Why We Like It: Veligandu Private Island, just twenty minutes by seaplane from Male Airport is, for us, probably the best value all-inclusive overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. Though it lacks the full 5 Star wow factor of Lily Beach Resort or Ozen Maadhoo, for what we are getting here we might expect the prices to be almost double what they are. As such it is extremely popular and sees return visitors year after year. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: You have two main room categories at Veligandu – Beach Villas and Water Villas, all of which are doubles with king-size beds though you can order extra beds/cots for children. These are in turn sub-divided into standard and jacuzzi villas. We think none of these accommodation choices will disappoint though the jacuzzi villas, even disregarding the added jacuzzi on the terrace, are more spacious and open, and definitely worth the extra fee. All villas have that nice, traditional Pacific thatched roof look but inside they are modern and sleek. Amenities include satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machines, air con, generous minibars, and, if not a terrace jacuzzi outside then a spa bath in the bathroom inside. We always find that bathrooms are always a good marker of hotel room quality and here they impress, with the added bonus of an outdoor rain shower. Note: Though they are welcome in the other accommodation options children are not allowed in the overwater villas, therefore Veligandu is placed in the adults-only category. Prices & Availability: Check out all the details at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Food & Drink: The main resort restaurant is Dhonveli – a large, lively place with a fantastic selection of Asian and international cuisine. The food is buffet style and there are various sections with different categories of food for guests to investigate as well as two live cooking stations. It is located right along the beach and has tables inside, on the large terrace outside, and with some tables directly on the sand. Dhonveli has a laid-back, boho chic atmosphere but if you want something a bit more formal you can try Madivaru, an elegant, intimate fine dining venue. Here it is mainly seafood, all of it a la carte and as far as we can gather consistently excellent. Dining at Madivaru is not covered by the all-inclusive package but a 20% discount is offered. Staff will be happy also to arrange romantic, private dining on the beach or in the comfort of your own villa. The main resort bar, Thundi Bar, is a lively and friendly beach bar that stays open 24 hours. It has a great outdoor terrace with views over Deep Dive: Read the Review…
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Guide Price (Minimum): Between $500 & $1000 per NightAddress: Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
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Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Buccament Bay
Buccament
St. Vincent
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSandals 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 dining, and glass floor panels downstairs. They are large too and have that space divided over two floors, giving more of a luxury villa feel. The resort in general too is fabulous, and is shaping up to be one of Sandals’s very best. It’s more laid back and peaceful than many a Sandals, and feels more exclusive, but you still have twelve restaurants and nine bars to choose from. And the food is top class. The bar seems to be set very high from the start at Sandals St. Vincent. Hopefully they can keep up that momentum. Check Prices & Availability: Check out all the details and book direct at the Sandal’s website here. Note: The overwater bungalows at Sandals St Vincent are currently only available to book via the Sandals’ official website. Location Category: Caribbean St Vincent Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Ozen Resort
Madhoo Island
South Male Atoll
MaldivesWhy We Like It: All-inclusive resorts, be they with overwater bungalows or not, can tend to fall short when it comes to real luxury but Ozen Maadhoo is the Maldives’ finest example of how to get it right. We think it’s a really fabulous place: the setting is stunning, as is the accommodation, there is a generous supply of top quality food and drink and, if staying more than 4 nights, complimentary activities to enjoy too – spa treatments, scuba diving, and a meal at the resort’s very special underwater restaurant, just to give you an idea. All that plus very high levels of service make Ozen All Inclusive, for us, excellent value compared to other similar resorts in the Maldives. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a choice between classic Maldives overwater bungalows and beach villas here, ranging in size from 85 m² to 285 m². They are all doubles, with king-size bed and a sofa bed in the lounge area if needed, with the exception of the large ‘Beach Pool Pavillion‘, which has two bedrooms – a master bedroom and one twin bedroom. The water villas are a classically romantic choice with direct access to the water and uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. They also all have, amongst other luxury features, glass floor panels in the living room and standalone ellipse-shaped bathtubs that open up to the outside via sliding doors. The standard villas will not disappoint but the ‘Water Villas with Private Pool‘ are the pick of the bunch, having 1205 sq ft/112 sq meters of space and a nice infinity-style plunge pool on the outside deck. The beachside villas may not have that but they all have a private pool as standard and across the accommodation choices the interior design and decor is crisp and smart with sleek furniture, bright fabrics, and tasteful art pieces. Modern luxury hotel facilities are standard too with AC, WiFi, flat-screen cable TV, Segafredo coffee machines, and free minibars that are generously restocked twice a day. We think you’ll find the service top quality at this resort and you will have room service, a private butler, and concierge services throughout your stay. Prices: Check out prices & availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Food & Drink: We find food can be an issue at all-inclusive resorts, in terms of quality anyway. But the Ozen deserves plaudits for it being consistently good. You have a choice of buffet and à la carte international food at The Palms Restaurant, a range of traditional South Asian at IndoCeylon, Chinese at The Peking, and sushi at Raw. We cannot fail to mention the M6m, the resort’s signature (adults Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Likuliku Lagoon
Malolo Island
Western Fiji
FijiWhy We Like It: The 5-star, adults-only Likuliku Lagoon is an eco-friendly island paradise off the coast of Western Fiji, and the first resort in the country to incorporate overwater bungalows. We love that conservation is a big part of the Likuliku story. The world’s last wild population (they were assumed to be extinct until 2010) of Fijian Crested Iguanas to be found in the resort’s on-land sanctuary. Educational, expert-guided forest walks can be arranged. