So you've decided to book one of Sandals' amazing Caribbean overwater bungalows? Congratulations on being ready to book a romantic trip of a lifetime! As of 2019 Sandals has three excellent resorts that offer overwater bungalows and each is quite different so it's important to choose the one that fits your needs the best.

I've been fortunate enough to visit all three Sandals overwater bungalows resorts and tour the bungalows as well, so I thought it would be helpful to discuss the pros and cons of each of them to help people decide with confidence. Each of the resorts is among the finest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, so you'd be extremely happy at any of them, but they each have strengths that the others don't have.

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Sandals has overwater bungalows at these 3 resorts

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort – Montego Bay, Jamaica

  • 5 Over the Water Private Island Butler Villas with Infinity Pool
  • 12 Over-the-Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalows

 

This is said to be the most premium of Sandals’ 7 resorts in Jamaica, and it’s the only resort that offers overwater bungalows with an infinity pool of their own. The location close to Montego Bay airport has pluses and minuses.

>More information about the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sandals South Coast Resort – Jamaica

  • 12 Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows

 

This resort is more isolated near the southwest corner of Jamaica and it’s on the largest property of the three. The shuttle ride from Montego Bay airport takes about 90 minutes each way, although transportation is always included in the Sandals room rate.

>More information about the Sandals South Coast Resort – Jamaica

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort – Saint Lucia

  • 9 Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows

 

Located on the fairly remote Caribbean island of St. Lucia, this resort is much farther from the United States, although it’s marginally closer to Europe. The stunning resort location is near the northern tip of St. Lucia, while the main airport is near the southern tip, making for an (included) shuttle ride of about 90 minutes each way.

>More information about the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort – Saint Lucia

The Sandals experience in a nutshell

If this might be your first Sandals stay it’s worth doing a quick rundown of what makes this resort chain so special. Sandals operates 16 all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, including 7 on Jamaica alone. They also operate 3 Beaches Resorts, which is their family-oriented brand that is otherwise extremely similar.


Sandals takes all-inclusive to a new level

Unlike nearly all of the all-inclusive chain hotels in the Caribbean, Sandals advertises itself as “Luxury Included” meaning that almost everything is included in the basic room rate, including nearly all activities. Most resorts offer “all-inclusive” beers along with certain wines and spirits, and then charge more for premium beers, wines, and cocktails. Most resorts also charge extra for snorkeling and other beach equipment, while in Sandals it’s all included for everyone.


Sandals resorts are not cheap

As you’d expect from a luxury all-inclusive resort chain with some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach locations, Sandals resorts are not cheap and not a good choice for those looking for a budget Caribbean all-inclusive vacation. The normal rooms at these Sandals resorts start at around US$500 per night for two people with everything included, and the overwater bungalows start at around US$3,200 per night.

 

More information about what to expect at Sandals


Which Sandals overwater bungalow location is best for you?

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort – Montego Bay, Jamaica

The primary advantages of this resort are that it’s the only one to have the infinity-pool overwater bungalows, and that it’s by far the closest to the airport and the fastest to reach. Starting from the US or Canada you can be in your overwater bungalow at this resort about two hours sooner than at Sandals South Coast, and that can be helpful for a shorter stay.

 

The disadvantages are that it’s a smaller resort that is rather close to the end of the runway by the Montego Bay airport. You WILL hear planes taking off several times per hour during daylight hours, and it’s fairly loud. On the other hand, the planes are in the air and out of the area so quickly that the sound only lasts about 5 seconds each time. It’s amazing how quickly you can get used to this, and also keep in mind that this is Sandals’ most premium resort in all of Jamaica.

 

Overwater bungalows location

 

The overwater bungalows here are located on an exclusive private island across the lagoon from the main resort, accessible by a short ferry ride that goes frequently. There is also a restaurant and beach bar on this island so it feels very special and guests can spend the whole day here if they prefer.

 

This resort also offers the best swimming under the overwater bungalows and it will remind guests of Bora Bora or the Maldives.

>More information about the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort – Montego Bay, Jamaica >Check rates at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort

Sandals South Coast Resort – Jamaica

If you’ve got the extra 90 minutes (each way) for the shuttle ride to Sandals South Coast it’s probably worth it. This resort is on a sprawling piece of prime beach property in a quiet area of Jamaica. It feels much more like a luxury beach resort being away from the airport like it is. Personally, I prefer this resort to the Royal Caribbean because it’s so spread out and feels more relaxed.

