Nearly 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit French Polynesia and stay in an overwater bungalow on the picturesque island of Moorea. Waking up every morning and diving off the deck into some of the clearest waters I had ever seen was truly magical, and when it was time to go home I was already dreaming of coming back.
What I wouldn’t dream of repeating was the trip from Nashville to French Polynesia, which turned into a longer-than-long affair with a long layover in Los Angeles and a long, midnight flight.
But did you know that you don’t have to spend a day of your life (and money) flying around the world to enjoy a bungalow experience above water? There are actually a few great resorts that offer the experience on-site Caribbean dottingWhich means you can dive off your deck after traveling for a few easy hours.
From Jamaica to Aruba and islands in between, here are our favorite picks for overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean.
Overwater bungalows are rare Antigua. Fortunately, the only resort with these points is Marriott’s all-inclusive resort, so guests can enjoy a tropical paradise while earning or burning Marriott Bonvoy points.
Known as “Cherman’s Overwater Bungalows,” these elegant one-bedroom accommodations feature a large double bed, large sitting area, dining room, overwater hammock, private infinity plunge pool and glass floors that allow guests to enjoy the vibrant marine life. In the water below.
On top of all this, the adults-only Cherman’s Overwater Bungalows Diamond Club features one master bedroom with a luxurious king-size bed and a cozy living area with dining room.
In addition to the privacy of the bungalows, guests at this Royalton property can also enjoy a handful of bars and restaurants – from a traditional buffet to a steakhouse – as well as live entertainment every night. For active types, amenities include various pools, grass tennis courts, non-motorized water sports, and more.
An aerial view of Sandals Royal Caribbean proves love is still alive and well in Montego Bay, Jamaica: The overwater bungalows are designed to form a heart directly opposite their private island. Even if you can’t see the heart from the floor, you’re sure to feel the love at this adults-only, all-inclusive property designed for eagle-eyed couples.
Overwater huts come in a variety of designs; Some have private infinity pools, others have outdoor bathtubs. However, each one has distinctive glass floor panels that overlook the water. All also have overwater hammocks, an outdoor shower, a butler, a BMW shuttle to and from the airport, and a dedicated boat to shuttle guests between the private island and the mainland.
The resort has nine restaurants, including a restaurant serving Thai cuisine and a Caribbean restaurant on the waterfront. There are also premium alcoholic beverages available at several on-site bars. There is entertainment throughout the day, pools to lounge or swim in, and various water sports and land activities (eg: volleyball and chess). You will also have the opportunity to obtain a PADI scuba singer certification, which is included in the price.
Better yet, guests of this resort also have access to everything at sister resort Sandals Montego Bay.
Overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean start at $1,663 per person, per night.
Another property from the all-inclusive Sandals brand that offers overwater bungalows, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is on a peninsula offering stunning views in every direction. Saint Lucia has been around for a long time A dreamy destination For honeymoons and romantic getaways, staying in one of the resort’s overwater honeymoon butler’s cottages is the perfect way to enjoy it.
These overwater Caribbean huts feature glass floor panels so you can see the beautiful sea below. They also offer a private outdoor area with overwater hammocks or a bathtub designed for two, a king-sized bed, outdoor shower, outdoor furniture, and butler service to make sure all your whims and desires are met.
The resort features 12 restaurants, ranging from an upscale steak and seafood restaurant on a romantic pier to Italian, Caribbean, Asian and more. Guests can also expect high-quality alcoholic drinks in many of the bars.
As for activities, the options are almost endless. There are pools to enjoy, a spa (at an additional cost) to relax in, and activities like windsurfing or snorkeling (which are included in your price) to try. You can obtain a PADI diving certificate at no additional cost. There is live entertainment throughout the day and night, as well as access to the golf course with transportation.
If that’s not enough, guests at this property can also enjoy access to two other Sandals hotels. This way, you can enjoy new restaurants, try different beaches and have three vacations in one.
Prices for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian from $1836
In Panama, natural wonders of land and sea await at Nayara Bocas del Toro, an adults-only resort located on a private island that feels completely luxurious and completely off the grid.
Reached by a 15-minute boat ride, the resort features 16 overwater decks – including some with over 1,000 square feet and a private saltwater pool. Others feature glass panels overlooking the water below and fire pits to relax in. Or, if you change your mind about the overwater options, there’s also a stunning new treehouse available to book.
