by Debbi K. Kickham
When you think of Jamaica, images of sun-kissed beaches, the rhythmic beats of reggae music, and the vibrant beauty of an island paradise instantly fill your mind. And beyond the usual accommodations that Jamaican resorts offer, there’s one thing you must try: A Jamaican overwater bungalow. For us here at Honeymoons.com, an overwater bungalow is the ultimate thrill — a secluded, heavenly haven, perched right over the water (some with glass floors and panels so you can easily see the fish right below), stairs that step down right into the ocean, bath-warm, calm waters — where you two will be very well-cared-for castaways. It is an absolute MUST-DO for at least once in your lifetime — so why not plan for it on your honeymoon?
These luxurious accommodations provide you and your sweetheart the perfect blend of intimacy, beauty, and serenity. Generally, they’re ideal for those special, love-filled celebrations like destination weddings and honeymoons.
Are you planning to experience the magical allure of these overwater bungalows firsthand? Here are our top recommendations.
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Why Book A Jamaica Overwater Bungalow?
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals South Coast
Rockhouse Hotel
GoldenEye
Half Moon
Overwater Bungalows Near and Around Jamaica
Why Book A Jamaica Overwater Bungalow?
Overwater bungalows embody what a luxury getaway is, especially if you and your loved one are both beach lovers. They blend unmatched privacy with direct access to the beauty of the sea. With these unique accommodations, you can fully immerse in mesmerizing natural sceneries. Of course, modern conveniences — and special luxuries — are also available. We’re talking about glass floor panels, private plunge pools, and sun decks. Whether there’s a butler service or not, the experience of staying right above crystal-clear waters is already worth the splurge. Go for it! And enjoy the unique “Fish TV” that you can watch right below your feet, from your overwater bungalow.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Best For
Couples looking for the best overwater bungalows in Jamaica — and more. May we mention that this is Jamaica’s only resort with a private offshore island?
Why Stay Here
A standout among all Sandals resorts, Sandals Royal Caribbean offers an intimate island getaway like no other. Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, it’s a couples-only hideaway that blends British elegance (think daily afternoon tea) with Caribbean charm. One of its best assets is its Tahitian-style overwater bungalows, each featuring private infinity pools, glass floor panels, and personalized butler service.
Want to enhance your romantic escape? The exclusive offshore island, accessible by a quaint dragon boat, presents a secluded haven with its own pool bar, Thai restaurant, and jerk shack. Furthermore, you can enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive experience with more than 21 dining options, private luxury transfers, and full access to Sandals Montego Bay’s amenities. That means more restaurants and bars for you to enjoy. You’ll love it!
Highlights
- Overwater bungalows with private infinity pools and butler service
- The resort has a private offshore island
- Full-exchange privilege with Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals South Coast
Best For
Couples seeking a romantic hideaway to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other
Why Stay Here
Home to another beautiful Jamaican overwater bungalow collection, Sandals South Coast in White House, Jamaica is the epitome of secluded luxury. Since it’s nestled on a two-mile stretch of pristine white sand beach within a 500-acre nature preserve, you’re guaranteed to enjoy quality time with your loved one.We stayed here a few years ago — and it is a treasured memory we will never forget. Seeing “Fish TV” in the glass-paneled floor of your bungalow is one of the world’s greatest experiences — and at Sandals, you will receive world-class service offering unparalleled luxury.
While it features a mix of architectural marvels — from Italian, Dutch, and French to the South Seas Rondoval Village — you’ll especially fall in love with its over-the-water structures. Their 12 bungalows are perched above turquoise waters and have a private beach cabana. From your own deck, you can swim and snorkel to your hearts’ content. The resort also has an overwater chapel and bar. With unlimited dining across nine restaurants, your senses are indeed in for a treat. Sandals South Coast is definitely one of the best resorts in the Caribbean for you.
Highlights
- Over-the-water bungalows with private beach cabanas
- An above-the-water bar and wedding chapel further enhance the experience
- The resort is set within a lush and secluded 500-acre nature preserve
Rockhouse Hotel
Best For
Couples in search of a unique cliffside retreat
Why Stay Here
Rockhouse Hotel is iconic for all the right reasons. First is its one-of-a-kind location: It sits on the cliffs of Negril. Also, instead of the traditional setup, guests are treated to cliffside cottages that boast unparalleled views of the cerulean blue waters of Pristine Cove. These thatched-roof villas, available as premium, lofted, and standard, feature four-poster beds and sunset-facing terraces. Some of these villas are perched above the water, offering you a unique take on the Jamaican overwater bungalow experience.
Here, you can enjoy a cliffside pool, dine at two award-winning restaurants, or relax at the spa. Also, you can take advantage of complimentary event and wedding planning services.
