Sandals Resorts Overwater Bungalows
Why travel all the way to the Maldives or Bora Bora when you can experience your very own overwater bungalow just a few hours away in the Caribbean!
After recently staying in all of the overwater bungalows Sandals has to offer, I can safely say that they are similar to other overwater villas I have tried around the world, but they are much closer and more affordable.
Overwater bungalows are available at 4 Sandals Resorts: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast (both located in Jamaica), Sandals Saint Vincent (located in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines), and Sandals Grande St. Lucian (located in Saint Lucia).
The overwater bungalows in Jamaica are designed in a heart shaped wooden dock that stretches out over the turquoise water. However, the Overwater Villa I stayed in at the Royal Caribbean has a private infinity pool that is only available at this location.
All of the resorts have something unique to offer, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but the Villas at the Royal Caribbean and the Two-Story Villas at St. Vincent really felt like we were back in the Maldives.
Sandals Jamaica Overwater Bungalows
Sandals Royal Caribbean Overwater Bungalows
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Price Per Night/Per Person:
$1,599 Per Night
Number Of Bungalows:
17 Bungalows
Distance From Airport:
3.5 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
9 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Luxurious
Room Category Code:
OWB/OWV
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the overwater bungalows here is they are located on a private offshore island! You take a short 2 minute ride on a private water taxi to reach the island.
Note that Sandals Royal Caribbean has both Overwater Bungalows and Overwater Villas. Overwater Bungalows are a little smaller, but still offer the amazing views, private terrace, tranquility soaking tubs, and glass bottom floors. The main difference is the Villas are about two times bigger and have their own infinity pool with an outdoor shower.
An added bonus is that the 5 Villas are all north facing which means more privacy and fantastic views. As I sat out on the deck all I saw was the ocean. The only way you might see a neighboring guest if you are down on the lower deck.
The 12 Bungalows are on the perimeter of the heart shaped portion of the pier. In my opinion, the best Bungalows are numbers 6 through approximately 10 because they also face directly out toward the ocean. That said, you will have stunning views with plenty of privacy in all of the units.
The open concept interior feels extremely spacious with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in the bedroom and bathroom. A big king sized bed to wake up to the sounds of the soft ocean waves.
I loved the overwater hammock for relaxing and soaking in the amazing Jamaican sunsets. Premium liqueur is fully stocked in the kitchen, along with local coffee, and anything you request from your butler.
Key Considerations For Sandals Royal Caribbean Bungalows:
- I absolutely loved the 24 hour butler service! You simply message the butler through your phone for any requests, reservations, or tours and they will make it happen.
- The resort is just a 10 minute drive from the Montego Bay Airport. The flight is also a short hour and a half trip from Miami.
- Premium airport transfers in a BMW are provided, along with expedited immigration, and VIP lounge access.
- The spacious deck on the Villas feature a private infinity, outdoor shower, and stairs that enter directly into the ocean.
- The glass floors are a unique touch. We got to see some small tropical fish swimming around right under our feet.
- Full access to the neighboring Sandals Montego Bay resort. You can take advantage of their restaurants, pools, beach, and all other amenities.
- Unlimited dining at 9 separate restaurants (21 restaurants including Sandals Montego Bay). The Jerk Shack and Butch’s Steakhouse were my favorites.
Who It’s Best For:
The Overwater Villas are ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion who want the most luxurious experience Jamaica has to offer, while not having to sacrifice a lot of travel time to reach the resort.
Sandals South Coast Overwater Bungalows
WHITEHOUSE, JAMAICA
Price Per Night/Per Person:
$1,099 Per Night
Number Of Bungalows:
12 Bungalows
Distance From Airport:
40 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
9 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Relaxing
Room Category Code:
OWB
Sandals South Coast has a completely different vibe than Montego Bay. Situated in a large nature reserve along the pristine coastline, I found the property much more laid back.
The private white sand beach stretches for a full 2 miles. On the edge of the beach is where the pier for the overwater bungalows is located. I like that the access for the Blue Mahoe Overwater Bungalows is more secluded so you are away from the hustle and bustle of the property. It was still only a couple minute walk to get to the main restaurants and pools though.
Similar to Sandals Royal Caribbean, the overwater bungalow pier is shaped like a heart. The best bungalows are numbers 4 through 8 which face directly out to the ocean. But because the pier is rather long, all of the rooms offer great views!
When you enter the bungalow, the kitchen is fully stocked with top shelf liquor. Followed by the bedroom that features a large king bed and sliding doors that open up the whole bedroom into the outdoor deck.