Guests at the resort can dine at the Elephant House Restaurant, housed in a 100-year-old building brought from Bali. Or you can have dinner at the poolside restaurant, Coral Cafe.
Activities at the resort include water skiing, kayaking through the mangroves, or snorkeling through the waters where dolphins, sea stars, and other sea creatures live. Guests can rent a private boat to explore the surrounding archipelago, and can also sign up to visit Monkey Island and volunteer to help handle the cute creatures.
For those who travel with sustainability in mind, this resort uses a lot of recollected and purified rainwater; Electricity is generated by solar panels.
Rates at Nayara Bocas del Toro start at $1,026 per night, based on double occupancy.
There’s a really nice theme running through many Caribbean overwater bungalows: they’re located on private islands. This is exactly the case with Thatch Caye Resort, an all-inclusive resort in Belize that hosts a maximum of 30 guests at a time. The theme of this off-the-grid resort is rustic luxury with an island twist.
In the overwater bungalows, guests will find hammocks on a deck overlooking the water, air conditioning to help beat the heat (but there’s nothing better than an island breeze, right?), king or twin beds and bathrooms with a walk-in closet. In the shower. Just note that WiFi is only available in certain areas of the resort, with the exception of the overwater bungalows.
Meals at Thatch Caye use fresh, local ingredients and are served three times daily; You can dine in the dedicated breakfast room, covered dining room, or even outside under the stars. There is also a bar to wet your whistle.
In terms of activities, there’s something for everyone, including free surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, cycling and sailing on the Hobie Cat. Other (mostly paid) activities include crawling on a boat visiting different islands, diving, fishing, or venturing into the jungle to zipline, visit caves, or tubing down the river.
Prices for overwater bungalows on Thach Caye vary throughout the year, but typically start at around $650 per night based on double occupancy.
At the adults-only boutique resort Aruba Ocean Villas, there are just seven overwater bungalows (or villas), five beach huts and an off-property property with plenty of room to spread out.
What’s special about this place is that no two overwater houses are the same. Depending on your taste or budget, you can opt for a smaller cabana with a pool, outdoor bathroom and enclosed bedroom, or splurge on a two-story house with a plunge pool, outdoor bathtub, plenty of seating and a perfect picture. Views.
Outside the bungalows, guests can have a barefoot drink at Toteki Beach Bar before having a local meal at the Hemingway-inspired restaurant, The Old Man and the Sea. Or, for something truly romantic, inquire about a private meal on the beach or in an overwater cabana for dining.
Indulge in spa treatments or get your adrenaline going with water sports like snorkeling or kayaking. There are also plenty of off-property activities such as exploring the beautiful nearby beaches, horse riding, venturing into nearby caves or taking to the water in a sailboat.
Prices in Aruba Ocean Villas start at $1,499 per night, based on double occupancy, including daily breakfast.
Rounding out the list of Sandals properties with overwater bungalows is another property in Jamaica, Sandals South Coast.
The huts are spread back over the water in the shape of a heart. They come with butler service, king-size beds, outdoor showers, sun loungers, an outdoor bathtub and overwater hammocks. As an added bonus, you will receive a round-trip airport transfer in a luxury car, as well as express immigration at the airport.
Throughout the resort, enjoy a variety of cuisines at nine restaurants, from traditional Jamaican cuisine to classic Mediterranean cuisine. For added romance, consider having a special candlelit dinner. As with the Sandals standard, high-quality alcohol is available in most restaurants and bars.
For fun, take advantage of the free diving lessons and get PADI certified, go snorkeling or try windsurfing. There is also live entertainment offered constantly during any stay, and the spa has a range of pampering treatments to choose from.
Overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast start at $1,632 per night, based on double occupancy.
We usually think of luxury overwater bungalows spread across turquoise ocean waters, but at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the luxury overwater bungalows are located above a lagoon near the beach. What a modern wonder it is. Each is 2,385 square feet and features a heated rooftop plunge pool, a minimalist design and an outdoor soaking tub. (Note: When you search for these accommodation types online, they are called Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas.)
Come for the villas, stay for everything else. Banyan Tree offers world-class activities such as a spa with Mexican and Asian-inspired treatments, an excursion to the area’s famous ancient cenotes and cenotes and a Ranger’s Club for kids. Or you can spend your days meandering between the beach, pool and cabana.