![The 12 Best Caribbean Overwater Bungalows [2021]](http://oc3anclub.com/images/easyblog_images/654/_larg_20210609-041003_1.jpg)
If you’ve visited Bora Bora or the Maldives, you may have stayed in an overwater villa. However, there weren’t many luxurious Caribbean overwater bungalows up to now.
In recent years, several new overwater bungalow resorts have opened. Staying at one of these floating villas is a true bucket list experience.
You no longer need to travel as far as the Maldives or Tahiti to get a taste of life on the water. From Aruba to Jamaica, Mexico and St Lucia, these are the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.
In our selection, we have included several casual eco-lodges in the Caribbean Sea, as well as luxury resorts. There’s something for every budget and group size.
If you like all-inclusive vacations, there are options in Jamaica and Mexico. For a true taste of luxury, some overwater bungalow resorts in Belize, Mexico and Jamaica offer butler service.
This list isn’t in a particular order but is numbered for ease of reference. It includes not only the 13 Caribbean nations but also several countries that are on the Caribbean Sea such as Aruba, Honduras and Panama.
When Is Best Time to Visit the Caribbean?
It depends how hot you like it, as average temperatures can reach the mid eighties in July and August. One of the best times to visit the Caribbean is from December to April when the weather is slightly cooler.
Hurricane season is generally from August to the end of October.
1. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma, Mexico
Located within the adults only resort El Dorado Maroma near Cancun, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows are ideal for couples. This all-inclusive Riviera Maya hotel has 30 chic overwater bungalows.
Choose between the classic Overwater Bungalow and the Elite Overwater Bungalow, which comes complete with your own personal butler. All the Palafitos overwater bungalows have their own private deck, glass floors in the bedroom and lounge area, a hottub, mini-bar and outdoor shower.
These spacious overwater rooms measure 600 square feet, with a 211 feet terrace.
There’s lots to do in and around the El Dorado Maroma resort, from relaxing on Playa del Carmen beach to exploring the ruins and street art in Tulum. Náay Spa is spread over 5,000 ft² and offers a range of treatments including a sunrise couples massage on the beach and a Tequila Ritual!
2. Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St Lucia
Known for their luxury Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, Sandals have added some stunning overwater bungalows to their properties in recent years. Sandals Grande St. Lucian has a fabulous location on a peninsula next to Pigeon Island National Park.
This adults-only resort has some impressive Over-the-Water Bungalows with personalized butler service. Each one has an outdoor shower, deck with swim-up platform and lounge chairs, overwater hammock and couples soaking tub.
Inside the bungalows, there are light-up glass floors and king-size beds, together with a pillow menu. Sandals Grande St. Lucian resort has a mile-long beach, 12 restaurants and 6 bars.
There’s an extensive PADI® Certified Scuba Diving program and many other watersports included, such as kneeboarding and water-skiing. This St. Lucia resort makes a great base from which to hike the Piton mountains and visit La Soufriere Drive In Volcano.
3. Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua
This luxury all-inclusive resort in Antigua is situated on its own private beach on Deep Bay. The land based rooms at Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa are suitable for couples and families.
The Chairman Overwater Bungalows are for adults only.
Each of these bungalows has a private sun deck with swim-out infinity plunge pool. Your butler can set up an over-water hammock and hot tub upon request. There’s a king-size bed designed exclusively for Royalton Luxury Resorts, Bvlgari bath amenities and biodegradable sunscreen.
Guests at the Overwater Bungalows can also enjoy unique experiences such as a complimentary 60 minute sunset mixologist service on your terrace, which must be booked a day in advance. You also have access to a personal yoga and fitness instructor.
Those staying three nights or more receive a complimentary romantic dinner with a bottle of wine, served in their bungalow.
4. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
One of our favorite all-inclusive Mexican resorts, Mayakoba has 4 luxury hotels, including Rosewood Mayakoba. Set amidst the mangroves and next to a white sandbeach, this Riviera Maya eco resort has some stunning deluxe lagoon suites with butler service.
Each of the 18 one-bedroom suites has a walk-in closet, private deck with a heated plunge pool, boat dock and outdoor garden shower. At nearly 1,000 square feet, the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suites are perfect for couples or honeymooners.
Rosewood Mayakoba is within easy reach of the U.S., being just 40 minutes away from Cancun International Airport. Tulum is an hour’s drive along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
5. Aruba Ocean Villas
Nicknamed One Happy Island, Aruba is known for its reliable sunshine, wreck diving and white sand beaches. The native fofoti trees grow on the beach, with the most famous being Eagle Beach.
Aruba Ocean Villas is a boutique, adults only hotel with its own private beach in Savaneta. As well as their four luxury beach villas, there are currently three premium overwater villas on site.
Each overwater villa has panoramic ocean views and a covered hot tub. Isla Alistaire has its own private plunge pool. In addition, 7 new overwater penthouse villas are being added, each with their own plunge pool.
Sunset Villa is an eight person oceanfront villa, five minutes away from the property. Spread over 1,500 square feet, it has 4 bedrooms and a large overwater deck.
6. Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica
The first Caribbean overwater bungalows opened in 2016 at Sandals Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay. An immediate success, these Over-The-Water Bungalows have light up glass floor panels inside, king-size beds and spa-style bathrooms.
There’s an outdoor shower, suspended patio with a swim-up platform and an over-the-water hammock. Each overwater bungalow benefits from Sandals butler service and private water taxis.
Enjoy 24-hour room service, together with unlimited fine dining at any of the 9 Sandals Royal Caribbean restaurants. Just ten minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, this resort is only an hour away from the many activities in Ocho Rios.
7. Cayo Espanto, Belize
Located on its own private island, Cayo Espanto is close to mainland Belize and to Ambergris Caye. This exclusive Caribbean retreat is a great base from which to see the Belizean Barrier Reef, the second largest coral system in the world.
Choose between a one or two bedroom beach front villa, the overwater bungalow, Casa Ventanas, or rent the whole private island! Casa Ventanas is a one bedroom villa spread over 1100 square feet, with hand-crafted furnishings, a private dock and glass floor with a light that can be set in different colors.
There are seven oceanfront villas in total, accommodating up to 18 guests. The all-inclusive four acre island ensures privacy and each butler has a private suite. There’s a spa and an award-winning restaurant.
8. Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge, Panama
This casual Caribbean eco lodge in Panama prides itself on its sustainability program. Only 2% of the 100 acres of Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge are used for accommodation.
The remaining 98% are kept as a private nature reserve. Situated on Colon Island, close to the Bocas del Toro archipelago, this simple lodge is surrounded by crystal clear water.
There are nine colorful overwater bungalows at Punta Caracol, which were constructed using traditional techniques. Choose from 3 categories of rooms, the Master Suite, Luna and Punta Caracol Suites.
Although there’s no spa, you can book an in-room massage. Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge restaurant serves vegetables from the resort’s organic garden, and the freshest seafood. This is one of the most affordable options for overwater bungalows in the Caribbean Sea.
9. Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
A luxurious all inclusive couples only resort in Whitehouse, Jamaica, Sandals South Coast is known for its overwater chapel and bar, Latitudes. The over-the-water villas at Sandals South Coast are accessible via a heart-shaped pier.
Boasting glass floors, a two person soaking tub, complimentary private water taxis and butler services, these villas are the height of luxury. On the deck, you’ll find an over-the-water hammock, private infinity pool, outdoor shower and hot tub.
At Sandals South Coast, there are lots of water sports such as snorkeling and Hobie Cats included in your package. All food and beverages are also included. To book or for more information on Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk, or call 0800 597 0002.
10. Thatch Caye, Belize
An informal all-inclusive private island resort in Belize, Thatch Caye Resort is located off the coast of Dangriga, close to the Belizean Barrier Reef. Limited to just 30 guests, this eco retreat is part of the popular Muy’Ono Resorts.
Each overwater bungalow has tastefully decorated accommodation using locally reclaimed materials.
Admire the Caribbean Sea from the hammock at your overwater bungalow, or participate in one of the many activities arranged for guests. Enjoy a stargazer’s cruise or try your hand at Maya basket weaving!
The focus at Thatch Caye is on community. You’ll find the TV, coffee and wifi in the Coco Lounge.
Meals are eaten together so you may well make some new friends during your stay. Much of the organic food comes from Muy’Ono Farm in Cayo, which cultivates over 400 different plant varieties from heirloom seeds, for a true farm to table dining experience.
11. Anthony’s Key Resort, Honduras
Going strong for over 50 years, Anthony’s Key Resort is a rustic idyll where you can get away from it all. For that reason, there are no TVs or phones in the overwater bungalows, although there is WiFi.
This 11 acre property can be found off the coast of Roatan island in Honduras. With a strong focus on sustainability, the resort established a coral nursery program.
Volunteer guests help to rehome broken or damaged coral. You can also take a course on coral reef conservation. Another popular activity is to enjoy a Mayan Stone Massage at Ixora Spa.
The Key Deluxe overwater bungalows have private covered decks and A/C. At 400 square feet, they can accommodate up to 5 guests and are reasonably priced.
12. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
This Mexican eco-friendly hotel is situated on Playa del Carmen, close to Cancun. There are six over water bungalows planned for Banyan Tree Mayakoba in 2021.
These Lagoon Sunset Pool Villas will have two floors, heated plunge pools and unobstructed lagoon views. In the meantime, the Pool Villas have king-sized beds, private heated pools and outdoor bathtubs.
The rest of the resort showcases lots of activities and amenities that range from kayaking, jogging, snorkeling, and scuba diving to the resort’s spa, the golf school, and archery classes. If you love trying new dishes while on vacation, you’ll be pleased to learn of the many different restaurants and bars on-site that cater with a wide variety of dishes to select from and experiment with.
Viceroy Bocas del Toro, Panama
Due to open in 2023, Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panama will be located close to Panama City. There will be 42 overwater bungalows, each with their own private deck and plunge pool.
Spread over 457 acres, the luxury resort will have 8 onsite restaurants, a spa and fitness center.
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