Overwater bungalows are some of the most sought after places to stay on any vacation, whether it be a honeymoon, a romantic getaway, or just a once in a lifetime bucket list trip. Typically overwater bungalows are associated with exotic locations like Bora Bora and the Maldives. But for some travelers, they don’t want to travel as far and Bora Bora and the Maldives are quite a far journey away. Don’t fret! Those dreams of overwater bungalows can be found much closer to home – in the Caribbean. Keep reading to find out the best places to stay in overwater bungalows in the Caribbean!
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Finding Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean
Overwater bungalows are some of the nicest and most dreamy hotel accommodations in existence. There’s something about being able to jump right into the ocean right from your room. Nothing compares to hanging out on your bungalow’s deck or in your bungalow’s infinity pool and watching the sun set on a beautiful day.
Overwater bungalows are super popular with couples, especially honeymoon couples. There’s just something really romantic and exotic about the location. The Maldives is known for their incredible selection of overwater bungalows for honeymoons and other special occasions, as is Bora Bora. But let’s face it. Those destinations are far away. It takes a special kind of person to sit in a plane for 20 hours to get there and not everybody is up for it. I get it. That’s why I’m going to tell you all the best spots to find overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.
Cost of Overwater Bungalows
I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anybody that there’s a decent cost that comes with staying in an overwater bungalow. Typically, they’re the nicest rooms at any resort so it only makes sense. Plus, they’re absolutely worth the extra cost. Most overwater bungalows in the Caribbean and Mexico will run you at least $1000/night.
There are a few more affordable options for overwater bungalows in places like Belize and Panama, but these resorts tend to be much more rustic (some very rustic). Overwater bungalows scream luxury to me, so to have that experience at a resort that doesn’t live up to it doesn’t feel the same.
If you’re dying to stay in an overwater bungalow in the Caribbean, but you’re not sure you can afford it, split your time up between rooms! If you want to be away for a week, spend your first 3 or 4 nights in a standard or ocean view room to save money. Then, spend your last 3 or 4 nights in the overwater bungalow. You’ll get the best of both worlds for a fraction of the cost!
Where to Stay in Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean
We’ve finally arrived to the moment you’ve been waiting for! There are a few places in the Caribbean where you can find overwater bungalows. In places like Mexico and Jamaica, you have more than one option.
All of these resorts are absolutely top notch and you’ll have the best time possible. You’ll be treated like absolute royalty staying in these overwater bungalows and leave the experience wanting to immediately return back!
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean is one of the few Sandals resorts on this list to feature overwater bungalows. The resort is located in the Montego Bay area of Jamaica, and is easily of the best adults only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica! Sandals has been the first company in the Caribbean to really expand their offering of overwater bungalows.
Of all the Sandals resorts in the Caribbean, this is one of the best with the overwater bungalows. Sandals Royal Caribbean features its own private island that houses its overwater bungalows, so you really get an absolutely dream-worthy experience staying in the overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
The resort offers 2 different types of overwater bungalows: their overwater bungalow and their overwater villa. The main difference is that the overwater villa has an infinity pool, which is an excellent touch if you can upgrade! Be sure to book your overwater bungalow vacation early as they sell out very far in advance.
FIND PRICES: Sandals.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast is the second and final resort in Jamaica that features overwater bungalows. Similar to Sandals Royal Caribbean, it’s one of the best adults only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. The other resort was located in Montego Bay, but Sandals South Coast is located on the southern coast of Jamaica in an area known as White House.
Unlike Sandals Royal Caribbean, this resort only has the overwater bungalows, not the overwater villas. This isn’t a really big deal though as the only real difference is the infinity pool. You’ll still have an absolutely incredible experience in the overwater bungalows here!
One unique thing that Sandals South Coast has is an overwater chapel. Yup, you read that right! For those who choose to have their destination wedding at Sandals South Coast, you can actually get married right on top of the water. Talk about a wedding to remember! Similar to Sandals Royal Caribbean, be sure to book your overwater bungalow as soon as possible. They’re usually the first thing to sell out!
