8 best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean
Overwater bungalows often conjure images of far-flung destinations like the Maldives or French Polynesia — places that may require long-haul flights, multiple connections, and a significant investment of time and money. But travelers don’t need to venture too far from the mainland U.S. to enjoy the magic of waking up over crystal-clear water and diving straight from their deck into the sea below.
In fact, there are stunning overwater bungalow options much closer to home, scattered across the Caribbean. These dreamy stays deliver the same luxury experience — some even bookable with points — without the epic travel ordeal. From Jamaica to Aruba and many islands in between, these are some of the best Caribbean resorts offering that iconic overwater experience.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in the world, according to frequent travelers
Overwater bungalows are rare in Antigua. Luckily, the one resort that has them happens to be a Marriott all-inclusive resort, so guests can enjoy a tropical paradise while earning or burning Marriott Bonvoy points.
Known as the Chairman Overwater Bungalows, these chic one-bedroom accommodations come with a king-size bed, a large seating area and dining room, an overwater hammock, a private infinity plunge pool, and glass floors that allow guests to admire the vibrant marine life in the waters below.
On top of all this, the adults-only Chairman Overwater Diamond Club Bungalows include one master bedroom with a sumptuous king-size bed and a relaxing living area with a dining room.
Beyond the privacy of the bungalows, guests at this Royalton property can also enjoy a handful of bars and restaurants — ranging from a traditional buffet to a steakhouse — along with live entertainment each night. For active types, amenities include various pools, grass tennis courts, nonmotorized water sports and so much more.
Rates for standard rooms at Royalton Antigua start at $369 or 74,500 points per night, based on double occupancy. To book a Chairman Overwater Bungalow, visit this link to fill out an inquiry for more information.
An aerial view of Sandals Royal Caribbean proves that love is alive and well in Montego Bay, Jamaica: The overwater bungalows are arranged to form a heart right off their own private island. Even if you can’t see the heart from the ground, you’ll certainly feel the love at this adults-only, all-inclusive property designed for googly eyed couples.
The overwater bungalows come in a variety of layouts; some have private infinity pools, and others have outdoor soaking tubs. Each one, though, has those signature glass floor panels that look down into the water. They all also have overwater hammocks, an outdoor shower, a personal butler, BMW transportation to and from the airport, and a dedicated boat to shuttle guests between the private island and the mainland.
Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica
The resort has nine restaurants, including one serving Thai cuisine and a waterfront Caribbean restaurant; there’s also premium liquor at many of the on-site bars. There’s entertainment throughout the day, pools to lounge by or swim in, water sports, and various land activities (think: volleyball and lawn chess). You’ll even have the opportunity to get PADI certified to scuba dive, included in the rate.
Even better, guests at this resort also have access to everything at its sister resort, Sandals Montego Bay.
Rates for overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean start at $1,847 per person, per night.
Another property from the all-inclusive Sandals brand that offers overwater bungalows, Sandals Grande St. Lucian sits on a peninsula offering breathtaking views in every direction. St. Lucia has long been a dreamy destination for honeymoons and romantic trips, and staying in one of the resort’s Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalows is the perfect way to enjoy it.
These overwater Caribbean bungalows feature glass floor panels so you can see the beautiful sea below. They also offer a private outdoor area with either overwater hammocks or a soaking tub designed for two, a king-size bed, an outdoor shower, outdoor furniture, and butler service to make sure your every wish and desire is met.
The resort has a whopping 12 restaurants, ranging from an upscale steak-and-seafood restaurant on a romantic pier to Italian, Caribbean and Asian restaurants, among others. Guests can also expect top-shelf liquor at many bars.
For activities, options are nearly endless. There are pools to enjoy, a spa to relax in (at an additional cost), and activities like windsurfing and snorkeling (which are included in your rate) to try. As with the other Sandals resorts on our list, you can dive here at no additional cost if you're already PADI certified. (But to get certified, you'd have to complete the courses with an associated cost.) There’s live entertainment throughout the day and night, plus access to golf with transportation.
If that’s not enough, guests at this property can also enjoy access to two other Sandals properties. This way, you can enjoy new restaurants, experience different beaches and basically get three vacations in one.
Rates for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian start at $1,931 per night.
In Panama, the natural wonders of land and sea wait for you at Nayara Bocas del Toro, an adults-only resort on a private island that feels totally luxe and totally off-grid.
Accessible by a 15-minute boat ride, the resort has 16 overwater bungalows — including some that measure more than 1,000 square feet and have a private saltwater pool. Others feature glass panels looking into the water below and fire pits to lounge by. Or, if you change your mind about the overwater options, there’s also an incredible new treehouse available to book.
At the resort, guests can eat at the Elephant House restaurant, set in a 100-year-old building brought over from Bali. Or dine at Coral Cafe, the poolside restaurant.
