Jamaica’s sweet lodgings over water, atop sea

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA — I totally admit this is a firstworld problem. But for the life of me I can’t remember what my private butler said about how to turn on the underwater lights so I can see through the window on my bedroom floor.

For decades, tourists have flown all the way to the South Pacific to find them: small thatched-roof bungalows on stilts string out like a pearl necklace through quiet, shimmering turquoise lagoons and atolls, creating romance just by their existence.

Meanwhile, it has been nearly impossible to build similar bungalows in the Caribbean. Why? Tides, hurricanes, rough water and environmental regulations are impediments. You need a quiet location to make it work. Which is why the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is the perfect test case.

It has a natural breakwater some way out from shore, so the water near the resort is a big lagoon. The brilliant aqua water is only 2 to 5 feet deep under the bungalows here. Tides still pull and push, but they are not strong.

So now, Sandals was putting the finishing touches on five spacious overwater villa bungalows, which link by The Sandals Royal Caribbean resort is 10 minutes from the airport. To find out more about the resort’s new overwater bungalows see www.sandals.com/ main/royal/rj-over-thewater-suites/, or call 888-726-3257. walkway to its private island. You get there by a five-minute private water taxi ride from the main resort. You are served snacks and meals by your private butler on your private deck, after which you have many opportunities for private snuggling and private romance. (I’m extrapolating here; I was sadly a party of one at this ultra-romantic spot.) The bungalows opened Dec. 2.

Also going up are 12 smaller overwater bungalows that will open in February.

Does it sound intriguing? Get in line. Most of the bungalows are sold out through mid-2018. The five biggest start at $1,435 per person, per night (based on double occupancy.) The 12 smaller bungalows are $1,263 per person.

The high-end cost does not seem to be hurting bookings, says Sandals spokeswoman Sarah Royal.