Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean and Mexico: 6 Romantic Stays to Book Now
- GirlWellTravelled
- Sep 29, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4
Have your got Overwater Bungalows and villas on your mind? Do you know you don’t Have to Fly to the Maldives or French Polynesia for these?
Because when you think of overwater villas, French Polynesia and the Maldives might come to mind first. And for very good reasons. Their turquoise lagoons and romantic bungalows have long reigned supreme in honeymoon brochures.
But now, the Caribbean and Mexico are stepping confidently into the spotlight. With much shorter flight times and no less luxury, these regions offer idyllic overwater escapes, honeymooning sanctuaries, anniversaries or 'just because' trips.
And here are six breath taking overwater bungalows in the Caribbean and Mexico that should be on your radar.
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Because while you'll be met with eyes of green on hearing you've been to Bora Bora, it's a day's flying time away from London at best. The same to return. Two days of your well deserved holiday lost, you do not deserve that.
Unsure which Caribbean island matches your vibe?
Chasing romance, food, solitude, adventure? Then explore my guide to the region: The Caribbean Island Edit: Where to Go Based on Your Travel Mood. Match your bungalow stay to your island mood.
Mexico and the Caribbean will plug that gap with flight times no more than three movies, two meals and one flight away. Because now, what do Aruba and Jamaica have in common apart from being in the lyrics of the Beach Boys' Kokomo song?
Enter Sandals Resorts International, a hospitality group whose foundations lay firmly in the Caribbean's soil and were the first to pioneer luxury overwater villas in the area. Now with three properties offering overwater villas, they have firm foundations in the Caribbean Sea.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Overwater Bungalows – Montego Bay, Jamaica
Their flagship and very first over-the-water bungalows of the Sandals group host twelve Tahitian-Esque style residences. They are laid out like a heart-shaped pendant off a two-mile immaculate white sand beach
Step out of your luxury linen king-sized beds onto hardwood floors out to an extended sun deck and a Caribbean breeze.
Each bungalow, equipped with a walk-in rain shower, outdoor shower, outdoor Tranquility Soak Tub designed for two and over-water hammocks.
At night, the glass-panelled floors, the lights in the water add to the magic.
Amenities: Airport arrival lounge, Red Lane Spa treatments, unlimited water sports
Royalton Antigua’s Overwater Bungalows – Antigua
You will find the stilts over the overwater bungalows at Royalton Antigua Resorts and Spa grounded on the west side of the island. Nicely cocooned in the crescent of Deep Bay's private beach for you to dip your toes in.
Windows on the floor and wide-open sides give the best frames for those postcard picture moments.
Romantic escapes don't come any better than a spacious overwater bungalow with a personal butler, in-room couple massages and Royalton's 'All in Luxury.'
Amenities: Infinity plunge pool, butler service, personal fitness/yoga classes, sunset mixologist service
Overwater Lagoon Suites at Rosewood Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico
A retreat for honeymooners and romantic couples alike. In these 977 square foot Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suites, you will have all the seclusion you crave.
Fused amidst the tropical mangroves of the Riviera Maya, there's greenery at every turn.
Beautifully understated, white-walled canvases give way to hints of Mexican inspired motifs around the suites. You'll arrive via boat through the mangroves to this Rosewood playground not quite over the Caribbean sea, more a lagoon. And play you will from the open-plan setting of your suite, the open-air garden shower. Not to be concerned - the mangroves will keep your secret.
Amenities: Private boat dock, Bose audio and sound, heated plunge pool, butler service
Sandals Grande St Lucian – Overwater Villas in St Lucia
As a leading honeymoon resort group, the magnetism of an overwater villa is not an ambitious grasp. Therefore not unexpected when Sandals debuted additional overwater bungalows at its St Lucian resort.
The same floor to vaulted ceiling windows ensures you never miss the show out to the Caribbean sea. A neutrally toned decor with accents of azure blue as if spraying the colours of the outdoors on the indoors.
Mosaic covered spa sized bathrooms complete with Red Lane Spa Amenities.
It's hard to imagine a struggle for romantic moments here. Overwater hammocks to gaze at the bejewelled Caribbean night sky from or cosy moments with your favourite glasses of bubbles from the open-air soak tub for two.
Amenities: Butler Elite Service, beach and bonfire parties, unlimited water sports, overwater hammock
Amanyara Overwater Villas – Turks and Caicos
Overwater villas don't get much more exclusive than at Amanyara Resort. One of the only resorts on the list to accommodate the entire family.
Your personal chef to curate bespoke meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner or just some warm, freshly baked bread. Open-sided walls invite the continuous flow of the Caribbean's tropical breezes and the scent of the ocean with it.
Amenities: Personal Chef and Housekeeper, rain shower and outdoor showers, private pool
Aruba Ocean Villas – Romantic Overwater Bungalows in Aruba
I know, I know, I know! I'm sitting here, but I can almost hear your oohs and aahs at this one. I can almost see you crushing on this one.
Just imagining you are here. What do you do first? Do you swing from the hammock, disturb those crisps linens or dive into the warmth of the Caribbean sea? I don't imagine sleeping is not on the agenda here.
Still, I suppose you'd want a lie down if you found yourself in one of these heart-fluttering, thatched bungalows.
Even after eighteen months of lockdowns, you'll never say no to a lockdown here.
Amenities: Jacuzzi, wraparound decks, hammocks, direct access to the water
If a floating villa isn’t quite your speed (though I cannot see how), I've reviewed a Holland America Caribbean cruise that stops in Aruba. Another fabulous way to soak in the island vibes.
Want More Hotel Crushes?
Cast your eyes on these two eye candies.. One in the Caribbean and the other in the South of England.
Having glazed this list of stunning Caribbean islands and their inviting overwater bungalows, the real question is. Would you holiday at any of these? Or maybe you've already turned to the other half and asked. Hun, when can we go?
How to Plan Your Overwater Bungalow Escape
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)
Flight tips: Major hubs include Cancun, Montego Bay and St. John’s, Antigua
For honeymooners: Book early! Bungalows can sell out up to 9–12 months in advance.
Want to fly private? Here’s a trusted jet charter service.
Or maybe you've just booked yourself one of these treats and now dancing around the room singing. 'Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to...'
Come on, sing it with me, you know you want to!
Hands down, over-water bungalows are one of the more romantic ways to getaway! I'm pleased the post was an enjoyable read! Thanks for taking the time to do so
I love the over water bungalows. Theres just something so romantic about them. Great post, I love how you captured each location.