 

The disadvantages of Sandals South Coast are that the 90-minute shuttle ride can feel long after a long flight, and the drive through the hills in the center of Jamaica isn’t as scenic or pleasant as it could be.

 

Overwater bungalows location

 

The 12 overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast are at the northern edge of the resort’s beach, behind a security station at the entrance to the pier. There are no bars or restaurants on the pier so guests have to head to the main part of the resort several times per day, although guests can get complimentary in-room dining.

 

The water under the overwater bungalows is deeper than at Sandals Royal Caribbean, so the water doesn’t seem quite as turquoise and you probably can’t stand on the bottom.

>More information about the Sandals South Coast Resort – Jamaica >Check rates at Sandals South Coast Resort

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort – Saint Lucia

While the other two resorts have lovely locations, the Sandals in St. Lucia is on one of the most beautiful coves in the Caribbean and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a better beach-resort location. The island of St. Lucia is arguably the most scenic of all of the Caribbean islands, although the famous twin peaks of the Pitons are a long way from the resort.

 

Generally speaking, St. Lucia is a more pleasant island than Jamaica, and it has that faraway vacation feel that is more dramatic than even at Sandals South Coast. If I had plenty of time to get here and at least 4 or 5 nights to stay, I’d choose Sandals St. Lucian for my overwater bungalow holiday.

 

The disadvantages are the longer flight time (about 3.5 hours longer from New York), not to mention more expensive flights. On the other hand, St. Lucia is almost two hours closer to most European airports, so this place is a good alternative to the Maldives and MUCH closer than Bora Bora.

 

Overwater bungalows location

 

The overwater bungalows are along the southern edge of the St. Lucian resort. Unlike the other two resorts where the overwater bungalows are out over a lagoon, the 9 water villas are simply out off of a peninsula at this resort. You aren’t properly out over the water until you are inside the bungalow itself.

 

To be honest, the overwater bungalows here don’t look as amazing as the others from the outside, but once you are inside that all changes. Inside they are huge and the locations are amazing. Again, you are behind a security checkpoint so the only other guests you’ll usually see are your immediate neighbors.

>More information about the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort – Saint Lucia >Check rates at Sandals St. Lucian Resort

Summary of which resort to choose

All three resorts are excellent so you’ll love any of them. If you are only able to stay for 2 or 3 nights it’s probably best to choose the Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay because it’s so much faster and easier to reach.

 

If you’ve got a little more time and like the idea of a more relaxed vacation and don’t mind a 90-minute shuttle ride, the Sandals South Coast is your best option.

 

On the other hand, if you are planning to stay for at least 6 or 7 days and you really want to get away from it all, the Sandals St. Lucian is probably the nicest of the three resorts. Bon voyage!


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  1. My family and I live in Asia and we are looking for a trip to anywhere with water bungalows and hopefully clear, turqoise water with snorkelling and water activities available, and is also budget friendly if possible. We are two adults and one child who is a little over 17. Are there any suggestions or recommendations? Thank you

  2. I am looking to plan a family vacation that is budget friendly. I would love to stay in an overwater hut. Can you tell me the best and most reasonable place to stay with a family the kids are 12 & 16

    1. Kris,

      Since you aren’t even sure which part of the world you want to visit, I’d recommend starting with this list of the world’s cheapest overwater resorts on our other site. Most of those resorts only allow 3 guests per room, even though almost all of them have a pull-out couch in addition to a king bed. You might find some good choices in Central America or in Asia other than the Maldives. And of course it really depends on where you are starting from because the cost of flights could cancel out any savings from a cheaper resort. I hope that helps and I’m happy to help with other questions if you have them. -Roger

  3. I would like to attend an over water bungalow resort for me and about 7 of my closest friends to celebrate my 45th Birthday. As most resorts are for honeymooners, are there single friendly resorts that can accommodate a "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" week long celebration. We live on the East coast and realize we will have to fly West for all the bungalows you have described above. All feedback is appreciated to guide me in the planning phrase.

    1. Kim,

      That sounds like a lot of fun. You won’t find many resorts that are great options for “solo” travelers, but groups of singles will fit in with many other groups there. Most of the resorts in Bora Bora and Moorea allow 3 guests per bungalow, and they all have a sleeper sofa in them for that purpose (most don’t allow 4 guests per room though). So if two of your group are okay sleeping on a pull-out couch then you can get by with 3 bungalows.

