If you’ve seen those exotic thatched-roof overwater bungalows in the South Pacific or Maldives and thought they were out of reach, take heart. You can have the same experience without the long flight, in a Sandals overwater bungalow.
Sandals introduced these to the Caribbean at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica, and they have become so popular—especially for honeymoons—that they sell out way in advance. Here is all you need to know about where you can find Sandals overwater bungalows and what they’re like.
Which Sandals have overwater bungalows?
You can find overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica; Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia; and Sandals Saint Vincent in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
While they are all pretty similar—except for St. Vincent where they have two stories—let’s take a closer look at what each one offers.
Sandals Royal Caribbean, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean are located on the resort’s private island for a luxuriously “away-from-it-all” feel. They come with private water taxi service to take you back and forth to the main resort. The island also has beaches, a pool with swim-up bar, and two restaurants.
There are two types of overwater bungalow here—with a pool and without—both perched over the Caribbean for stunning views.
The Overwater Private Island Butler Villa with Infinity Pool features a large sundeck with a private infinity pool, outdoor shower, comfy seating, and overwater hammocks. Inside the spacious villa you’ll find a seating area, a plush king bed, hardwood floors with a glass panel insert so you can see into the water below, a full bar, and an elegant bathroom with dual vanities, a walk-in rain shower, and an oversized soaking tub with a view.
Prices for this Sandals overwater bungalow vary throughout the year but currently start at $2421 per person per night.
The Overwater Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow features a sun deck with an outdoor soaking tub, overwater hammocks, loungers, bistro set, and outdoor shower. The interior contains a plush king bed, full bar, and ensuite bathroom with his-and-hers sinks and a walk-in rain shower.
Prices for this Sandals overwater bungalow vary throughout the year but currently start at $1757 per person per night.
Tip: for the best views book a villa with pool or bungalows 6-12.
Sandals South Coast, Whitehouse, Jamaica
The Blue Mahoe Overwater Butler Villas at Sandals South Coast were recently renovated for a fresh new look. They are set around a heart-shaped walkway, perched over the Caribbean at this secluded resort which is surrounded by a nature preserve.
They are off to one side of the resort for privacy and feature a large sundeck with an outdoor soaking tub, overwater hammocks, loungers, bistro set, and outdoor shower, as well as steps into the water.
The interior has hardwood floors with a glass insert so you can see marine life below; vaulted ceilings; a plush king bed; a wet bar; and a spa-like bathroom with walk-in rain shower and his-and-hers sinks.
Tip: for the best views, book bungalows 3 through 7.
Prices for this Sandals overwater bungalow vary throughout the year but currently start at $1542 per person per night.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
Located on one side of the resort above the calm and clear waters of Rodney Bay are the 9 Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. These have extended sun decks with outdoor soaking tubs for two, overwater hammocks, loungers, bistro sets, outdoor showers, and a ladder into the sparkling water.
Inside you’ll find a custom king bed, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors with a glass insert for seeing into the water below, a full bar, and an ensuite bath with his-and-hers sinks and a walk-in rain shower.
Prices for this Sandals overwater bungalow vary throughout the year but currently start at $1482 per person per night.
Sandals Saint Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
The newest Sandals resort, Sandals Saint Vincent is the first to feature two-story overwater bungalows. They are perched off to one side of the resort, over the Caribbean with lush rainforest behind them, and there are just a few of them.
The Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villa has more than 1200 square feet on two levels, including two outdoor spaces. On the first floor is a large deck with loungers, a bistro set, and stairs leading to the water The first floor interior features the bedroom, with a plush king bed, sitting area, glass insert in the floor, and large bathroom with double sinks and a walk-in rain shower with two showerheads.
The second floor is open-air and features a covered balcony with a day bed, soaking tub, and telescope for amazing views.
Prices for this Sandals overwater bungalow vary throughout the year but currently start at $1445 per person per night.
What’s included in a Sandals overwater bungalow?
Since these are butler level suites, you will get some extra perks in addition to all the usual inclusions at a Sandals resort, which are: all meals at all restaurants and all drinks including premium liquor, inroom minibar and coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, land sports including tennis, a state-of-the-art fitness center, daily and nightly entertainment, roundtrip airport transfers, Wifi, and all taxes and tips (except for your butlers, who should be tipped—we recommend at least $25 per day per butler).
The extras you’ll experience with a Sandals overwater bungalow are 24-hour inroom dining with a special menu, personal butler service, a personal greeting at the airport and expedited immigration at most locations, private airport transfer in a luxury car, a welcome gift, Molton Brown bathroom toiletries, and golf cart transportation around the resort.