All-Inclusive Update: Overwater Bungalows | Luxurious Travel Advisor

Photograph the Maldives or Tahiti and “overwater bungalows” are likely to occur to head. About-the-top rated accommodations stretching out from the shore and standing earlier mentioned the h2o — about as picturesque and intimate as a resort can be. In truth, overwater bungalows are among the the most popular requests from purchasers, in accordance to several of the journey advisors we talk to. The superior news is that People in america really don’t need to jetset across the globe to lavish in these lodging — they are popping up in the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize and further than, all just a couple hours from the States. 

Here’s an array of overwater lodging, all identified in just North or Central America, and all belonging to all-inclusive resorts. 

Most likely some of the most well-known overwater bungalows in the Caribbean belong to Sandals Resorts. Three houses — Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coastline in Jamaica and Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia — all present in excess of-the-drinking water accommodations. Sandals’ bungalows have expansive patios with hammocks suspended about the water, out of doors showers, swim-up platforms and freestanding soaking tubs for two. The interiors offer glass flooring, permitting guests to knowledge the ocean from their villa. All bungalows come with 24-hour butler provider friends also acquire personal transfers to and from the airport in non-public luxurious automobiles.

Bungalows at Sandals South Coast, right here and under, have expansive patios with hammocks suspended above the drinking water. The interiors supply glass floors. 

Both Sandals South Coast and Sandals Grande St. Lucian offer you one particular overwater-style accommodation: The Around-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, even so, there are two possibilities: The Above-the-Drinking water Non-public Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow and the Above-the-Drinking water Private Island Butler Villa with Infinity Pool (the leading this kind of accommodation). The latter villa gives all the identical amenities as the other folks, additionally the added profit of your very own private infinity plunge pool.  

The peak instances of year for Sandals’ Over-the-Water Bungalows are generally February and March, but these are an extremely sought-following lodging yr-round. Journey advisors frequently start out scheduling the In excess of-the-H2o Bungalows a 12 months-and-a-half in advance.

So, what is new? Considering the fact that December of 2019, Sandals Royal Caribbean, positioned in Montego Bay, has unveiled a slew of enhancements, like three new dining establishments: Spices, serving Pan-Caribbean favorites Bombay Club, featuring Indian cuisine with dishes like the common Butter Hen and vegan and vegetarian choices like Aloo Gobi and La Tavola, a family-style Italian cafe. The South Pool in 2020 was revamped with new cabanas with lovers and lighting, a new jacuzzi and new outdoor shower spot. The resort in December also opened 48 new lodging: 12 new Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Swim-up Club Level Junior Suites with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tubs and 36 new Crystal Lagoon Hideaway Junior Suites with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tubs. 

From Sandals South Coast, the vacation resort (also in December 2020) debuted its Swim-up Rondoval Suites, positioned alongside a 17,040-square-foot pool — touted as the longest pool in the western hemisphere. Company can also decide for the updated 112-room Dutch Village with immediate entry to two new swim-up swimming pools. A modern-day wedding day venue is also staying added to adorn the garden in the resort’s Italian Village.

Superior to know: Sandals has created a particular team of vacation advisor growth managers to do the job with travel advisors for bookings and specific requests. (There is also the Travel Agent Scheduling Portal, out there to advisors 24 hrs a day, seven days a 7 days.) That claimed, vacation advisors need to speak to Tremaine Hart ([email protected]), one of Sandals’ trade professionals. 

A further possibility in the Caribbean is Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa. The adults-only Chairman Overwater Bungalows are the 1st and only overwater bungalows on the island of Antigua these bungalows are outfitted with upgraded facilities and particular touches from private airport transfers, check out-in and butler company to complimentary snorkel products, “sunset mixology” on the terrace and particular fitness/yoga courses taught on the bungalow’s deck. (For those people past two, be confident to e-book at least a day in progress.) Visitors keeping at least a few evenings also receive a complimentary intimate dinner served in your bungalow, like a bottle of wine.

Each overwater bungalow has a personal infinity plunge pool, a hammock, a king-dimension mattress, a residing space, ocean entry from the deck and a glass ground to knowledge the ocean from your villa. We also like the Bvlgari bathtub amenities and biodegradable sunscreen (normally details for sustainability!). 

The Royalton Antigua Vacation resort & Spa’s grown ups-only Chairman Overwater Bungalows, right here and under, are the to start with and only overwater bungalows on the island of Antigua.

The weeks encompassing Xmas and New Many years are the busiest. Royalton suggests looking to reserve a Chairman Overwater Bungalow a least of 5 months in progress although during the busiest vacation periods it is not uncommon for guests to book up to a 12 months in advance — so be mindful if travel is during festive year.

For bookings, travel advisors can access out to Craig Marshall ([email protected]), the recently appointed director of revenue, Japanese Caribbean, or Jorge Espejo ([email protected]), regional director of gross sales, Jap Caribbean.

Very good to know: The Chairman Overwater Bungalows are located in the resort’s Diamond Club part, providing upgraded service, distinctive à la carte dining places and bar parts, and its personal pool and beach front regions. Amongst other individuals, eating solutions include things like a steakhouse, an Italian cafe, a Caribbean restaurant and grille, brewhouse and intercontinental buffet.

