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I Visited an Overwater Bungalow in Belize and Avoided a Long-Haul Flight
This article details the author's experience staying in an overwater bungalow in Belize, fulfilling a long-held dream without the extensive travel typically associated with such accommodations in destinations like the Maldives or Tahiti. The author, Monica Humphries, initially believed that an overwater bungalow vacation would require a flight of 17 to 26 hours to places like Tahiti or the Maldives, where this luxury concept is most prevalent. However, she discovered that similar experiences are available much closer to home, opting for Thatch Caye, an all-inclusive private island resort off the coast of Belize, which was only a six-hour flight away.
The history of overwater bungalows is explored, tracing their origin back to 1967 in French Polynesia. The concept was developed by three Americans—Jay Carlisle, Hugh Kelley, and Donald McCallum—known as the Bali Hai Boys. They initially moved to French Polynesia to start a vanilla farm but pivoted to hospitality when the farm proved unsuccessful. After purchasing a hotel on Moorea, they expanded their ventures to Ra'iātea. Vaihiria Kelley, Hugh Kelley's daughter, explained that the idea for overwater bungalows arose from the need to expand their resort horizontally over the water due to land constraints. Inspired by traditional Tahitian fishing huts, they constructed the first overwater bungalows, complete with ladders to the ocean and clear floor panels for underwater viewing. The calm waters of Ra'iātea made it an ideal location for this innovation.
The popularity of overwater bungalows grew, leading to their adoption by other resorts worldwide. Today, over 250 resorts offer this type of accommodation, predominantly in the Maldives and the South Pacific, regions characterized by calm waters and tranquil lagoons. The article notes that overwater bungalows are less common in the Caribbean and Central America due to strong tides and the prevalence of hurricanes, which pose significant construction challenges. Despite these challenges, several resorts in the Caribbean and Central America have begun offering overwater bungalows, starting with Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 2016. Other locations now include Aruba, Panama, Antigua, Mexico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Belize, and Turks and Caicos.
The author's decision to visit Belize stemmed from a desire for a scuba diving trip with a friend that didn't involve excessive travel time. Belize offered an ideal balance, requiring only two three-hour flights from Denver. Thatch Caye particularly appealed to her due to its eight overwater bungalows, five of which are premier bungalows with private decks. The premier bungalows were priced around $950 per night for two people, inclusive of resort fees and taxes. The online photos of the resort, featuring wooden decks leading to the ocean and hammocks, solidified her choice.
Her two-night stay at Thatch Caye exceeded her expectations, providing the tropical vacation experience she had envisioned. While the bungalows did not feature clear floors or direct water access from each individual unit, the resort compensated with a sandy beach, a snorkeling area teeming with marine life, and complimentary water sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats. An on-site dive shop also facilitated exploration of the Belize Barrier Reef. The resort's intimate setting, hosting only about 30 guests, fostered a communal atmosphere, with guests dining together. This experience demonstrated that a luxurious overwater bungalow vacation is accessible without undertaking an arduous long-haul flight, although the author still plans to visit Tahiti one day, acknowledging its unique cultural connection to the bungalow concept.
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