The 11 Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean

While the main lure of the Caribbean is enjoying the luscious beaches and feeling the warmth of the sunshine beaming down on you, hotel accommodations will still need to be reserved. And since you came for the beaches, why not stay in an overwater bungalow to make the most out of your Caribbean vacation? 

Overwater bungalows are equipped with many amenities, such as butler service, and spending your vacation on the ocean definitely beats being holed up in a stuffy motel room. Although there are quite a few overwater bungalows in the Caribbean that you can choose from, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. 

What are the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean? 

There are few vacation resorts that are more romantic than overwater bungalows, so if you want to impress that special someone, booking a stay at one of the following destinations are sure to put a smile on your partner’s face. And there isn’t a more relaxing way to fall asleep than to listen to the waves crashing against the stairway as you doze off in your loved one’s arms. Here are some of the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.

If you are interested in trying out a new destination and St. Lucia is on that list, we have excellent news for you! In recent years, the Sandals Grande Lucian resort decided to add a total of nine overwater bungalows to the already lavish resort.

Just imagine holding hands with that special someone as you stroll down a boardwalk to your villa and order room service from a butler. The Sandals Grande Lucian will be a vacation destination that you will never forget.

Vacationers who seek breathtaking views will have more than their share of awe-inspiring moments in St. Lucia. From the Pitons mountainside to Gros Islet, you can be sure to return home from your vacation with the most amazing Instagram pics.

Our Rating

4.9 / 5

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4.5 / 5

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9 / 10

Expedia

4.4 / 5

Explore Sandals Grande St. Lucian Caribbean Overwater Bungalows

If you are thrilled about the vast number of amenities offered at the Sandals Royal Caribbean resort, but would prefer to explore the Southern coast of Jamaica, then the Sandals South Coast location is the vacation destination for you!

The resort boasts the amenities that you love at the Royal Caribbean, just in a more secluded location. While Sandals South Coast is located at the Whitehouse resort, which is a huge and bustling hotel, the villas are at the far corner of the property, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation in a sedate overwater bungalow.

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4.9 / 5

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4.5 / 5

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9 / 10

Expedia

4.4 / 5

Explore Sandals South Coast Jamaica Overwater Bungalows

You can get very much more romantic and secluded than an overwater bungalow on a private island and that is exactly what is offered at the Cayo Espanto in Belize. While every bungalow on the island is amazingly unique, the absolutely best villa is the Casa Ventana, which boasts a king-sized dock that is set above the Caribbean Sea.

The experience is further maximized by the glass flooring equipped with lighting that changes color, bringing a whole new essence to the sea life swimming beneath you. The cool breeze and the fresh scent of the saltwater drifting in through the windows and doors of your bungalow will make you feel as though you entered through the gates of heaven.

Our Rating

4.9 / 5

TripAdvisor

5 / 5

Hotels.com

4.9 / 10

Expedia

4.9 / 5

Explore Cayo Espanto Belize Overwater Bungalows

As though the Riviera Maya Hotel wasn’t already spectacular enough, their newly built Lagoon Sunset Pool Villas will enhance the experience of your next Mexican vacation by offering two full stories of living space located over the sparkling waters of the lagoon.

The Caribbean beaches are merely walking distance from this locale, which will provide you with the opportunity to feel the warm sand running between your toes as you head out for a day at the beach. Since the overwater water bungalows are a new addition to the resort, taking a trip to the Banyan Tree Mayakoba will be a first-time experience that you can share with your friends.

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4.8 / 5

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5 / 5

Hotels.com

9.6 / 10

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4.8 / 5

Explore Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Mexico Overwater Bungalows

If you absolutely love Aruba, but are seeking a more secluded locale for your Caribbean vacation, then check into the Aruba Ocean Villas! The resort is located in the quaint town of Savaneta, which is far from the bustling city. This is a small and peaceful resort in an adult’s only zone.

Since there are only eight villas available with three being overwater bungalows, you will need to book in advance, but if you want a break from the kids and time to enjoy plunge pools and outside lounges, the Aruba Ocean Villas are worth checking out!

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4.7 / 5

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4.5 / 5

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9.6 / 10

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4.8 / 5

Explore Aruba Ocean Villas Overwater Bungalows

Jamaica is amongst the most popular tourist destinations, so if you really want to get away from it all, book at stay at the Sandals Royal Caribbean! The resort is exclusively accessible by water taxi and comes with an on-call butler service to meet your every demand 24-7.

