Beaches Negril Resort & Spa
If youve got kids under 18 in your crew and youre looking for an unforgettable beach getaway, the adults-only overwater bungalows in Jamaica might not be what youre looking for right now.
Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly bucket list stays on the island. And Beaches Negril Resort & Spa might just be the best of the best of the bunch!
Beaches has built its business and reputation on creating the perfect tropical vacation for families, and offering one of the most amenity-packed all-inclusive stays imaginable!
The best part might just be that opportunities abound for spending time together in paradise, but also spending time apart.
Kids will love the activity-packed Kids Camp , action-packed Teen Club & Xbox play lounge, spectacular onsite waterpark, 3 freshwater pools and 3 whirlpools, and an abundance of water sports and land-based recreation opportunities.
Adults will love the full-service spa and fitness center, 10 fabulous restaurants, 7 amazing bars, scuba diving trips, and a wealth of adventures and excursions on and offsite.
PRO TIP If possible, plan your arrival and departure midweek. Always make reservations for dinner, especially for weekends and holidays. Like most all-inclusives, be mindful of the handful of activities that require an additional fee.
Personalized Butler Service & Water Taxi
These Over-the-Water Villas are a first-of-its-kind in the Caribbean. Reminiscent of a Tahiti-style bungalow, these gorgeous Over-the-Water Villas convey an intimate connection to the Caribbean Sea. From floating water hammocks to private glass floorsyour villa delivers an immersive journey of the Caribbean’s finest turquoise waters and rich marine life.
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Sandals Grande St Lucian
Location: Gros Islet, Saint LuciaNumber of Overwater Bungalows: 8
Another incredible resort offered by Sandals is their Grande St. Lucian.
These overwater bungalows are newer and more intimate than their South Coast ones.
The greatest part about an overwater bungalow is that you can wake up and jump into the ocean. No commute is required.
If St. Lucia is too far for your liking, you should consider El Dorado Maroma.
Key Features at Grande St. Lucian:
- In-room bar including premium liquors
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When Is Best Time To Visit Jamaica
One of the best times to visit the Caribbean is from December to April when the weather is slightly cooler. Keep in mind, though, that average temperatures can reach the mid-eighties in July and August.
Hurricane season is generally from August to the end of October, so its best to avoid these dates unless booking a last-minute escape.
Features All Sandals Overwater Bungalows Have In The Room
We have stayed in all three properties, and the overwater bungalows are almost identical inside as far as furnishing from the art on the wall to the chairs. You can expect the following features in all overwater bungalows at Sandals.
- Glass floor at the foot of the bed make sure to find the light switch in your room so you can watch the fish swim by at night
- Outdoor Tranquility soaking tub
- Outdoor table & chairs we suggest asking your butler to set up breakfast or lunch here
- Stocked mini-bar with high-end liquor Full bottles of Hendriks, Wine, etc. if you like specific alcohol make sure to ask your butler they will have it in your room.
- Sandals tote and towel set for you to keep and bring home. I love these towels, they are huge so make sure to save room in your luggage.
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Sandals South Coast Overwater Bungalows
We think the best Sandals overwater bungalow is Sandals South Coast, we love this resort the most for several reasons. We love the privacy these bungalows have compared to the other properties. There are no nearby resorts, so there isnt any boat traffic coming by and checking out your rooms. It is one of the largest properties, set in a lush 500-acre nature preserve on a 2-mile stretch of white sandy beach.
The bungalows are located at the end of the property, accessible by a dock. It is only a few minutes walk from your room down the dock and on the white sandy beach before you are by the main resort restaurants and bars. Only overwater bungalow guests are allowed on the dock, so you wont have noisy hotel guests coming out to check out the rooms or take a picture on the dock.
If you have ever seen a picture of Sandals South Coast overwater bungalows it probably was a drone photo from above, which shows off how the bungalows shape a heart. Yes, it really does form a heart, it is great for pictures and the perfect place for a Jamaica honeymoon.
If you love a good swim-up bar, make sure to check out the 1,000 ft pool at South Seas Village it is the longest swim-up pool in the Western Hemisphere. It is the perfect spot for day drinking and making some new friends. If you are up for a day trip, consider checking out the nearby Pelican Bar. There is a catamaran day trip that you can book with Island Routes in the lobby.
Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort Saint Lucia
While the other two resorts have lovely locations, the Sandals in St. Lucia is on one of the most beautiful coves in the Caribbean and I dont believe Ive ever seen a better beach-resort location. The island of St. Lucia is arguably the most scenic of all of the Caribbean islands, although the famous twin peaks of the Pitons are a long way from the resort.
Generally speaking, St. Lucia is a more pleasant island than Jamaica, and it has that faraway vacation feel that is more dramatic than even at Sandals South Coast. If I had plenty of time to get here and at least 4 or 5 nights to stay, Id choose Sandals St. Lucian for my overwater bungalow holiday.
