For decades, overwater bungalows were the exclusive specialty of the South Pacific.
Not anymore.
More and more overwater resorts are starting to pop around the Caribbean, from the islands of Panama to the heart of the Dutch Caribbean.
And while the early Caribbean overwater pioneers were often relegated to remote locales, the newest, hottest overwater resorts in the Caribbean are set in far more accessible destinations, ranging from the shores of Aruba to the first-ever overwater accommodations in the British Virgin Islands.
Even better? You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to visit them.
Here are the five best new overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean right now.
Aruba Ocean Villas Yes, there are overwater bungalows in Aruba. The stunning Aruba Ocean Villas resort is a collection of beach bungalows and overwater villas with splendid amenities, from standalone cabanas to, in one villa, a private pool. It’s quietly become the most sought-after, exclusive retreat in Aruba.
Nayara Bocas del Toro The Nayara brand is best known for its wellness-focused hotels in Costa Rica. Now, Nayara has expanded its portfolio to the Bocas del Toro archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama, with an Andres Brenes design anchored by a collection of overwater villas, all with private pools and furnishings in the Balinese style. But that’s not all. The hotel also has the Caribbean’s first “overwater beach,” an elevated pool and sand platform that’s as unique an amenity as you’ll find in the region.
Royalton Antigua This new Antigua all-inclusive has the only overwater bungalows in Antigua, with the “Chairman’s Overwater Bungalow” rooms all with swim-out infinity plunge pools, overwater hammocks and glass floors to check out what’s going on in the sea beneath your room. They even include touches like one-hour sunset mixologist service on your terrace, personal yoga and fitness instruction and free snorkeling equipment.
Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda The reborn Bitter End Yacht Club is back and better than ever — and the legendary resort has added to its maritime chops with another unique offering: the BVI’s first-ever overwater rooms. They’re called Marina Lofts: two-story, sustainably-built overwater rooms with two private terraces, private docks and water’s edge day beds (and more are coming, too).
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya The newest overwater option in the Mexican Caribbean is at the luxe Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort, where a $50 million renovation and expansion project included the addition of seven new “overwater villas” set right on the lagoon. Each of the nearly 2,400-square-foot rooms has its own heated plunge pool on the second story.