Tip: For an included fee, there is a 7-course chef’s desk dining knowledge. 

There’s also some significant information from the vacation resort: In February, Marriott International manufactured a important enlargement of its all-inclusive portfolio as a result of a extended-term agreement with Sunwing Travel Group’s hotel division, Blue Diamond Resorts, which has a portfolio of resort houses through the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. The agreement will add 19 franchised resorts, totaling virtually 7,000 rooms to Marriott’s portfolio — among the them, Royalton Antigua, which will be a part of its Autograph Selection.

There are no adjustments expected owing to the partnership with Marriott Intercontinental nonetheless, Royalton claims it’s scheduling to increase the exclusive ordeals provided in the Chairman Overwater Bungalows, both of those in phrases of companies made available and amenities supplied to the attendees (although there is no word still as to what, as of press time).

In Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma are your very best choice. Mixing contemporary with authentic Mexican style, these suites supply a king-dimension mattress or two double beds, a private balcony or terrace, a personal pool and indoor warm tub, and a marble-prime toilet with double sinks. They are situated off Maroma Beach front, just actions absent from a semi-personal pool.

Tip: Be absolutely sure to question for the Elite Overwater Bungalows. They are the similar as the “standard” Palafito Overwater Bungalows, other than these are situated at the stop of the pier, presenting a chosen site.

The Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa’s adults-only Chairman Overwater Bungalows

The busiest time for the vacation resort is November by means of mid-April (with peak in March), as well as significant holidays, so we propose scheduling at minimum 4 months in advance for much better pricing and availability. There is no immediate get in touch with nonetheless, journey advisors can call the workforce by means of the property’s vacation advisor qualified desk at [email protected] or 1-888-908-0442.

The new Náay Spa has in excess of 5,000 sq. ft and is encouraged by Mayan traditions and modern-day procedures. Amenities incorporate 14 treatment method suites, together with two bridal suites, a elegance salon, hydrotherapy facilities, a conditioning heart with a CrossFit place, and a sensorial relaxation place.

Searching for leisure inspiration? The Holistic Procedure working experience combines the added benefits of common Mexican natural treatments, with aromatherapy and therapeutic massage it starts with a sea salt, rosemary, mint, and chamomile scrub, adopted by a detoxifying mask. It finishes up with a stress-free massage. We also like the Tequila Ritual (“tequila’s not just for drinking anymore,” El Dorado Maroma claims). The skin cure makes use of a mixture of tequila and melon extract that eliminates useless pores and skin cells and increases circulation this is adopted up by a white clay detox wrap with blue agave and melon extract and finished with a 30-moment massage.

The Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma, here and below, come with an infinity pool, unobstructed sights of the ocean, glass-bottom floors and a committed butler. 

F&B possibilities include Caribbean and Mexican fare, Asian delicacies, Peruvian and Italian restaurants, a beach front club with worldwide cuisine and far more. Suggestion: Visitors can also request a romantic evening meal on the seaside. 

For anything possibly a little bit more “exotic,” Belize also has a range of around-water bungalows. Our decide would be Cayo Espanto, a private island resort close to San Pedro. It’s advised that attendees fly into Philip S.W. Goldson Worldwide Airport, servicing Belize Metropolis from there, they will be greeted by a resort representative, wherever they may well board a regional flight to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, followed by a 7-moment boat experience. Alternatively, they may well choose a helicopter transportation straight to Cayo Espanto island. 

Every of the resort’s villas, including the in excess of-the-h2o-bungalow (acknowledged as Casa Ventanas), features a personal dock, a butler, individualized foods hand-crafted by the on-island chef (applying local and contemporary ingredients), on-island non-motorized h2o sports activities and far more.

Be aware: There are only seven accommodations on the entire island and just a single is of the “overwater bungalow” selection. Casa Ventanas offers 1,100 sq. ft and one bed room, positioned at the finish of a personal 150-foot dock.   

On the lookout to get out of the bungalow and explore the spot a bit? Snorkel journeys, non-public yacht excursions and jungle tours can all be arranged. Activity fishers will take pleasure in that the island is a popular place for bonefish, a prized capture. Other popular species contain tarpon, barracuda, parrot fish and snappers. The reservations crew can be attained through e mail at [email protected] or by mobile phone at 1-888-666-4282. 

Tip: Cayo Espanto’s busiest time of year tends to be February via June. If there are precise dates anyone has in intellect that they would choose for their stay, with no versatility, then the resort suggests scheduling at minimum 6 months forward of time. 

The Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma

We like that dining is fully customized: A new menu, led by chef Patrick (a graduate of the California Culinary Academy) is created day-to-day to fit your tastes, dependent on a study you are questioned to fill out prior to you even get there on the island. Sample lunches may consist of a Barrier Reef crab salad Napolean with crisp flour tortilla triangles, avocado and fresh herb bouquet or Cayo’s basic jerk hen Caesar salad with croutons and shredded area Dutch cheese coconut-infused flan with a macaroon chip. For evening meal, think almond-crusted community grouper fillet nestled on blackened corn and plantain mash studded with bacon and roasted garlic, all drizzled with island-produced mole sauce or char-grilled lamb chops with sauteed eco-friendly beans and beet curls more than Lyonnaise potatoes completed with a cherry-infused pinot sauce.

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