Luxury Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean for 2026

Rosewood Mayakoba sits within one of the most refined stretches of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Alongside Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Palafitos El Dorado, it forms part of an exclusive trio of luxury resorts near Cancun that offer overwater bungalows. This resort’s overwater bungalows are part of a wider collection of 129 suites and villas. Ranging in size from around 780 to 1,500 square feet, they are contemporary and understated, with clean architectural lines and natural materials. We particularly like the sense… > Read More

Sandals South Coast is one of three resorts in Jamaica offering overwater bungalows, alongside Sandals Caribbean Cay and Princess Senses The Mangrove. Set within a vast 500-acre nature reserve on Jamaica’s quieter southwestern coast near Whitehouse, it feels more secluded, romantic and in touch with nature than the other two. The overwater bungalows here are arranged in a calm, dedicated section of the resort, slightly set back from the main village-style accommodation clusters. Each spans around 1,100 square feet and… > Read More

Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s overwater bungalows take a more contemporary approach, blending sleek architecture with the mangroves, lagoons and tropical vegetation that surround. Spread across two levels and measuring an impressive 2,400 square feet, they are among the largest overwater accommodations in the Caribbean. It’s sleek, modern luxury here with natural woods, organic textures and abundant greenery to soften the lines. Private terraces with heated plunge pools overlook the lagoon, and spacious bathrooms feature luxury spa tubs. The wider resort of… > Read More

El Dorado Maroma is credited with introducing the first overwater bungalows in Mexico, and even now we think it still has the best ones in the country. The Palafitos overwater bungalows are divided into Standard and Elite categories, the difference between them mainly about positioning. Both include the expected hallmarks of the format: glass floor panels, outdoor showers, private infinity plunge pools, direct access to the sea and private butler service. We think the Elite units are the more compelling… > Read More

Sandals St. Vincent is the Caribbean resort chain’s newest resort, opened in March ’24, with among its broad accommodation choices St Vincent & The Grenadines’ very first Sandals overwater bungalows They are also among the very newest overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, and seem to offer good value compared to some of the more established alternatives. They come as two-story units with outdoor decks with access to the water below, overwater hammocks, a semi-open air upper floor for lounging and… > Read More

Back in 2016, Sandals Caribbean Cay was the first to introduce modern luxury overwater bungalows to the Caribbean. They effectively set the template that later expanded to other Sandals resorts in Jamaica and St Lucia, but to our mind their Deluxe Category Bungalows, with private infinity pools, are still the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. All bungalows though are sleek luxury, with glass floor panels, outdoor soaking tubs and showers, spacious sun decks and direct access to the sea,… > Read More

Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s classic Caribbean overwater bungalows were first introduced to St Lucia back in 2017. They still remain the only overwater bungalows on the island, and with just nine in total, be prepared to book ahead. Set over the calm waters of Rodney Bay on the Pigeon Island peninsula, the overwater bungalows follow the familiar Sandals formula of adults-only, all-inclusive luxury. Each bungalow includes glass floor panels, outdoor soaking tubs, overwater hammocks, private sun decks and direct sea… > Read More

Among the newest overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, those of Princess Senses The Mangrove sit offshore by Green Island, between Montego Bay and Negril. The design follows the familiar, romantic, semi-Polynesian approach, with timber-clad exteriors and thatch roofs. They also have direct sea access and uninterrupted ocean views, and they sensibly devote plenty of space to outdoor living, with spacious wrap-around terraces and private infinity pools. We especially liked that the overwater bungalow section is relatively peaceful and low key,… > Read More