Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica at Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts
Last Updated on January 7, 2024
Beach-starved travelers, take heart: luxury over the water bungalows are no longer half a world away. The vibrant island of Jamaica is home to two Sandals resorts with villas that float over clear turquoise waters. Read on for all the details you need to make these Sandals Jamaica overwater bungalows your next escape.
If you haven’t yet been to Jamaica, we’d better book you a direct flight. This Caribbean nation is a quintessential tropical escape: Marilyn Monroe honeymooned here with Arthur Miller, and Ian Fleming famously penned the James Bond novels here. Add that to laid-back island vibes, stunning white sand beaches, and the warmth of the Jamaican people, and you’ve got a recipe for bliss.
Jamaica also boasts some of the best resorts in the world, including seven Sandals resorts whose very motto is “luxury included.” So if you’re seeking a blissed-out vacay, a romantic getaway, or a destination wedding escape, look no further than the luxury of Jamaica’s overwater Sandals bungalows. Did I mention these resorts are all-inclusive, which means a totally effortless retreat? Let’s get to planning!
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In this Guide to All-Inclusive Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica
Sandals South Coast | Sandals Royal Caribbean | Booking Jamaica Overwater Bungalows | All-Inclusive Amenities | When to Visit | Maldives vs. Jamaica
Two All-Inclusive Sandals Resorts with Overwater Bungalows in Jamaica
Sandals has two resorts in Jamaica which feature luxury over-the-water villas.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals was the first resort in the Caribbean to offer overwater villas, which opened on December 1, 2016 at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. Before this, travelers had to go all the way to far-flung locales like the Maldives for overwater bungalows!
Sandals Royal Caribbean is located just 10 minutes from Sangster Airport in Montego Bay. The resort celebrates the island’s British past with a Georgian-style Great House, manicured gardens and roaming peacocks – all complemented with traditions like afternoon tea and a rousing game of croquet. The overwater bungalows here are just minutes away on a private offshore island.
Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast is in White House, a 2-mile stretch of pristine white-sand beach within a 500-acre nature preserve. The resort features three distinctive European Villages and Jamaica’s largest swimming pool.
The complimentary airport transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours from Sangster Airport, during which time guests can relax and take in the lush views of Jamaica’s South Coast.
Which Overwater Bungalows and Resort to Choose?
Both Sandals resorts are all-inclusive, offering unlimited gourmet dining, unique bars serving premium liquors and wines, and land and water sports.
Which resort is right for you? Let’s take an in-depth look at the accommodation and amenities at each.
Sandals South Coast Jamaica Overwater Bungalows
Sandals South Coast offers the chance to discover old Jamaica on the lush and untouched South Coast. This new all-inclusive, adults-only luxury resort is set on an unspoiled 2-mile stretch of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters within a 500-acre wilderness preserve.
Sandals South Coast Over-the-water Rooms
There are 12 luxury all-inclusive overwater villas at Sandals South Coast, each with stunning 360-degree ocean views. Inside, glass floor panels and lighting offer “undersea” views at any time.
Every bungalow is luxuriously appointed with king-sized beds, soft linens, and plush pillows for the ultimate sleep experience. Spacious, spa-style bathrooms include his-and-hers sinks and walk-in rain showers.
Outside, private patios are equipped with an extended private sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers, and a bistro set for two. For the ultimate indulgence, have a romantic soak and admire the views from your private tranquility tub for two! Or simply lounge in over water hammocks.
See more photos + availability for Sandals South Coast bungalows
These bungalows also boast Butler Elite service, which handles every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace. Private airport transfers and in-room dining are included to complete your over-water vacation. (Did someone say breakfast in bed?)
Sandals South Coast All-Inclusive Resort Amenities
For more indulgence, Sandals South Coast has 9 fine dining restaurants, and 7 bars including swim-up and over-the-water options.
More about the restaurants and dining at Sandals South Coast
Relax at three pools and four whirlpools, and try landsports like volleyball, pickleball, shuffleboard, tennis, croquet and more. Many water activities are also included, like hobie cats, kayaks, snorkeling, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing, waterskiing, and scuba diving for certified divers. Or just enjoy the pristine beach with drinks delivered by a beach butler.
See water sports included at Sandals South Coast here
At night, bonfire areas and fire pits add to the glow of this truly unique and romantic adults-only destination in the heart of paradise.
Want to see more? Take a virtual tour of the resort.
How to Get to Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast is a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Sangster Airport in Montego Bay. Round trip transfers are provided by the resort; guests in overwater villas will enjoy VIP private transfers.
Read next ⫸ Sandals Curacao: Top All-Inclusive for Diving, Luxury Rooms, and Dining
Sandals Royal Caribbean Overwater Bungalows Jamaica | Montego Bay Overwater Bungalows
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort is a 5-star, all-inclusive, adults-only escape located in Montego Bay. The resort’s over-the-water bungalows are located just offshore at an exclusive private island.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Overwater Rooms
There are two room options for overwater rooms here: villas with infinity pools or romantic honeymoon bungalows. Both have 360-degree ocean views plus “sea-through” glass floor panels, so you can watch the turquoise waters and marine life below.