While prioritizing guests, and nurturing the spirit of the resort’s amazing team, the Rockhouse undertakes environment best practice (Green Globe Certified) while putting back into the community through theRockhouse Foundation.
Highlights
- Unique cliffside cottages, including options that sit right over the water
- An array of amenities including a cliffside pool, award-winning dining, a spa, and water sports
- A favorite escape for celebrities and those seeking an intimate retreat
GoldenEye
Best For
Couples dreaming of a steeped-in-history luxurious retreat
Why Stay Here
More than just a hotel, GoldenEye is a piece of history nestled in the beautiful Oracabessa. Once the holiday home of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, this classic property has transformed into a lush getaway featuring 49 boutique cottages and villas offering direct lagoon access.
Beyond its rich history and unique accommodations, GoldenEye provides an array of amenities to ensure a memorable stay. You can explore three outdoor pools, a full spa, and various dining options across three venues. The adventure continues with endless water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
There’s a certain type of person who’s inspired by to the GoldenEye community. Whether from the USA, Europe, South America or Africa, they’re energized when making meaningful connections through shared interests in the arts, entertainment or wellness. Sometimes these connections take place on the water. Other times, on an off-road trip to an unexpected spot. In so many cases, though, these connections happen when people participate in the things the resort has going on. And there’s always something going on at GoldenEye or locally, in the town or Oracabessa Bay.
Highlights
- Historic property once belonging to Ian Fleming
- Its cottages and villas offer direct lagoon access, with architecture that melds indoor and outdoor living
- Several options for watersports
Half Moon
Best For
Couples who want an overwater spa experience
Why Stay Here
Half Moon is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s premier resorts, sprawling across 400 acres of lush landscape. While it doesn’t offer the typical overwater bungalow as an accommodation, it has an exclusive overwater spa connected to overwater bungalows that offer immaculate views of the Caribbean Sea. Made of wood and constructed on stone jetties, the bungalows are situated at the most northern point of Jamaica. And let me tell you — we had a fantastic spa facial at the Fern Tree Spa about two years ago. It was luxe, luxe, luxe, from the get-go, and afterwards, we had a fantastic lunch. The spa treatments here are top-notch!
As for your accommodation, you have conventional hotel rooms and lavish villas with private pools as choices. The resort also boasts an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, a turtle conservation center, and two miles of private beach.
Highlights
- A sprawling 400-acre estate with an overwater spa
- Luxurious accommodations and decadent amenities
- Close to Montego Bay’s shops and restaurants, which are just a 15-minute walk along the beach
Overwater Bungalows Near and Around Jamaica
While Jamaica boasts beautiful resorts offering an overwater accommodation experience, the choices can be limited when it comes to Jamaican overwater bungalow. In this section, we’ve rounded up alternatives to consider. These properties, located beyond Jamaica but still within the Caribbean, offer over-the-water accommodations that are worth the travel. So get out your passport and go! (And in our opinion, the best and easiest way to renew or get your passport is at ItsEasy.com, especially with the app).
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Best For
Couples who want a getaway in a picture-perfect destination and are both beach and golf lovers
Why Stay Here
Sandals Grande St. Lucian flanks both the calm waters of Rodney Bay and the expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. As it offers the calmest waters in St. Lucia, you and your partner can better soak up the sun and try various water-related activities. When you see this Jamaica honeymoon resort, it’s easy to answer the question, “How long should my honeymoon be?”
Along with Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast, the resort also takes pride in its Sandals overwater bungalows — complete with jetted infinity pools, oversized soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and glass floor panels. (And take it from us — you will just love Sandals’ sulfate-tree Red Lane Spa bath and shower amenities. The shampoo and conditioner will give you the silkiest strands ever!) These above-the-water accommodations complement other overwater structures, including a chapel and an exquisite restaurant. It’s also near for a unique golfing experience.
Highlights
- Over-the-water bungalows with jetted infinity pools and 24-hour butler service
- Nestled on its own peninsula with a mile-long white sand beach and calm waters perfect for water skiing
- Full-exchange privileges with Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon — for even more access to great restaurants
Nayara Bocas del Toro
Best For
Couples seeking an unparalleled overwater villa experience in Panama
Why Stay Here
Welcome to one of the best new hotels in the world, and an award-winner!
Panama borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. And if you’re heading to this breathtaking country, consider Nayara Bocas del Toro as your home sweet home. It is a luxurious escape on Frangipani Island, and it’s the only resort in Panama to feature overwater villas with private pools. And these are no ordinary overwater homes — they are committed to letting you get closer to nature. This gorgeous new getaway is also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. It’s a romantic, Balinese-style escape — just for you two.