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The aforementioned overwater bungalows, or bures as they are referred to in Fiji, sit at the edge of the fringing reef. They have luxury interiors but we like that the design is semi-traditional, and the materials are natural and local which gives them an earthy, authentic feel. All are equally sized – with 646 sq. feet/60 square meters of internal space and 334/31 of external. Inside you have one bedroom with a king-size bed and a lounging area that opens out to the furnished terrace and open ocean beyond. You have direct access to the water below via a small wooden deck and stairs and inside there are glass panels on the floor to observe the abundant sea life below. Their bathrooms too come with romantic free-standing bathtubs offering views over the lagoon. They are the most popular choice at the resort so we recommend booking well in advance. If they are though booked out you still have some fantastic on-land choices. Their 32 Beachfront Bures come with private courtyards with outdoor showers, and day bed pavilions and the Deluxe Beachfront Bures have private plunge pools. All are just steps away from the sand. Then there are the Garden Bures, which are broadly similar to the Beachfront Bures with the same day bed pavilions but set back from the beach a little with lawns in front and lush tropical vegetation behind. Prices: Check out all the details on the booking page here. Food & Drink: All-inclusive meal packages are available at Likuliku. Their Fijiana restaurant has a special reputation for fresh seafood which arrives daily from the fishing boats. Their open-air Masima Bar has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It does a nice line of cocktails and has regular parties with live music and local cultural performances. It serves as the resort’s main drinking venue but there is also another bar in the main resort’s main building by the Fijiana Restaurant. Facilities & Things to Do: We like that, more than most, sustainability and conservation are big parts of the resort’s philosophy. They are very proud of their coral reef sanctuary which is home to an incredible amount of marine life. Scuba diving trips leave the resort twice daily and individual Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Green Island
Green Island
Negril
JamaicaPrincess Senses The Mangrove Resort, opened in October ’24, to became the home of Jamaica’s, and the Caribbean’s, newest overwater bungalows. It is a top of the range all inclusive, 5 star, adults only complex designed to compete with the two, very impressive, Sandals overwater bungalow resorts in Jamaica. In classic, semi-Polynesian style, their overwater bungalows actually resemble quite a bit those of Sandals. The Sandals’ bungalows are immensely popular so why change a winning formula is what Princess Sense The Mangrove presumably thought. They are broadly similar in size but have more outside space and less inside. There is a front terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the open ocean and another terrace running along the side. You also have direct access to the water below and all the outside spaces are notably very well set up for extra privacy. The Overwater Villas: Private Infinity Pools & Platinum Perks The resort itself is a more exclusive, little sister resort to the neighboring Princess Grand Jamaica. Overall you have a huge amount of 5 star facilities to choose from. Fourteen restaurants for example, with food from across the world including Jamaican, Asian, Italian, Steakhouse, international buffet and fast food food-trucks. There is a total of fifteen bars and one nightclub, a large water park, a fitness, spa and wellness center, and live nightly entertainment. Spa treatments are not all inclusive but guests of the overwater bungalows receive a 15 % Discount on spa treatments and products plus one complimentary access per person per week to the hydrotherapy area. So it’s a busy resort overall but The Mangrove sub resort is seemingly designed for those wanting a slower, more relaxed, romantic, vacation. But especially in the overwater bungalow section, you can choose to have as quiet and relaxing time as you like. And with 5 star all inclusive room service you can choose to never even leave your bungalow if you so wish. Princess Senses All-Inclusive Rates Check out all the price details here at Expedia Location: The Pristine Shores of Green Island The resort is tucked away in the serene paradise of Green Island, Hanover, positioned perfectly between the bustling hubs of Montego Bay and Negril. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach the resort from Sangster International Airport, but the drive is worth it for the secluded, “new resort” feel of this stretch of coastline. Location Category: Caribbean Jamaica Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Over $3000 per NightAddress: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ummahat Islands
Red Sea
Saudi ArabiaWhy We Like It: Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in May 2024 as the third super-luxury resort to welcome guests to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea’s Ummahat Islands. Inspired by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, it is also the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the broader region, and one of only seven worldwide. It’s a special place, then and the location sure is special too; on its own private island in the same Ummahat Archipelago as the St. Regis Red Sea, the first resort in the area. The design, the work of British firm Foster + Partners, is incredibly impressive, particularly their enormous overwater bungalows, of course. It’s broadly minimalist, with clean lines, graceful curves, and sandy hues that blend beautifully into this unique desert and coastal environment. You have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world right at your doorstep here. Only very recently opened up to tourism, it is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. Tourism is a tricky business in such an environment, but Nujuma, along with the other Ummahat resorts, has made guarantees for its preservation. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: You have a choice of one and two-bedroom bungalows here, both overwater and on the beach. They are all broadly similar in style, spaciousness (and yup, they sure are big!), and features, but with a small premium being charged for ones that face the sunset. Connected to the shore by an elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas really feel far out to sea. You’ll spend most of your time on deck, we imagine, which has a large private pool, lounging furniture, and direct access to the fish teeming waters below. There, you have pretty much full privacy and panoramic views over the sea. And, with so little light pollution around, the sky at night is a very impressive show. Each villa, both overwater and onshore, has the services of a dedicated personal host. Najm and Najma Guides they call them, and they might be seen as a mix of a concierge, a guide and a butler. Their main job though, is to arrange experiences, such as educational nature tours with the resident naturalist and conservationist. Prices & Availability: Check prices and availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Food & Drink: You have four excellent restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton with dress codes and atmospheres ranging from laid-back casual to fine dining formal. Sita is the main venue, the place for the all-inclusive deal meals, and acts as both a French-style patisserie and a traditional clay oven type Levantine restaurant. It does a range of familiar international fare too; the choice is broad and the Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $500 & $1000 per NightAddress: Marriott Resort, Savusavu Road
Momi Bay
Nadi
