Overwater bungalows should be on everyone’s bucket-list. So we set out to answer one question…
What are the best overwater bungalows in the USA?
There’s technically only one overwater bungalow in the United States (Disney – Orlando, Florida) however, if you’re willing to travel a short distance outside of the USA, you’ll have many bungalows to choose from.
Here’s a list of 15 overwater bungalows (basically) in the US.
Florida
| Flight from NYC | 2-3hrs |
| Flight from LA | 4-5hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Jan. – April |
1. Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows
Best for: Families
Location: Orlando, Florida
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 20
Looking for overwater bungalows in Florida?
Disney World offers overwater bungalows in one of their deluxe villa resorts. The Polynesian Villa is located on Lake Buena Vista and offers a wide variety of amenities for families.
The resort offers:
- Guest Van Service
- Water Taxi Transportation
- Grocery Services
- Care Services for children & pets
Each bungalow includes:
- Kitchen
- Washer and dryer
- Wifi
- In-room safe
- Two bathrooms / robes
- High chairs / pack-n-play cribs for infants
Jamaica
| Flight from NYC | 4-5hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-10hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov. – December |
2. Sandals – Montego Bay
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 17
The Sandals Royal Caribbean offers travelers two types of overwater bungalows.
The first choice is the private villa, which includes:
- Your own butler
- Infinity pool
- Chauffeured transportation
- Hammocks
- Glass Floor
- BONUS: Arrival gift
The other choice has most of the same amenities, but it is the honeymoon bungalow. The infinity pool isn’t included with the honeymoon bungalow.
Couples that want to get married here, have the choice of a free wedding with a stay of 3 nights or longer.
One of the greatest parts of the Sandals Royal Caribbean is that, they take of everything from the tax to gratuity, so you can really focus on enjoying yourself. That’s the great part when you choose an all inclusive.
3. Sandals South Coast
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Whitehouse, Jamaica
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 12
Sandals offers another set of overwater bungalows, but these are located in Whitehouse, Jamaica.
On top of their bungalows, they also have an overwater chapel and bar! Dine at one of the many restaurants or sit in front of the fire pit for a romantic evening.
Just like the Montego Bay resort, everything is included at this luxury resort.
Their resort includes:
- Fitness equipment
- Live Shows
- Food Service
- Butler
- Transportation
Similar to the Montego Bay bungalows, these also have views into the ocean below, with a glass panel in the floor. The bungalows are as romantic inside as the scenery is outside.
Enjoy the tranquility tub or the outdoor shower while you admire the views of the Caribbean.
What’s the difference between Sandals Montego Bay & Sandals South Coast?
Montego Bay was built before South Coast (Whitehouse) and shows more age. They also have an airstrip located right behind the resort. Convenient? Yes. But it can get loud at times. If I were to pick between the two, I’d go for Sandals South Coast (Whitehouse).
Mexico
| Flight Duration from NYC | 4hrs |
| Flight Duration from LA | 4-5hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | December – April |
4. El Dorado Maroma
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 30
The El Dorado Maroma has the only overwater bungalows that Mexico has to offer and are an ADULTS ONLY resort. It’s a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Some of their amenities include:
- Aromatherapy Shower
- Outside shower
- Pool
The El Dorado Maroma is found south of Cancun. This allows the atmosphere of the beach and resort to stay romantic and quiet for couples.
If you’re looking for a resort made for couples that want to escape to the Caribbean, without worrying about the details… this is the one.
5. Rosewood Mayakoba
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico – just North of Playa del Carmen
Rosewood is a collection of private suites, that draws inspiration from Mayan traditions. From their beachfront views to tranquil lagoon, it’s incredibly easy to find peace here.
Inspired from Mayan traditions, their bungalows are perched upon their emerald lagoon.
Located just north of Playa del Carmen.
Belize
| Flight from NYC | 5-6hrs |
| Flight from LA | 5-6hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov. – April |
6. Thatch Caye
Thatch Caye is a tropical island in Belize that’ll leave you speechless. The resort is a short boat ride away from Dangriga.
This one isn’t just for adults, kids are welcome at the resort.
Each Thatched bungalow offers:
- Space for two guests
- King size or two twin beds
- Luxury private bathroom
This resort offers different packages:
- All inclusive package
- Scuba diving package
- Fly-fishing package
Thatch Caye is an unique luxury resort for people who crave adventure and solitude.
7. Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto, is a secluded island in Belize that’s located off the coast of San Pedro.
Your stay at this resort will provide you with a variety of adventures tailored to what you want to experience in Belize.
Things to do here…
- Go island hopping
- Have a romantic beach picnic
- Go on a fishing trip
- Go scuba diving
- Bird watching on the neighboring islands
The overwater bungalow is named Casa Ventanas. Enjoy the one-bedroom villa that is at the end of a 150-foot dock. The bungalow also offers a see-through section in the living area floor to view ocean life.