There is an overwater hammock on the deck that I think I spent every night on watching the picture perfect sunsets! On the side of the deck is also a large soaking tub and an outdoor shower. Stairs lead all the way down right into the ocean making it super easy for swimming. The water is about 5 meters deep.
Key Considerations For Sandals South Coast Bungalows:
- Sandals South Coast is the most affordable of all the Sandals overwater bungalow options.
- Sandals South Coast is a 90 minute drive from the Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) with a private luxury transfer included both ways.
- Butler Service is available 24 hours a day for anything you need and includes an exclusive room service menu available only to bungalow guests.
- Unlimited food, drinks, and activities. This includes scuba diving, snorkeling, dining at 9 restaurants, and more!
- Motorized water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are included here which is not the case for all Sandals locations.
- The interior is phenomenal with a glass bottom floor, vaulted ceilings, and mahogany finishes.
- The large private patio includes a tranquility tub, an outdoor shower, seating area with bistro table, lounge chairs, overwater hammock, and a ladder to the ocean.
- Private cabanas are available on the beach by the entrance for the bungalows for exclusive use of the guests of the villas.
Who It’s Best For:
The Overwater Bungalows at Sandals South Coast are perfect for couples that want an overwater bungalow experience for the most affordable price that Sandals has to offer, but without sacrificing on 5-star luxury. The resort is also better suited for those who want a more low key vibe.
Sandals St. Vincent Overwater Bungalows
Sandals St. Vincent Overwater Villas
BUCCAMENT, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Price Per Night/Per Person:
$1,600 Per Night
Number Of Bungalows:
10 Villas
Distance From Airport:
14 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
11 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Luxurious
Room Category Code:
OWV
The newest of all the Sandals Resorts, these overwater bungalows at St. Vincent are the pinnacle of elegance and innovation. They are the only overwater bungalow that I have stayed in that are two stories. At 1,250 square feet, there’s tons of space!
I particularly love the day bed on the second floor where you can relax for hours while taking in the ocean views from an elevated vantage point. Not to mention the tranquility soaking tub with outdoor shower.
The first floor has the kitchen fully equipped with premium liqueurs and an espresso machine. I was also blown away by the bathroom that had his and her sinks, and also his and her rain shower heads!
A spacious bedroom seamlessly transitions into the patio through the large sliding glass doors. The patio comes equipped with a cafe dining set and two lounge chairs with an umbrella. Stairs run all the way down from the patio and lead directly into the water. It was a blast jumping and diving right off the platform.
A major difference with these bungalows is that there are two villas for each building. Meaning you have a shared wall with your neighbor. That said, I never had an issue with noise or privacy.
Key Considerations For Sandals St. Vincent Bungalows:
- Sandals St. Vincent is unique in that it’s secluded in a private cove with rolling hills and tropical rain forest surroundings. Absolutely stunning scenery here!
- The resort is about a 45 minute drive from Argyle International Airport (SVD) and free private transfers are included.
- Since this is the newest of all the Sandals Resorts, the accommodations and property are immaculate and filled with features not available at any other Sandals.
- You get 24 hour butler service for all of your requests, reservations, or tours that you need assistance with. I can’t emphasize enough how amazing this is!
- The two story layout is very unique and features a glass bottom floor, a day bed on the second floor, a soaking tub, and more.
- Dining at 11 different dining concepts and 9 different bars, including a swim up bar.
- Unlimited water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, hobby cats and kayaking.
Who It’s Best For:
The St. Vincent Overwater Villas are perfect those that want the newest accommodations and a unique Caribbean experience tucked in the serene rainforest and black sand beaches.
Sandals St. Lucia Overwater Bungalows
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Overwater Bungalows
GROS-ISLET, SAINT LUCIA
Price Per Night/Per Person:
$1,899 Per Night
Number Of Bungalows:
9 Bungalows
Distance From Airport:
40 Miles
Number Of Restaurants:
12 Restaurants
Resort Mood:
Social
Room Category Code:
OWB
Putting the overwater bungalows aside for a second, St. Lucia is perhaps my favorite island because it’s so unique. The towering Piton Mountains are unlike anything you will see in the Caribbean. Scuba diving with fabulous coral and shipwrecks is also second to none.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is located on its own private peninsula so you have a 360 view of the ocean and surrounding tropical landscape. You can even go water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing out in the bay which is not offered at all Sandals locations.
The overwater bungalows here are slightly different from the ones found at Sandals in Jamaica. At the Grande St. Lucian the bungalows are out on a small peninsula rather than a pier. The floor plan, however, is similar in that they are very open.
