath, deliver refreshing cocktails chaise-side and unpack your holiday wardrobe. If you still crave luxury but don't require a personal aid, retreat to one of this Sandals outpost's other guest rooms, which include king-sized beds, Red Lane Spa amenities, balconies or patios, flat-screen TVs and stocked minifridges. When it's time to venture beyond your digs, test the fairways of the nine-hole golf course or sign up for a rejuvenating couples massage at the Red Lane Spa. This 220-acre resort also boasts snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving at its beautiful (albeit small) beach, not to mention three pools. Should you need a change of scenery, head to Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Halcyon Beach for free access to their beaches, amenities and restaurants. To cap off your day, recent guests recommend making reservations at La Toc restaurant for elegant French fare. You'll also have your pick of eight other on-site eateries. The property's all-inclusive room rates cover all meals and drinks at all nine dining venues, plus in-room Wi-Fi access, green fees and land and water sports equipment rentals.

Exhibiting an atmosphere of health-focused rejuvenation, BodyHoliday Saint Lucia offers a large wellness center for spa devotees and a diverse catalog of sports for active travelers. Nestled along Cariblue Beach on the northwest tip of St. Lucia, BodyHoliday is as an isolated retreat that can be difficult to reach. Though the resort is secluded, its all-inclusive rates cover plenty of oceanfront activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling, sailing and water skiing. And don't leave the resort without indulging in a few sessions at the Wellness Centre. It features a variety of complimentary spa therapies, such as facials, massages and body wraps. The wellness offerings don't end at the spa: The five on-site restaurants maintain the field-to-fork cooking ethos, serving up fresh, healthy plates. Rooms are also designed to induce feelings of Zen, with bathrobes and Kohler Body all-over jet showers. Overall, reviewers rave about BodyHoliday's health-conscious amenities, citing the fitness classes, spa treatments and water sports activities as highlights. However, some say the customer service is lacking and that rooms are small.

Rising above its sister property, Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain offers high-rise vistas of The Pitons, with architecture that draws on St. Lucia's natural beauty. Each of its "sanctuaries" boasts only three walls (the space where the fourth wall should be is completely open), 15-foot ceilings and furnishings crafted from tropical wood. Some suites also feature infinity pools that create the illusion of a limitless space between you, the Caribbean Sea and The Pitons. However, recent guests warned that modern conveniences like TVs and telephones are not available in any accommodations. Additionally, some said that although the open wall yields majestic views, it also means you're up close and personal with some of the island's high-flying wildlife and the occasional rainstorm. In addition to the panoramic views, Jade Mountain touts a varied list of island sports, including snorkeling in the Anse Chastanet bay, sunset sailing on the resort yacht and scuba diving with experts from the on-site PADI dive center. As the site of the finale of the 14th season of "The Bachelor," Jade Mountain knows how to create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can arrange for an in-room massage with the Kai en Ciel Spa or a private dinner on the Celestial Terrace. For other meals, there's the Jade Mountain Club helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser.

With sweeping views of Fort Rodney and volcanic mountains rising from turquoise waters, the all-inclusive, adults-only Sandals Grande St. Lucian is flanked on both sides by the Atlantic Ocean and Rodney Bay. Because of its unique position on St. Lucia, transport from the airport to the resort can be a bit bumpy. Despite its hard-to-reach location, this Sandals outpost offers more of a theme park village atmosphere than a secluded island setting, with an endless supply of restaurants, recreation options and amenities. And with the free inter-Sandals shuttle service, there are an additional 15 restaurants and numerous beach activities available if you tire of the property's five pools, scuba diving lessons and tennis facilities. Guest rooms and suites feature king-sized beds, stocked minifridges and shared or private balconies or patios. With Sandals Grande St. Lucian's bevy of activities, eateries and prime location just south of Pigeon Island National Landmark, guests say the resort provides a packed itinerary and just the right amount of relaxation. However, some caution that the room rates are expensive and that some accommodation views are subpar.

Rising above Malabar Beach's soft sands, the adults-only Rendezvous Saint Lucia prides itself on cultivating an atmosphere of escapism ideal for relationship reinvigoration. Arrange for side-by-side massages – available at The Spa in the Water Garden – or take a dip in the free-form pool. For a more active vacation, try scuba diving, tennis, golf or windsurfing, which are covered by the all-inclusive rates. To sample a fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine, head to The Trysting Place; you can also turn up the romance and schedule a beachfront candlelit dinner for two. Rooms range from garden view guest rooms to beachfront suites and cottages. Recent guests loved the resort's small size, saying the staff is able to provide personalized service. However, some lamented the busy roads situated nearby. Rendezvous sits in Castries City, on St. Lucia's northwestern side.

