If you’ve been dreaming of a Maldives overwater bungalow a little closer to home, this might be the list you’re looking for. These bungalows and villas can be found in Florida and the Caribbean making them a little easier to get to if you are coming from the United States.
Most of these properties offer beautiful accommodations with ocean views even without getting the overwater bungalow. Affordable bungalows can range from $200 to $500/nt while most luxury ones are $500+. It is not surprising to find some at $2,000+ per night and the most luxurious ones can start at $6,000 per night.
Remember to plan early as most calendars show these special stays as sold out for many dates in the near future. While Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows are the closest for many Americans, finding an available date can be difficult. Some of these properties are currently sold out for the bungalows through the end of 2021.
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Why aren’t there more overwater bungalows in the Caribbean?
Most of the bungalows we see in those alluring photos are often in the Maldives, Moorea, & Malaysia because of the calm waters. Florida and the Caribbean are very susceptible to hurricanes during Hurricane Season making it very difficult to replicate the expectations found elsewhere. There are still many good options getting you close to the desired experience without the long expensive flight.
What alternatives are there to an expensive overwater bungalow experience?
You’ll find that there are some affordable options depending on the season. Caribbean travel from May to November is usually priced lower and less crowded (off-peak season). Given the lack of travel in 2020 combined with the high desire to travel in 2021, set the expectation that both rates and crowds will be higher. Try looking for private or semi-private ocean front villas instead or go ahead and make plans early for 2022.
A similar experience that can be enjoyed for the day on certain cruises is a cabana rental.
Carnival cruises that stop at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic offer Ocean Cabanas for the day at $344.99 for up to 8 guests and includes snacks, water, and soda.
Royal Caribbean has Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabanas at Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas for up to 8 guests that includes lounging area, dining area, charging stations, slide into the sea, food and drinks for up to 8 guests. $1099/cabin – they go fast, it’s best to book early in advance of your cruise. Smaller beach cabanas available that start at $299/day.
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
You will see some properties below designated with this distinction. This award is the highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
In Florida
Before we head to the Caribbean, there is one place that always comes to mind right here in the United States and it’s a classic at Disney World. Disney’s Polynesian Resort has beautiful bungalows ideal for watching the fireworks from.
Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows
1600 Seven Seas Dr, Orlando, FL 32830-8423
You’ll be surrounded by island ambience as if the South Pacific came to you. These 2 Bedroom bungalows are perfect for families with a full kitchen, living and dining area, separate bedrooms, and a washer and dryer.
Royalton Antigua
#2 of 2 Hotels in Five Islands Village
Deep Bay Street, Five Islands Village 517 Antigua
Deep Bay Street, Five Islands Village 517 Antigua
An all-inclusive stay on a private beach with crystal clear waters. Recently added to the Marriott family. Guests who stay in the Chairman Overwater Bungalows will experience Diamond Club™ status. This premium level of service features the comfort of anticipatory service, exclusive à la carte restaurants and bar areas, as well as the shimmering pool and pristine beach areas for the sole use of Diamond Club™ guests.
- • Private Pool for Diamond Club™ Guests
- • Preferential reservations in à la carte restaurants
- • Exclusive beach area with dedicated bar and waiter service
- • Distinctive Wrist Bracelet
- • Diamond Club™ Lounge private access
- • Selected premium drinks menu available in Lounge (some restrictions apply)
- • Daily, continental breakfast service in Lounge
- • Evening hors d’oeuvres and afternoon snacks including decadent desserts in lounge
- • Upgraded room service menu
- • Pillow menu
- • 10% discount on spa treatments and hair dresser
- • Hydrotherapy for one hour per day based on availability (reservation on advance)
Adults-only bungalows include one bedroom with a king bed, seating area with a sofa bed, dining room, swim-out infinity plunge pool, over-water hammock and glass floors to enjoy the ocean below. From $2200/nt.
- Complimentary dinner served in bungalow
- Butler Service
- Personalized check-in and check-out
- Complimentary in-room IPTV movie selection
- Golf cart shuttle service
- Upgraded room service menu
- Twice daily refreshed in-bungalow minibar
- Royalton Signature DreamBed™
- High thread count sheets
Alternative: Luxury Junior Suite Swim Out DC
From $500/nt, experience a luxury suite with semi-private pool at Diamond Club level.
Sample Package rate for 2 with flight from MIA to ANU with hotel transfers, and Swim Out suite in early October from $2905. Get a free quote.
Overhead View of Royalton Antigua
Courtesy of ALGVacations
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021
All inclusive luxury on a whte-sand beach with all day entertainment in an adults-only environment.
- Unlimited fine dining at 12 restaurants
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
- Unlimited Premium Liquors
- 6 bars, including swim-up bars
- Stocked bars in every room
- Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
- All tips, taxes and gratuities
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Green fees included at 2 nearby golf courses
- Roundtrip transfers to 2 nearby golf courses
- PADI-Certified SCUBA diving (and all equipment)
- Waterskiing
- Snorkeling (and all equipment)
- Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
- Professional instruction for water sports
- Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables
- Day and night tennis
- Unlimited land sports and state-of-the-art fitness centers
- Day and night entertainment including live shows
- Roundtrip shuttles to 2 nearby Sandals Resorts
- Exchange privileges at 2 nearby Sandals Resorts
- Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
- Free wedding (for stays of 3 nights or longer)
Traveler’s Choice 2021
8 Unique villas at a beach bungalow boutique resort but currently expanding to add more.
Check out the Isla Alistaire villa from $889/nt. You get a double cabana with ocean views from your air conditioned king size bed with an open air 2nd bed/living room. A private pool and palapa lounge.
