8 Bucket List Caribbean Overwater Bungalows for 2023

Looking for paradise? Look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate list of Caribbean overwater bungalows you’ve been waiting for ⏤ featuring the very best of the best, from 5-star luxury all-inclusive adults-only bucket list stays, to amazing family-friendly stays featuring incredible amenities.

Lori and I are excited to bring you these true slices of paradise, many even close to U.S. shores. Whether you’re planning an absolutely unforgettable wedding, truly memorable honeymoon, or the perfect island escape, you’ll find it here below.

What makes Caribbean overwater bungalows so special?
For beginners, there just aren’t many of them!

By some accounts, there may be as few as 30 hotels and resorts offering private overwater bungalows across the entire Caribbean. Compare that to 50 in Bora Bora alone!

Of those, a very few offer the level of amenities and services travelers might expect to find in popular over-the-water destinations like the Maldives or French Polynesia.

In our list, we endeavor to bring you the cream of the crop. Rest assured that each and every place on the list below has consistently received exceptional reviews and are worthy of the most special of occasions.

So pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and prepare to be wowed by some of the Caribbean’s best stays.

BUT BE FOREWARNED! Once you arrive, you may never want to leave!

8 BEST Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
» Sneak Peek «

In a hurry? Here’s a quick peek at our list!

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort – Montego Bay, JAMAICA
Amanyara – Providenciales, TURKS & CAICOS
Royalton Antigua Resort – Five Islands Village, ANTIGUA
Sandals Grande St. Lucian – Gros-Islet, ST. LUCIA
Palafitos El Dorado Maroma – Playa del Carmen, MEXICO
Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Playa del Carmen, MEXICO
Aruba Ocean Villas – Savaneta, ARUBA
Thatch Caye Muy’Ono – Stann Creek, BELIZE
PLUS Bonus Bungalows (see below)!

So many amazing overwater bungalows in the Caribbean to choose from! Read on for the whole scoop and start packing for paradise!

8 BEST Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
» Full Guide «

Finding an unforgettable overwater bungalow stay in the Caribbean will be a breeze with this list of the very best options available RIGHT NOW (in no particular order).

Whether you are looking to stay closer to the mainland or want to venture to the outer reaches of the Lesser Antilles, you’ll find it all below.

Best overwater bungalows Caribbean Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort Montego Bay Jamaica — Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort | Jamaica

Located in stunning Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort sets the standard for overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.

Featuring swim-up villas and bungalows built over a crystal lagoon, this all-inclusive, adults only luxury stay is the only resort in Jamaica located on a private offshore island.

While away the hours on your own private floating living room, lounge in your personal infinity pool (villas only), or take a dip in the crystal clear Caribbean waters. And of course, you can always hop a private water taxi to the main resort any time you want.

A true bucket list stay if there ever was one, Sandals Royal Caribbean is the ideal destination for the ultimate honeymoon or beach getaway.

HOT TIP #1 ▸ As you might expect with the premier overwater bungalow resort in the Caribbean, they book up quick, so you’ll want to reserve your stay several months in advance.

HOT TIP #2 ▸ Planning your honeymoon? If you’re thinking of booking a Sandals resort make sure you take advantage of their FREE Honeymoon Package.

BONUS! Explore More Amazing Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica:
Sandals South Coast

Amanyara Providenciales Turks Caicos overwater beach bungalows Caribbean — Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

Amanyara | Turks & Caicos

Now it’s time to head up through the Windward Passage to incomparable Amanyara on the island of Providenciales in stunning Turks & Caicos.

Contemporary and stylish overwater villas? Check. Renowned spa? Check. Private white sands beach? Check. Bordering one of the world’s most beautiful snorkeling and reef diving marine parks? Check!

Hands down, Amanyara offers some of the very best Caribbean overwater bungalows for nature lovers, beach lovers, marine life lovers, and lovers of the ultimate beach getaway.

HOT TIP

Amanyara offers two types of accommodation: stand-alone Pavilions and sprawling multi-unit Villas.

The Pavilions are exceptional stays in their own right (many with spectacular sea views and perfect for couples).

However, if you’re looking for an over-the-water stay at Amanyara, you’ll want to book one of their exclusive Amanyara Villas, each offering 3-5 rooms (i.e. Pavilions), 1.5 acres of private gardens and outdoor living space, and your own private chef and villa servicing host.

Royalton Antigua resort spa beach huts — Chairman’s Overwater Bungalows, Royalton Antigua

Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa | Antigua

Another stunner! Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa offers all the luxurious amenities you’d hope for in the Caribbean overwater stay of your dreams.

