
Overwater bungalows usually conjure photos of far-flung locations like the Maldives or French Polynesia — locations which will require long-haul flights, a number of connections, and a major funding of money and time. However vacationers needn’t enterprise too removed from the mainland U.S. to benefit from the magic of waking up over crystal-clear water and diving straight from their deck into the ocean under.
In reality, there are gorgeous overwater bungalow choices a lot nearer to residence, scattered throughout the Caribbean. These dreamy stays ship the identical luxurious expertise — some even bookable with factors — with out the epic journey ordeal. From Jamaica to Aruba and lots of islands in between, these are a few of the finest Caribbean resorts providing that iconic overwater expertise.
Associated: Best all-inclusive resorts in the world, according to frequent travelers
Royalton Antigua
5 Islands Village, Antigua
Greatest for: Romance-seeking duos searching for tropical overwater bungalows.
Why keep right here: For Bali vibes within the Caribbean, head to this resort the place the romantic overwater bungalows come full with infinity plunge swimming pools.
Greatest approach to e book: Reserve through Marriott Bonvoy so you possibly can earn or redeem factors in your keep.
Overwater bungalows are uncommon in Antigua. Fortunately, the one resort that has them occurs to be a Marriott all-inclusive resort, so friends can get pleasure from a tropical paradise whereas incomes or burning Marriott Bonvoy factors.
Often called the Chairman Overwater Bungalows, these stylish one-bedroom lodging include a king-size mattress, a big seating space and eating room, an overwater hammock, a personal infinity plunge pool, and glass flooring that permit friends to admire the colourful marine life within the waters under.
On prime of all this, the adults-only Chairman Overwater Diamond Membership Bungalows embody one master suite with a luxurious king-size mattress and a calming residing space with a eating room.
Past the privateness of the bungalows, friends at this Royalton property also can get pleasure from a handful of bars and eating places — starting from a conventional buffet to a steakhouse — together with reside leisure every evening. For energetic sorts, facilities embody varied swimming pools, grass tennis courts, nonmotorized water sports activities and a lot extra.
Charges for traditional rooms at Royalton Antigua begin at $369 or 74,500 factors per evening, primarily based on double occupancy. To e book a Chairman Overwater Bungalow, visit this link to fill out an inquiry for extra data.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Greatest for: {Couples} looking for that Instagram-worthy overwater bungalow expertise.
Why keep right here: This adults-only haven is ideal for {couples} searching for a particular getaway in an oh-so-romantic environment.
Greatest approach to e book: For the most effective charges and availability, e book immediately on the Sandals web site.
An aerial view of Sandals Royal Caribbean proves that love is alive and nicely in Montego Bay, Jamaica: The overwater bungalows are organized to type a coronary heart proper off their very own personal island. Even if you cannot see the center from the bottom, you may definitely really feel the love at this adults-only, all-inclusive property designed for googly eyed {couples}.
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The overwater bungalows are available in quite a lot of layouts; some have personal infinity swimming pools, and others have outside soaking tubs. Every one, although, has these signature glass flooring panels that look down into the water. All of them even have overwater hammocks, an outside bathe, a private butler, BMW transportation to and from the airport, and a devoted boat to shuttle friends between the personal island and the mainland.
Associated: The best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica
The resort has 9 eating places, together with one serving Thai delicacies and a waterfront Caribbean restaurant; there’s additionally premium liquor at most of the on-site bars. There’s leisure all through the day, swimming pools to lounge by or swim in, water sports activities, and varied land actions (assume: volleyball and garden chess). You will even have the chance to get PADI licensed to scuba dive, included within the charge.
Even higher, friends at this resort even have entry to every part at its sister resort, Sandals Montego Bay.
Charges for overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean begin at $1,847 per individual, per evening.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Greatest for: Water sports activities fans trying to take advantage of a beautiful pure setting.
Why keep right here: You will discover each conceivable exercise right here whereas having fun with proximity to vibrant, trendy Rodney Bay.
Greatest approach to e book: Guide immediately with the resort for the most effective last-minute offers, complimentary nights and packages.
One other property from the all-inclusive Sandals model that gives overwater bungalows, Sandals Grande St. Lucian sits on a peninsula providing breathtaking views in each route. St. Lucia has lengthy been a dreamy destination for honeymoons and romantic journeys, and staying in one of many resort’s Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalows is the right approach to get pleasure from it.
