Over-the-water suites come to the Caribbean

Sandals Resorts will be debuting Over-the-Water Suites at their Sandals Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay, available beginning November 15, 2016, and Karisma Hotels & Resorts are on track to have their Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows available at El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma, this September, at Maroma Beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The over-the-water suites at both resorts are available for booking now. Both properties are adults only and all-inclusive, meaning a single fee covers most of the expenses of the resort stay.One of the most appealing aspects of a South Pacific vacation – especially for honeymooners – is the opportunity to overnight in captivating over-the-water bungalows. For many travelers, especially from the northeast United States, a Fiji or Bora Bora vacation is a long haul and an expensive proposition. Travelers will soon have a more affordable and more convenient over-the-water suite option in two locations closer to home: Jamaica and off the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

Sandals’ will have five Over-the-Water Suites at Sandals Royal Caribbean. While the suites are pricey at $4,321 per night, they’re already proving to be a hit with couples looking for an over-the-top romantic getaway. The over-the-water suites at Sandals are being described as private villas. The major selling point is the suites’ glass floors, making it possible to view marine life scooting past. The suites also have floating water hammocks, private infinity pools, outdoor showers, and king size beds constructed of teak. Guests also receive private boat transfers to and from the resort.

“Love was the impetus for bringing over-the-water suites to the Caribbean,” said Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts International CEO. “Quite seriously, my wife and I honeymooned in the Maldives and the over-the-water accommodations which are so common in that part of the world captured my imagination, and I knew I had to bring them to the Caribbean. I am really thrilled with the incredible over the water bungalows we’re introducing at Sandals Royal Caribbean. These suites are the most luxurious, most expensive we’ve ever built.”

Sandals Royal Caribbean is also convenient to Montego Bay’s international airport, making the transition from tarmac to resort quick and easy.

One element that could take some getting used to for travelers from the USA is the services of a personal butler, which is part of the over-the-water suite experience. The first time I experienced services provided by a Sandals butler, who are trained to the standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers, I was hesitant to make demands or to take advantage of my butler’s offer to assist me with something as intimate as unpacking my suitcase. But the butler eventually put me at ease and won me over when she heard me cough one morning, and then appeared a minute later with a homemade remedy of citrus juice, herbs and honey.

“The luxury all-inclusive segment is growing and with it, guest expectations,” said Stewart. “As a privately held company, we’re able to remain nimble, taking advantage of opportunities as they arise and this may well include additional over-the-water suites. Enthusiasm for these suites has been tremendous. Our best advice is to book as far ahead as possible.”

Karisma Hotels & Resorts Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows are on a beautiful setting in Mexico: Riviera Maya’s Maroma Beach, which was voted by Travel Channel as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World. The 30 bungalows will have glass-bottom floors, direct ladder access to the ocean, outdoor showers, private infinity pools, and indoor Jacuzzis.

“Since there is no specific blueprint to follow for this project, we were able to be very creative,” said Armando Chomat, executive vice president of Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “We wanted the accommodations to be visually and environmentally appealing to guests and to our surrounding natural habitat. Same goes for considering the safety of our guests, staff and environment.”

The Palafitos guests will have access to all of the features and amenities at the on shore resort, while also having their own overwater restaurant and spa, which will specialize in Maya-themed treatments. Guests also have 24-hour room service, reserved beach beds, and full butler service. Rates start at $665 per adult, per night.

”Being the first of its kind, we always knew there would be an overwhelming high demand for travelers to experience the Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows,” said Chomat. “Construction on our second phase of the Palafitos – Overwater Suites begins at the end of 2016.”

These over-the-water suites look to be the next big thing in the Caribbean, and travelers can expect other companies to jump into the mix.