FIND PRICES: Sandals.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor | Orbitz
Rosewood Mayakoba
Now that we’ve explored the best places for overwater bungalows in Jamaica, let’s move onto Mexico. Mexico is one of my absolute places for a beach vacation. There are absolutely some incredible all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, but this resort here is not all-inclusive.
Rosewood Mayakoba is in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico located within the Mayakoba complex. Mayakoba is a gated community and is the most exclusive area in all of Cancun and Riviera Maya. It’s full of luxury hotels and the whole area is connected by walkways, bike paths, and a shuttle that goes throughout the entire area.
The overwater bungalows at Rosewood Mayakoba are a little different as they’re on the lagoon at the resort instead of right off the beach. That being said, they offer a really tranquil, relaxing vibe that’s perfect for any romantic getaway.
FIND PRICES: Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
El Dorado Maroma
El Dorado Maroma is the second and final spot in Mexico that features overwater bungalows. The resort is located in the heart of Maroma Beach which is highly considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico. Not only does it feature overwater bungalows, but it’s one of the best adults only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
Since the previously mentioned hotel in Mexico was not all-inclusive, El Dorado Maroma is the perfect resort for overwater bungalows if you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience.
At El Dorado Maroma, they refer to their overwater bungalows as Palafitos. There are two types of overwater bungalows here: the standard Palafitos and the Elite Palafitos. Both feature private infinity pools, so the main difference is that the Elite Palafitos are at the end of the row, offering added privacy and a more unobstructed view of the crystal clear water.
FIND PRICES: Hotels.com | TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
The third and final Sandals resort on the list is in a slightly different location, St. Lucia. I truly think St. Lucia is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean, so it’s great that there’s a resort with overwater bungalows here. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is the only resort in St. Lucia with overwater bungalows.
As an added bonus, this resort is adults only and all-inclusive. Similarly to Sandals South Coast, Sandals Grande St. Lucian also has that incredible overwater chapel too if you end up choosing the resort for a destination wedding.
The water is so crystal clear and blue and the beaches are full of incredibly soft, white sand. I cannot recommend the island of St. Lucia enough – it’s one of those pinch-me destinations. If you want to stay in an overwater bungalow at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, book as soon as possible. There’s only a few overwater bungalows and they book up fast!
FIND PRICES: Sandals.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
Royalton Antigua
The final location in the Caribbean with the best overwater bungalows is the Royalton Antigua. Similar to Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Royalton Antigua has the only overwater bungalows on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
Antigua is famous for its beaches, so it’s no surprise that Antigua is a great location for overwater bungalows. In fact, it’s said that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
The overwater bungalows at Royalton Antigua are quite new, so they’re not as well known. That being said, you should definitely still book as early as possible as overwater bungalows tend to be the first to book up!
FIND PRICES: Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
Overwater Bungalows Coming Soon to the Caribbean
Since overwater bungalows are the new hot ticket item, it’s no surprise that more resorts are starting to build them outside of their traditional homes in the Maldives and Bora Bora. This is great news for people who are dying to get some more options for overwater bungalows in the Caribbean!
Both Four Seasons and Viceroy, two incredible luxury hotel and resort brands, are planning on bringing overwater bungalows to the Caribbean in the next couple of years.
Four Seasons plans to open a resort in Belize in 2021 that will feature overwater bungalows. Likewise, Viceroy plans to open a resort in Bocas del Toro, Panama in 2022. This resort will also feature overwater bungalows. It’s going to be really exciting to see all the new additions of overwater bungalows in the Caribbean over the next few years! I know I can’t wait to see them all in person!!
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Maddie is the traveler behind A One Way Ticket. She has been traveling internationally for over 10 years and has visited 75+ countries on 6 continents. In addition to traveling herself, she’s been helping others plan their own travel for 6+ years. Maddie eats, sleeps, and breathes travel and loves to help others discover that same wanderlust!