These overwater Caribbean bungalows function glass flooring panels so you possibly can see the attractive sea under. In addition they supply a personal outside space with both overwater hammocks or a soaking tub designed for 2, a king-size mattress, an outside bathe, outside furnishings, and butler service to ensure your each want and want is met.
The resort has a whopping 12 eating places, starting from an upscale steak-and-seafood restaurant on a romantic pier to Italian, Caribbean and Asian eating places, amongst others. Visitors also can anticipate top-shelf liquor at many bars.
For actions, choices are practically infinite. There are swimming pools to get pleasure from, a spa to loosen up in (at a further value), and actions like windsurfing and snorkeling (that are included in your charge) to attempt. As with the opposite Sandals resorts on our listing, you possibly can dive right here at no extra value should you’re already PADI licensed. (However to get licensed, you’d have to finish the programs with an related value.) There’s reside leisure all through the day and evening, plus entry to golf with transportation.
If that is not sufficient, friends at this property also can get pleasure from entry to 2 different Sandals properties. This fashion, you possibly can get pleasure from new eating places, expertise totally different seashores and principally get three holidays in a single.
Charges for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian begin at $1,931 per evening.
Nayara Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Greatest for: Individuals who need an off-grid expertise surrounded by nature.
Why keep right here: At this resort regularly referred to as the Galapagos of the Caribbean, friends can really come face-to-face with a few of the planet’s most lovely creations.
Greatest approach to e book: Guide by way of Amex Wonderful Inns + Resorts for elitelike perks together with every day breakfast for 2, potential room upgrades, assured late checkout and extra.
In Panama, the pure wonders of land and sea anticipate you at Nayara Bocas del Toro, an adults-only resort on a personal island that feels completely luxe and completely off-grid.
Accessible by a 15-minute boat journey, the resort has 16 overwater bungalows — together with some that measure greater than 1,000 sq. ft and have a personal saltwater pool. Others function glass panels wanting into the water under and fireplace pits to lounge by. Or, should you change your thoughts in regards to the overwater choices, there’s additionally an unbelievable new treehouse obtainable to e book.
On the resort, friends can eat on the Elephant Home restaurant, set in a 100-year-old constructing introduced over from Bali. Or dine at Coral Cafe, the poolside restaurant.
Actions on the resort embody paddleboarding, kayaking by way of mangroves, and snorkeling by way of waters the place dolphins, starfish and different sea creatures reside. Visitors can rent a personal boat to discover the encompassing archipelago, they usually may even signal as much as go to Monkey Island and volunteer to assist with the lovable critters.
For individuals who journey with sustainability in thoughts, this resort makes use of loads of recaptured and purified rainwater; the electrical energy is generated by photo voltaic panels.
Charges at Nayara Bocas del Toro begin at $1,077 per evening, primarily based on double occupancy.
Thatch Caye, a Muy’Ono Resort
Dangriga, Belize
There is a very nice factor about a variety of Caribbean overwater bungalows: They’re on personal islands. That is precisely the case with Thatch Caye, an all-inclusive resort in Belize that hosts a most of 30 friends at a time. The theme of this off-grid resort is rustic luxurious with an island twist.
Within the overwater bungalows, friends will discover hammocks on a deck looking to the water, air con to assist beat the warmth (however there’s nothing higher than an island breeze, proper?), king-size or twin beds, and loos with walk-in showers. Simply be aware that Wi-Fi is barely obtainable in sure areas of the resort, excluding the overwater bungalows.
Meals at Thatch Caye use recent, native components and are served thrice every day; you possibly can eat within the devoted breakfast room, the coated eating room and even outdoors beneath the celebrities. There are additionally three bars on the island to moist your whistle.
So far as actions go, there’s one thing for everybody, together with complimentary paddleboarding, shoreline snorkeling, kayaking, biking and crusing on a Hobie Cat. Different actions (largely paid) embody a bar crawl on a ship that visits totally different islands, scuba diving, fishing, and heading out on an journey to the jungle to zip line, go to caves or tube down a river.
Charges for overwater bungalows at Thach Caye range all year long, however usually begin at round $640 per evening all-inclusive for 2 folks.