The disadvantages are the longer flight time , not to mention more expensive flights. On the other hand, St. Lucia is almost two hours closer to most European airports, so this place is a good alternative to the Maldives and MUCH closer than Bora Bora.
Overwater bungalows location
The overwater bungalows are along the southern edge of the St. Lucian resort. Unlike the other two resorts where the overwater bungalows are out over a lagoon, the 9 water villas are simply out off of a peninsula at this resort. You arent properly out over the water until you are inside the bungalow itself.
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The 14 Best Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
If youve visited Bora Bora or the Maldives, you may have stayed in an overwater villa. However, there werent many luxurious Caribbeanoverwater 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.
St George’s Caye Resort
Location: St. George’s Caye, Belize
Typical starting/peak prices: $315/$476
On-site amenities: Pool, spa, water sports and activities
Pros: This is an excellent value for an overwater accommodation with private porches, hammocks, and full board included at such an affordable price.
Cons: These bungalows are clustered closer together than many of the more opulent luxury options available elsewhere.
St. George’s Caye Resort offers adults-only lodging that is located on a rustic but indulgent private island in Belize. There is a totally secluded feel but it’s actually just seven miles from Belize City, so it’s still easy and affordable to access.
The overwater bungalows feel like bargains compared to similar accommodations in other parts of the world. Prices start in the low $300s and include full board with no catch. You’ll get a private porch with a hammock and thatched roof overlooking the Caribbean Sea on the west side of the island. These six cabanas are situated on a half-moon-shaped dock with prime sunset views.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
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French Polynesia May Be Known For Its Overwater Bungalows But You Can Also Experience These Much Closer To Home
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So, youâre eager for one of those vacations where you can get away from it all. An overwater bungalow sounds just about perfect, right? Unfortunately, a flight to Bora Bora, Tahiti, Maldives, Vanuatu or some other far-flung locale may not be exactly plausible at the moment.
Fear not, here are 12 spots with amazing overwater bungalows that are closer to home but still make you feel like youâve reached one heck of an exotic escape.Before you book, be sure to check the U.S. State Department website as well as with the country or state government websites for intended destinations listed below to ensure youâre up to date on current travel requirements or restrictions.
Head to the gin-clear waters of Montego Bay and view them from these rooms over the sea. Each bungalow includes a patio, romantic tub for two, hammock and glass floors.
Bungalows from $1,282 per person per night.
Bungalows from $1,237 per person per night.
Overwater Bungalows In Jamaica
Jamaica has long been popular as a luxury honeymoon destination, its resorts can be world class, in particular those of the Sandals company which first began its brand of all inclusive opulence right there.
Overwater bungalows are a new addition to the luxury resort sector in Jamaica and it is Sandals again which we can thank for that.
There are two resorts with overwater bungalows in Jamaica – Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast. Both of these are terrific 5 Star, all inclusive resorts, some of the very best in the Caribbean.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is just five miles from the airport on its own private island, which means you can be diving into the sea from your overwater bungalow within almost minutes of your arrival in Jamaica.
It may be tempting therefore to nip in an out but be aware though that there can be a premium to be paid in high season for stays of less than 3 days.
The latter, Sandals South Coast, is about an hour and a half away from the airport and is more secluded and quieter.
Both Sandals overwater bungalow resorts in Jamaica are all inclusive and adults only.
Their overwater bungalows are broadly similar, and similarly impressive, with large outside decks, splash pools and stylish, top of the range, furniture & fittings including the classic glass floor panels.
See our in depth reviews below plus lots of photos, booking information etc. – all you need to know.
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Sandals Royal Caribbean Overwater Rooms
There are two room options for overwater rooms here: villas with infinity pools or romantic honeymoon bungalows. Both have 360-degree ocean views plus sea-through glass floor panels, so you can watch the turquoise waters and marine life below.
Every bungalow is luxuriously appointed with king-sized beds, soft linens, and plush pillows for the ultimate sleep experience. Spacious, spa-style bathrooms include his-and-hers sinks and walk-in rain showers.
Guests in overwater bungalows will be pampered throughout their stay by a personal butler trained to the highest standards. This includes unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving meals on your terrace, and handling every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace.
Sandals Royal Caribbeans over-the-water private island bungalows feature floating water hammocks, an extended sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers, indoor walk-in rain shower, and a bistro set for two. An outdoor freestanding tranquility soaking tub for two is the perfect place to see the sunset. A fully stocked bar including premium liquors plus 24-hour room service means you wont even have to leave your room!