Beyond your accommodations, you can access the most extensive amenities in the area, including a fitness center, a resort pool, and a unique “aerial beach” that elevates the beach experience to new heights. There’s also a tour desk adept at arranging island adventures that showcase the beauty and vibrancy of Bocas del Toro.
Highlights
- Exclusive overwater suites and villas with private pools
- Unique “aerial beach” alongside a fitness center, resort pool, restaurants, and spa
- Friendly staff to help you with your excursions
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Best For
Couples looking for an extravagant overwater bungalow experience in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera
Why Stay Here
Situated in Playa del Carmen, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows is one of the all-time best resorts in Mexico. Ensuring that you and your partner can really enjoy your personal space, they only have 30 adult-only palafitos built above the glistening waters.Each of the bungalows merges harmoniously with the waters of the Mexican Caribbean through a staircase with direct access to the sea, offering services such as private pools, outdoor showers and terraces so that you can live a unique and unforgettable experience in one of thebest luxury hotels in the Riviera Maya.
These accommodations have private plunge pools and glass floors for viewing marine life and direct ocean access. To top it off, elegant interior designs with Aztec prints and Zapote wood furniture showcase the resort’s commitment to providing a world-class overwater experience that feels sophisticated yet culturally captivating.
Highlights
- Adult-only bungalows with 24-hour butler service
- Luxurious all-inclusive experience with a spa, fitness center, and access to three pools
- Dining options include Mexican, Peruvian, Italian, and Asian restaurants
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Best For
Couples who want to get closer to nature
Why Stay Here
We stayed at an exotic Banyan Tree resort in Thailand many years ago — and this beautiful upscale hotel brand epitomizes luxury and exceptional service at its very best.
Located in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba revolutionizes the meaning of overwater bungalows by building them in a peaceful lagoon next to the beach – instead of the usual location: the ocean. These contemporary marvels offer 2,385 square feet of space, housing an expansive rooftop, a heated plunge pool, and outdoor soaking tubs.
The resort’s world-class dining and wellness program creates an unparalleled setting for relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance. A Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is nestled within a private gated community linked by canal waterways. It offers complete privacy and intimacy, allowing you to connect with yourself and those around you.
When not in your home-away-from-home, you can indulge in spa treatments inspired by Mexican and Asian traditions. Moreover, the resort’s commitment to a holistic luxury experience is evident in its dining options. These range from romantic meals on a private boat to casual Mexican, classic Italian, and Thai cuisine above the lagoon. Step into a world where mystical freshwater lagoons and mangroves mingle with natural dunes, intricate coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Here, at the heart of the Riviera Maya, luxury meets nature in a dance of elegance and beauty.
Highlights
- Unique over-the-water bungalows built above a tranquil lagoon
- Excursions to the area’s famed ancient ruins and cenotes
- The resort offers romantic dining on a private boat
St. George’s Caye Resort
Best For
Couples who want to experience the Belizean coast
Why Stay Here
St. Georges Caye Resort, set on a secluded private island off Belize, offers an intimate escape with just six overwater bungalows, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Crafted from natural wood and thatched roofs, each bungalow provides direct ocean access for swimming and snorkeling. The resort enhances this serene experience with amenities including a spa, an onsite restaurant, and diving tours, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and personalized overwater retreat near Jamaica.
Highlights
- Intimate setting with only six above-the-water bungalows
- A picturesque swimming area
- Exceptional value with amenities such as a spa, onsite dining, and diving tour
Aruba Ocean Villas
Best For
Couples who want a luxe-boho stay near Jamaica
Why Stay Here
It’s gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous — and did we mention, gorgeous?
Aruba Ocean Villas offers an unparalleled escape into luxury and bohemian elegance. It’s near Jamaica, making it one of your best choices if you want to have an overwater stay while still being near the said island country (just in case you want to splurge and visit more than one Caribbean island). Each overwater villa here is thoughtfully crafted with the delicate balance of the natural environment as a priority, utilizing eco-conscious materials that are kind to the ocean’s ecosystem. Every detail, from the elegant canopy beds and bespoke hardwood bathtubs to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments, is designed to transport you to a serene abode that feels both intimately familiar and beautifully distant from your everyday life.
Aruba Ocean Villas is a serene escape exclusively for adults (21+) to unwind in an atmosphere where peace is paramount, where each moment is crafted for adult sensibilities, all set against the backdrop of the Caribbean’s stunning vistas.
Each villa is uniquely designed to frame the stunning sea views. Here, you’ll be treated to private pools, large soaking tubs, overwater hammocks, and expansive terraces topped with tropical thatched roofs. Activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and beach lounging complete the wonderful experience.