To get a taste of residential Caribbean living in Rodney Bay, consider a stay at The Landings Resort & Spa. Recent guests said the fully equipped villa suites at this St. Lucia resort felt more like apartments than hotel rooms. Each one-, two- or three-bedroom accommodation boasts a kitchen, a spacious living room and, in some suites, a private plunge pool overlooking the sea. If you're not privy to your own pool, retreat to the 800-foot-long beach to lounge on the sand or enjoy some of the resort's water sports, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. Or, soak up some sun at the main pool. Water sports equipment rentals and pool and beach butler service are complimentary for guests who opt for the all-inclusive package. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the 7,000-square-foot spa or indulge in a meal at one of the property's three guest-approved restaurants. Past patrons said the sophisticated menu and upscale atmosphere at The Palms are ideal for a special occasion dinner, while the Beach Club is more casual but equally delicious.

Overlooking St. Lucia's beloved Reduit Beach, the Royal St Lucia Resort & Spa appeals to both families and couples seeking romance. Families can go for a dip in the winding free-form pool or pay to borrow water sports equipment like snorkeling gear and Sunfish sailboats at the beach. Meanwhile, newlyweds can enjoy a couples treatment at the spa or sip drinks at the swim-up pool bar. A variety of excursions, including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and horseback riding, can be arranged as well, though charges apply. Suite amenities are just as ample, with every accommodation featuring a patio overlooking the lush gardens, pool or ocean. Plus, each space offers neutral color schemes, wooden furnishings and hardwood or tile floors. Though guests rave about the beautiful Reduit Beach setting, they suggest skipping the optional all-inclusive meal plan since on-site drinks are affordable and multiple restaurants sit nearby. Travelers interested in satiating their appetites on-site can choose from four eateries, including a beach bar with fresh fish and St. Lucian dishes and the upscale Chic restaurant.

At the Viceroy Hotels-affiliated Sugar Beach, you don't have to book a lavish villa to experience high-end amenities. Each room features a private walled garden, a plunge pool and personalized butler service. In addition to the plush accommodations, Sugar Beach boasts easy access to some of St. Lucia's best dive spots, including "Superman's Flight," a popular drift dive around the base of Petit Piton. Travelers can arrange scuba excursions, as well as island tours through the resort. If you want to experience Petit Piton but in a more laid-back atmosphere, consider indulging in a treatment at the Rainforest Spa, located at the base of the mountain. Refuel for more island exploration and relaxation at the three on-site restaurants, including the casual beachfront Bayside Restaurant and the elegant Great Room Restaurant. A third option, the Terrace Restaurant, is also available for breakfast and dinner daily. Reviewers love the property's clean accommodations, superb service and incredible cuisine, although some warn that a stay here isn't cheap and is best suited for couples (especially honeymooners).

Sitting above Smugglers Cove Beach in St. Lucia's Cap Estate, Cap Maison provides a boutique hideaway away from the island's larger resorts. Cap Maison boasts 49 Spanish-Caribbean-style rooms and suites, each featuring a balcony or terrace, an Amazon Echo or Bose docking station, a coffee maker and a bathroom with hand-painted tiles and a walk-in shower. If you approach luxury travel with a go-big-or-go-home mentality, consider booking an Ocean-View Villa. These spacious suites feature full kitchens, living rooms and two or three bedrooms, as well as rooftop terraces with private pools. In addition to the beach access, guests will find a spa, a fitness center and a wine cellar on-site. Visitors rave about the cuisine at the two on-site restaurants, especially The Cliff at Cap's intimate cliff-side setting and French-West Indian cuisine. However, some say both eateries' menus lack variety during the offseason. You'll find Cap Maison on the northern tip of St. Lucia, less than 3 miles northeast of Pigeon Island National Landmark.

Situated on Bonaire Bay's secluded hillside about halfway between Castries and Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, the adults-only Calabash Cove boasts luxurious waterfront digs. Although a few previous guests said the decor inside their accommodations appeared worn and dated, most praised the clean, well-equipped spaces, especially the upgraded Water's Edge Cottages. These spacious 1,076-square-foot cottages come outfitted with private plunge pools, Jacuzzis, outdoor rain showers and hammocks. If your vacation budget isn't quite as flexible, the Sunset Ocean View Junior Suites feature private patios that overlook the resort's Mosaic Beach. Or, choose a Swim-Up Junior Suite, which offers direct access to the property's infinity pool. One other component past visitors raved about: the food at the swim-up pool bar and Windsong Restaurant. Adjacent to Windsong and the pool, you'll find Ti Spa, a European- and St. Lucian-inspired facility with indoor and outdoor treatment areas and a fitness center. You can also arrange off-site excursions (for a fee), such as hiking The Pitons, sailing and horseback riding.

Apart from its prime position on Reduit Beach, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa stands as one of the few St. Lucia lodgings that welcomes kids – meaning you won't find overt couples-only amenities here (besides the couples massage at La Mer Spa). The whole family can take part in the adrenaline rush of playing in the Splash Island Water Park (which guests get complimentary access to) or relaxing together at the lagoon-style pool, or adults can drop little ones off at the Coral Kidz Club for supervised activities like crab hunts and nature walks. Aside from its beach setting, Bay Gardens boasts easy access to Rodney Bay Village's eateries and bustling activity – the village practically sits in the resort's backyard. Recent guests said they enjoyed exploring Rodney Bay's dining establishments, especially since they found the two on-site restaurants to be pricey. To save some coin on resort and off-site meals and drinks, plus other services like daily spa treatments, consider purchasing the all-inclusive package. When it's time to retire for the night, lodgers can retreat to one of the resort's guest rooms. Each features garden, pool or ocean views, as well as French Caribbean- and Georgian Plantation-style decor, free Wi-Fi access, a minifridge (or full-size refrigerator in suites) and a TV with a DVD player.

