Perched high above the Caribbean Sea on the island of St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a spectacular infinity pool creates a seamless visual connection between a private residence and the surrounding ocean. With its shimmering blue glass tile, expansive views, and carefully integrated outdoor living spaces, the project is an example of how thoughtful design and complex engineering can transform even the most challenging landscape into a luxurious retreat.
Led by Aquatics International Group, the extensive property renovation involved considerably more than the addition of a swimming pool. The team reimagined the home’s relationship with its dramatic hillside setting, incorporating a raised spa, custom hardscaping, outdoor kitchen, lighting, and structural modifications that opened the residence to uninterrupted Caribbean views.
“The infinity pool is the centerpiece, but the scope covered the whole property,” says Christopher Fogleman, Founder and President of Aquatics International Group.
Engineering a Pool into the Hillside
Creating the pool required overcoming significant logistical and structural challenges. Located on a steep hillside with limited access, the property presented obstacles that demanded careful planning throughout the design and construction process.
The team had to excavate directly into the hillside rock to accommodate the pool and spa, a particularly demanding undertaking given the site’s steep terrain and restricted working conditions. Transporting construction materials to St. John introduced another layer of complexity, with barge logistics playing an important role in coordinating deliveries to the island.
The renovation also extended into the existing residence. Structural columns were removed and replaced with steel beams, opening sightlines from the home toward the pool and ocean beyond. By addressing the architecture, aquatic features, and surrounding landscape as a coordinated project, the team created a more cohesive connection between indoor and outdoor living.
From initial design through completion, the transformation took approximately one year. Aquatics International Group served as the lead design-build firm, overseeing design management, coordinating the project’s specialized consultants, and managing construction.
A Glass-Tiled Infinity Pool with Caribbean Views
Measuring a maximum of 50 feet long by 9 feet wide, the infinity pool features a slender, linear profile that complements the home’s elevated setting. With water depths ranging from 4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, the pool provides a generous space for swimming while maintaining a refined architectural presence.
The vanishing edge is central to the design, visually merging the pool’s surface with the Caribbean Sea and creating the impression that the water extends into the horizon. A raised spa, with a water depth of 3 feet, adds another dimension to the aquatic experience, offering a dedicated place for relaxation and enjoyment of the panoramic views.
The selection of glass mosaic tile further enhances the pool’s visual appeal. Both the pool and spa are finished in Lunada Bay Tile’s Agate collection, featuring 1-inch-by-1-inch Offset mosaics in Portofino with a Pearl finish. The luminous surface captures and reflects the changing Caribbean light, creating subtle variations in color throughout the day.
For the vanishing-edge wall and catch basin, the design incorporates Lunada Bay Tile’s Agate Rio in Portofino Mix. The complementary finishes reinforce the continuity of the aquatic design while adding texture and depth to the water’s edge.
Outdoor Living Designed Around the View
While the pool serves as the property’s focal point, the surrounding outdoor spaces were designed to create a complete setting for entertaining, dining, and relaxation.
Local St. John stone brings a sense of place to the hardscape, connecting the newly constructed features to the island’s natural landscape. Custom woodwork and handrails introduce additional architectural detail, while a dedicated overlook provides another vantage point from which to appreciate the coastal scenery.
An outdoor kitchen expands the property’s entertaining possibilities, allowing residents and guests to gather and dine against the backdrop of the Caribbean. Custom lighting completes the environment, illuminating architectural and landscape features while extending the enjoyment of the outdoor spaces into the evening.
The integration of these elements was particularly important given the property’s steep topography. Rather than treating the pool, residence, and landscape as separate components, the project addressed their relationships through a coordinated design and construction approach.
The result is a Caribbean retreat that celebrates its extraordinary location while demonstrating the technical expertise required to build in a demanding island environment. From the precision of its glass-tiled vanishing edge to the extensive structural work behind the scenes, the St. John project brings together engineering, craftsmanship, and outdoor living in a setting defined by the sea.
Project Credits
Lead Design-Build Firm, Design Management, and Construction: Aquatics International Group
Pool and Spa Design: Smart Aquatics
Aquatic Engineering: Plan Z Designs
Landscape Design: LandFluent
Photography: Galina Coada