ALTERNATIVE: The Lolita starts at $429/nt, a 600 sq ft eco-friendly studio villa for 2 steps away from the ocean with queen-size canopy bed, breakfast, an open air shower, and palapa lunge for ocean breezes.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
Km. 1.5 Carretera a San Miguel, Flores 17001 Guatemala
Traveler’s Choice 2021
In the heart of the Mayan ruins and Guatemalan jungle on its own private reserve. Providing an authentic, rustic experience for as low as $249/nt.
Sandals South Coast
Set on a 500 acre nature preserve with white-sand beach, all beachfront/oceanview rooms, over the water bungalows, an overwater bar, and over-the-water Chapel. Adults only.
- Unlimited fine dining at 9 restaurants
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
- Unlimited Premium Liquors
- 7 bars, including swim-up bars
- Stocked bars in every room
- Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
- All tips, taxes and gratuities
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- PADI-Certified SCUBA diving (and all equipment)
- Waterskiing
- Snorkeling (and all equipment)
- Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
- Professional instruction for water sports
- Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables
- Day and night tennis
- Unlimited land sports and fitness center with LifeFitness® Equipment
- Day and night entertainment including live shows
- Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
- Free wedding (for stays of 3 nights or longer)
ALTERNATIVE: You might be able to find dates for the South Seas Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary much easier and at half the cost. Sample itinerary for 2 in late September for 3 nights was about $3600.
Traveler’s Choice 2021
The over-the-water bungalow is minutes away from the main resort on its own private offshore island. All-inclusive. Adults only.
- Unlimited fine dining at 9 restaurants
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
- Unlimited Premium Liquors
- 5 bars, including swim-up bars
- Stocked bars in every room
- Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
- All tips, taxes and gratuities
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- BMW private airport transfers for all Butler and Club Elite Sandals guests
- PADI-Certified SCUBA diving (and all equipment)
- Snorkeling (and all equipment)
- Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
- Professional instruction for water sports
- Beach volleyball, bocce ball, pool tables
- Unlimited land sports and state-of-the-art fitness centers
- Day and night entertainment including live shows
- Exchange privileges with nearby Sandals
- Roundtrip shuttles to nearby Sandals Montego Bay
- Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
- Free wedding (for stays of 3 nights or longer)
ALTERNATIVE: Windsor Beachfront Walkout Club Elite Room with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub, a 2 night stay in late September priced from $2000/nt for 2.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
#2 of 295 Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Carretera Federal Chetumal – Pto. Juarez Km. 298, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021
Enjoy in-villa dining, a rainforest hydrothermal spa, and walking on a nature trail in Asian style surroundings.
ALTERNATIVE: While the 3 Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa prices from $3000/nt, families might find a personal sanctuary in the 2755 sq. ft, Three Bedroom Family Residence with private heated pool from $1099/nt. A Bliss Pool Villa for 2 can be found as low as $589/nt.
Dorado Maroma Palafitos
#1 of 7 Hotels in Playa Maroma
Carretera Federal Cancun-Tulum Km 55.3, Playa Maroma, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021
Your private deck includes a private infinity pool, perfect for colorful sunsets shimmering off the sea.
ALTERNATIVE: Mi Hotelito Beach Front Suite Sample Package rate for 2 with flight from MIA to CUN with hotel transfers, travel protection and Mi Hotelito Beach Front suite in early October from $2275. Get a free quote.
Rosewood Mayakoba
#3 of 295 Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Ctra. Federal Cancun, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021
Offers private residences surrounded by emerald lagoons, a mangrove jungle, and white-sand beaches in the Riviera Maya area.
ALTERNATIVE: Lagoon Studio Suite King – Spacious studio with private plunge pool and outdoor shower set along emerald waterways (788-858 ft²) from $754/nt.
Sample Package rate for 2 with flight from MIA to CUN with hotel transfers, travel protection and Lagoon Studio suite in early October from $9715. Get a free quote.
Travelers’ Choice 2021
Only 7 miles from Belize City, experience a secluded adults-only private island paradise.
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021
If you’re looking for a sustainable “WOW” experience, Thatch Caye is committed to a travel better pledge. “This doesn’t just mean better experiences for the traveler, but also making the places traveled to better. That’s why Muy’Ono Resorts focus on preserving the beauty of Belize through philanthropy, sustainability, celebrating culture, and creating “WOW!””
As reported by Thatch Caye:
MUY’ONO RESORT’S SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS:
- Eliminated the use of all plastic and Styrofoam
- Use of solar power, wind power, and LED lighting
- Rainwater catchment systems for water source
- Use of reclaimed materials for renovations
- Majority of the food served in restaurants is locally sourced
- Participate in recycling and waste reduction
- Use of reef-safe sunscreen
- Knowledgeable guides that educate guests on reef and wildlife conservation
Results of this Muy’Ono Initiative
$133,382 BZD DONATED IN 2019
1,428,852 WATER BOTTLES SAVED
300 JOBS CREATED IN BELIZE
There are lots of ways to get that dreamy island experience from the affordable to the most luxurious options you can think of. Hopefully, you’re a little closer to finding the one that suits your budget, consciousness, and lifestyle.
Happy Wandering!
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