15 Overwater Bungalows In Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with picture-perfect white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. From Negril to Montego Bay, it promises ultimate relaxation and adventures such as snorkelling, diving and hiking. All of this paradise is also home to a selection of incredible resorts that are perfect for whiling away the days in the sunshine, some of which have overwater bungalows which are loved by honeymooners and families alike.

Although Jamaica only has a couple of resorts that have classic overwater bungalows, it also boasts tonnes of stunning properties with rooms, suites and villas that are perched on the beach, cliffs or by stretching infinity pools, and no matter where you go on the island, you’ll never be far from the ocean. All of these hotels feature luxuries like world-class dining, endless activities and personalised service, which is why they’re consistently picked as some of the most amazing hotels in Jamaica.

Overwater Bungalows In Jamaica

1- Sandals Royal Caribbean

One of the select hotels to feature true overwater bungalows, Sandals Royal Caribbean is all-inclusive and couples-only, making it ideal for a luxury honeymoon getaway.

The overwater villas here are inspired by Tahiti, with palm-fronded roofs, and are spaced out on the water in the shape of a love heart!

Each of these suites has a spacious bedroom and living room with glass flooring, its own private infinity pool, and personal butler service, so everything you need is at your fingertips, and the ocean is all around for you to dive into whenever you choose.

The hotel’s small private island has plenty more to keep you occupied, too, with a fitness centre, multiple restaurants, a spa and a wide selection of watersports to choose from.

2- Sandals South Coast

Another Sandals resort with stunning overwater bungalows, this time on the South Coast of Jamaica, Sandals South Coast is also all-inclusive but isn’t restricted to just couples.

It has another exclusive collection of bungalows in the shape of a heart over the crystal clear waters, which all have stunning private terraces, free-standing bathtubs and overwater hammocks, plus private pools.

The glass floor panels mean you’ll be able to see each other when you jump from your bedroom into the sparkling waters to snorkel or swim.

The remainder of the resort has a whole range of top-quality dining choices, a spa and multiple water sports.

Perhaps the best part of this resort for loved-up couples planning to elope is the amazing, glass-floored wedding chapel!

3- Goldeneye

GoldenEye is not just named after a super cool secret agent – Ian Fleming actually wrote all of the James Bond books in his villa here, which is now the heart of the hotel.

Since then, it’s expanded into ultra-luxury, offering 49 beautiful white cottages and villas, which, while not overwater, do offer direct access to the lagoon.

The villas have private terraces and outdoor bathrooms, with stairs that drop straight into the bright blue water.

You can also enjoy three huge pools and the beach, plus a spa and three drinking and dining spots.

The water sports on offer include everything from sailing and snorkelling to paddleboarding and kayaking, so you’ll never get bored.

4- Jamaica Inn

A luxury five-star resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn is as close as you can get to having overwater bungalows due to having its own slice of private beach where terrace suites sit along the sand.

Each one is open plan with a private terrace directly overlooking the pristine blue Caribbean Sea, which you can jump into whenever you like, while the one- and two-bedroom cottages also have their own private pools.

The hotel itself also has a main pool, plus a myriad of amazing activities such as sailing, snorkelling, horseriding and golf.

Alternatively, you can simply enjoy fresh seafood in the restaurants or unwind with a treatment at the spa, and no matter where you go, you’ll be completely undisturbed in this secluded stretch of paradise.

5- Princess Senses The Mangrove

Princess Senses The Mangrove is located in Negril and is an adults-only resort right on the beachfront.

The hotel has a mix of rooms and suites, specifically 401 ocean view suites and 14 overwater villas to choose from, which have swim-out pool options so you can dive straight into the water from your bedroom.

One of the few spots with genuine overwater villas, the ones at Princess have floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying the sunset and infinity pools, even though the sea is directly below your room.

Each villa also gets personal butler service, a spacious bedroom with glass flooring, and a private sun terrace.

Luckily, if you’re staying here, you can also visit the neighbouring Princess Grand Jamaica, which has 14 restaurants, 15 bars, an array of pools, an aquapark, a spa and even a nightclub, so you’ll never want to leave.

6- Rockhouse Hotel

Celebrities flock to Jamaica, and you might spot them in a few different hotels, but Rockhouse is a firm favourite with famous faces in Negril.

There aren’t typical overwater bungalows, but it has the next best thing: pretty villas perched right on the cliffside with uninterrupted ocean views.

Each comes in varying levels of luxury, with many having private terraces that face the sunset.

There’s also a large pool on the cliffs, two fine-dining restaurants and a spa, which has won the award for best spa in Jamaica more than once, while easy access to the waters of Pristine Cove means you can head out on water sports adventures, from kayaking to jet skiing.

7- Tensing Pen

For an even more intimate, boutique hotel, Tensing Pen is not far away on the cliffs in Negril which also has beautiful bungalows overlooking the ocean.

The rooms and cottages are designed using local art and materials and have thatched roofs, private terraces and easy access to the sea.

