19 Caribbean Overwater Bungalows For Your Bucket List
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Who says you need to fly all the way to the South Pacific to find villas over the water? You can get your fix of paradise much closer to home.
Our list of the 19 best Caribbean overwater bungalows will have you landing in bliss in the blink of an eye.
Some are extravagant villas with private pools! Others are more spartan huts on the water.
But no matter your level of luxury, the Caribbean has a great selection of them, from reasonably affordable to Birkin Bag splurge level.
(However, if you do love a faraway land and want to travel to the remotest of islands, we get you. We’ve done it. So, check out our hot lists of the top overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and in Fiji.)
Contents: Best Caribbean overwater bungalows
Mexican Caribbean – overwater bungalows
Turks and Caicos – overwater bungalows
St. Lucia – overwater bungalows
Overwater bungalows in Jamaica
Along with having some wonderful luxury vacation villas, Jamaica may be the best-known island in the Caribbean where you can find an overwater villa.
And when it comes to villas on the water, Sandals’ properties spring to mind – especially Sandals’ over-the-water bungalows. They’re synonymous with all-inclusive luxury!
1) Sandals Royal Caribbean (Montego Bay)
The villas on the water at Sandals Royal Caribbean were the first of their kind in the Caribbean.
These uber-luxe Balinese-style villas – which seem to float above Montego Bay’s shimmering waters – each feature a glass-sided private plunge pool alongside an outdoor soaking tub for two.
The earthy tones of the interiors are the perfect backdrop to the endless shades of blues stretching as far as your eyes can see.
They also come with a personal butler who will pamper you the way you should be on holiday.
When you stay at these Montego Bay overwater bungalows, you get two vacations for the price of one.
Relax in your over-the-water villa on the resort’s private island, then hop over to the main part of the resort to enjoy the beach, pools and restaurants there.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: All-inclusive adults-only luxury
- Price: $$$
Sandals Montego Bay: Check rates and availability
2) Sandals South Coast (Whitehouse)
If you’re looking for an uber-romantic overwater villa in Jamaica, Sandals South Coast fits the bill.
The resort is on a quiet stretch of beach in Jamaica, and the overwater villas are very private. Even the dock connecting them is shaped like a heart!
Your villa features a spacious swim-up patio with a soaking tub for two to take the romance up another notch. After your tub soak, lounge in the overwater hammock and let the cool breeze tickle your skin.
The interior has see-through glass floors, so you can look for Nemo and his friends from your king-size bed.
If you decide to leave your overwater bungalow (although you may feel no need to!), there are nine onsite restaurants to indulge at. Then, end your night with a glass of wine by one of the bonfires or fire pits.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: All-inclusive adults-only luxury
- Price: $$$
Sandals South Coast: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Panama
Most of Panama’s overwater bungalows are in the Bocas del Toro archipelago (off the country’s Caribbean coast).
This sleepy island chain attracts sun lovers who want to escape the crowds, and it’s home to mainly eco-friendly digs, powered by solar panels and lit by candles at night.
Now when it comes to overwater bungalows in Bocas del Toro, there aren’t a lot of super-luxurious choices…yet. But they’re coming! (See #6 below.).
Until then, there are still a few lodging options worth checking out. Find details in our guide to the best places to stay in Bocas del Toro (including places that aren’t overwater digs).
3) Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
Built over a brilliant aqua lagoon, our two-story cabin on the water had a loft with a king-size four-poster bed on the upper level.
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is a rustic, sustainable eco-lodge – think solar panels for electricity, and green bath products.
However, being green means no air conditioning. If you need that to survive, this place isn’t for you. It was hot and humid when we were there, so keep that in mind.
A wooden ladder takes you from your stilted hut into the calm water for snorkeling and kayaking directly off your front porch.
There are only nine huts, so it’s never crowded. We felt like the sea was our private playground.
It’s just one of the reasons we loved our stay at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Category: Affordable eco-friendly hideaway
- Price: $
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge: Check rates and availability
4) Bocas Bali (Nayara Bocas del Toro)
Imagine this.
