The Luxury Resort Overwater Villas Coming to the Caribbean

Luxury resort overwater villas are coming to the Caribbean, a boon for travelers who previously have endured long flights to the Maldives or Bora Bora to stay in overwater villas such as at Velaa or Cheval Blanc Randheli. While there are a few lower end resorts in the Caribbean that have overwater bungalows, we're most excited about the first true luxury resort entrants to the market, which include Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Montage, and Viceroy:

Four Seasons Caye Chapel, Belize: Late 2025

The fourth Four Seasons to offer overwater bungalows (after Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa, and Four Seasons Bora Bora), the Four Seasons Caye Chapel in Belize will be on the private island of Caye Chapel, reachable by private jet and helicopter, in addition to boat transfers. It's next to the UNESCO World Heritage designated Belize Barrier Reef System, the largest reef system in the northern hemisphere. 10 percent of the island will remain a wildlife reserve and untouched, as part of conservation efforts. There will only be eighteen overwater bungalows, so it will be important to reserve well in advance, as these are likely to be in high demand.

Banyan Tree Bimini, Bahamas: 2026

Set on a 750 acre peninsula on Rockwell Island, Banyan Tree Bimini will offer 50 accommodations for resort guests, of which 26 will be overwater bungalows with private plunge pools (the remainder will be beachfront villas). An overwater pool will be built on stilts above the lagoon, and the multiple dining options will include al fresco dining at the Bonito Beach Club; Bonito is known for its French Pan-American cuisine at its namesake restaurant in St. Barths, as well as its sister restaurant, Betula Aspen, in Colorado. A subsequent phase of the Banyan Tree Bimini development will include a deepwater superyacht marina, an 18-hole golf course, and a heliport for guests arriving by helicopter.

Banyan Tree Bimini, Bahamas: Overwater Bungalows

Montage Cay, Bahamas: 2025

Montage Cay will also be in the Bahamas, in the Abaco Islands, about one mile offshore of Marsh Harbour (MHH), with nonstop flights from Atlanta ATL, Fort Lauderdale FLL, Miami MIA, Orlando MCO, and, seasonally, Charlotte CLT. It can also be accessed via helicopter, seaplane, ferry, or private yacht, since there's a 47-slip marina that will accommodate vessels up to 100 feet. The 50 all-suite accommodations will include six overwater bungalows, and other resort amenities comprise seven beaches, several restaurants, fitness center and spa, and tennis, pickleball, and Padel courts.

Viceroy Bocas del Toro, Panama: 2026

Spanning 457 acres, Viceroy Bocas del Toro will feature 42 overwater villas with private plunge pools (with a choice of one bedroom or two bedrooms) among its 186 resort accommodations and residences. The resort is reachable by seaplane from Bocas del Toro Airport (BOC), which is a ~1 hour domestic flight from Panama City. In addition to snorkeling and water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, guests can explore the nearby San San Pond Sak wetlands, a habitat for water birds and endangered fauna, or go hiking or bike riding. The resort will host eight onsite restaurants and lounges, multiple pools, a fitness center, and spa.