Overwater bungalows are iconic lodgings typically associated with the Maldives and South Pacific Islands. Over the years, the Caribbean region has seen more resorts investing in such an accommodation. With the overwater bungalows Jamaica has to offer, you only have to take a trip to the Caribbean island to enjoy the unique experience of living above turquoise waters.
Your best options are Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Here’s your ultimate guide to the two stunning properties.
Overwater Bungalows Jamaica FAQs
Are you planning to have a luxurious Jamaican holiday? Here are some helpful information you need to know.
When Is The Best Time To Book Overwater Bungalows In Jamaica?
Jamaica is in the hurricane belt, so it’s more prone to storms. You don’t want to stay at an overwater bungalow during its hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, peaking from August to October.
The best months to visit this Caribbean beauty are mid-December to mid-April. This is when the weather is cooler, and there’s less chance of rain. But remember that it’s peak season. So there will be more crowd and tighter competition. If you want to avoid the crowd while enjoying better weather than the rainy season, visit during the shoulder seasons (mid-April to July or November to mid-December).
How Much Does It Cost To Book A Jamaica Overwater Bungalow?
Above-the-water accommodations are luxurious lodging. So, you must prepare a bigger budget for it. Overwater bungalows Jamaica cost around $3,000 to $3,300 per night for two people. So, if you’re staying for three nights, the price will be about $9,000 to $9,900.
Note that this is apart from your flight costs and other vacation expenses. Watch out for deals and opt for all-inclusive packages to help you be more cost-effective and save money.
What Can You Expect When You Book Overwater Bungalows Jamaica?
Expect nothing but an unforgettable, luxurious experience when you choose to stay at Jamaica’s overwater bungalows. The island itself is known for being the quintessential tropical paradise: Crystal-clear waters and palm tree-laced shores mark its beauty. So, staying right where its never-ending charm lies is one memory you won’t soon forget.
An overwater bungalow will give you panoramic, uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea, which becomes especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. You will also enjoy better privacy and water access (these bungalows have ladders or stairs that lead straight to the sea). You can also access your chosen property’s other amenities — from gourmet dining and bars to pools and fitness and wellness centers. Completing the experience is a dedicated butler service.
Sandals Best Overwater Bungalows Jamaica
Sandals, one of the biggest resort chains that have properties in the Caribbean, has the best palapa-style overwater bungalows Jamaica has to offer. Here’s a breakdown of Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean’s best features.
Sandals South Coast
Home to some of the best overwater bungalows in Jamaica, Sandals South Coast is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort that offers romantic seclusion.
Where Is It Located
The property is set along a two-mile stretch in White House, one of the quietest areas in the rather lively island of Jamaica. It’s about a 40-mile drive from the Sangster International Airport. But, don’t worry because private transfers are covered by their overwater bungalow all-inclusive package.
The Experience It Offers
Sandals South Coast has its own private beach, and it’s situated within a 500-acre nature preserve. And this further adds a touch of seclusion and intimacy to the adults-only property. Apart from its overwater accommodations, it has other facilities built right above the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea — including an over-the-water wedding chapel and an over-the-water bar.
If you want an experience that lets you stay close to the waters of the Caribbean, this is the resort to be.
The resort also offers three beachfront pools apart from its stretch of private coastline. As for your dining, you’ll get nine restaurants and seven bars to choose from (Note that overwater bungalow guests also have an in-room dining menu). If you’re looking for water activities, they offer scuba diving, snorkeling, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, and Hobie cat sailing. You can enjoy playing tennis, squash, and pickleball at the resort proper or make the most of their top-notch fitness center.
Day and night, you’ll also get to see entertainment shows to enrich your experience further and bring you closer to the colorful Jamaican culture.
Price
The price here starts at $1,628 per person per night (PP/PN).
If you book online, you can get $25 worth of credit. If you pay fully when booking, you can also get additional credit ($305 if you have four paid nights, $605 if you have seven paid nights or more). You can also enjoy a 60% off rack rate when you book at least three nights for two.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
If you’re staying in Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean is the top resort you should be staying in. It has Sandals over the water bungalows located on a private offshore island.
Where Is It Located
This Sandals resort is adults-only and all-inclusive, located just 15 minutes away from the Sangster International Airport. It puts you close to notable Jamaican attractions, such as the Georgian Rose Hall and Doctor’s Cave Beach.
The Experience It Offers
Sandals Royal Caribbean lets you enjoy two types of vacation: At the main resort, you get a holiday experience bathed in that elegant British heritage. Think of well-manicured lawns and activities like afternoon tea time.
On the offshore island that the resort owns, you will be greeted by Bali-like beauty. There are cabanas, a Bali-inspired swimming pool, and tropical over-the-water bungalows and villas — the first in the Caribbean. The island is accessible via a luxury boat, courtesy of Sandals.
Even if you stay at an overwater lodging, you can access the main resort.
All in all, you’ll get nine fine dining options and five bars. Like Sandals South Coast, those who book overwater bungalows will have an exclusive in-room dining menu and service. In total, there are eight pools and six whirlpools. If you want to have fun, you can try diving, hobie cat sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding, or play croquet and other land sports.
Like other Sandals resorts, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center and daily and nightly shows.
If you’re staying at an overwater villa (instead of just an overwater bungalow), having your own private infinity pool is one of the best perks you’ll enjoy. It also comes with an outdoor shower. This is the accommodation option for a truly private Caribbean vacation. Their over-the-water villas are located just off the private island.
Price
An overwater private island bungalow in Sandals Royal Caribbean starts at $1,659 pp/pn. Its more luxurious option, the overwater villa, is priced at $2,285 pp/pn.
This Sandals resort also offers the same qualifying specials as Sandals South Coast.
Luxurious Features Of Sandals Overwater Bungalows Jamaica
“Sea-through” glass floors. Spacious patios. Unparalleled Caribbean views. Overwater bungalows Jamaica all inclusive offerings are indeed the perfect way to enjoy the best of Jamaica’s natural beauty. Here’s what’s included if you book your stay at this one-of-a-kind facility.
- A king-size bed
- Spa-style bathroom with Molton Brown amenities
- Outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two
- Over-the-water hammock
- Outdoor shower
- Suspended patio with swim-up platform
- Exclusive in-room dining and in-room dining menu
- Personalized butler service (which follows the standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers)
- Expedited immigration
- Personal airport greeting
- Private airport transfers in a luxury vehicle
- Direct access to the resort via a luxury boat (for Sandals Royal Caribbean, which is a private island resort)
- A welcome gift (which included a tote and towel set)
Why It’s Worth It To Book Over-The-Water Accommodations?
If your idea of a tropical getaway is basking in breathtaking views and staying right above turquoise waters, then staying at any overwater bungalows Jamaica has will be worth your every penny.
Nothing beats the Jamaican experience of having your own private oasis. And not only will you be able to enjoy a secluded atmosphere but an array of luxurious services as well. Who doesn’t want to feel like royalty by having an elite butler? Apart from these, you’ll also enjoy other inclusions like private transfers and round-the-clock in-room dining. These come on top of the already-available amenities in your resort (e.g., watersports, excursions). Now, that’s one Jamaican vacation you’ll vividly remember for the years to come.