Activities at the resort include paddleboarding, kayaking through mangroves, and snorkeling through waters where dolphins, starfish and other sea creatures live. Guests can hire a private boat to explore the surrounding archipelago, and they can even sign up to visit Monkey Island and volunteer to help with the cute critters.
For those who travel with sustainability in mind, this resort uses plenty of recaptured and purified rainwater; the electricity is generated by solar panels.
Rates at Nayara Bocas del Toro start at $1,077 per night, based on double occupancy.
There’s a really nice thing about a lot of Caribbean overwater bungalows: They’re on private islands. This is exactly the case with Thatch Caye, an all-inclusive resort in Belize that hosts a maximum of 30 guests at a time. The theme of this off-grid resort is rustic luxury with an island twist.
In the overwater bungalows, guests will find hammocks on a deck looking out to the water, air conditioning to help beat the heat (but there’s nothing better than an island breeze, right?), king-size or twin beds, and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Just note that Wi-Fi is only available in certain areas of the resort, excluding the overwater bungalows.
Meals at Thatch Caye use fresh, local ingredients and are served three times daily; you can eat in the dedicated breakfast room, the covered dining room or even outside under the stars. There are also three bars on the island to wet your whistle.
As far as activities go, there’s something for everyone, including complimentary paddleboarding, shoreline snorkeling, kayaking, biking and sailing on a Hobie Cat. Other activities (mostly paid) include a bar crawl on a boat that visits different islands, scuba diving, fishing, and heading out on an adventure to the jungle to zip line, visit caves or tube down a river.
Rates for overwater bungalows at Thach Caye vary throughout the year, but typically start at around $640 per night all-inclusive for two people.
At the adults-only boutique resort Aruba Ocean Villas, there are just eight overwater bungalows (or villas), five beach bungalows and two owners' estates (Sunset Villa and Cunucu di Nana, both now managed by Aruba Family Villas).
What’s special about this place is that no two overwater bungalows are the same. Depending on your taste or budget, you can choose a smaller cabana with a pool, open-air bathroom and closed-off bedroom, or splurge for a two-story bungalow with a plunge pool, outdoor bathtub, plenty of seating and picture-perfect views.
Outside the bungalows, guests can have a barefoot drink at Toteki Beach Bar before grabbing a local meal at the Hemingway-inspired restaurant The Old Man and the Sea. Or, for something really romantic, inquire about having a private meal on the beach or at the overwater dining cabana.
Also expected to open in June 2025 are several new spaces on the property: Oliver’s (a cocktail lounge), Benny’s (a private theater for eight people), Chito y Chenta (a cafe) and Olmos (a private chef’s table).
Indulge with a spa treatment or get your adrenaline going with water sports such as snorkeling or kayaking. There are also tons of off-property activities like exploring beautiful nearby beaches, horseback riding, venturing to nearby caves or getting on the water in a sailboat.
Rates at Aruba Ocean Villas start at $579 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. This all-inclusive resort has a 2-mile stretch of beach and really goes all-out with “over-the-water” offerings. It features overwater bungalows, an overwater bar and even an overwater wedding chapel.
The bungalows are, once again, spread out over the water in the shape of a heart. They come with butler service, king-size beds, outdoor showers, sun loungers, an outdoor soaking tub and overwater hammocks. As an added bonus, you’ll receive round-trip airport transfers in a luxury car, plus expedited immigration at the airport.
Indulge in a variety of cuisines across nine restaurants, ranging from traditional Jamaican fare to Mediterranean classics. To infuse a little more romance, consider a private candlelight dinner. As is the Sandals standard, top-shelf alcohol is available at most restaurants and bars.
For fun, take advantage of free scuba diving lessons and get PADI certified, go snorkeling or try your hand at windsurfing. There’s also live entertainment offered consistently through any stay, and the spa has an array of pampering treatments to choose from.
Rates for overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast start at $1,721 per night, based on double occupancy.
We usually think of overwater bungalows unfurling across the turquoise waters of the ocean, but at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the luxury overwater bungalows are actually set above a lagoon near the beach. And wow, are they contemporary wonders. Measuring in at a gigantic 2,385 square feet, each features a rooftop heated plunge pool, minimalistic design and an outdoor soaking tub. (Note: When looking for these accommodation types online, they’re called Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas.)
Come for the villas, stay for everything else. Banyan Tree offers world-class activities like a spa with Mexican- and Asian-inspired treatments, an excursion to the area’s famed ancient ruins and cenotes, and a Ranger’s Club for the kids. Or, just spend your days meandering between the beach, pool and cabana.
Food comes in every form and flavor at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, including romantic meals on a private boat, casual Mexican, classic Italian and Thai food above the lagoon.
Rates for Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas start at around $1,115 per night.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.