Imagine you’re lounging on a hammock suspended over the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze and waves lap lazily at the golden shore. In the distance, you hear the faint sound of children’s laughter as they frolic on a nearby beach popular with locals. As the hot Saint Lucia sun warms your bronzed skin, you notice yourself starting to get thirsty, and as if on cue your butler appears and pops the cork on a bottle of chilled champagne, then presents a plate overflowing with colourful tropical fruit.
Sound like a dream? It certainly is, but not one that’s out of reach: it’s just another day in paradise at an overwater bungalow at the spectacular Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which is considered one of the best places to stay in St Lucia.
Sandals was one of the first resort groups to bring all inclusive overwater bungalows to the Caribbean, by debuting the suites at one of their Jamaican properties in 2016. The concept has long proven popular with honeymooners in spots like Tahiti and the Maldives, and Sandals is now making it easier for North Americans to experience the same luxury without the long flights and jet lag. In 2017, Sandals opened nine overwater honeymoon butler bungalows at one of their Saint Lucia resorts, making them the first accommodations of that type on the island.
A palm-lined pathway connects the bungalows, which each have a private wooden boardwalk leading to the front door. The entrance sees a fabulous chandelier light up the butler’s kitchen, which hosts an espresso machine, bar fridge stocked with drinks, a cabinet full of premium liquor and a cooler to take to the beach if you’re so inclined (though who needs that when you have a personal butler standing by to cater to your every whim?).
The entrance leads into the open concept suite with high vaulted ceilings, where panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows allow sunlight to stream into the room and grant an unobstructed view of the surrounding sea, Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. A massive king size bed serves as the anchor, complete with fine linens that swath around sleepers like a cozy cocoon. There’s ample storage space thanks to a full size closet and multiple dressers, which lead toward the mosaic tiled bathroom featuring his-and-hers sinks.
A luxe, furry white rug feels heavenly on toes as you stand in front of the backlit mirror, then head through to the spa-like indoor/outdoor rainfall shower. Be sure to snag some of the premium amenities supplied by Molton Brown, as the fragrant Japanese Orange products will keep you scented like the tropics long after returning home.
The pièce de résistance is the outdoor area. You make your way back through the room and over the glass floor which peers into the calm waters below, fling open the doors and breathe deeply as a wave of humidity washes over you. Designer-worthy sun loungers await, as well as an eating area to enjoy breakfast, a hammock large enough for two people, and an oversize tranquility soaking tub. Pour in some bubble bath, grab a glass of champagne, then hop in to enjoy what just might be the most relaxing soak of your life, complete with an ocean view.
If you somehow manage to tear yourself away from your luxurious overwater villa, your friendly butler will be standing by ready to assist with every need around the resort, whether it’s fetching a Mai Tai from the pool bar, reserving beach loungers, arranging a couple’s massage at Red Lane Spa or booking the best table at one of the many restaurants.
Whether you’re in St Lucia for a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary or to simply celebrate life, there’s no question the overwater bungalows at Sandals are the perfect place to enjoy the Suite Life.
WATCH: Butler Kyle leads a tour of an overwater bungalow at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Globe Guide stayed at Sandals as a guest of Sandals Resorts. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles.
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This place is the serious definition of paradise. I want to relax in that tub with champagne! I have always wanted to stay in an overwater bungalow! This one is now up at the top of my list!
The first time I stayed in one it was for our honeymoon- highly recommended!
I immediately sent this article to my boyfriend with the simple statement of ‘we are going here one day’
SO beautiful and such a good write up!
Hahah! Awesome, thanks Sam!
There’s no doubt it looks amazing but I would love to know how the prices compare with the Maldives or Asia. I find a lot of the Caribbean resorts overpriced compared to Asia but it doesn’t help that the exchange rate for us Uk citizens isn’t great at the moment
Well it mostly depends on where you’re based- North America vs Europe. The villas in the Maldives can be incredibly expensive, so it really depends on where you’re coming from to determine what the best option is.
These over water bungalows seem a new concept. Ideal place to spend holidays. I like the pool set up very much in this.
So beautiful! I have always wanted to stay at an overwater bungalow and I am excited that places int he Caribbean are starting to offer these!
I know, so exciting! It’s wonderful that they’re so much more accessible now.
Wow! Those rooms looks absolutely amazing!! I’ve always wanted to stay in an overwater bungalow. I’m glad to see that these are in the Caribbean–quite a bit easier to get there than halfway across the world! Love all the fantastic amenities offered too!
Totally- so bucket list worthy!
Whaaaaat! This place exists in REAL LIFE?! I would never ever leave the bathtub I’m pretty sure! This would be the perfect romantic or honeymoon spot. Going to have to drop this as a hint to my partner, hahah.
Haha yes that seems to be the feedback I’m hearing from most people! 😉
Looks amazing! And oh! the ocean view! Love the decor as well. Seems like the perfect romantic getaway! Heaven!
This place looks too good to be true! I love that bathtub overlooking the ocean. Talk about luxurious!
Definitely my favourite bath of all time 🙂
This sounds absolutely awful. I’m not actually sure how you managed to stay there. NOT. Sounds epic. Have always wanted to stay in one of those over water bungalows.
Haha I know right?! It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it 😉
I stayed at the Grande St. Lucian a year ago. The resort was amazing, even before these were built. Its truly an amazing place to stay.
Awesome, great to hear you enjoyed your stay as much as we did!