These over-the-water bungalows are coming to the Caribbean
Over-the-water bungalows are to South Pacific islands as yellow cabs are to New York City — if a cab ride cost a couple grand.
Now the luxurious island accommodations are coming to the western hemisphere: Two all-inclusive resorts — one in Jamaica and the other in Mexico — have announced they are opening overwater bungalows later this year.
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In Jamaica, Sandals Resorts is opening five new over-the-water suites that have been in the works for two years. The suites will include a "tranquility soaking tub," above-water hammock and a private infinity pool.
Oh, and direct access to the waters of the Caribbean.
Each villa includes a glass floor for viewing aquatic life as it swims by underneath.
It also includes a price tag of $4,321 per night.
The suites at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are available to book now for stays beginning Nov. 15.
Further up the waters, in Mexico's Riviera Maya, Karisma Hotels & Resorts announced 30 new palafitos opening later this year at its El Dorado Maroma property.
The palafitos — or "pile dwellings" — will be the first in Mexico. Every suite will include include a jacuzzi, a glass-bottom floor, direct ladder access to the ocean, 24-hour room service and a butler.
The palafitos are available to book now for stays beginning Sept. 1. Rooms start at a more reasonable $665 a night.
The main reason this style of bungalow — popular in the South Pacific and the imaginations of people stuck at office desks — never made it over to the Caribbean is because of different geological conditions.
Many of the islands in the South Pacific have natural protection against storms due to positioning amongst dormant volcanoes. Most beachfronts in the Caribbean are more exposed to storms, and there are fewer areas where stilt construction is viable.
Where it is viable, however, developers are working on it: There are even more overwater bungalow projects planned in the coming years.
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Cailey studied journalism at SUNY Purchase and french cinema & literature at Paris IV Sorbonne. She is a cynical optimist and Talking Heads karaoke enthusiast. Drop her a line @misscaileyanne
