The Caribbean’s Newest Overwater Bungalows

Photo credit: Princess Senses the Mangrove

I will never forget the first time I stayed in an overwater bungalow.

The hotel was nothing luxurious, just a simple group of thatch-roofed buildings on a tiny island in Guna Yala, an indigenous territory on Panama’s Caribbean coast. But there was something so special about drifting off to sleep in a bed just a few feet above the gently lapping waves and waking up to the spectacular Caribbean sunrise; it remains one of my most cherished vacation memories. 

Today, hoteliers have upped the ante when it comes to comfort levels on the sea. And a slew of new, overwater bungalows are making it easier than ever for travelers to indulge while enjoying memorable Caribbean views. 

One of the newest options is opening in September at Royalton Chic Antigua, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. The adults-only property’s Overwater Suites — some of which are as large as 3,049 square feet — are designed with private terraces, plunge pools, hammocks and glass floors so that guests can easily admire the liquid beauty. Clients can choose from three different categories: Chairman, Presidential and Junior suites; all suites feature butler service and are part of the Diamond Club room category, which provides additional amenities including access to an exclusive club pool and beach area.

The new category at the Royalton Chic property complements existing Chairman Overwater Bungalows at nearby Royalton Antigua, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. The bungalows at this property also include Diamond Club amenities. 

Jamaica is also set to witness the debut of its newest over-the-water accommodations by press time, at the new Princess Senses The Mangrove. Located in the town of Green Island, west of Montego Bay, the adults-only, all-inclusive property has 14 overwater villas, each with a private outdoor shower and infinity pool.

In March, Sandals launched a fresh interpretation of the on-the-water concept to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with the opening of the Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villas at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

These two-story accommodations have a variety of enticing features, including daybeds suspended over the water, outdoor showers and tubs, second-floor decks and an in-room bar stocked with premium brands. In addition, guests staying in the villas receive a variety of special services, including free boat transfers from the airport, chef’s table dining experiences and butler service. 

While the two-story, overwater villa category is a new offering for Sandals, the hotelier already has experience with other types of overwater accommodations — namely, Over the Water Private Island Butler Villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Blue Mahoe Overwater Butler Villas at Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica; and Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia.

As I discovered during my first overwater experience, Central America’s Caribbean coast offers lots of opportunities for sleeping above the Caribbean Sea. In Belize, for example, the all-inclusive Thatch Caye, a Muy’Ono Resort, has eight overwater bungalows on a private island near the town of Dangriga. Premier Overwater Bungalows feature private decks and either a king-size bed or two twins, while Overwater Bungalows share a large deck (with privacy dividers) and can be booked together for groups.

In Panama, top choices include Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge, a boutique property in Bocas del Toro with bungalows that feature private terraces. 

Overwater Bungalows in the Pipeline

Travelers will find even more overwater bungalow options in 2025 with an emphasis on luxury.

The Bahamas, for example, is scheduled to witness the debut of two new luxury developments next year. Montage Cay, which is billed as the first private island development from Montage Hotels & Resorts, will feature overwater bungalows that overlook the Sea of Abaco. The 53-acre property will also have a 47-slip marina, restaurants, a spa, multiple swimming pools and a kids club. There will also be 47 Montage Residences built within enclaves on the island’s seven white-sand beaches.

Ready for occupancy in 2026 in the Bahamas is Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences, which will have 50 overwater bungalows as part of its hotel component, complementing the development’s residences on Rockwell Island. The 750-acre resort will also have 54 private waterfront residences and a beach club. 

In Belize, meanwhile, Four Seasons Private Residences, Caye Chapel, is set to open in late 2025. Described as the brand’s first private island development, the property will have 18 overwater bungalows set conveniently close to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, which makes it especially attractive for nature lovers.

Looking further ahead, Viceroy Bocas del Toro is scheduled to open in 2026 in Bocas del Toro, Panama, with 42 overwater villas.

This article originally appeared in TravelAge West.