      It’s true that many of the guests at these resorts will be honeymoon couples or anniversary couples, but there are also families with older children and multi-generational groups. I think your group would have fun at just about any of those resorts, but I’d probably focus on one that has some nightlife each evening such as a band or DJ. Some of the smaller resorts only have a beach bar and it’ll mostly be couples in those. Long story short, I think I’d look at one of the larger resorts on Moorea or Bora Bora or even Tahiti. The places with at least 100 total rooms (including beach and garden bungalows) should also have plenty of things to keep you happy and a diverse clientele.

      If your budget can handle a bit over US$2,000 per night you might even consider one of the Sandals resorts on Jamaica because the flights will be so much shorter and cheaper. The overwater bungalows there are huge (I just toured both resorts recently) and the nearby beach rooms are really wonderful there as well. The beach rooms start at around US$500 per night, but they are premium all-inclusive with even many activities included so they would be really fun for a group. In other words, maybe you could get 1 (or 2) overwater bungalows and a couple of beach rooms, and take turns in each? And you could mostly hang out in the overwater bungalow during the day, which is plenty big enough for everyone. When you add in the cost of flights and all that time flying to Los Angeles and to Tahiti then the Jamaica plan could look even better. Also you have to factor in the cost of meals and drinks and activities. In the South Pacific the room includes breakfast, but everything else is extra, while in Jamaica it’s ALL included in the price. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  4. My wife and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. It would be wonderful to stay at an over water bungalow.

    Is Tahiti, Bora Bora gay-friendly islands? Are any island more friendly than others?

    1. Merchel,

      Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are all part of French Polynesia, and the French culture there is quite strong. With that in mind, I’d expect that the islands and the resorts in particular would be quite LGBT-friendly. I don’t recall seeing anything in particular that stood out when I’ve been there, but I have a strong hunch that the resorts are all very progressive with that sort of thing. The island people seem to be quite open minded, and French people are famously tolerant. I wish I could give you more certainty. Best of luck with this. -Roger

  5. I am trying to plan our 10 year wedding anniversary. We are both pretty easy to please regarding vacations.

    I do know that my wife would really love to stay at an over water Bungalow for this trip.

    We would be traveling from Wichita, KS to Bora Bora or somewhere similar.(hopefully if price is right).

    I have browsed a bit and can’t find much for our budget (around $3-4k per person). Obviously I would love to be on the low end of my budget and save as much as possible.

    If not in Bora Bora, we would be okay with over water bungalow’s elsewhere.

    Travel dates would be leaving August 26th and Returning September 2nd (can go 1 day either way if needed).

    1. Michael,

      We are simply an online guide to overwater bungalows and not a travel agency. You’ll find the best deals online for these resorts. You can usually get better value in Moorea, which is another gorgeous island right off Tahiti itself. The room rates are a bit lower and transportation is faster and cheaper as well. If you have any specific questions just let us know. -Roger

  6. We our planning our honeymoon and live near San Francisco. We’d love to go to an amazing bungalow but the issue is we have only around 7 days for our trip, so the long flights really eat into our time. Is there an island you recommend we go to which is easy to reach from SFO? Thanks!

    1. Andrew,

      From San Francisco the closest overwater bungalows are in Tahiti, which is only a couple hours farther than Hawaii. It looks like you’d have to fly down to LAX first, as that’s where all the flights to Tahiti start. There are two resorts not far from the Tahiti Airport that offer overwater bungalows. Those resorts are pretty nice, but there are 4 nicer ones on Moorea, which is a 5-minute flight or one-hour ferry ride from Tahiti. If you are going all that way, it’s probably worth going to Moorea, as it’s also a much prettier island than Tahiti itself. Bora Bora is a 60-minute flight from Tahiti, and it has even more options. Those islands are so gorgeous and wonderful that I think it’s worth the flight, even for a week. Best of luck with this. -Roger

  7. Hi
    We live at the Gold Coast, Australia so can fly out of here or Brisbane. For our 20 year wedding anniversary in April we want to stay at an overwater bungalow – this will probably be a one-off so I want it to be in the clearest water with white sand so that the swimming and hopefully snorkelling is great. Maybe even some other water activities like sailboarding nearby? What do you recommend also considering ease of getting there? Thanks!

    1. Margo,

      There are actually a few resorts in the South Pacific that aren’t far from you, including one in New Caledonia. Have a look at our list of resorts in the South Pacific for more details. The next closest to you are in the Philippines and Malaysia. You can find those under the Asia tab on the top of this page.

      But really you’ll find the best affordable resorts in the Maldives, which has 80 different overwater hotels, each on its own island. Click on the Maldives tab for all of that information. And of course Bora Bora, which also isn’t too far from you, has many of the world’s best overwater resorts if price isn’t a major factor. Best of luck and let me know if I can help more. -Roger