Highlights
- Overwater villas with private pools, large soaking tubs, and overwater hammocks
- Luxe-boho interiors paired with expansive terraces
- Personalized experiences and dedicated staff attention
Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa
Best For
Couples looking for a generally livelier atmosphere (read: a resort that caters to all ages)
Why Stay Here
The Chairman Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua offers an unmatched experience and a vibrant atmosphere. Keep in mind that this property is family-friendly, yet it retains its luxurious feel — as highlighted by the above-the-water bungalows it offers. These bungalows are just among the wide range of accommodations that you can find here. Furthermore, the bungalows boast expansive glass floors, a private pool, and an overwater hammock, blending luxury with breathtaking natural beauty.
It’s absolutely dreamy! Imagine waking up to the sound of lapping waves and the breeze through palm fronds amidst luxurious modern surroundings. Each day spent at Royalton Antigua is an adventure waiting to happen. You will enjoy the calm waters of St. John’s Deep Bay with access to a curative spa, and seemingly endless dining and cocktail venues.
Booking your stay here means having quick access to the calm waters of St. John’s Deep Bay. So, if you want to try as many water sports as possible — or just go for a leisurely swim or stroll by the beach — this is the place to be. And yes, it’s perfect for honeymoons!
Highlights
- Luxurious Chairman Overwater Bungalows suitable for families
- Extensive options when it comes to rooms and suites (including swim-up suites)
- Diverse amenities and dining venues
Cayo Espanto
Best For
Couples wishing for a truly intimate retreat above Belizean waters
Why Stay Here
This is one of the world’s best resorts — need we say much more? This is a five-star, award-winning, world-class resort that offers travelers the best life has to offer. You’re invited to spend your evenings enchanted and your days engulfed in the Caribbean waters that surround each private villa. Located three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, Cayo Espanto is truly an unforgettable private island retreat.
Cayo Espanto proudly offers Casa Ventanas, its exclusive over-the-water bungalow that embodies the pinnacle of intimate island accommodations. This one-bedroom villa not only provides a secluded private dock and butler service but elevates the experience with personalized meals, concierge services, and more. The villa’s unique feature is a glass floor section that lets you conveniently observe the vibrant Caribbean sea life right below. Look down and behold!
The resort’s dedication to offering tailored experiences also makes it a top-tier stay. You can choose a yacht or helicopter tour over the Great Blue Hole or have movie nights under the stars.
Highlights
- Ultra-private, one-bedroom overwater bungalow
- Personal butler service on top of reliable concierge services
- Access to private yacht and helicopter tours
Sol Bungalows
Best For
Couples who are eco-conscious
Why Stay Here
Here, you will enjoy a tiny slice of paradise!
You will findaffordable and luxurious overwater bungalowsand anauthentic Bocas del Toro experience. Sol bungalows have glass floors, thatched roofs, catamaran net hammocks, direct water access, and snorkeling right in front, among many other great amenities. Located in the serene Bocas del Toro region of Panama, Sol Bungalows is a new resort combining Afro-Caribbean culture’s laid-back charm with modern amenities and environmental sustainability. Each water villa grants you and your sweetheart direct lagoon access and features glass floor panels, outdoor showers, and overwater hammocks. You don’t have to worry about the environmental footprint because the resort uses solar energy and collected rainwater.
When you stay here, you can also indulge in a full-service spa and enjoy a plethora of perfect activities including surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and exclusive tours through mangroves and jungles.
Highlights
- Sustainable water villas with direct lagoon access, glass floor panels, and outdoor amenities
- A unique blend of Afro-Caribbean charm and eco-friendly operations
- Diverse activities, including water sports, mangrove tours, and jungle hikes — plus easy access to Bocas Town
Lina Point Overwater Bungalows
Best For
Couples who want a world-class fishing and diving experience
Why Stay Here
Why not experience a superb overwater honeymoon here? Another Belizean beauty, Lina Point Overwater Resort is nestled on the idyllic Ambergris Caye in San Pedro. This area is renowned for its fishing and diving spots.This unique overwater experience complements world-class fishing and diving at your back door. The resort includes overwater hotel suites with aquariums underneath as well as private overwater cabanas for the whole family.
The resort offers a unique stay you won’t experience in a traditional Jamaica overwater bungalow. The resort offers overwater cabanas and hotel suites with innovative aquarium-like glass-bottom sections — enhanced by underwater lighting. Each cabana is thoughtfully designed with a full-length deck featuring a private plunge pool, providing a luxurious space to soak up the breathtaking sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sea breeze. But whether you’re opting for the spacious suites in the overwater hotel or its one- or two-bedroom overwater bungalows, you’ll never go wrong.
Highlights
- Unique overwater cabanas with aquarium-like glass-bottom floors and private plunge pools
- Full kitchens for a personalized dining experience
- Prime location for world-class fishing and diving adventures on Ambergris Caye
