Overwater bungalows are a dream resort destination for many people, but how comfortable are they? Yes, you want to be one with nature, sleeping just feet above the water, but you don’t want to have to forfeit all the comforts of the modern world to do it. So, what can you expect in an overwater bungalow? Do overwater bungalows have showers, toilets, and air conditioners to help you remain comfortable and relaxed?
Yes, overwater bungalows are equipped with modern amenities such as showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, fans, and air conditioning.
When overwater bungalows first became popular, there were some resorts that did not include air conditioning, or included it only with a premium price.
If you are very concerned about air conditioning in your overwater bungalow, contacting the resort for assurance would be a reasonable solution. It is considered common practice now to include air conditioning with overwater bungalows.
In this article we will discuss each of these in a bit more detail and also include some tips about other overwater bungalow amenity issues you may want to contact your resort about.
Overwater Bungalow Showers and Bathtubs
Have no fear…. yes, you will be able to shower. Luxury resorts featuring overwater bungalows or villas offer shower options for their guests, both indoor and outdoor.
The outdoor showers are most commonly used to rinse off saltwater after a dip in the ocean. Some luxury resorts may offer private outdoor showers with sky views to be used for more than just rinsing off after a swim.
Indoor showers and bathtubs are also available in most all overwater resort locations and usually offer a pristine view of the ocean from the comfort of a soaking tub. Some economy resorts may have separate restroom facilities that are outside the overwater bungalow and housed in a common area of the resort.
Because fresh water options are limited in the middle of the Caribbean or other resort location, designers and engineers have become creative with floor plans and schematic drawings to bring hot water insider the bungalow.
Recycled water is generally the preferred option used to power the needs of an overwater bungalow. Rainwater collection units are strategically stored throughout the property and an elaborate system purifies and recycles the water.
Of course, there are alternatives to the rainwater filtration system for overwater bungalows. Storage tanks are able to hold a limited amount of potable water for average household usage, which is usually based on the size of a bungalow and a specific number of days.
These storage tanks are generally large enough to accommodate a specific number of guests for the duration of their stay. The storage tank option alleviates the need to depend on rainfall and provides a steady stream of water for vacationers to shower and bathe in the tropical paradise.
Overwater Bungalow Toilets
Pirates didn’t have toilets and they figured it out, but let’s face it, you’re not a pirate. Yes, you will have indoor toilets to help you remain comfortable inside your overwater bungalow.
Naturally, a tropical oasis would not be considered a dream vacation without some necessary amenities like a toilet. Bathroom setups in overwater bungalows will vary depending on physical location and type of retreat.
Chain retreats and luxury resorts tend to offer the best in design, style, and amenities. Toilets are a basic necessity, even when vacationing over a turquoise blue sea. Potable water sources are obviously scarce in the ocean areas, but the ingenuity of modern design gives a solution that allows for modern amenities like toilets to be included.
Guests should not expect the same water pressure quality that is found on land for their overwater bungalow showers or toilets. However, the functional capacity of toilets and minimal plumbing options for overwater facilities is generally sufficient to meet the needs of the vacationing party.
Overwater bungalow designs strive to find a perfect balance between functionality and luxury. Unsightly plumbing fixtures around the property would not be much more appealing than having no toilets at all.
Overwater Bungalow Air Conditioning
Most overwater bungalow resorts offer air conditoning, but this is the one thing I would advise doing a bit of research on (as in contacting the resort directly) if this is a sticking point for you.
Overwater bungalow resorts offer the fresh ocean breezes to cool guests during the evening hours, but some guests prefer relief from the heat and humidity that occurs during with the midday sunshine. Electric or battery operated fans are a common option for temporarily cooling overwater bungalows.
As we discussed, most all overwater bungalows now also offer some form of cooled, forced air. Luxury resorts may offer central air conditioning that operate during the peak hours or can be adjusted based on the comfort and preference of each guest.
Because the climates of these resorts can differ, each specific resort and property management companies may offer unique air conditioning accommodations based on the individual needs of their guests.
Additional Tips
A vacation is meant to be a time for rest and relaxation amid a host of destination excursions and sightseeing opportunities. There are a few other amenities that guests should consider before booking a trip to an overwater bungalow resort. Here are a few more amenities you will want to consider before you book your trip:
Wifi – Modern technology has made cellphones, notebooks, tablets, and laptops virtual necessities even on vacation trips. Some overwater bungalow locations offer intermittent wi-fi connections, usually at a steep prices. Contacting your resort to see what they offer for wifi would be wise.
Electricity – Electricity service in overwater bungalows is readily available in most all resorts, especially since companies take advantage of solar power energy.
Cooking – Food supplies and cooking options are important to most guests who choose to vacation in an overwater bungalow. Outdoor grilling, fresh caught fish and locally sourced fruits and vegetables are usually available options for luxury resorts that feature overwater accommodations. Guests may even be provided with a full kitchen set up including utensils, cookware, and food to last the duration of their stay. Alternatively, guests may choose to host a staff that arrives by boat and tends to their needs at mealtimes.