Unga Bunga Bunga… The Perrrrfect Bungalow Resorts!
Jill and I have a dream! No, it is not quite as noble as the late Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream was, but it is ours.
We want… nay, DESIRE to capture idyllic memories on the lesser known islands, being one with the natives, enjoying the simple approach to life and love.
BUT… In the absence of these adventures, we will gladly default to being spoiled in luxurious island living! Over-water bungalows!
We start off with the ‘name brands’ then jump to the ‘never heard of though I wish we had.’ Lastly, we close with a ‘lost’ gem. And with that, we say, Unga Bunga Bunga!
Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica
In Jamaica’s Montego Bay you have Sandals Royal Caribbean, offering five new overwater bungalows. Luxury at its finest! With floating decks, soaking tubs for two (nudge-nudge, wink-wink), infinity pools, and private water taxis to transport you to and fro’ the main resort, you can enjoy life at your own pace.
Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
With 12 overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast, on Jamaica’s northwestern coast, romance is at an all-time high! And to prove that point, the bungalows are arranged in the shape of a heart! Your butler (yes, we did say, butler!) will arrange everything for you during your stay including cocktails and dining reservations. They will even unpack your luggage and press your clothes. Decks are private and come complete with day beds, hammocks, and outdoor showers. Just LOVE the outdoor shower. Then again, I LOVE anything that allows me to be naked outdoors!
Jill: “JACK!”
Jack: “But I digress.”
Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
Making our way down, we come to breezy St. Lucia, offering the couples-only Sandals Grande St. Lucian which recently introduced nine of its own over-the-water villas with the same inclusive luxuries. What exactly, you ask? Well…. see-through glass floors overlooking the water, butler service (apparently it’s a staple for bungalow life), overwater hammocks, AND… wait for it… wait for it… free access of the resort’s mile-long beach, along with wining and dining at sister resorts Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon (if you actually have the urge to leave your personal paradise).
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
South of the Border you will find the luxurious Rosewood Mayakoba, a zen-like escape in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, known for its excellent spa, upscale restaurants, and setting along a mile-long beach. The deluxe overwater lagoon suites is what you’re looking for. Though not your standard overwater bungalows, they offer sundecks, outdoor garden showers (there’s that outdoor shower again!), and swim-up access from the lagoon. Tequila for everyone! Andale, andale!
El Dorado Palafitos, Maroma Beach, Mexico
Bungalow life as we knew it changed when El Dorado Maroma by Karisma hit the scene! It is an adults-only all-inclusive resort. That means you can expect all the romantic perks including… you guessed it… OUTDOOR SHOWERS, (Jill: “oh boy oh boy oh boy”), butler service, private infinity plunge pools, and glass floors. The décor is authentic lending to the overall experience.
Thatch Caye Resort, Belize
The offerings in the Caribbean and Mexico might have grabbed your attention, but Thatch Caye, a private-island hideaway nine miles off the coast of Belize, has tenure! Admittedly, Thatch will not spoil you BUT it will bring you back to nature. It truly is soulful. Everything, including the five overwater bungalows (offering hammocks and private baths), is ECO-driven, run by wind and solar power. Further, dinners at the restaurant are served communally; the perfect way to cap off the days of island life and lead to the evenings of love!