The sumptuously appointed Chairman’s Overwater Bungalows offer private infinity pool, sun deck, and idyllic Caribbean views. You’ll never want to leave this all-inclusive 5-star resort!

Royalton is made for weddings, honeymoons, and even families, with a kids’ club at the main resort.

A truly memorable overwater stay in the heart of the Caribbean.

overwater bungalows Caribbean St. Lucia — Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Grande St. Lucian | St. Lucia

St. Lucia is widely considered one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world.

And there may be no better place to soak up the loving vibe than from your very own spectacular Over the Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow at Sandals Grande St. Lucian!

That’s right, “Butler Elite” service comes standard with every bungalow, along with relaxing seaside soaking tubs, breathtaking views, and of course Sandals’ legendary all-inclusive package amenities.

Truly the epic island escape of a lifetime!

HOT TIP #1 ▸ Yep, these book up FAST. Book early, or reserve a stay in any one of the resort’s other luxurious land-based suites.

HOT TIP #2 ▸ Hey honeymooners! Don’t forget to take advantage of Sandals’ FREE Honeymoon Package when you book online.

Palafitos El Dorado Maroma Caribbean overwater bungalows — Photo credit: Karisma Hotels and Resorts

Palafitos El Dorado Maroma | Mexico

Palafitos El Dorado Maroma is an exceptional all-inclusive, adults-only resort in the Caribbean offering luxury overwater bungalows a quick hop from the continental U.S.

Extending out over the crystalline waters of Playa Maroma, a short drive north of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this luxury 5-star resort offers infinity pools and breathtaking sea views from every one of their luxurious Palafitos.

Gourmet food and exclusive private beach top off this bucket list beach experience.

HOT TIP ▸ El Dorado Maroma’s Palafitos are some of the most popular Caribbean overwater bungalows on this list! Be sure to book several months out to avoid disappointment. If you’re looking for the highest level of luxury and privacy, be sure to book one of their Elite Palafitos (if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation!).

Banyan Tree Makaykoba Playa del Carmen Mexico Beach huts — Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas, Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Mexico

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience that you simply can’t have anywhere else on Earth, check out Banyan Tree Mayakoba, an unforgettable stay near Playa del Carmen.

Nestled among scenic mangroves, Banyan Tree’s Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas offer the feeling of getting away from it all, with a prime location in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Enjoy all of the incredible amenities this 5-star resort has to offer, including private pool and garden terrace in every villa, world-class cuisine and full-service spa, and excellent 18-hole golf course.

BONUS! Explore More Amazing Overwater Bungalows in Mexico:
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

Aruba Ocean Villas best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean — Aruba Ocean Villas

Aruba Ocean Villas | Aruba

Simply saying “Aruba,” conjures up the epitome of the Caribbean luxury destination. Aruba Ocean Villas takes that feeling to the next level, with absolutely stunning luxury villas built over turquoise waters – the only overwater beach villas in the whole country!

Surround yourself with lush jungle and crystal clear Caribbean waters, while whiling away the hours soaking in your private pool, swinging to the rhythm of nature in your hammock, or doing absolutely nothing.

Ready for a real vacation? Aruba awaits!

best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean — Thatch Caye, a Muy’Ono Resort

Thatch Caye Muy’Ono Resort | Belize

Do you dream of escaping to your own jungly island paradise in the Caribbean (without sacrificing the amenities of a vacation getaway)? Thatch Caye Resort by Muy’Ono is your dream come true!

Offering well-appointed thatch-roof overwater bungalows with sun decks it’s easy to lose yourself in this offshore paradise in Belize.

Rest assured that lush vegetation, white sands, and crystalline waters will be all you see during lazy and sun-filled days. That is, until you’re ready to take advantage of the resort’s many amenities.

HOT TIP ▸ Given its proximity to the U.S., Thatch Caye is a popular resort destination and the overwater bungalows in particular can book up fast. Make sure you book well in advance!

BONUS! Explore More Amazing Overwater Bungalows in Belize:
Cayo Espanto

Did We Miss Any of Your Favorite Caribbean Overwater Bungalows? Tell Us in the Comments!

We always enjoy writing helpful articles focused on exceptional stays in one-of-a-kind destinations, but this one was one of our favorites!

Having gotten engaged on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques and living on the shores of Belize for 12 months, the Caribbean will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We’re thrilled to be able to share this very special corner of the globe with visitors from around the world, while helping others realize their own travel bucket list dreams.