FijiWhy We Like It: The Fiji Marriott, Momi Bay is an exclusive 5-star resort near Nadi, and the Momi WW2 Gun Site, with an idyllic lagoon and ocean setting. It also has an array of fantastic facilities, premium quality accommodation, including some top-of-the-range overwater bungalows that we found surprisingly good value. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Marriott has a mixture of rooms at the main hotel building, all of which come with either a balcony or a patio, plus a mixture of bures (traditional Fijian-style straw and wood huts) both on land and over water. They come in various sizes with the largest, at over 800 square feet/74 square meters, being their ‘Royal Lagoon’ overwater bungalow. All the accommodation choices are 5-star standard and have a modern, minimalist chic style. Facilities include cable TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, music systems, laptop safes, tea & coffee making facilities, and 24-hour room service. We find they have particularly nice bathrooms too with stand-alone bathtubs, rainfall showers, and luxury toiletries. Their hotel rooms may be some of the nicest in the country but for us a stay in one of their traditional Fijian, straw and wood bures is a whole different level of experience and worth the extra. This applies, even more so we think, to their plush overwater bungalows which have high vaulted ceilings, outdoor decks, and private access to the pristine waters below. The only negative we could see with the overwaters is that too much of the space is internal – a much larger outside deck would surely be preferable for most people. Note: The overwater bungalows are for over 18s only. Prices: Check out all the details at Booking.com here or at the resort’s own website (Marriott-Bonvoy) here. Note: All-inclusive packages are available. Food & Drink: All-inclusive meal packages are available at Marriott Momi Bay, with dining and drinking choices that include Lagoon House which has lovely views over the lagoon and offers mainly Italian cuisine – pizzas, pasta, salads, etc. It also has some wonderful fresh seafood dishes, international standards such as burgers & chips, etc., and a selection of Italian fine wines. The Fish Bar offers fine-dining evening dinners and more casual lunches. It also has lovely views over the lagoon and a range of interesting local seafood and grilled meat dishes as well as an extensive wine collection. Private dining with individually crafted five-course menus including French champagne can also be organized via the concierge. Fijian-Indian fusion cuisine is available at Goji Kitchen & Bar, including some lavish all-day buffets and nightly themed dinners while you can enjoy light bites and some premium cocktails at the resort’s main bar, the laid-back Lagoon Lounge, which has Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Anchorage Road
Dickenson Bay
Antigua
Antigua and BarbudaTotal: 12 overwater suites in three categories: Junior, Presidential, and Chairman. Junior Suites: 1,138 sq. ft., plunge pools, outdoor showers, glass floor panels. Presidential Suites: 1,912 sq. ft., larger layouts with upgraded features. Chairman Suite: 3,049 sq. ft., two bedrooms, two terraces, two plunge pools, hammocks, bar, and kitchenette. Extras: All bungalows include Royalton Diamond Club perks—VIP lounge, 24/7 butler, seamless check-in. Opened in May 2024, Royalton CHIC Antigua is the second resort in Antigua to host overwater bungalows, the other, also from the same company (Marriott), being the original Royalton Antigua in Five Islands. The Royalton CHIC is built on the site of Halycon Cove Hotel, Dickenson Bay, just a few miles the other side of St. John’s, and follows the Royalton model of luxury all inclusives. It offers 12, very picturesque, Caribbean overwater bungalows, or suites as they prefer to describe them as, in three different categories: Chairman, Presidential and Junior Suite. Their entry-level, Junior Suites, are one-beds, and pretty large at 1138 square feet and cover all the bases for a luxury overwater bungalows experience: outdoor deck with plunge pools, direct access to the Caribbean, nice looking bathrooms plus outdoor showers, and large lounge areas with glass panels in the floor. The Presidential Overwater Bungalows are also one bed, and have all the above amenities but over 1,912 square feet. Then there’s their very impressive looking Chairman Overwater Bungalow Two Bedroom Suite, a full 3,049 square feet, it comes with all the above plus two terraces, two plunge pools, and overwater hammocks, three bathrooms, a bar, dining area and kitchenette. All overwater bungalows offer automatic access to Marriott’s Royalton Diamond Club with extra services such as seamless check-in, VIP lounge and butler service 24/7. Prices & Availability: Check out all the details at Expedia here, at Booking.com here or at the resort’s own website (Marriott) here. Location Category: Caribbean Antigua Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $500 & $1000 per NightAddress: Lily Beach Resort
Huvahendhoo
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
MaldivesCategories: 5 Star Luxury Overwater Bungalows, All Inclusive Overwater Bungalows, Family Friendly Overwater Bungalows, Overwater Bungalows for Honeymoons, Overwater Resorts with Spa, Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floor, Overwater Bungalows with Private Pool, and Overwater Bungalows with Private ButlerWhy We Like It: Lily Beach Resort is a 5-star all-inclusive with overwater bungalows on a stunning private island in Ari Atoll, Maldives. Their all-inclusive plan offers a generous array of quality services, with a range of free water sports activities and excursions and lots and lots of premium food and drink. It is a well-known resort and consistently popular; people return here year after year, so we’d recommend you book well in advance. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a choice of water villas, beach villas, and lagoon villas at Lily Beach. The typically Maldives romantic overwater bungalows come in two categories: their ‘Deluxe Water Villas’ have 1356 ft² of space including a private outdoor deck with a jacuzzi plunge pool. Their ‘Sunset Water Villas’ are a step ahead with 1960 ft² to play with, a proportionally larger deck and a larger pool, as well as a 24-hour personal butler service. All the overwater choices have our favorite feature – a section of glass floor panels to gaze at the sea life below your feet. The Lagoon Villas are at the edge of the lagoon and cover just short of 1000 ft², are secluded and private, and come with an outdoor bath on the terrace. The Beach Villas have a nice location right on the beach with a private deck and about 730 ft² of space for the ‘standard’ villas and 1463 ft² for the two-bedroom ‘family’ villas, which are effectively two interconnected standard villas. The style is modernist and fairly minimalist we feel, with the emphasis being more on comfort than fancy decor. All the accommodation choices include luxury hotel standard facilities and features as standard: air-conditioning, WiFi, flat-screen TV & home theatre system, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar and safe, etc. The bathrooms are all suitably plush too and come with powerful rainfall showers and luxury spa bathtubs. Prices & Availability: Check out all the details at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Food & Drink: We have four restaurants and three bars to choose from here, and the quality of the food and drink is excellent. Many 5-star all-inclusives let themselves down a little when it comes to food and drink, both in quality and quantity offered, but not here. Choices include the main centerpiece restaurant; the buffet-style Lily Maa, which is partly open air, has sand floors, and two open cook stations. It offers a great variety of international food and has a selection of around 70 premium wines. The á la carte Tamarind Restaurant serves a fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisine while the Spirit Bar offers a range of premium, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, is open until 1 am, and Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Carretera Cancun Tulum, Km 55.3
Playa del Carmen
Cancun