According to recent guests, the adults-only, all-inclusive Sandals Halcyon Beach is the most laid-back of St. Lucia's three Sandals resorts, offering a more personalized and quiet stay. Nestled among St. Lucia's verdant landscape, with no building higher than the tallest palm, each cottage-style room features a patio overlooking the grounds, free Wi-Fi access and a stocked minifridge. Because Halcyon Beach falls under the Sandals banner, visitors can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Regency La Toc for even more dining and recreation options. But with the three pools, six restaurants and Red Lane Spa available on-site, guests say there's no need to leave the resort, unless you crave a livelier atmosphere and a more tranquil beach. For a classic Caribbean dinner, consider sticking around Halcyon Beach and dining at traveler-approved Kelly's Dockside Over the Water Restaurant. Stretching 130 feet over Choc Bay, Kelly's serves up fresh seafood with a side of unparalleled views.

Prompting guests to appreciate their magnificent surroundings, the 37 suites at St. Lucia's adults-only Ladera Resort all boast an open wall – like a patio, minus the door – facing the dramatic Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. (Though this absent fourth wall takes luxury to the next level, don't be surprised if you wind up sharing your room with a harmless lizard or two.) Accommodations also boast private plunge pools (some with waterfalls and swings), plus free Wi-Fi access, minibars, pillow-top mattresses and kits with binoculars, star charts, slippers and eye masks. Because Ladera sits on a ridge at 1,100 feet, the resort isn't located directly on a beach. However, Ladera does provide complimentary shuttle service to Sugar Beach on the western side of the island. Ladera also offers an abundance of fee-based activities, ranging from a bartending class to a guided Saturday market tour to a sailing and snorkeling daytrip to Marigot Bay. To experience the mountains in a more restful setting, arrange for an outdoor massage at The Spa at Ladera. Previous visitors said you should also treat yourself to the field-to-fork eats at the resort's restaurant, Dasheene. All suite rates cover daily breakfast; those who plan on mostly dining on-site for lunch and dinner can purchase a partial or all-inclusive meal plan.

Occupying 12 acres along St. Lucia's La Brelotte Beach, East Winds Inn provides a relaxed, spacious oasis for vacationers looking for a luxurious yet low-key retreat. Each room features a private, shaded terrace or patio, a stocked minibar, a coffee maker, free Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV. And because East Winds Inn comprises only 30 rooms, recent guests said the staff provides individualized treatment to all its lodgers. With easy access to the sandy shore, visitors can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak or sail; the all-inclusive room rates cover equipment rentals for all of these water sports. Travelers can also go for a dip in the heated outdoor pool or sip a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar. For Caribbean- and internationally inspired meals, patrons can visit the property's restaurant. All meals and drinks are free for guests, though some past diners wished the eatery's menu was more diverse.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is one of the few St. Lucian hideaways that's not designed strictly for vacationing love birds. Perched on Labrelotte Bay on the northwestern edge of St. Lucia, Windjammer's secluded location makes for a relaxing stay, but guests warn that isolation comes at the cost of exorbitant airport transportation fees. Nonetheless, Windjammer offers romantic suites equipped with private Jacuzzis for couples and spacious multibedroom villas for families. The Jacquot Fun Club provides daily programs for kids, such as puppet shows and tennis lessons, while the teens club activities range from water balloon competitions to jewelry making. With the kids busy mingling with other travelers, parents can reconnect with a side-by-side massage treatment at the spa or hit the links at the nearby Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club. Afterward, visitors have their pick of five on-site restaurants. Recent guests enjoyed most of their meals but said eating at the resort can get expensive, so consider going with the all-inclusive option to curb your final bill.

Sitting above St. Lucia's Anse Cochon cove between the villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa's 33 oceanfront rooms and cottages provide a secluded, intimate atmosphere ideal for couples. Each room at this adults-only property is accessible by a series of paths and stairs and includes a private outdoor garden shower and a large deck with two rocking chairs and a twin hammock. Some cottages also offer private plunge pools. Although the accommodations provide seclusion, they're also a significant trek from the beach and the shorefront Ti Manje Restaurant – 166 steps to be exact – which some recent guests said could prove a difficult task for less active visitors. Head to Kai Manje Restaurant for more formal dining, and when it's time to relax, Kai Koko Spa boasts a dramatic cliffside location. All-inclusive packages that cover meals, drinks and water sports equipment rentals like snorkeling gear are available for an additional fee, but travelers suggest sticking with standard rates since the on-site eateries' menus lack variety.