You’re on a private island lounging on the pillow-soft sand, sipping a frozen drink from a coconut.
But you’re not on land. Instead, you’re on a concrete platform perfectly disguised as a beach. Steps lead you from the sand into the sea-foam green water.
Bocas Bali has the first elevated overwater beach in the world. Brilliant, right?
When you’re not into the overwater beach scene, head to the resort’s freshwater pool.
Or better yet, splurge and go for an overwater villa with a private saltwater infinity pool overlooking the sea.
These hand-carved, Balinese-style villas on the water are for adults only. And all 1,100 square feet of these impeccable villas are lusciously air-conditioned.
The all-inclusive overwater bungalows include pretty much everything but gratuities, tax and excursions.
Even premium wines and spirits, along with 24-hour room service, are included.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: Honeymoon-worthy escape
- Price: $$$
Nayara Bocas del Toro: Check rates and availability
5) Azul Paradise (Beach) Resort
Step inside the Azul Paradise Beach Resort, and you’ll see why they call it paradise.
The overwater thatched roof huts are just steps away from a white sand beach on the Panamanian island of Bastimentos.
At this beachfront resort, you can choose overwater bungalows or beachfront ones. (Or spend a few days at their other resort in Bocas Town.)
The glass floor panels in the water bungalows are the perfect place to watch the marine life without getting wet.
The beachfront resort runs on solar power, and while it has air conditioning, it’s limited to 8:00 pm to 8:00 am.
Azul Paradise is also downright inexpensive, compared to some of the 5-star overwater bungalow resorts on our list.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4 out of 5
- Category: Relaxing eco-retreat
- Price: $
Azul Paradise Beach Resort: Check rates and availability
6) Viceroy Bocas del Toro
In 2026, the Viceroy Bocas del Toro, from the Viceroy luxury resort brand, will open a beachfront resort of epic proportions.
Along with 100+ guestrooms, it will feature 42 overwater villas, the likes of which the archipelago has never seen.
We’ve stayed at Viceroy hotels before and read the pre-debut press information. We have no doubt these will be some of the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean!
In addition, the plan includes eight restaurants, pools, a spa and meditation rooms throughout its span of 457 acres.
You can go on guided eco-tours (bird watching, anyone?), bike rides and hiking excursions.
- Category: New pinnacle of luxury
- Price: $$$
Viceroy Bocas del Toro: Get a sneak peek!
Overwater bungalows in the Mexican Caribbean
Mexico’s Riviera Maya has long been a traveler’s hotspot, and for good reason.
With ultra-plush resorts and water the color of a turquoise necklace, you’d be hard-pressed not to find some of the best overwater bungalows in Mexico here.
It may be difficult to leave your resort when treated like a god or goddess.
But what kind of friends would we be if we wrote about this area and didn’t send you to a cenote? Or if we don’t share some of our other favorite activities in the Riviera Maya that keep us going back time after time?
So be sure to get out and explore, even if you’re tempted just to stay put.
7) Rosewood Mayakoba
Nestled between lush jungle mangroves and an emerald lagoon, the Rosewood Mayakoba isn’t just one of Mexico’s finest resorts with private pool suites. It moves the bar even higher with their stunning overwater lagoon suites.
Of the 129 rooms and suites, 18 are built over the water. They combine the best of both worlds – because they have private pools too! On the terrace is your heated plunge pool just next to your private boat dock.
These Caribbean overwater villas are the epitome of chic elegance.
A neutral palette with accents of dark wood allow the blues and greens of your lush surroundings to be the star of the show.
Or maybe it’s the pulse-slowing spa bathroom – featuring an outdoor shower and oversized bathtub with views of the jungle – that takes your breath away?
Naturally, the bed is a four-poster king-sized bed.
But no matter what, leave time for a guided tour of the secret cenote on the property grounds.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: True luxury
- Price: $$$
Rosewood Mayakoba: Check rates and availability
8) Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma
Palafitos is just 40 minutes south of the Cancun Airport in Maroma Beach. Their overwater accommodations also come with private pools. Read: You can get off the plane and bask in your infinity plunge pool with a bottle of bubbly or tequila shots by sunset.