MexicoEl Dorado Maroma, an adults-only, luxury resort near Cancun is home to the very first overwater bungalows in Mexico. We think it really is a tremendous resort, and sets the standard for other luxury resorts to follow. Its location sure helps though – Maroma Beach, Playa del Carmen – rated one of the Caribbean’s, and in fact, the world’s, best beaches. We think you’ll find accommodation wonderful across the board, not just the overwaters, and their gourmet food and drink are of the highest quality. The Overwater Bungalows: Elite vs. Standard, Which to Choose? The overwater bungalows come with all the features we would expect from such a pioneering resort – glass floor panels, hot tubs, private infinity pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the water below your feet. We have two basic types here – the standard Palafitos, with nightly rates starting at about 1300 USD, and the Elite Palafitos which starrt at around 1500 USD. They’re practically identical, except for one well…location, location, location. The Elite Bungalows face directly out to the open sea, offering better privacy and far superior views. The Standard Bungalows, by contrast, are located along the sides of the pier, closer to the shore or farther out, but facing the beach. As a result, they tend to offer less privacy and have partially obstructed views of the ocean. So, the overall experience can be quite different. If your budget can stretch that bit extra, we’d definitely recommend the Elite Bungalows. Check Availability With All-Inclusive Rates Check dates & prices at Expedia here or at Booking.com here. Overwater Fine Dining & Gourmet Tasting Corners El Dorado Maroma is an all-inclusive resort with a great emphasis on gourmet food and drink, and with much of the ingredients coming fresh from their own greenhouses. We have a very good choice of restaurants here, as well as small, informal ‘Gourmet Tasting Corners’ serving everything from Mexican and Caribbean to Oriental and Italian. The main restaurant is the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar which features two glass-floor dining rooms, spectacular views, and a wide selection of local and international dishes. The breakfast at El Dorado Maroma is a legendary spread and you can order some to be delivered to your room. The same goes for any meal actually, 24 hours, and picnic hampers, etc. can also be arranged for romantic days out which your private butler will be happy to arrange. Indulgent Spa Treatments & Endless Activities There are swim-up bars at the two communal swimming pools, a shisha bar, and other bars with live entertainment. The resort also has a gym/fitness center and a lovely overwater Spa, the Náay Spa, which uses treatments Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Under $500 per NightAddress: Lagen Island, Mimaropa
El Nido
Palawan
PhilippinesWhy We Like It: The El Nido eco-resort chain’s Lagen Island branch has a jaw-dropping setting, even by Philippine island standards – a picture-perfect cove surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush green forest. We think Lagen Island as a whole is spectacular and it is a known sanctuary for a huge variety of flora and fauna. If you’re any kind of nature lover we’d highly recommend the resort’s guided jungle hikes. It is a luxury resort (4-star), with a kind of barefoot chic vibe, and the accommodation, food, and service are of a very high standard. It has 51 rooms in total, a mix of what they refer to as Forest Suites, Beachfront Cottages, and their overwater bungalows which they refer to as Water Cottages. All are crafted from local wood, most of it recycled and, in common with pretty much all El Nido’s resorts, the accommodation, and the resort in general, feel authentic and seem to blend in nicely with the sublime natural surroundings, though mod-cons too are present. Water Villas & Other Accommodation: So there’s a total of 51 rooms, 18 of which are overwater bungalows or Water Cottages, 53 m²/570 ft² units that can sleep up to four. They have that nice traditional aesthetic from the outside, while inside they resemble more of a pleasant, modern hotel room. Modern hotel room conveniences include a minibar, WiFi, Satellite TV, Air-con, and an in-room safe. The bedrooms are connected via sliding floor-to-ceiling doors to furnished outdoor terraces. These overlook the bay and serve well as al fresco lounge areas. Other accommodations at El Nido are the Forest Rooms which include four large (70 m²/753 ft²) two-story, Forest Suites that sit just at the edge of the forest and feel secluded and romantic. Nine Beachfront Cottages complete the accommodation choices, they are identical to the Water Cottages but sit at the water’s edge as opposed to on the water and, like the overwater cottages, they have unobstructed views out to sea. Prices: Check out prices & availability at Booking.com here or at Agoda here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: Their Clubhouse restaurant has both an inside air-conditioned dining area and an outdoor dining terrace, and the food, a mixture of Filipino, other Asian, and international is consistently good. The accommodation is all-inclusive, or to be technically correct – breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Snacks, other meals, and drinks can be ordered for an extra fee throughout the day. There is a swimming pool at the resort, with nice views over the sea. Though Lagen Island is not a place for nightlife the adjacent pool bar has a friendly vibe and can be lively and fun. The resort also has Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Velassaru Resort
Velassaru
Kaafu
MaldivesThere’s certainly no shortage of Maldives overwater bungalow resorts out there, but not many see the same number of positive reviews as Velassaru. It is an enormously popular resort and many of its guests happily return year after year. We think the convenience helps in fairness – we love the fact that this island paradise is just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport. Its prices are a positive factor too – for a 5-star resort in the Maldives Velassaru offers very good value. It sees a mixture of guests: mostly couples on romantic sojourns but also families. A drawback may be that it can get pretty busy, by Maldives standards anyway. Some may call it lively or vibrant though, and much prefer it that way. It’s certainly not any kind of wild party resort though either and we find it’s easy to wander off around the island and quickly find yourself alone with the sea. You have three meal packages to choose from at Velassaru: Breakfast included, breakfast and dinner included, or breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Velassaru Maldives is a family-friendly resort but children are not allowed to stay in the water villas hence we have it placed in our adults-only water villas category. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: You have many choices here, both on land and overwater, and all offer smooth, modern interior design and understated luxury. The water villas are for adults only and come in three classes: 861 square feet/80 square meter ‘Water Bungalows’ with infinity plunge pools on the deck, 1205 square feet/112 square meter ‘Water Villas’ some with pools, some without, and then their premium 2906 square feet/270 square meters ‘Water Suites.’ Naturally the latter are the pick of the bunch. The space can almost seem excessive though for an intimate couples’ getaway. Unless cost is not a factor, a step below – the Water Villas with pool – will offer a reasonably similar experience for a more reasonable price. We think all the villas at Velassaru Maldives are really quite beautiful, and though it may feel needless with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean directly beneath you, having an infinity pool on the deck adds greatly to the aesthetic and is worth the extra, we feel. All modern luxury hotel conveniences you can imagine are included here, including 24-hour room service. The Water Suite clients also get a personal butler for the duration of their stay. On land we like their beach villas; they have a rustic tropical feel with high ceilings and thatched roofs. They have an infinity plunge pool outside overlooking the beach and a nice and spacious half-indoor/half-outdoor bathroom with a bathtub. Prices & Availability: Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Manadhoo
Noonu Atoll
