5 Caribbean resorts with stunning overwater bungalows

The Maldives and French Polynesia might be the first destinations that come to mind when you picture luxe overwater bungalows, but you don’t need to travel far to sleep above the waves. At the below Caribbean resorts, you can stay in your own luxury villa suspended over a tranquil lagoon or turquoise sea without enduring a long-haul flight.

Located on its own peninsula, surrounded by the calmest waters in all of St. Lucia, the all-inclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers one of the more idyllic overwater bungalow experiences. The resort’s Over-the-Water Butler Honeymoon Bungalows come with all the amenities the brand is known for, including dedicated butlers, outdoor decks with ample lounging options, signature alfresco soaking tubs, in-room bars, and VIP guest arrival service. Plus, there are glass floor panels so you can peer into the water without stepping outside. (Two of the brand’s Jamaican resorts also feature similar overwater villas, if you’re looking for a multi-stop, all-inclusive experience.)

At the far end of El Dorado Maroma resort, stretching out into the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya, you’ll find Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, a collection of luxury villas that wouldn’t feel out of place in the Maldives. Each one has a glass floor, infinity plunge pool, outdoor shower, and direct ladder access to the ocean. On top of all that, a personal butler and 24-hour room service ensure guests want for nothing during their stay.

At Aruba’s only overwater boutique resort, guests check into one of 13 villas, where fresh ocean breezes and sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea transport them to paradise. No two bungalows at Aruba Ocean Villas are the same. Pick from options with open-air bedrooms, private plunge pools, oceanside jacuzzis or bathtubs, spacious decks, and overwater hammocks big enough for two. With prices starting at $789 per night for a two-person overwater villa, this locally owned resort is one of the less expensive properties on our list.

For an adventurous stay in a deserted island setting, head to Thatch Caye in Belize. Located on a private island just off the southern coast, the resort hosts just 30 guests at a time in thatched-roof bungalows built on stilts over the water. Days here forgo Wi-Fi connectivity for diving, fishing, yoga, and making new friends (meals are served family style at communal tables), plus plenty of time spent relaxing in a hammock back in your bungalow.

The Royalton Antigua is a family-friendly resort, but its luxurious Chairman Overwater Bungalows are reserved exclusively for adults. These handsome wooden villas come complete with a private infinity pool, glass floor for watching marine life, overwater hammock, pillow menu, and butler service. Bungalow guests also get treated to complimentary cabana service once during their stay as well as daily breakfast, hors d’oeuvres every evening, and access to an exclusive beach area with lounger-side service.

These villas and suites might not be literally over the water, but they're as close as you can get, with porches that cantilever over the ocean and private docks for easy water access. Luxe and waterfront, they're still worth considering if you're looking for an overwater-style accomadation.

The former home of James Bond author Ian Fleming, GoldenEye was a favorite retreat for famous writers and musicians before it opened as a boutique hotel in 2010. Now, its collection of beautifully decorated villas, cottages, and beach huts—many of which have direct access to the beach or lagoon—provides a one-of-a-kind stay in Jamaica. For an overwater-style experience, book one of the Lagoon Cottages, which come with private docks, kayaks, and direct access to the lagoon. Go for a paddle at sunset as a precursor to cocktails at Shabeen, GoldenEye’s poolside bar with a rooftop lounge.

Tucked away in a gated community that’s connected by a series of canals, Banyan Tree Mayakoba brings Asian-inspired tranquility to Riviera Maya. While the beach here is as pretty as they come, we recommend forgoing an oceanfront room in favor of a Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villa—a two-story bungalow set directly on the peaceful lagoon, with a rooftop that offers views of mangrove forests and blazing sunsets.