A swim-up bar has the allure of inspiring everyone to don their swimsuit and dive in. It doesn’t matter if you like alcoholic cocktails or not, the pleasure of sipping a cold, fruity drink or a smooth, delicious beverage while relaxing in the comfort of your pool is all you need.
As the name suggests, A swim-up bar is a type of traditional bar that is installed directly in the pool.Because you don’t have to leave the pool to enjoy your favorite drink or cocktail, swim-up bars eliminate the wandering and searching that often accompanies crowded bars. Swim-up bars usually have bar stools in the water, in relatively shallow water.Although they’re called swim-up bars, the area around the bar is usually shallow, allowing you to stand or sit as needed. Most people are intrigued by the fact that you barely have to move a finger to order a drink at a swim-up bar — an ideal situation for travelers who are serious about relaxing.
Fancy a cocktail or two? Sandals Negril’s swim-up bar is always ready to welcome you.
The roots of the swim-up bar
The swim-up bar has its roots in Las Vegas, and its beginnings have a lot to do with incorporating gambling into a regular vacation. Especially since the 1950s, pools have become popular in hotels around the world. In 1952, the Sands made it their mission to profit from guests who wanted to spend their day at the pool instead of the casino. They introduced poolside blackjack tables, craps, and even slot machines, creating a world where people could take part in their favorite casino games while lounging by the pool. To catch up, the Tropicana Overwater gambling tables with tiki bar.
Photo credit: InnaFelker/Shutterstock.com
Sandals Resorts has pioneered the transformation and popularization of the swim-up bar concept since the first floating tiki bar, introducing the modern swim-up bar to nearly every resort in the Caribbean.
Unlike in Las Vegas, these swim-up bars aren’t used to generate revenue from guests who would rather hang out by the pool during the day. After all, If you’re staying at Sandals, you’ll enjoy unlimited cocktails, premium liquors and other alcoholic beverages.
Caribbean’s first swim-up bar opens
Sandals Montego Bay was the first resort to introduce this amenity in the Caribbean when it opened in 1981, popularizing the swim-up bar.
Architect Evan Williams proposed carving service windows into a circular building next to the pool.Sandals Chairman Gordon “Batch” Stewart jumped at the idea and decided to make it a reality by creating a bar where guests could order their favorite drinks directly from the pool.
Sandals Montego Bay’s sculpted service window became one of the world’s first swim-up bars.
In 1984, during the renovation of Sandals Montego Bay, the swim-up bar was expanded due to its popularity. Today, nearly all 16 Sandals all-inclusive resorts have different versions of the swim-up bar, each carefully crafted to suit the atmosphere of each resort. As expected, this adds to the appeal of the all-inclusive resort chain, which has been gaining huge momentum in the Caribbean for many years.
Swim-up bars are becoming increasingly popular in all-inclusive circles today, especially on cruise ships and resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and Sandals remains at the forefront.
Read also: What does all-inclusive mean? It includes a list of what’s included!
Sandals Today’s Swim Up Bar Collection
Want to try a swim-up bar today? Pick your favorite!
Sandals South Coast
position: Jamaica, The White House.
Sandals South Coast in the White House, Jamaica There are seven barsThere is also a swim-up bar, so you can relax and enjoy your favorite drink without having to worry about splitting your time between the pool and the bar. This spot is a great place to enjoy the sunset.
Sandals Regency La Toc
position: Castries, St. Lucia.
There’s always a party going on at Sandals Regency La Toc’s swim-up bar. Amazing view of the turquoise waters of Latok BeachThis swim-up puts you close enough to the entertainment that you might be tempted to hop over to the nearby entertainment stage for a quick soca lesson.
Sandals Grande Antigua
position: Antigua, St. John’s.
The Swim Up Bar at Sandals Grande Antigua is one of the best in the Caribbean and a sight to behold. If you’re not sure what cocktail to order, ask about the Hummingbird or Dirty Banana or try the energizing Caribbean Coffee and Rum cocktail.
Sandals Grande St. Lucia
position: Gros Islet, St. Lucia.
This sleek swim-up bar at Sandals Grande St. Lucian is every traveler’s dream. Located on a high floor, the swim-up bar can be seen from almost anywhere on the property, and it’s literally impossible to go on vacation without trying it at least once.
Sandals Royal Barbados
position: St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.
Some guests have described the Swim Up Bar at Sandals Royal Barbados as “pure heaven.” The views from this bar will definitely make your vacation in paradise even more memorable and complete. Not to mention, you’ll be coming back again and again, so the bartenders will know your name.
Sandals Montego Bay
position: Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Sandals Montego Bay One of the first facilities in the world with a swim-up barThe standards have only been raised since then, and the resort’s swim-up bar is top-notch, making it a pleasure to visit.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
position: Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The options are endless at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but the swim-up bar is one activity you definitely must try when staying at this location in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The swim-up bar at this location is relatively secluded and has a hot tub nearby, making it a big hit with guests.
Located right on the coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean’s swim-up bar offers perfect sunset views.
Sandals punchline
position: Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
In Jamaica’s Sandals 16 restaurants and 11 barsincluding a swim-up bar. All Sandals bars offer unlimited premium liquor, so you can sip your drink at your leisure without having to move to order a drink. While you’re in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, you might also want to visit Beaches Ocho Rios and Sandals Royal Plantation.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
position: Nassau, Bahamas.
Sandals Royal Bahrain Two sky-high colonnaded swimming pools Featuring both lounge seating and swim-up bars, just waiting to be discovered, most beaches in the Bahamas feature powdery white and pink sand and crystal clear waters, so dreams of a luxury lifestyle are sure to come true here.
Sandals Halcyon Beach
position: Castries, St. Lucia.
600 ft. Sandals Halcyon Beach boasts the longest swimming pool in the entire CaribbeanThe pool is connected to various rooms and offers quite possibly the best swim-up bar experience of your life. Make sure to add this beautiful destination to your future travel plans.
Sandals Negril
position: Negril, St. Lucia.
Sandals Negril is one of Jamaica’s most popular resorts, and you won’t be disappointed when you explore this resort in one of Jamaica’s most beautiful locations. Seven Mile BeachOur five fully stocked bars, including a swim-up bar, will keep you relaxed all day long.
Sandals Barbados
position: St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.
Sandals Barbados features innovative pool and bar designs, nowhere more evident than in its luxurious swim-up pool bar layout. The zero-entry pool Barbados’ largest and longest lagoon poolThe pool has a great swim-up bar.
Sandals Grenada
position: St. George, Grenada.
If hanging pools, private plunge pools, waterfalls and meandering river pools weren’t enough, add swim-up pool bars to the list of attractions that keep Sandals Grenada guests coming back for more. Sandals Grenada has expertly executed this concept, and you’ll be amazed by the tropical vibes of the resort’s swim-up bars.
