Are you dreaming of an overwater villa for your honeymoon? Luckily, multiple countries offer the opportunity to book a romantic bungalow; you could look at the Maldives, Tahiti, or Fiji as possible destinations. What if you don't want to fly halfway around the globe? If you'll stay closer home, consider one of Sandals Resorts' stunning Caribbean overwater bungalows. The brand offers four hotels, each of which is quite different. I thought it would be helpful to review each of the bungalows and the resort so that you can find the best fit for you. Each of the alternatives is an exceptional all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Here are my reviews of Sandals overwater bungalows; expect to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about each.
Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines
Discover the ultimate all-inclusive romantic escape at Sandals St. Vincent. Nestled in the stunning Caribbean, this new Sandals resort offers couples pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class luxury. It’s the perfect place for a dream honeymoon or romantic getaway, from overwater bungalows to gourmet dining and endless activities.
Overwater Bungalows
10-Vincy Two-Story Villas
The ten villas are a true sanctuary directly above the crystalline sea. Each has a rooftop lounge that may be the best place to watch a sunset in the Caribbean, along with many exclusive perks. The villas have over 1,200 square feet of living space and are within a secluded cove. With a verdant rainforest in the back and turquoise waters out the front, the villas provide the utmost privacy for guests.
Pros: The Sandals St Vincent bungalows are the only bungalows with a rooftop deck. The bathrooms are lovely, and the patio's outdoor soaking tub and rainshower are standout features.
Cons: These are the priciest rooms in the Sandals brand, and the bungalow cove lies close to the jetty where the new guests arrive.
Trips to Cherish Rating: 4.85 out of 5 stars. These are the best overwater villas in the Caribbean, but their price will make them out of reach for many guests.
Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica
Located a mere 5 minutes away from Sandals Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean offers a more elegant atmosphere. It has a private offshore island featuring a Thai restaurant, another pool, and the resort's best beach. The location, price point, and various activities make Royal Caribbean an excellent choice for large groups. Everyone will find something to love at this resort.
Overwater Bungalows:
5-Overwater Private Island Butler Villas with an Infinity Pool
12-Overwater Private Island Butler Villas
The overwater bungalows lie on an elite private island across the lagoon from the main resort. The island has a rare restaurant and beach bar, and guests can spend their days there without going to the central part of the resort.
Pros: Royal Caribbean is the only resort with infinity pools and overwater bungalows, and it is the closest to the Montego Bay airport. This resort has the best swimming under the villas of all the Sandals, and it will remind you of Bora Bora or the Maldives.
Cons: It isn't as large as the other resort that offers overwater bungalows. You WILL hear planes taking off, and it's relatively loud. Royal Caribbean has some of the worst food reviews of the entire brand.
Trips to Cherish Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The poor food and frequent noise overshadow the fabulous villas.
Sandals South Coast in Jamaica
Located 90 minutes away from the airport on the isolated Jamaican southern shore, Sandals South Coast is worth the drive for anyone who enjoys being active outdoors. The resort's major strengths are its broad span of secluded beach stretching over 2 miles, vast and attractive pools, a modern luxury design, and excellent service and dining. You will love the incredible variety of outdoor adventures. You can plan on spending your day snorkeling, sailing, hiking, kayaking, riding water bikes, and diving. It is also the only resort to offer ocean views from every suite.
Overwater Bungalows:
12-Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalows
The resort's standout feature is its overwater features. The overwater bungalows and chapel are stunning, and the overwater bar, Latitudes, is exceptional.
Pros: The bungalows are gorgeous, and the resort's overwater areas are the most beautiful part of the resort. You can get complimentary in-room dining. Sandals South Coast is one of the best resorts in the brand, and the beach is stunning.
Cons: The villas lie at the beach, behind a security station at the gate to the pier. There are no bars or restaurants on the dock, so you must head to the central part of the resort several times per day. The water under the bungalows is more profound than the other Jamaica resorts. Sandals South Coast is far from everything. Luckily, the resort has many things to do onsite because you will not leave until it is time to return to the airport.
Trips to Cherish Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. South Coast is one of the most romantic Sandals resorts in Jamaica, but the distance means that you will not leave your resort for the entirety of your trip.
Sandals Grande St Lucian in St Lucia
The most extravagant of the three St Lucia Sandals resorts is also home to the best beach of any St. Lucia Resort. The imposing pool sits on the beach overlooking glittering Rodney Bay; the resort lies on a peninsula between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Picture-perfect views surround you no matter where you are at the resort, and the sunsets are spectacular.
Overwater Bungalows
9-Overwater Honeymoon Butler Bungalows
The overwater bungalows sit on the southern edge of the resort. In truth, the villas at Grande St Lucian don't look incredible from the outside. But once you step inside, you will realize that they are excellent; they are huge, and the views are gorgeous.
Pros: They are among the Caribbean's largest and most luxurious overwater bungalows.
Cons: The water villas lie off a peninsula; you won't be out over the water until inside the bungalow. Grande St Lucian is the most "Americanized" resort in St Lucia Sandals. It would not be the resort to go to if you want a local experience. The ride to and from the airport is long and winding. I suggest doing the helicopter transfers. And there are tons of vendors on the beach.
Trips to Cherish Rating: 4.5 out of 5. Sandals Grande St Lucian is one of the best resorts in the Sandals portfolio, and the villas are stunning.
Jessie's Final Notes:
I want you to know that several things plague all three of the Sandals resorts with overwater bungalows.
The Sandals bungalows are lovely, but their prices are incredibly high. What they lack in budget-friendliness, they make up for with ease of travel.
They fill up quickly. Since there are so few bungalows available at each resort, you need to book early, or they will not be open.
The bungalows are close together, so they do not offer the privacy you will find in the Maldives or Bora Bora resorts.
The Sandals bungalows aren't as spacious and don't offer the bells and whistles (private pools, upstairs living areas, luxurious and spacious bathrooms, slides, rooftops that open with a touch of a button, etc.) that you will find in other countries.
The overwater bungalows at Sandals are among the best in the Caribbean. If you search for gorgeous and romantic villas within a few hours of your home, you will be thrilled with the Sandals brand.
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