Every bungalow is luxuriously appointed with king-sized beds, soft linens, and plush pillows for the ultimate sleep experience. Spacious, spa-style bathrooms include his-and-hers sinks and walk-in rain showers.
See the overwater villas with private infinity pools
See over the water honeymoon bungalows
Guests in overwater bungalows will be pampered throughout their stay by a personal butler trained to the highest standards. This includes unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving meals on your terrace, and handling every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace.
Sandals Royal Caribbean’s over-the-water private island bungalows feature floating water hammocks, an extended sun deck, outdoor shower, sun loungers, indoor walk-in rain shower, and a bistro set for two. An outdoor freestanding tranquility soaking tub for two is the perfect place to see the sunset.
A fully stocked bar including premium liquors plus room service means you won’t even have to leave your room!
Sandals Royal Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort Amenities
If you do wander back to land, however, the resort amenities include 9 world-class restaurants, each offering different culinary experiences and exotic flavors. Guests can discover 5 bars including seaside and swim-up options, and relax at 7 pools and 5 whirlpools. Or just relax on the gorgeous private beach.
Learn more here about Sandals Royal Caribbean’s restaurants
Landsports and a fitness center are included, plus selected watersports like Hobie cats, paddle boards, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and even scuba diving for certified divers.
Exchange privileges are included at nearby Sandals Montego Bay, giving you two vacations in one. Experience all the restaurants, all the beaches and every amenity. Plus, round-trip transportation is included between resorts.
See all the included activities at Sandals Royal Caribbean
How to Get to Sandals Royal Caribbean
There are direct flights to Montego Bay from more than 20 cities in the US and Canada. Plus, Sandals Royal Caribbean is located just 10 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ. Over-the-water villa guests will be whisked to the resort from either MBJ or Kingston airport via private BMW luxury airport transfers including a private water taxi.
Booking Sandals Overwater Villas in Jamaica
Since there is a limited number of villas at each resort, these Jamaica overwater bungalows often book up far in advance. They aren’t cheap, either: these are the most luxurious accommodations at each resort. But if you have a special occasion or just haven’t been able to get away for a while, it’s probably time to splurge!
You can check the Sandals website for available dates. If availability is limited, consider splitting your time: start your trip in a more affordable suite and then splash out for the last few days of your stay.
What’s Included in Sandals’ Jamaica All-Inclusive Overwater Villas
Everything! Yes, your nightly rate per person really includes everything, with just a few exceptions like spa services and optional excursions. This means unlimited gourmet dining, unique bars serving premium liquors and wines, and land and water sports.
If you haven’t stayed at a Sandals resort before, guests are often pleasantly surprised by Sandals’ level of quality and choice compared to other all-inclusive resorts. This includes premium house wines and unlimited premium liquors. Sandals Resorts feature “five star global gourmet” dining: culinary experiences designed to feature both authentic regional specialties and global cuisines.
Water and Land Sports and Entertainment
Nearly every water sport imaginable is included along with equipment and professional instruction: Hobie cats, paddle boards, snorkeling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and even scuba diving for certified divers! “Discover Scuba Diving” and PADI dive certfication are available for an optional fee.
Nightly entertainment is offered including music, dance, and dramatization.
Learn more about all of the “luxury included” at Sandals resorts
Butler Service
Guests in all of the Sandals overwater bungalows will be pampered throughout their stay by a personal butler trained to the highest standards by the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers. This includes unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving meals on your terrace, and handling every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace.
Tipping at Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts have a “no tipping” policy with just a few exceptions including butlers and spa therapists.
Packing Must-Have: Cell Phone Lanyard
Be sure to pack a cell phone lanyard for your overwater bungalow vacation. Don’t risk accidentally dropping your phone in the water or losing hold of it when you fall asleep in a hammock! (Eek!)
When Is the Best Time to Visit Jamaica?
One of the best times to visit the Caribbean is from December to April when the weather is slightly cooler. Keep in mind, though, that average temperatures can reach the mid-eighties in July and August.
Hurricane season is generally from August to the end of October, so it’s best to avoid these dates unless booking a last-minute escape.
Bora Bora or Maldives vs. Jamaica
While far-flung locales like the Maldives sounds glamorous, the reality is that it can take nearly 24 hours to get there. Not to mention jetlag, a significant time difference, and added costs like round-trip flight transfers to resorts from the capital Male. (If you are thinking of a trip to the Maldives, be sure to read my tips on planning and budgeting.)
In contrast, Jamaica is just a few hours from the U.S., and direct flights are even available from many cities. So you could be on the beach and sipping a fruity drink in Jamaica before you’d even finish the first leg of a flight to the Maldives.
Plus, these Jamaica overwater villas are all-inclusive. Once you arrive, there’s literally nothing to worry about except remembering to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals!
Are you packing a bag yet? 😉 Over-the-water rooms at Jamaica’s resorts are limited, so be sure to book in advance to get the dates you want.
Can’t get enough of over water bungalows?
Want more options of overwater villas in the Caribbean? Get all my best picks including rustic overwater villas in Honduras. And don’t miss my guide to the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica and all of the Sandals overwater bungalows.
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