What to Expect from Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
Overwater bungalows in places like Bora Bora and the Maldives are at the top of a lot of people’s bucket lists. (OK, yes, I’m talking about me.)
But if you don’t fancy spending 18+ hours on planes to get there, Caribbean Islands resorts are a much closer option. Some, like Jamaica overwater bungalows, even have direct flights from many cities in the U.S.
The price tag of Caribbean bungalows is still a luxury indulgence: more than $1000/night in most cases. But you can make it more affordable for a longer trip by splitting your stay between two different rooms. Book a regular room for part of the week, then splash out (hahaha get it?) for the last few nights with an overwater villa.
I’ve also included a few affordable Caribbean Islands options at the end of the list. What they lack in luxury amenities, they make up for with rustic charm and a more laid-back experience.
I’m sure one of these overwater bungalows will be perfect for your trip, whether you’re looking for a romantic escape with someone special or a long-overdue getaway with your squad
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, Montego Bay | Jamaica Overwater Bungalows All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort is a 5-star, all-inclusive, adults-only escape located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Guests at their village of over water bungalows arrive by private water taxis that whisk you off to an exclusive island that promises a tranquil, luxury stay.
The overwater bungalow suites even have see-through glass floor panels, so you can watch the turquoise waters and marine life below.
While you might never want to leave your room, resort amenities also include watersports, a fitness center, 9 world-class restaurants, 7 bars including swim-up options, unlimited premium liquors, and weekly hosted activities.
Do I even need to mention a free wedding for stays longer than 3 nights? And SCUBA diving is included for certified divers. (Discover Scuba Diving for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.)
Sandals Royal Caribbean’s over-the-water private island bungalows feature floating water hammocks, extended sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers, indoor walk-in rain shower, and a bistro set for two. Some also offer private infinity pools.
Other luxuries include personal butler service, exclusive in-room dining and room service. (Are you packing a bag yet? There are direct flights to Montego Bay from more than 20 cities in the US and Canada!)
Check flights to Montego Bay (MBJ) ⫸
Want more all-inclusive options for a totally effortless Jamaica vacation?
Jamaica Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for a Blissful Escape
Overdue for a vacay? Take the guesswork out of getaway planning with an all-inclusive stay. And with your choice of Jamaica adults-only all-inclusive resorts just a quick flight from the U.S., you can be on the beach almost as quickly as you can pack a bag!
El Dorado Palafitos, Maroma Beach | Mexico Overwater Bungalows All-Inclusive
El Dorado Maroma by Karisma rocked the travel world in 2016 as the first overwater bungalows in Mexico. Located on the stunning white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen, these all-inclusive adults-only overwater bungalow villas feature glass floor panels for glimpses of the turquoise sea below.
Get pampered with traditional Mayan treatments at the resort spa, and indulge at the bar and restaurant which have glass floors. The resort also offers 3 outdoor infinity pools, a tennis court, and fitness center.
El Dorado Maroma’s overwater bungalows and elite overwater bungalows feature private infinity plunge pools, indoor private spa tubs, and furnished balconies.
Roundtrip airport transfers, onsite activities including kayaking and yoga, and all meals including 24-hour room service are included in these Riviera Maya overwater bungalows.
Check flights to Cancun (CUN) ⫸
Want more Mexico all-inclusive choices? Check out my guide to the top adults-only all-inclusive Mexico resorts!
Sandals South Coast Resort | Jamaica Over Water Bungalows All-Inclusive
The 12 luxury all-inclusive overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast are so romantic, they even form a heart floating in clear turquoise waters!
This new all-inclusive, adults-only luxury resort is set on an unspoiled 2-mile stretch of Jamaica south coast’s white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters within a 500-acre nature preserve.
For relaxing and indulging, the resort has three pools, 9 fine dining restaurants, and 7 bars including swim-up options. Many activities are included, including SCUBA diving for certified divers; Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.
Stays of 3 nights or longer include a free wedding. (Need a bridesmaid? I can be packed and on my way to the airport in an Uber within 7 minutes – LMK!)
Sandals South Shore’s over-the-water honeymoon bungalows offer a private patio with glass floor panels, extended sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers, and a bistro set for two. Couples can also relax in an outdoor soaking tub or over-water hammocks.
Elite private butler service, exclusive in-room dining (hello, brekkie in bed!), and room service round out the list of amenities. Private transfers and expedited immigration are included.
Check flights to Montego Bay (MBJ) ⫸
Read more about Sandals overwater bungalows in Jamaica with my in-depth guide.
Need a destination wedding dress? BHLDN (from Anthropologie) has gowns ready to ship at a moment’s notice! Check out BHDLN’s ideas for perfect beach wedding dresses and their last minute wedding dress collection.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian | St. Lucia Caribbean Overwater Bungalows All-Inclusive
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an adult-only, all-inclusive luxury resort located on its own peninsula in St. Lucia. With panoramic views of green mountains and turquoise Caribbean Sea, this resort is often described as the “closest vacation to a picture-perfect postcard.” You should probably go see and judge for yourself, though. 😉
Water sports, land activities, golf, nighttime entertainment, and SCUBA diving is included for certified divers. And for stays of 3 nights or more, a free wedding is included. (Seriously, please go get hitched and tag me in your Instagram photos!)
Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s over-the-water honeymoon bungalows offer the same luxe furnishings and amenities as their other Caribbean overwater bungalows including glass floors to see the turquoise waters below, extended sun deck, stocked bar, private butler service, and 24-hour room service.
With their stay at one, play at three program, roundtrip shuttles and exchange privileges at two nearby Sandals resorts are also included.
Check flights to St. Lucia (Hewanorra –UVF or Vigie – SLU) ⫸
Looking for more Caribbean adventures? Get my tips on sailing the Virgin Islands aboard a catamaran from VRBO or Airbnb!
St. George’s Caye | Belize Overwater Bungalows
St. George’s Caye is just 7 miles from the airport in Belize City, where you’ll be personally greeted and shuttled to the island via private van and private water taxis. Once there, you’ll be on island time, on a completely private caye: no cars, no roads, and no crowds!
The Belize Barrier Reef borders the entire country, and world-class diving and snorkeling is just minutes from your stay on St. George’s. You’re also close to the mainland for adventurous excursions including Mayan ruins and jungle preserves.
All packages include daily breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner, as well as kayaks, SUP, and snorkeling gear. Dive packages are available also.
These Belize overwater bungalows are a more rustic elegance than others on this list, with traditional thatched roofs and Belizean hardwoods. And there’s only WiFi in the reception — but when you’re on island time, things like this are by design. 😉
Check flights to Belize City (BZE) ⫸
Aruba Ocean Villas | Aruba Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
With only 5 overwater bungalows, Aruba Ocean Villas offers a boutique resort experience. If you need proof, look no further than their gorgeously designed rooms!
This is a place to disconnect and relax, with amazing views of sunset from your private deck. One villa also offers a private seaside infinity pool.
Dine on fresh local fare with your feet in the sand at The Old Man and the Sea Restaurant. Or reserve the private overwater gazebo for a special occasion. Aruba Ocean Villas consistently gets spectacular reviews for its individualized service and friendly, attentive staff.
The overwater bungalows at Aruba Ocean Villas let you swim right from your room, to snorkel with turtles and tropical fish at coral reefs just offshore. Aruba Ocean Villas is so good, you will want to keep it a secret — so let’s keep this one just between us.