Along with a private pool, your thatched roof villa has a glass floor, a jacuzzi bathtub for two and a ladder with direct ocean access so you can float like no one is watching.
Then wash off in their signature romantic outdoor shower.
This adults-only, all-inclusive haven includes round-trip airport transfers, onsite watersports, yoga and 24-hour room service.
With more than 30 overwater bungalows on stilts, Palafitos has one of the largest collections of Mexico’s overwater bungalows. There’s even a new two-bedroom Presidential Overwater Bungalow, which includes a fully equipped kitchen!
And unlike the Rosewood (#7) and Banyan Tree (#9), Palafitos’ overwater bungalows perch right over the Caribbean Sea.
What to do if you want to leave your hotel?
Visit Chichen Itza, one of the most impressive Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: Gorgeous resort
- Price: $$$
Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma: Check rates and availability
9) Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Indulge in the sensual surroundings at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, an Asian-inspired hideaway in the heart of the jungle.
Linked by waterway canals and embraced by raw untouched nature, these Riviera Maya overwater bungalows are your private escape from the world and precisely what you may seek while on vacation.
Spend your days in your 2-story private pool villa which seems to float over the lagoon.
There’s plenty of room to spread out – 2,385 square feet of indoor-outdoor space, to be exact. Take in the sunset from your heated rooftop pool or the nearby beach.
Of all the villas and suites at this 5-star resort, the overwater lagoon villas are the most private – you’ll really have to go out of your way to run into another guest.
And even though it may be difficult to leave your floating palace, make a little time to explore the Tulum Ruins, about 1½ hours away. Or to hit the nightlife in Playa del Carmen.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: World-class resort
- Price: $$$
Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Turks and Caicos
If you’re going to the Turks and Caicos, you might as well spoil yourself and stay in a Turks and Caicos overwater bungalow.
And there’s no better place than an Aman property.
10) Amanyara Resort
If it’s part of the Aman brand, you’re guaranteed the utmost in luxurious stays.
Even the name Amanyara sounds peace-inducing, right?
That’s quite fitting since it’s next to the 18,000-acre Northwest Point Marine National Park, with nothing but nature around you.
The Turks and Caicos water bungalows at Amanyara aren’t traditional overwater bungalows. (And calling them bungalows doesn’t quite conjure up the appropriate image.)
Rather, they hug reflecting ponds and are surrounded by water on up to three sides.
There are two types of accommodations.
The silvery-roofed one-bedroom pavilions are teak and glass, decorated in muted tones, with king-sized platform beds. With two terraces and retractable windows on three sides, you get views of the ocean, pools or reflecting ponds.
They’re tailor-made for romance – indeed Amanyara was crowned the Caribbean’s “Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort” in the 2024 World Travel Awards.
Alternatively, the 3- to 6-bedroom villas (up to 12,000 square feet in size) sit on 1½ acres of land each and have personal chefs to prepare anything your palate desires and massage rooms.
You can’t go wrong with either.
To get around the sprawling resort – to the movie theater, spa, gym, tennis courts or restaurants – hop on one of the complimentary bicycles that come with each pavilion.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: Amazing Zen escape
- Price: $$$
Amanyara: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Aruba
Believe it or not, Aruba has only one hotel with true over-the-water villas. But it made this list!
11) Aruba Ocean Villas
For romantic overwater bungalows, this adults-only resort, tucked away on a private beach, should tickle your fancy.
Aruba Ocean Villas is peaceful, quiet and rustic. And that’s what makes this place charming.
But you’ll find chandeliers, hot tubs, private plunge pools and sun loungers on your private sun deck too.
In fact, no one would blame you for not leaving your villa.
But since you’re floating above the sultry Caribbean Sea, snorkeling and scuba diving the nearby coral reefs are a must. The snorkeling is excellent here.