The villas boast spacious bedrooms and several options to maximize relaxation, including couple’s hot tubs, suspended hammocks over the ocean, and swimming pools. If you desire a romantic locale, the dock at Sandals Royal Caribbean is heart-shaped, which only makes this resort even more ideal for an anniversary or honeymoon destination.

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4.6 / 5

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4.5 / 5

Hotels.com

8.2 / 10

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4.2 / 5

Explore Sandals Royal Caribbean Jamaica Overwater Bungalows

If you are considering spending your next Mexican vacation in an overwater bungalow, but would prefer to be set above the ocean instead of a lagoon, then the Palafitos El Dorado is the best (and only) way to make your dream vacation come true. The resort is conveniently located close to Playa Del Carmen on Maroma Beach and is the only Mexican resort featuring bungalows over the ocean.

With a whopping number of thirty overwater bungalows, booking reservations at Palafitos El Dorado shouldn’t be too challenging of an endeavor.

This extravagant overwater villa resort is part of the exclusive Karisma Resorts’ El Dorado Maroma Spa Resort and offers amenities that a vacationer could only dream of, such as full-body massages on the deck and delicious full-course meals delivered right to your villa by a butler.

Our Rating

4.5 / 5

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4.5 / 5

Hotels.com

9.0 / 10

Expedia

4.6 / 5

Explore Palafitos El Dorado in Mexico Overwater Bungalows

If you are loving the thought of taking your special someone on an all-inclusive vacation to a private beach resort, but black tie gatherings aren’t your thing, then you might want to consider the Thatch Caye in Belize, which is another eco-friendly laid back resort that accommodates a maximum of thirty guests.

Each overwater bungalow is completely decorated using reclaimed materials, and activities include basket weaving. This resort strongly values a sense of community, so it may not be the ideal destination if you are seeking solitude and rest.

Our Rating

4.4 / 5

TripAdvisor

4.5 / 5

Hotels.com

4.1 / 10

Expedia

4.2 / 5

Explore Thatch Coye in Belize Overwater Bungalow

If you are a huge fan of sustainability and saving the planet, the Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is the vacation destination for you. The majority of the vast property is used as a nature reserve, but the resort still offers a total of nine overwater bungalows in various color themes and categories from a Master Suite to a Luna Suite.

Our Rating

4.2 / 5

TripAdvisor

4 / 5

Hotels.com

8.6 / 10

Expedia

4.3 / 5

Explore Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama Overwater Bungalows

If you are seeking the most luxurious accommodations, book an overwater bungalow at the Marriot Royalton Antigua! Their six villas are spacious and complete with living rooms and glass flooring, so that you can enjoy the amazing experience of watching tropical fish swim beneath your feet. The resort is all-inclusive and offers butlers, hammocks, swimming pools, and stairways to the sea.

Our Rating

3.7 / 5

TripAdvisor

4.0 / 5

Hotels.com

6.8 / 10

Expedia

3.4 / 5

Explore Royalton Antigua Overwater Bungalows

If you are willing to go off the grid during your Caribbean vacation, then you might want to think about booking an overwater bungalow at Anthony’s Key Resort in Honduras, which has continued to be a popular destination for over fifty years.

There isn’t any phone service or televisions in the rustic villas at Anthony’s Key Resort, but they have recently connected Wi-Fi.  This is another resort that values sustainability and even offers courses on conserving coral reefs.

The overwater villas are located on a sprawling eleven acre property. Although you won’t have the opportunity to binge-watch your favorite TV shows at this resort, you can relax and unwind without many of the distractions of modern day technology. Additionally, they offer a widely popular and luxurious Mayan Stone massage.

Our Rating

3.7 / 5

TripAdvisor

4.5 / 5

Hotels.com

7 / 10

Expedia

4.0 / 5

Explore Anthony’s Key Resort Honduras Overwater Bungalows
About The Author
Jessica
Jessica currently lives in Miami (or New York City depending on who you ask). From the ages of 18 to 25, she traveled all over the Caribbean and helped out with organizations such as UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity. She even spent six months living in Puerto Rico. Jessica specializes in writing about eco-tourism and volunteering/charities.