Peek Inside The Caribbean’s First Overwater Bungalows
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica I totally admit this is a first-world problem. But for the life of me I can’t remember what my private butler said about how to turn on the underwater lights so I can see through the window on my bedroom floor.
The headaches! The difficulty of being the first guest in this entrancing villa! I think I need a soak in my private infinity pool or a rest on the overwater hammock to calm down.
Suddenly, a breakthrough. I push a small button labeled “ripples” on the wall. And although it is night, I now see the clear Caribbean sea beneath my feet and tiny fish swimming by.
Overwater awe
For decades, tourists have flown all the way to the South Pacific to find them: small thatched-roof bungalows on stilts strung out like a pearl necklace through quiet, shimmering turquoise lagoons and atolls, creating romance just by their existence.
Meanwhile, it has been nearly impossible to build similar bungalows in the Caribbean. Why? Tides, hurricanes, rough water and environmental regulations are impediments. You need a quiet location to make it work. Which is why the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is the perfect test case.
It has a natural breakwater some way out from shore, so the water near the resort is a big lagoon. The brilliant aqua water is only 2 to 5 feet deep under the bungalows here. Tides still pull and push, but they are not strong.
Also going up are 12 smaller overwater bungalows that will open in February.
Luxury night
If you go
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Butler Service At Overwater Bungalows In Jamaica
Your butler can even bring you room service from ANY restaurant on property, something that isnt an option for non-butler rooms which is pretty awesome! So if you want to try something new without ever leaving your room, it is entirely possible!
One of the best things about the overwater bungalows in Jamaica is probably the premier butler service. Your personal butler is available via a smartphone you get at check-in 24/7.
Upon your arrival to Sandals, your personal butler will greet you with lemongrass scented towels, a fresh drink, and show you to your suite and make sure your luggage gets delivered.
Your butler can even unpack your suitcase and fold your clothes if you so desire!
While you stay at the resort, you can ask your butler to help you with pretty much anything. You can coordinate restaurant reservations, make tour bookings, and schedule spa treatments for you.
If you are by the pool or at the beach and you get hungry or need a drink, your butler will happily bring you something.
Your butler can even bring you food from any of the restaurants, which is something that non-butler rooms cannot do! So if you are hungry but dont want to leave the room, call your butler up and they can get you set up.
When youre ready to leave, your private butler will arrange transportation back to the airport, make sure your luggage is being taken care of, and help you check out of the resort. The butler service aims to make your stay as smooth and relaxing as possible.
Aquatic Immersion Inside And Out
The villa bathrooms are nearly as large as the bedrooms, designed for comfort as well as convenience. Couples — and the 227-room Royal Caribbean is a couples-only resort — will delight in a soothing bath drawn nightly by their butler in a deep soaking tub, while separate his-and-hers vanities make it easy to freshen up in the morning or get ready for a night out on the town. Molton Brown bath amenities add a touch of luxury to a rainfall shower in a spacious tiled stall, which connects directly to the dual shower space outside.
A separate water closet has a toilet and bidet, and the walk-in closet has more than enough space for all of your clothing and shoes: your butler will even unpack for you, and press your wrinkly clothes upon arrival.
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What To Pack For Jamaica
Packing for paradise will be a cinch with our top recommendations below!
Whether you are planning to stay at one of the best overwater bungalows in Jamaica or an amenity-filled land-based resort, these suggestions should make your job a lot easier.
Sun Protection
Lets get the obvious out of the way first SPF 30+ sunscreen is a must for any day spent in the sun, but ESPECIALLY in the tropical Caribbean sun. Down here, the suns no joke!
Please remember to use reef-friendly, biodegradable sunscreen to help protect Jamaicas fragile marine ecosystem.
If we plan on being out in the water for a while, well usually wear a UPF-rated rash guard to make things easy. For land-based excursions, we always pack a wide-brimmed travel hat.
Underwater Gear
The best all-inclusives and overwater bungalows in Jamaica will often provide snorkeling gear for no additional cost .
However, if youre keen on having the very best underwater experience , we recommend bringing your own proven mask, snorkel, and even fins.
We love the Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask . These are the travel fins we pack.
Camera Gear
And of course, youre going to want to make sure to capture the trip of a lifetime with a camera thats up to the task.
If you want the absolute best of all worlds , youll love the Sony Alpha a7iii.
For all things underwater , pack a GoPro or the DJI Osmo Action camera.
Carry-On Luggage
Other Essentials
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge Panama
Some might say the nine cabanas at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge are a little too rustic for the high rate , but its hard to put a price tag on this level of privacy. Youre out therea 30-minute from boat ride from the nearest town, Almirante, in Bocas del Toroand once you arrive, everything is taken care of, from free snorkel and kayak gear for exploring the shallow Caribbean waters to breakfast and three-course dinners and on-shore excursions, helpfully arranged by the staff.
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