Tensing Pen is one of the most authentic luxury resorts in Jamaica, thanks to its range of local activities on offer, which include everything from spa treatments using local products to delicious cuisine made with farm-grown ingredients.

The property also features a pool, restaurant, bar, and spa, as well as activities like yoga, diving, and excursions to nearby waterfalls and coral reefs.

8- Excellence Oyster Bay

Over on the waterfront in Falmouth, Excellence Oyster Bay has a name that reflects its offering.

It’s located on a private peninsula and is adults-only and all-inclusive, featuring five huge outdoor pools and a wealth of other amenities.

As close as they could possibly be to the water, the beach villas have 1500sq/ft of space, including a living room, bedroom, bar and walk-in closet.

They also have a private terrace, infinity pool, jacuzzi and private section of beach where you can kayak or swim in total seclusion.

There’s a whole range of other things to see and do, including a luxury spa, rooftop bar, and virtually endless activities, such as deep sea fishing, SUP yoga, diving and snorkelling, not to mention live music and entertainment every night.

9- Half Moon

Half Moon is easily one of Jamaica’s most incredible and expansive resorts, covering 400 acres with its own private two-mile stretch of beach.

It’s made up of rooms, suites and villas that all overlook the sparkling Caribbean Sea, although most people are also drawn to the award-winning spa and championship golf course.

There’s also Sugar Mill, which has been voted Jamaica’s best restaurant, a spa with a length menu of treatments, a salon and fitness classes, plus incomparable activities outside of the usual swimming and snorkelling, like sea turtle conservation, pickleball and horseriding.

10- The Caves

The Caves is an all-inclusive luxury resort that is aptly named for the stunning hidden caves that surround it on the seafront.

It sits right on the water in Negril, perched just above the sea – so it may as well call its rooms overwater villas.

Every cottage here is brightly coloured and unique, and feels super homely, if your home has a balcony above the ocean, that is.

Some of the cottages also have views over the Blue Hole, a natural opening in a cave below that leads to the sea.

Each one is fully equipped with everything you need, including a kitchen and living area.

Winding stairs lead directly from the hotel into the deep blue water below, while there’s also more than one amazing dining option, including local Jamaican cuisine and the possibility of an incredible private dining experience inside a cave.

Not forgetting snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, or the oceanfront spa, with treatments that can be done by the water.

11- Grand Lido Negril

Grand Lido is a private adults-only resort in Negril, which is part of the Autograph Collection.

The hotel is most famous for being a luxury naturist resort, although if that’s not for you, you can stay at the two nearby hotels, Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril, both of which are firmly clothes-on, but all have access to each other.

If you’re happy either way, there’s no better place than the suites, which are private and exclusive, all facing the ocean with big balconies and terraces.

The best options are the ocean-view jacuzzi suites or swim-out suites so that you can dip into your private pool whenever you like and enjoy private butler service during your stay.

It has 12 restaurants, 9 bars and multiple swimming pools, alongside the amenities at the other resorts, meaning you have the best of everything, no matter which one you choose to stay at.

12- Bluefields Bay Villas

If you’re looking for a slightly more independent experience that’s as close to the water as possible, Bluefields Bay Villas aren’t like any villa you’ve stayed at before.

Aside from sitting on a private stretch of beach and waterfront, your villa will come with a ready-stocked mini-fridge, and you can expect a trained chef to cook for you whenever you like.

You can also make use of the onsite nanny or head out on island excursions before returning to your villa, which has multiple rooms and floors, a private pool, a 24-hour butler, and a private stretch of waterfront.

It’s likely you won’t see another soul, especially with unlimited food and the private chef and spa service, but you might spot a few other guests on the half-mile beach if you’re feeling social.

13- Secrets Wild Orchid

Secrets Wild Orchid is one of the larger resorts in Jamaica, where you’ll find hundreds of rooms and lots of amenities, but this doesn’t detract from the location right on the beach.

Each of the 350 suites overlooks the water and comes with a hot tub and private balcony, so it very nearly feels like you’re over the water.

Once you add 24-hour room service, a stocked mini-bar, and a sunken bathtub, you’ll soon forget this, because the water is mere steps from your room anyway.

There’s a 15,000sq/ft spa for massages, treatments and yoga, plus no fewer than seven restaurants serving international cuisine, including a 24-hour dining option.

This is on top of four gorgeous pools and water sports like snorkelling, diving, water skiing and parasailing.

14- Jewel Paradise Cove Adult Beach Resort & Spa

For a traditional resort option with plenty to do, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort is the next best thing to an overwater bungalow resort.

This all-inclusive hotel has a range of rooms, the best of which are the oceanfront rooms and junior suites with butler service, which have a stunning balcony opening up onto the water, daily restocked mini-bar and, of course, the butler who organises everything from restaurant reservations to spa treatments for you.

There are three epic pools, a beautiful private beach cove, and unlimited water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, which are included, on top of a range of beach bars, cafes, and restaurants – including a swim-up bar! – to enjoy cuisines from Jamaican to Japanese.