When you feel like a raisin, head back to your floating hideaway and snooze in the hammock as the gentle breeze rocks you to dreamland.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: Funky rustic seclusion
- Price: $$
Aruba Ocean Villas: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Belize
A few Belize overwater bungalow resorts are sprinkled throughout the country, but why go anywhere but the best?
These four resorts have you covered, from rustic chic to private island opulence.
12) Cayo Espanto
Celebrating something super special? Looking for a place for a destination wedding? Why not rent your own private island in Belize?
Cayo Espanto is an exclusive Caribbean resort for up to 18 guests. But you don’t have to go all out and rent the whole joint to experience it.
Just rent Casa Ventanas.
The 1,100-square-foot, one-bedroom suite is on the end of a 150-foot private dock. No one will see you skinny dipping in the midday sparkling sea.
The island isn’t far from the Belizean Barrier Reef, so it’s a snorkeler’s delight. Dive right off your private patio into the endless Caribbean and search for colorful tropical fish.
Or, if you’re tired of looking at the uninterrupted shades of blue, head to the spa or award-winning restaurant for a change of scenery.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: Exclusive private island luxury
- Price:: $$$
Cayo Espanto: Check rates and availability
13) Thatch Caye Resort
Thatch Caye, a Muy’Ono Resort is another private island utopia about 25 minutes from the mainland of Belize.
Their eco-friendly, rustic-chic huts on the water exude the laid-back vibes the Caribbean islands are known for.
The standard ones are just offshore and adjacent to each other. They’re ideal for a group or family looking for a more communal getaway.
Then there are the premium bungalows. They’re separated by a walkway and are far more secluded. So if romance is what you’re after, choose the premium option.
The resort caters to only 30 people. You’ll get to meet some of them over the communal dinners.
Or you can opt for private candle-light dining on your deck.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: Low-key, private island relaxation
- Price: $$$
Thatch Caye Resort: Check rates and availability
14) Coco Plum Island Resort
This acclaimed adults-only, all-inclusive retreat, with 18 ocean-front cabanas, sets the bar high – Coco Plum Island Resort earned the #12 spot in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards for “Best of the Best All-Inclusive Hotels (World).”
One cabana perches on stilts over the water.
Painted as aquamarine as the surrounding sea, it has three bedrooms (two have king-size beds), three bathrooms, an interior of dark rich woods and a wraparound porch.
This air-conditioned overwater villa (which can be booked for two to six lucky guests) also has all the top-of-the-line amenities you’d want in a home – like a full kitchen.
Sway on the oversized hammock over the sea as your toes tickle the waves. Or chill on the satiny soft white sand beaches with a book and some bubbly.
You can be as active as you want with snorkeling packages or scuba diving tours. It’s all included in this laidback private-island luxury resort, so indulge.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5 out of 5
- Category: Secluded tropical luxury
- Price: $
Coco Plum Island Resort: Check rates and availability
15) St. George’s Caye Resort
Just seven miles from Belize City, you’ll be picked up and whisked away by private transport the minute you land.
St. George’s Caye Resort has six Overwater Cabanas in a U-shape with a decidedly casual feel.
Because of the U-shape, they’re pretty close to each other. If you want more seclusion, choose one of the Oceanfront Cabanas instead.
The scuba diving is a big draw at this resort.
These overwater bungalows in Belize aren’t the most luxurious on this list. But they’re more affordable than some of the others (even though they’re still expensive) – and a great pick if you love scuba diving!
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: Relaxed luxury (and top-notch diving)
- Price: $$$
St. George’s Caye Resort: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Antigua
Yes, there’s one resort in Antigua with over-the-water dwellings – and they’re quite lavish.
16) Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa
The Chairman Overwater Bungalows at the all-inclusive Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa are more like floating homes with thatched roofs than bungalows.
Inside, the bathrooms wow with marble countertops and a walk-in glass shower large enough for a family of four. (Not that these overwater water bungalows are a place for kids. While the resort is family-friendly, the overwater bungalows are strictly for adults.)