MaldivesCategories: 5 Star Luxury Overwater Bungalows, All Inclusive Overwater Bungalows, Family Friendly Overwater Bungalows, Overwater Bungalows for Honeymoons, Overwater Resorts with Spa, Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floor, Overwater Bungalows with Private Pool, and Overwater Bungalows with Private ButlerWhy We Like It: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is an award-winning 5-star all-inclusive with overwater bungalows on a stunning private island in The Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. The resort has a great reputation for family vacations, winning the World Travel Awards’ category of Best Family Resort in the Indian Ocean for three years running from 2016 to 2019, while also being nominated multiple times for the world’s best family resort. We find it’s also a popular place for a romantic getaway too though – this being the Maldives adults/couples tend to dominate anyway. There are also dedicated adults-only zones and the resort is large enough to find plenty of space for rest, relaxation, and romance. It offers various options – b&b, half board, full board, and all-inclusive. For a multiple award-winning, 5-star resort in The Maldives, we find Sun Siyam Iru Fushi pleasantly very reasonably priced, with the all-inclusive being overall the best value package. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: It has a nice choice of accommodation on offer, villa style, around the beach or overwater. All of them fit a maximum of two adults and two children up to the age of 12. They are all as plush and comfortable as you might expect from a 5-star private island paradise with sleek interiors and a nice sense of open space both inside and out. Though some may deem the water villas too close to each other careful design means that even on their outside terrace they are still very private. The pick of their Maldives overwater bungalows are very much the ‘Infinity Water Villa with Separate Living Room’, all 1668 square feet/155 square meters of it. It, as the name suggests, features a separate lounge area and an infinity pool on the terrace. The others are smaller, though we couldn’t accuse any of them of being too small – your most basic choice will still be over 900 square feet/85 square meters. And though won’t have a private pool it will still have either a semi-open bathroom with a photo-worthy spa bath overlooking the sea, or a jacuzzi on the terrace. All their water villas also come with those classic glass floor panels so you can stare down at the sea life below from the comfort of your living room. Though they are a little on the small side it has to be said. Their Beach Villas are all larger than the water villas except for the aforementioned ‘Infinity Water Villa with Separate Living Room’, with a minimum size of 1378 square feet/128 square meters. They are tucked neatly away just back from the beach so do have privacy, all will also have a private open-air courtyard with a pool Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Sandals South Coast
Whitehouse
Westmoreland
JamaicaOne of now three resorts with overwater bungalows in Jamaica (the others being Sandals Royal Caribbean & Princess Senses The Mangrove), we can say that Sandals South Coast is our particular favorite among the three. It is a 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort that offers Epicurean indulgence in luxury overwater bungalows. The resort, in general, is large and we find the amount, and quality, of facilities and activities on offer very impressive. The food is a particular attraction – we have a full nine gourmet restaurants to choose from here with food that spans the globe. Plush Luxury Over the Water with Private Butler We have a wide range of luxury accommodations to choose from here – rooms, suites, and over-water bungalows/villas, all offering varying levels of space, luxury, and privacy. Their 1,100 square feet over water bungalows are suitably plush and luxurious and come with outdoor sun decks with soaking tubs and overwater hammocks. Inside we have glass floor panels, a plush lounge/bedroom area and particularly nice, spa-style bathrooms. Guests in the overwater section have personal butler service as standard, and an exclusive in-room dining and room service menu. Booking Your Stay: Direct Rates & Availability Check out all the details at the resort’s own website (Sandals) here, or at Expedia here Sandals South Coast Deals & Free Nights Offers In order to fill gaps in occupancy (if they have any) due to cancellations etc., we find Sandals sometimes offers discounts on last-minute stays, generally one free night on stays of 3 or 4 nights if booked up to a few weeks in advance. Check for any last minute deals here. Unlimited Gourmet Dining at 9 Specialty Restaurants Sandals South Coast is very large indeed with different European-themed sections such as French Village, Italian Village, Dutch Village, and Venetian Piazza. You’ll find a lot going on around the resort though the overwater bungalow section is slightly away from it all and so very peaceful. You have nine gourmet restaurants to choose from which serve consistently good European, Asian, and Caribbean cuisine, as well as eleven different bars with a range of musical, and other, entertainment, and a wide range of premium drinks. Shopping, Water Sports & Indulgent Red Lane Spa Treatments You can do some duty-free shopping at the collection of resort boutiques and luxury jewelers, browse art galleries, or play sports such as beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, table tennis, and shuffleboard. We have a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center here, and the tranquil oasis of the Red Lane Spa has, amongst other things, a beauty salon, a yoga-pilates studio, a steam room, plunge pools, and several secluded outdoor relaxation areas. The all-inclusive package includes Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Soneva Jani
Medhufaru
Noonu Atoll
MaldivesCategories: 5 Star Luxury Overwater Bungalows, All Inclusive Overwater Bungalows, Family Friendly Overwater Bungalows, Overwater Bungalows for Honeymoons, Overwater Resorts with Spa, Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floor, Overwater Bungalows with Private Pool, and Overwater Bungalows with Private ButlerSoneva Jani is one of The Maldives’ most exclusive private islands and for us its overwater bungalows are uniquely spacious, stylish, and luxurious. We find the very largest of them, the two and four-bedroom ‘water reserves’ around the end of the walkway, really quite extraordinary creations. These opulent wooden palaces come with private pools, water slides, and retractable roofs that allow stargazing direct from the master bedroom. All-inclusive packages have been available here since 2021. Check below for details as to what is included. We like that most of the island is left natural and wild so, anytime the feeling takes you, you can have a wander through mangrove forests and deserted beaches, and feel yourself enticingly detached from civilization. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The first stand-out feature of Soneva Jani’s overwater bungalows is their sheer size – all of them are spread over two floors and their very smallest one-bedroom units still cover 4477 square feet/416 square meters while their largest, the four-bedroom water reserve, covers a whopping 15295 square feet/1421 square meters. There are five other categories between those two extremes none of which will disappoint, we feel. All come with water slides from the upper floor if you’re ever in a hurry to get downstairs. Other standard features include large private pools, various glass floor viewing panels, study rooms, huge walk-in wardrobes, kitchenettes, and stunning bathrooms. The largest five sit at the very end of the pier by themselves with the largest of all – the aforementioned 15295 square feet ‘Water Reserve’ – being also the most isolated and private. Outside of the water villas you can also choose to stay in their two-bedroom beach bungalow hidden away in the mangrove forests. It is titled the Robinson Crusoe Residence and comes with lots of very private space. Or you can also choose to stay in their very indulgent, 23-meter private yacht. It has two en-suite bedrooms and a glass-bottomed spa tub amongst other things. Your crew includes a captain, sous chef, butler, and a wellness therapist as standard, and a dive master and an expert astronomer can be added on request. You can organize bespoke tours and voyages with the guidance of your captain. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check prices and availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here Food & Drink: All-inclusive packages are available at Soneva Jani, where we have four main restaurant options and one laid-back bar. The main restaurant is called So Fresh and is a relaxed place with sunken tables, couches, hammocks, and even a giant waterslide. They serve daily buffets (different each day) here as well as à la carte, the food is excellent and their menu Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $500 & $1000 per NightAddress: Stella Island Resort, Analipsi