Aruba
| Flight from NYC | 5-7hrs |
| Flight from LA | 9-12hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | April – Aug. |
8. The Old Man and the Sea Ocean Villas
Location: Savaneta, Aruba
The Old Man and the Sea Ocean Villas welcome family’s to weddings.
This resort caters to people who want a relaxing and romantic trip away from everything. The overwater villas come with breakfast and the ability to book a chef or dine at the restaurant.
Things to do in Savaneta, Aruba:
- Visit Arikok National Park to see Cave Paintings
- Go kayaking at Mangel Halto
If you’re planning a wedding at the ocean villas, this is the perfect area to combine a relaxing, yet adventure packed honeymoon!
There is something for everyone to enjoy at The Old Man and The Sea Ocean Villas.
Cuba
| Flight from NYC | 4-6hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-9hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec. – May |
9. Hotel Melia Cayo Coco
Enjoy Cuba at the adults-only Hotel Melia Cayo Coco.
This all-inclusive resort offers:
- Five restaurants
- Seven bars
- Exclusive Beach / Pool
- Fitness Center
- Health Bar
- Watersports
If you are getting married, there are facilities at Hotel Melia Cayo Coco for amazing beach weddings!
The bungalows sit over an incredible lagoon.
Dress codes apply to each restaurant at the resort.
Panama
| Flight from NYC | 7-8hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-9hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec. – April |
10. Punta Caracol
Location: Bocas del Toro province
It isn’t far from Starfish Beach which is a must visit.
Things to do near Punta Caracol:
- Starfish Beach
- Snorkel
- Go hiking
- Yacht trips
- Fishing Tours
The over-the-water suites at Punta Caracol are unique and provide guests with different amenities depending on the type of suite they book.
All the suites are powered by solar energy.
The resort offers different packages so guests can enjoy the ultimate experience. Families are welcome at Punta Caracol, as well as honeymooners.
No matter how guests choose to enjoy their stay at this resort, the dedication to the environment will impress.
11. Viceroy Bocas del Toro (Opening 2021)
Location: Bocas del Toro
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 42
Viceroy Resorts is currently constructing luxury overwater villas just a short distance from Panama City. Known for their next-level luxury experiences, you can be sure they’ll live up to expectations.
Spanning across 457 acres of tropical paradise, it’ll be equipped with eight restaurants, numerous pools, a spa and even meditation rooms.
The perfect overwater bungalows if you’re looking for an incredible luxury experience.
12. Azul Paradise
Location: Bocas del Toro province
The Azul Paradise resort celebrates the Caribbean waters and coral reefs.
The activities in the area also include visiting local villages or Bocas town. A chocolate farm tour is at the top of the list for most. Fishing is popular in the area and it’s easy to charter a fishing trip. Animal lovers can enjoy excursions to see dolphins or even sloths.
The bungalows vary based on what amenities guest desire. The deluxe bungalow offers a king bed with a private deck. Guests also enjoy air conditioning, a TV, towels, snorkel supplies, and lounge furniture. The power for the bungalow is solar and it also has a water hammock.
Once out of the bungalow guests will have a wonderful time at the tiki bar and grill. There is also a restaurant and lounge for guests to enjoy.
13. Urraca Private Island
Location: Bocas del Toro province
The Urraca private island eco-lodge is very eco-friendly, supplying solar power, and even collect rainwater.
Urraca offers guests public areas, a dining area, many decks, and relaxing hammocks. There are also monkeys on the island!
Children are welcome at Urraca, but only over the age of 12.
The standard bungalows offer outside showers with hot water but share full facilities of two bathrooms between four bungalows. The family and honeymooner bungalows have their own bathrooms.
Urraca private island eco-lodge offers a unique experience for those who love the thought of being on a private and secluded island, while being eco-friendly.
14. Eclypse De Mar Acque Lodge
Location: Bocas del Toro province
Popular things to do:
- Watersports
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Visit the nature preserve
The nature reserve offers many animals a natural habitat in the rainforest and guests can enjoy hearing the birds and seeing the sloths.
While there are many things to do in the area, the animals take center stage for many visitors.
The bungalows at Eclypse de Mar Acqua have solar power and the water is spring water that is treated for safety. While the resort is set up for low water and power consumption, they do supply an atmosphere that is scenic, and the sunsets are world-class.
Honduras
| Flight from NYC | 7hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec. – April |
15. Coco View Resort
Best for: Dive enthusiasts
Location: Roatan, Honduras
Founded in 1982, Coco View Resort was made specifically for dive enthusiasts. They boast a pretty impressive number of over 5000 returned trips. Their main goal is to craft the perfect diving operations, and I think it’s safe to say, they’ve mastered it.
If you’re looking for a diving resort in the Caribbean, this should be at the top of your list.
And… that about wraps up the best water villas that are within fair distance of the US. I really hope you enjoyed this and if you have any questions – feel free to shoot us an email.