Aruba Ocean Villas
Savaneta, Aruba
On the adults-only boutique resort Aruba Ocean Villas, there are simply eight overwater bungalows (or villas), 5 seashore bungalows and two homeowners’ estates (Sundown Villa and Cunucu di Nana, each now managed by Aruba Household Villas).
What’s particular about this place is that no two overwater bungalows are the identical. Relying in your style or funds, you possibly can select a smaller cabana with a pool, open-air toilet and closed-off bed room, or splurge for a two-story bungalow with a plunge pool, outside bathtub, loads of seating and picture-perfect views.
Exterior the bungalows, friends can have a barefoot drink at Toteki Seaside Bar earlier than grabbing an area meal on the Hemingway-inspired restaurant The Outdated Man and the Sea. Or, for one thing actually romantic, inquire about having a personal meal on the seashore or on the overwater eating cabana.
Additionally anticipated to open in June 2025 are a number of new areas on the property: Oliver’s (a cocktail lounge), Benny’s (a personal theater for eight folks), Chito y Chenta (a restaurant) and Olmos (a personal chef’s desk).
Indulge with a spa therapy or get your adrenaline going with water sports activities resembling snorkeling or kayaking. There are additionally tons of off-property actions like exploring lovely close by seashores, horseback using, venturing to close by caves or getting on the water in a sailboat.
Charges at Aruba Ocean Villas begin at $579 per evening, primarily based on double occupancy, together with every day breakfast.
Sandals South Coast
Whitehouse, Jamaica
Greatest for: Completely satisfied {couples} searching for a romantic escape in paradise.
Why keep right here: At Sandals Resorts, just about every part is included, even scuba diving tools.
Greatest approach to e book: Guide immediately with the resort for the most effective charges and packages.
Rounding out the listing of Sandals properties with overwater bungalows is one other property in Jamaica, Sandals South Coast. This all-inclusive resort has a 2-mile stretch of seashore and actually goes all-out with “over-the-water” choices. It options overwater bungalows, an overwater bar and even an overwater wedding ceremony chapel.
The bungalows are, as soon as once more, unfold out over the water within the form of a coronary heart. They arrive with butler service, king-size beds, outside showers, solar loungers, an outside soaking tub and overwater hammocks. As an added bonus, you may obtain round-trip airport transfers in a luxurious automobile, plus expedited immigration on the airport.
Take pleasure in quite a lot of cuisines throughout 9 eating places, starting from conventional Jamaican fare to Mediterranean classics. To infuse somewhat extra romance, contemplate a personal candlelight dinner. As is the Sandals normal, top-shelf alcohol is obtainable at most eating places and bars.
For enjoyable, make the most of free scuba diving classes and get PADI licensed, go snorkeling or attempt your hand at windsurfing. There’s additionally reside leisure supplied constantly by way of any keep, and the spa has an array of pampering therapies to select from.
Charges for overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast begin at $1,721 per evening, primarily based on double occupancy.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Greatest for: Luxurious lovers, the wellness-obsessed and well-traveled households.
Why keep right here: Whether or not you need to play golf or simply loosen up by the seashore, there’s one thing for everybody.
Greatest approach to e book: Guide by way of Amex Wonderful Inns + Resorts for elitelike perks together with every day breakfast for 2, a $100 resort credit score, potential room upgrades and extra.
We normally consider overwater bungalows unfurling throughout the turquoise waters of the ocean, however at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the luxurious overwater bungalows are literally set above a lagoon close to the seashore. And wow, are they modern wonders. Measuring in at a huge 2,385 sq. ft, every includes a rooftop heated plunge pool, minimalistic design and an outside soaking tub. (Word: When searching for these lodging sorts on-line, they’re referred to as Lagoon & Sundown Rooftop Pool Villas.)
Come for the villas, keep for every part else. Banyan Tree presents world-class actions like a spa with Mexican- and Asian-inspired therapies, an tour to the world’s famed historical ruins and cenotes, and a Ranger’s Membership for the youngsters. Or, simply spend your days meandering between the seashore, pool and cabana.
Meals is available in each type and taste at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, together with romantic meals on a personal boat, informal Mexican, traditional Italian and Thai meals above the lagoon.
Charges for Lagoon & Sundown Rooftop Pool Villas begin at round $1,115 per evening.
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