Hersonissos
Crete
GreeceWhy We Like It: Stella Island Resort in Crete is a 5-star luxury, adults-only resort with a tremendously good reputation and one which is home to one of only two overwater bungalow accommodations in Europe (the other being at Palafitte Resort on Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland). It occupies a private stretch of Crete’s north coast and offers, amongst other things, spa facilities, some of the very best food on the island, and the opportunity to enjoy many sports including tennis and water sports. The resort has various deals for you to choose from: You can go B&B/breakfast only, have breakfast and dinner included in the room rate, or go all-inclusive. In terms of value, we feel the breakfast and dinner included option seems the best, but only if you’re not a big drinker – drinks are relatively expensive here, so if so you might be better off with the all-inclusive. Stella Island is far more a romantic getaway than a party resort though we feel. Though there are many lovely bars, lounges, and restaurants to choose from but they close relatively early. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: There are 89 rooms, bungalows, and villas at Stella Island, and all are top-of-the-range. It is luxury accommodation but not in any kind of garish way. We find all very elegant and stylish, and exhibiting more than a touch of boho chic. Some rooms, on the first floor, have balconies that overlook the huge central lagoon pool while the ground floor rooms allow direct access to it. Their 12 ‘Island Villas’ come with their own private pools, and are relatively good value compared to the rooms. The overwater bungalows come in two forms the first, referred to as ‘Bungalow with Shared Pool’ on the booking page, are relatively small but beautifully designed, furnished, and fitted. They feel private, cozy, and romantic, and come with a terrace allowing direct access to the lagoon pool, and overwater hammocks. The second option though, listed as ‘Grand Overwater Bungalow with Outdoor Jacuzzi’ on the booking page, is far superior. They are spacious and airy with high ceilings and large terraces that also allow direct access to the water, and come with deck furniture, overwater hammocks, and, as their title suggests, jacuzzis. They come with a premium of course but in our view they are worth it over the ‘Bungalows with Shared Pool.’ Overwater Bungalow Prices: Enter dates and check prices at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Note – The overwater bungalows at Stella Island are their most popular accommodation choice. Prepare to book as early as possible. Our affiliate partnerships with Booking.com & Expedia allow you free cancellation on most bookings. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Thatch Caye Island
Hopkins
Dangriga
BelizeThatch Caye is an all-inclusive, private island paradise with cozy Caribbean overwater bungalows 25 minutes by speedboat from mainland Belize. It is eco-friendly and has a kind of rustic, barefoot-chic vibe. It caters to no more than 30 people at any one time too and so feels relatively intimate and exclusive, but with a friendly, communal atmosphere. Numerous activities are offered at Thatch Caye and your days can be as busy or as peaceful and relaxed as you may wish. Overwater Bungalows & On-Land Penthouses: Barefoot Luxury We have a choice of beach cabanas and overwater bungalows here. The latter are divided between Standard and Premium with the standard units being three bungalows sitting practically right beside each other just off the shore. Thus they’re really not ideal if privacy is what you’re after. But for a group of friends, if booked together, they could be perfect. We think the premium overwater bungalows on the other hand offer a huge amount of privacy. Though they are pretty much the same internally as the standard bungalows they have their own private walkway so feel very secluded. They don’t cost all that much more so we believe an upgrade to these premium bungalows will make sense to most people, especially those seeking a romantic getaway. Both have 320 sq. ft of nicely furnished and very comfortable space, including an outside terrace, so they’re not enormous but are certainly cozy and romantic. On shore, we have a choice of beach cabanas, divided into Standard, Premier, and Penthouse, with the Penthouse being the most desirable and most expensive. It is the largest at 441 sq ft and offers views over the open ocean from the terrace. In line with the island’s back-to-nature, modern-life detox philosophy none of the accommodations has Wi-Fi (or TV) but you can find both in the common areas – The Grove and Coco Lounge – described below. All-Inclusive Rates & Current Availability Enter your dates & check prices here at Expedia. Communal Dining: Farm-to-Table Belizean Cuisine Between its three all-inclusive restaurants/cafes/bars, the food at Thatch Caye is well received by guests, with much of the ingredients coming from their own organic gardens. We start every day with a made-to-order breakfast where you’ll find international staples alongside more Belizean choices, plenty of tropical fruits and juices, and good coffee. The breakfast is served in Coco Lounge, with one of the resort’s other venues, The Grove, then opening for lunch – full meals and various smaller bites, with much wonderful fresh seafood are all there, and they can also arrange food for you to take away on excursions, boat trips, picnic food, etc. In the evening The Grove is Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Under $500 per NightAddress: Miniloc Island, Mimaropa
El Nido
Palawan
PhilippinesOn Miniloc Island is the Filipino hotel group El Nido’s local eco-resort of the same name. It is something of a luxury resort, which we like, but we also like its laid back, unassuming vibe. It is eco-friendly too and feels more locally authentic than most resorts we’ve seen, with a dash of hippie chic thrown in. There are a total of 50 rooms, a mixture of beach cottages and overwater bungalows. The style is classic Filipino, its bungalows and on-shore cottages have walls of woven bamboo slats and traditional thatched roofs, and all of it blends nicely with the peaceful, rural nature of the setting. