Sandals Resorts has opened five overwater suites at the Sandals
Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay and has plans to build more of them at select
resorts in 2017 and 2018.
Sandals is already constructing 12 additional units at the Sandals
Royal Caribbean, which are due to open next March.
The overwater suites are the first of their kind on a
Caribbean island. El Dorado Maroma, a Karisma resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico,
opened its overwater bungalows in October.
"I have always said that being out on the water is
where I am happiest, and with these suites, guests can experience a direct link
to the Caribbean Sea," said Butch Stewart, Sandals chairman and founder.
"Being first is nice, and as a category leader we've
enjoyed a lot of firsts, but what is more important is that we continue to
evolve, innovate, upend the notion of what an all-inclusive can be and continue
to exceed the expectation of our guests."
Each suite has a different design, representing the feng shui
elements of wood, water, fire, earth and metal, illustrated through various
accent pieces and art.
Suites have expansive glass doors, a private infinity pool, an
over-the-water hammock, glass floor panels and king beds made from teak. Guests
get free WiFi, in-suite dining, private yoga classes and resort access via a
luxury boat.
The suites are built along a wooden boardwalk and are
connected to land at Sandals Royal Caribbean's offshore private island of
Sandals Cay.
Rates start at $1,435 per person, per night. The 12
additional suites opening in March are available for booking with rates from
$1,000 per person, per night.