There is pretty much only one wall that separates the kitchen from the bedroom. The large bedroom features a glass bottom floor and doors that open up so you have complete access to the outdoor patio with unobstructed views.
The patios have plenty of space with great privacy from the neighboring villas. I really like having the option of soaking in the tranquility tub or going for a swim right off the deck. Aside from sun loungers, the deck also has an overwater hammock.
One thing to note is because these bungalows are a bit closer to the beach, there can be people kayaking or paddle boarding nearby (very rarely), but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. Overall, I found the Grande St. Lucian to be one of my favorite Sandals Resorts considering the location and everything it has to offer.
Key Considerations For Sandals Grande St. Lucian Bungalows:
- The resort is about a 90 minute drive from the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) because the airport is on the southern tip of the island and the resort is on the northern tip. Private transfers are included both ways.
- The 24 hour butler service is incredible here! There are also special in room dining options that are only available to bungalow guests that are very good.
- You get full access to the other two Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia with the stay at one play at three program, which means you get 27 restaurants to choose from!
- Free greens fees and transfers to the Upton Estate Golf Club is included
- Unlimited water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.
Who It’s Best For:
The Overwater Bungalows in St. Lucia are best suited for couples that love a more social vibe in a beautiful natural habitat filled with mountains and lush vegetation. It is also a fantastic value because you get access to all Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia in addition to golfing.
Getting Deals On Overwater Bungalows
Overwater bungalow experiences do not have to break the bank! In fact, I found ways to make it relatively affordable. Below are some tips so that you can get the best deals when you book overwater bungalow experience.
Price Comparison
One of the most common questions I get is how much do over water bungalows cost? Here is a comparison:
- For me, flights from Miami to Montego Bay, Jamaica were $305 and the flight time was 1 hour and 45 minutes. Compare that to flights from Miami to Malé, Maldives that cost $1,650 and the flight time was 25 hours (with multiple layovers).
- Overwater Bungalows at Sandals cost between $1,000 – $2,400 per person, per night. Compared to bungalows in the Maldives that average between $1,300 – $5,000 + per night.
- Sandals Resorts is always all-inclusive with unlimited food, drinks, activities, transfers, and more. When comparing the total cost, it’s important to consider all the variables as most resorts in the Maldives are not all-inclusive.
Overall, the travel time and overall costs are significantly more attractive when looking at bungalow options in the Caribbean. Of course going to the Maldives or Bora Bora can be fantastic vacations, but the travel time and budget are significantly bigger for a comparable experience.
How To Get The Best Deals
Take advantage of the Sandals 777 Deals: The 777 Deals are weekly specials that feature 7 new rooms every Wednesday. If you keep your eye on these, you will likely come across deals for overwater bungalows and be able to snag them for the best price possible.
Travel during low season or should seasons: Being flexible with your travel times can lead to big savings. December to March is the high season in the Caribbean and will have the highest prices, but the most consistent weather. During the low seasons and shoulder seasons, you still enjoy plenty of sunshine but will be able to get lower prices.
Military discount: All active and retired service members can receive a 10% discount off your booking.
Online bookings: When you simply book online you can get instant credits up to $1,100, depending on the resort and how long you are staying.
Seasonal sales: Sandals will frequently have sales like Black Friday, Valentines Day, and plenty of other seasonal sales that can offer big savings on bungalows.
Split your stay: You can split your vacation by staying a couple of nights at the Overwater Bungalow and the remainder in a different room category. This is great because availability for bungalows is typically very limited, but it can also help to save some money.
A lot of times people are not aware of all the ways to save, so feel free to contact me and I’ll makes sure we get you the best price possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Sandals over water bungalows cost?
Sandals Resorts overwater bungalows cost between $1,000 to $2,400 per person per night. The price will depend on which location you choose: Jamaica, St. Lucia, or St. Vincet. It will also depend on which room category you choose, whether an Overwater Bungalow (OWB) or an Overwater Villa (OWV). Overwater Villas will be at the higher end of the price range, while an Overwater Bungalow in Sandals South Coast Jamaica will be the most affordable.
Are Overwater bungalows worth it?
In my opinion, yes, overwater bungalows at Sandals Resorts are definitely worth it. Not only are the resorts located much closer to the United States, but the overall price point is more affordable than the Maldives or Bora Bora. Also keep in mind that Sandals Resorts are all-inclusive, meaning there is no other expenses you need to worry about. As apposed to other overwater bungalow options that might be half board or not include any extras, and you will end up spending more than you bargained for.
Which Sandals have overwater bungalows?
There are 4 Sandals Resorts that have overwater bungalows: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast, Sandals St. Vincent, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
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