Inside a Luxury Overwater Bungalow in Belize That Costs $1K a Night

I’ve slept in tiny homes in Australia’s rainforest and plastic domes in New Zealand. I’ve stayed in traditional ryokans in Japan and five-star resorts in Colorado.

But I haven’t fallen asleep to ocean waves lapping beneath me in an overwater bungalow. I mistakenly assumed that experience could only happen thousands of miles away in places such as the Maldives or Bora Bora.

Thatch Caye proved me wrong. Part of the Muy’Ono Resorts, a grouping of 10 resorts across Belize, Thatch Caye is home to a handful of overwater bungalows.

I was thrilled to learn I could have the bungalow experience much closer to Colorado than I initially dreamed.

Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive resort for just 30 guests. A private boat ride to and from the island to Dangriga, Belize, is included.

The island’s workers welcomed us with fresh watermelon juice and a shot of cherry-soaked rum.

The staff gave a quick overview of the island, and then we all split off and headed to our accommodations.

The island has five premier overwater bungalows. Thatch Caye requires a minimum stay of two nights. After the nightly bungalow rate, all-inclusive fees, taxes, and a resort fee, a stay this February would cost about $1,010 a night for two people.

Business Insider received a media rate for a two-night stay.

For slightly less, guests can sleep in oceanfront cabanas and standard overwater bungalows.

Beyond interior design choices, the private deck was the main difference between the premier and regular overwater bungalows, which have a shared deck. Meanwhile, the inland cabanas seem to offer a bit more space.

After our tour, one of the island’s workers escorted us to our bungalow.

A wooden walkway led to the front door of the bungalow.

Guests can choose between two twin beds or a king-size bed in their room.

The room lacked a closet, so we used the storage underneath our beds for our belongings.

Our room also had drinkable water, a safe, and two reusable water bottles.

The bathroom shower had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

The wooden walkway continued out to a deck.

The deck provided 180-degree views of the ocean.

The deck had plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

The shallow waters below let us view aquatic plants and animals.

The palm fronds blew in the wind and drowned out any nearby noises.

The small island was filled with activities such as snorkeling, drinking, volleyball, and other lawn games.

Our resort fee allowed us to access a handful of paddleboards and kayaks.

Guests can book excursions such as scuba diving and spa treatments for an additional cost.

The island also had a giant Jenga set.

The only place with a phone and WiFi is inside the Coco Lounge. However, I did have cell service across the entire island.

Underneath the pavilion was seating and a bar.

Island visitors can also snorkel around the area and spot aquatic life, including stingrays, starfish, and nurse sharks.

We spent our afternoons snorkeling, looking for starfish and stingrays.

Thirty place mats line the table, and everyone eats together each night at 7 p.m.

The on-site chef cooked our dinners, which featured steak, lobster, snapper, and chicken.

The all-inclusive fee also covered drinks and food during our stay.

If anything, my stay at Thatch Caye only stoked my interest in overwater bungalows.