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: First we have the overwater bungalows, referred to as ‘Water Cottages’ or ‘Seaview Rooms’ on the booking page. On shore, what they refer to as Beach Cottages are, as the name suggests, on the beach, and then the more secluded Garden Cottages are a little further back. Check out your room options at Agoda here. None are enormously spacious but are certainly cozy, and comfortable, and we feel they have an authentic, rustic charm, despite them being internally, relatively modern in style. They range in size from doubles to two-bedroom (double or twin) units that can sleep up to five. Prices: Check out prices and availability here at Agoda Resort Facilities & Things to Do: Miniloc Island is a laid-back, nature-oriented destination for more than averagely discerning tourists. It is also extremely beautiful and the El Nido resort, with those fabulous limestone cliffs behind it, blends in relatively unassumingly. We’re not surprised therefore to see the resort doesn’t have a whole lot of facilities, though they do have a swimming pool and a small spa. People come here mainly to explore the island we feel, and be closer to nature, both on and offshore. There is great snorkeling right offshore, where you can spot whole shoals of exotic fish. Scuba diving can be arranged, diving lessons too, and windsurfing and beach volleyball Hiking around the island, a visit to the local lagoons, and boat tours of other nearby islands are great ways spend the day at El Nido. Accommodation packages here include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks and extra food being available for an extra fee. The food is excellent, both buffet and a la carte. Service is also very good – the staff come highly praised. Location: The Airswift Company has daily flights from Manila to the nearest airport, Lio Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, guests will be welcomed by the resort’s airport representative for a 10-minute transfer by car to the El Nido Resort’s Jetty Lounge followed by the 30 to Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Ummahat Islands
Red Sea
Saudi ArabiaWhy We Like It: Saudi Arabia has recently made huge strides in opening up to foreign tourism and this, the St. Regis Red Sea, which opened fairly in early 2024, is another example of such ambition. It is a high end luxury resort, as you would expect from Marriott’s St Regis line, and it is located on an absolutely gorgeous private island the Saudis call Ummahat. It has access to some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and marine ecosystems, something both the tourism authorities and Marriott are, by all reports, keen to see be preserved and prosper. It’s all new for this part of the Red Sea so we hope this is exactly what happens. Accommodation is a simple choice between beach and overwater, with some having an extra premium for a sunset view. Standards of luxury are the same across the board, so there are no great price differences or bargain entry-level suites to be snagged. It’s a 5 Star resort and the whole places reeks of opulence and the service, and the food and drink is of the highest caliber (no alcohol available though!) You also have plenty of fun, and relaxing activities to choose from, including some jaw dropping scuba diving and very opulent spa facilities. Getting here is done very much in style from Red Sea International Airport. Contact the resort before you go to arrange. You have a choice between a 25-minute seaplane direct from the airport or a short trip in a luxury car to the airport marina for a 30-minute speedboat ride. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Their overwater bungalows, which they term Coral Villas, are nothing short of stunning. They have, for overwater bungalows, a fairly unusual, round, seashell-inspired design, plus floor to ceiling windows that make them feel extra open and spacious. The interior design is on point. Luxury of course, but nothing ostentatious. The outside decks are particularly inviting too, and neatly arranged to ensure privacy and open sea views. All are practically identical except some command a relatively reasonable extra premium for a sunset view. Well, I say reasonable, but if you go for the sunset view, you’ll have to forgo the sunrise view, which the others get for free 🙂 And a sunrise or a sunset over the Red Sea are both pretty special, it has to be said. You have direct access to the sea below for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are teeming with life and ridiculously clear. All the overwaters bungalows also have infinity pools on the deck. Back on land, there is the beach accommodation, what they call their Dune Villas. These are awfully luxurious and spacious too, maybe more so, internally Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Over $3000 per NightAddress: Five Islands Village
Saint John’s
Antigua
Antigua and BarbudaFirst opening its doors in May 2019, then acquired by the Marriott Hotel group in late 2021, Royalton Antigua is a classic 5 Star Caribbean all-inclusive that became home to Antigua’s first overwater bungalows. We think it offers opulence and luxury and has a choice setting on the clear, calm waters of Antigua’s Deep Bay, less than twenty minutes from St. John’s, and a half an hour from V. C. Bird International Airport. There are two resorts with overwater bungalows now in Antigua, among just a handful of other luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. Both of them are Royalton properties. You can check out the other; Royalton Chic Resort here. Overwater Bungalows: Spacious: 1442 sq. ft. with king bedroom, lounge, dining area, and terrace. Private perks: Infinity plunge pool, jacuzzi, glass floor, butler service. Luxury amenities: Aromatherapy, IPTV movies, pillow menu, twice-daily minibar restock. Restrictions: Children under 13 not allowed in overwater bungalows. The overwater bungalows cover a full 1442 square feet and have king-size bedrooms, lounges (with sofa bed), dining areas, and gorgeous outdoor terraces overlooking the Caribbean. We think you’ll find them sleek, sophisticated, and luxurious. Expect private infinity plunge pools, jacuzzis, glass floor viewing panels, private butlers, and 24-hour room service. Other standards include in-room aromatherapy, satellite TV, top-of-the-range music systems, complimentary IPTV movie selections, twice daily re-stocked minibars and a pillow menu. On-land we have a mixture of suites in different locations around the private beach and all of them share the same sleek interiors and modern luxury features. They can all sleep up to four but are generally smaller than the overwater bungalows which have over 1,100 square feet (106 square meters) of space. Note: Children (under 13) are not allowed to stay in the overwater bungalows. In all the other accommodations though children are welcome. Prices & Availability: Check out the details at Booking.com here, Expedia here, or on the resort’s own website (Marriott) here. Note: Like all luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean those at Royalton Antigua are extremely sought after – you should really reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on most bookings. Food & Drink: Seven restaurants: Caribbean, American, and European cuisine. Flexible dining: Buffet, à la carte, in-room private dining available. Bars & entertainment: Themed bars, live entertainment, fine wines, and cocktails. The resort has seven restaurants in total, with complimentary in-room private dinner and drinks service also available. The choice of food is enormous with a mixture of Caribbean, American, and European to be enjoyed, both buffet and a la carte. Each eatery has a different atmosphere and you can chill out with beef burgers and beer Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Over $3000 per NightAddress: Sandals Cay
Mahee Bay
Montego Bay