Imagine swimming in your private glass-front infinity pool perched over the sea of the same blue. Or lounging in your massive hammock just hovering over the water, while your personal butler delivers sparkling wine and aromatherapy options to match your mood.
The world is your silky oyster here. Definitely bask in its luxury!
- TripAdvisor rating: 4 out of 5
- Category: Traditional all-inclusive luxury
- Price: $$$
Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in St. Lucia
The following all-inclusive overwater bungalows in the Caribbean hover over the calmest water of St. Lucia – Rodney Bay.
This place is what dreams are made of.
17) Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Sandals Grande St. Lucian isn’t just one of the most luxurious all-inclusive Caribbean resorts with private pools – it also features stunning overwater accommodations.
These St. Lucia overwater bungalows are a true romantic honeymoon haven.
To start, you have postcard-worthy views of two iconic volcanic mountains (the Pitons) rising majestically out of the sea.
Then there are the in-room, lit-up glass floor panels. They serve as evening mood lighting – as well as a window to the colorful creatures swimming in the turquoise water below your cottage.
You can also take in the endless shades of blue from the two-person soaker tub on the deck or over-the-water hammock.
Should you feel the desire to leave your floating villa, there are 12 restaurants and six bars at this location.
However, you’ll have a fully stocked mini-bar – plus a butler to do all but drink those cocktails for you!
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Category: Beautiful beachfront luxury (all-inclusive)
- Price: $$$
Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in Honduras
Honduras is known for its spectacular underwater world.
So why not take advantage of it with a dive or snorkeling package on the best Hondura island for diving – Roatan!
18) Anthony’s Key Resort
Anthony’s Key Resort is a rustic much-loved spot in Sandy Bay, Roatan, just 20 minutes from the airport.
Known as a diving resort, it’s the place to stay if you want to learn to scuba dive.
It has 56 humble wooden guest cottages.
Some (Key Deluxe) are beachy air-conditioned cottages built over the water on a tiny islet, tucked into a rocky mangrove-lined shore. Each sports polished hardwood floors, an ensuite private bathroom and a hammock on its private ocean-facing balcony.
To get to your cottage from the main resort facilities, just hop on a small island taxi boat which putters back and forth.
There are no TVs in any of these Caribbean huts on the water – the surrounding unspoiled nature is entertainment enough.
When not diving, you can kayak or go stand-up paddleboarding from the teeny beach. Or just relax on your overwater bungalow’s deck or by the palm-lined freshwater pool beside the bar.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Price: $$
- Category: Comfortable (and a diver’s paradise)
Anthony’s Key Resort: Check rates and availability
Overwater bungalows in the Bahamas
If you’re wondering if the Bahamian islands have any overwater bungalows, the answer is “sort of.” But it’s a good-un!
19) Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort
The Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort doesn’t have traditional stilted bungalows over the water.
But we felt we should include it here in our list of the top overwater Caribbean bungalows for a few reasons.
It recently completed a $55 million renovation, so it’s gorgeous.
And it has elegant swim-up butler suites where you can roll out of your large master bedroom and into the infinity swimming pool (or walk just a few steps further right into the ocean).
So it gets pretty close to giving you that feeling of staying in an overwater bungalow. (Go for the ultimate love nest and get a swim-up butler suite with a romantic soaking tub on your private patio.)
Third, the Bahamas are so accessible if you live in the U.S. (especially the East Coast)!
And this hotel may be easier for you to get to than many of the other resorts here if you’re looking at a long weekend getaway.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4 out of 5
- Category: Lively all-inclusive luxury resort
- Price: $$$
Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort: Check rates and availability
Last words on overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean
Are you ready to hit paradise yet – and complete the fairytale by staying at one of these seductive overwater accommodations?
Just writing this got us dreaming and plotting our next trip!
Discover more of the Caribbean!
- Lovely Resorts in St. Martin and St. Maarten
- Explore St. Barts: The Caribbean’s Swankiest French island
- 17 Fun Things to Do in Colorful Old San Juan
Pin this guide on over-the-water Caribbean bungalows for later!
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