Top 10 Priority Pass Lounges in the Caribbean

Priority Pass has long been popular overseas. But when U.S.-issued cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express began packaging Priority Pass membership into their card benefits, many travelers realized the immense value of this 1,300-plus lounge network. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

If you are a Priority Pass member traveling to or around the Caribbean, there are a number of lounges you can access. And though the Caribbean isn't known for having out-of-this-world airport lounges, some clearly stand above the rest. Here are our top 10 best lounges to explore when traveling in the Caribbean.

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Best Priority Pass lounges in the Caribbean

10. The Lignum Club

Nassau Lynden Pindling International (NAS), Bahamas

Because U.S.-bound passengers in the Bahamas pre-clear immigration and customs, the departures area is separate for U.S. flights. There is a lounge in the U.S. departures area with an outdoor terrace (known as Graycliff Divans), but it doesn't have as many free amenities as the one on the international side.

That’s why it is the Lignum Club on the non-U.S. departure side that made our list. It’s not accessible to those traveling to U.S. destinations, but Priority Pass members headed elsewhere can enjoy the open bar and light snacks to tide until departure.

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9. The Lounge San Juan

San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU), Terminal C, Puerto Rico

The Lounge San Juan features a self-serve bar with plenty of wine, beer and spirit choices, plus a refrigerator with cans of soda and bottled water. A coffee machine and sizable buffet are available, too.

This lounge isn't large, and it can fill up quickly. So head to the back of the lounge where a smaller, quiet room has chairs as well as a kids’ play area and work cubicles. Windows overlook the airport’s apron for interesting views, but it earns its place on this list for the self-serve bar and selection of hot and cold food options.

8. Sala VIP Caribe

Santo Domingo Las Americas International (SDQ), Terminal A, Dominican Republic

Bright and airy with high ceilings and modern decor, the Sala VIP Caribe lounge has a selection of free snacks, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. With better seating options than in the terminal, it is a far more comfortable place to relax. And there’s a separate area for smokers and a play area for children. Travelers looking for a few drinks and munchies will find this the best lounge in the airport.

7. Club Kingston

Kingston Norman Manley International (KIN), Jamaica

Don’t expect amazing views at the Club Kingston lounge, but the above-average menu, an open bar, shower facilities and meeting space are nice before a flight. There is also an arrivals lounge under the same name that is accessible to Priority Pass holders with similar amenities. Travelers can pay a surcharge for meet-and-greet service, as well as fast-track immigration, but meet-and-greet doesn't come automatically with Priority Pass.

6. The Lounge San Juan

San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU), Terminal A, Puerto Rico

The nicer of the two Priority Pass lounges in San Juan, The Lounge in Terminal A features more attractive decor than the Terminal C location, as well as active apron views. Located in a less-busy section of the terminal, this lounge can often have fewer guests when there aren’t many flights departing at once. There’s an open bar, ample snacks, comfortable leather seating and a business center. Open from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. daily, this location usually has shorter hours than the lounge in Terminal C, where the hours change to accommodate flight schedules.

» Learn more: How to maximize your Priority Pass membership

5. Club Mobay

Montego Bay Sangster International (MBJ), Jamaica

Club Mobay is a popular spot for those wanting to keep the VIP feeling going even after they have checked out of their hotel. The lounge has a complimentary food and drink menu, lots of natural light and a play area for kids. Travelers wanting a preflight massage can pay for spa services. The lounge, and the option for meet-and-greet service and fast-track immigration, are open to anyone willing to pay. But for Priority Pass members, lounge admission (without expedited service) is free.

4. Club Mobay Arrivals Lounge

Montego Bay Sangster International (MBJ), Jamaica

Even better than MBJ airport’s departure lounge is the Mobay lounge for arriving passengers. It’s rare for lounges to be accessible upon arrival. Members can spend time here relaxing after they clear customs, which makes sense if you are awaiting car transportation and want to freshen up with a snack, drink (including free alcoholic options), change of clothes or bathroom break. The option to pay extra for a meet-and-greet service and fast track through immigration is available, but not part of Priority Pass.

3. Bessie Coleman VIP Lounge

Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP), Guadeloupe

With contemporary design and modern art, the Bessie Coleman VIP Lounge is bright and comfortable. It features an open bar and light snacks as well as shower facilities. But its best feature is the view of the airport and surrounding area. Add up all those positive elements and you get one of our top three lounges in the region.

2. Executive Lounge

St. Georges V.C. Bird International (ANU), Antigua

This Executive Lounge won't blow you away with its relatively stingy food and beverage options: Priority Pass says that visitors are allowed a maximum of three drinks per person. But it earns high marks for its outdoor terrace with great views of the apron. Visitors can see planes taxiing from the runway and parked at the gate while they enjoy a glass of beer or wine.

1. VIP Lounge

Punta Cana International (PUJ), Terminal B, Dominican Republic

This VIP Lounge climbs straight to the top of the list for its outdoor swimming pool overlooking the apron. Bring a bathing suit to take a dip, but have a separate bag to store your wet clothes and towel before takeoff. There are plenty of plane-spotting hotels where you can unleash your inner av geek, but few airport lounges let you bask in the sun and take a dip in the pool with a cocktail in hand while watching planes.

» Learn more: How to fly to the Caribbean for just 7,500 points

The bottom line

The Caribbean doesn't have the huge selection of luxurious airport lounges that you’ll find in other regions of the world but if you’re a Priority Pass member and you’re nearby, each of these 10 lounges offers a nice alternative to waiting at the gate — and a place to enjoy a drink and a snack in pleasant surroundings. However, the handful of Caribbean airport lounges with alfresco areas to catch that last ray of Caribbean sunshine are well worth a visit.