JamaicaThe couples-only Sandals Royal Caribbean, near Montego Bay and just minutes from Sangster International Airport, was the very first overwater bungalow resort in Jamaica and indeed the first overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. The concept was an immediate success and the Sandals company soon followed with more at Sandals South Coast (also in Jamaica) and then, a little later, came their first overwater bungalows in St. Lucia. Sandals Royal Caribbean though was the groundbreaker, or well…water breaker, in this region, and we found standards high. extremely high from the beginning. It is a high-end luxury, all-inclusive paradise with a private island (where the overwater bungalows are to be found), top-of-the-range facilities, superb food and drink, and consistently great service. It also has a tremendous location: getting to most overwater bungalow resorts usually involves a long journey from an airport. But here we are, tantalizingly, not much more than 5 minutes drive (via the resort’s private shuttle) from Sangster International. Pro Tip: Book Sandals VIP Airport Fast Track service as an add on. This is where you their representative whisks you through the border formalities. It’s really worth it. Private Island Luxury: Infinity Pools & Glass Floors We have a great range of accommodations to choose from here – from standard rooms & suites to, of course, overwater bungalows, which offer varying levels of space and luxury to suit most budgets. Their overwater bungalows, attached to a gorgeous little private island, were the Caribbean’s very first and set the standards high from the very beginning. We found them sleek, modern, and luxurious, and come with outdoor terraces, large glass floor panels, romantic spa bathrooms with bathtubs, and there’s an outdoor bathtub and shower on the terrace. They also have a wealth of mod cons, plus 24-hour room service with an exclusive in-room dining menu. As you will see on the booking page they are divided into two categories – those with infinity plunge pools and those without. Those with the private pools will cost you quite a bit more but they are also far larger than the standard bungalows, with an enormous outdoor deck, and in general, have much more of the wow factor. Booking Information & Availability Check availability and prices at own website (Sandals) here, or at Expedia.com here. Note: Like most luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean the overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean are incredibly sought after – you should reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on most bookings. Note 2: As with all Sandals Resorts there is a minimum stay of three nights. How to Score Sandals Last Minute Deals In order to fill gaps in Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Pigeon Island, Gros Islet
St Lucia
Gros Islet
Saint LuciaA Premier Overwater Bungalow Experience This 5 star Sandals’ resort opened the very first overwater bungalows in St. Lucia back in 2017, and they still remain one of just a handful of luxury overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean. So, not a lot of competition, and there are only only nine of them, so make reservations as early as you can. They all come with glass floor panels that allow us to peer into the sea beneath your feet, tranquility soaking tubs, private patios, and over-water hammocks amongst other special features. They also have a 24-hour personal butler service and the service throughout the resort is excellent. Sandals Grande St. Lucian is, like all Sandals resorts, 5-star, all-inclusive, and strictly adults-only. Luxury Overwater Accommodation Plus Beachside Suites We have an enormous range of accommodation to choose from here, with the above-mentioned overwater accommodation absolutely the most popular. These have a spacious, luxurious feel with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, king-size beds with soft linens and plush pillows, smart TVs, sun decks, outdoor showers, swish bathrooms, and personal butler service. Many of the other choices will match, if not surpass, the style and sophistication of the overwaters though just without the novelty of having the ocean directly under our feet. The beachside suites in particular are extremely opulent and very much worth considering if the overwaters are not free. Rates, Reservations, & Booking Direct Check out all the price details on the Sandal’s website here. Note 1: The overwater bungalows at Sandals St. Lucian are only available to book via the Sandals’ official website above. Note 2: Like all luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean the ones here are incredibly sought after – you really should reserve your stay as soon as possible. You are allowed free cancellation on all bookings within a certain time frame (check their site for full details). Sandals St. Lucia Deals & Last Minute Specials In order to fill gaps in occupancy (if they have any) due to cancellations etc., we find Sandals sometimes offers discounts on last-minute stays, generally offering one free night on stays of 3 or 4 nights if booked up to a few weeks in advance. Check for any last minute deals here. All-Inclusive Dining & Unlimited Land and Water Sports Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a huge resort with 311 accommodation units, twelve restaurants, and six bars including a British Pub and a swim-up pool bar. All of this is all-inclusive of course and we find the quality of food impressive. There is also a mile of gorgeous sandy beach at your disposal, a huge swimming pool, and excellent spa facilities. You can also enjoy many complimentary water Deep Dive: Read the Review… -
Guide Price (Minimum): Between $1000 & $3000 per NightAddress: Constance Prince Maurice
Poste de Flacq
Poste De Flacq
MauritiusWhy We Like It: For us a strong candidate for the best luxury resort in Mauritius, the 5 Star Constance Le Prince Maurice, just an hour from Port Louis and its international airport, is a divine slice of paradise and one that boasts the country’s only overwater bungalows. There are just eleven in total though – eight junior suites and three particularly spacious and luxurious water villas – so we’d recommend you book well in advance. Though the height of luxury and beautifully styled we think they have one drawback, that is that they sit over a lagoon fish sanctuary. This means that though it features much interesting sea life, you are not allowed to swim just outside your door. Once that disappointment is overcome though we think these overwater bungalows leave very little else to complain about, and the Constance Prince Maurice in general is a truly fantastic resort. It has excellent spa facilities and a whole host of activities can be enjoyed including water sports and golf at not one but two different 18-hole championship golf courses. Though the resort mainly caters to romantic getaways, honeymoons, etc. children can and do come here too, and the Prince Maurice Kids Club does a fine job looking after them. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Constance Le Prince Maurice has 89 suites and villas spread over 150 acres of stunning beach, lagoon, and lush tropical gardens. The overwater bungalows, as mentioned above, sit on the lagoon and are of two types – suites and villas. Both are beautifully designed and furnished in the traditional Pacific style and for us feel incredibly romantic. The only major difference between the suites and villas is their respective sizes. The suites come in at a respectable 753 square feet (70 m²) and have one double bedroom with a seating area, a lovely outdoor terrace, plus some very swish bathrooms. The villas though are over twice the size at 1,400 square feet (130 m² ). Along with a larger bedroom, they also come with a separate lounge/living room plus dining space, a whirlpool bath/jacuzzi in the bathroom, and a soak tub outside on the terrace. Beyond the overwaters the beachside accommodation at Constance Prince Maurice is equally impressive. Their Beach Villas with Pool being especially praiseworthy. You have a 24 hour butler and room service at your disposal and the service in general throughout the resort is second to none. All the accommodation is offered as B&B, breakfast and dinner included or all-inclusive. There is quite a bit of difference in price between these options as you can see on the booking page but it must be said the food, and the drink (their wine cellar Deep Dive: Read the Review…
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Ronan McLoughlin has been the founder, main author, and editor of Dream Overwater Bungalows since 2019.
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