Have you ever stayed in an overwater bungalow? For most people – and most lovebirds – an overwater bungalow is a special travel experience to be reserved for a honeymoon, or a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip, when you save up your time, money, and energy for the perfect, most exceptional experience. In my professional opinion, as far as travel experiences go, a sexy bungalow that’s built right over the water is an ultimate encounter. In a word, thrilling. Beyond the best. The Rolls-Royce of relaxation. To me, an overwater bungalow is a posh tropical playground for Hollywood A-listers, and the world’s most sophisticated travelers — and a gorgeous, glitzy, and overwhelmingly glamorous getaway.
I was recently a very-well-cared-for castaway in Antigua, at a Caribbean hotel property that was never before on my radar screen: Royalton. This particular resort is all-inclusive (where your meals, snacks, spirits, cocktails and some watersports are paid for upfront, freeing your mind of any budgeting while you’re there), and it’s an adults-only escape with no children. It’s official name is Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort (Whew! And yes, it’s Marriott Bonvoy, so get your points ready!)
Here, I managed to achieve calm and comfort from the word “go.” Or actually, right from the start. Everyone on staff here at the property, when they greet you, puts their hand over their heart, to offer you a sincere welcoming. To quote that famous phrase from the film Jerry McGuire – “You had me at hello.”
Where Fun, Fun, Fun Has Many Facets
At this posh playground, I stayed in a Diamond-class room, then upgraded to an overwater bungalow, and both experiences were wonderful. (And for you young honeymooners out there, with basically no budget, and saving for a mortgage, you can actually book an entry-level garden room here – all-inclusive of everything – for about $400 a night, which entitles you a wealth of amenities.) That means your seven-day honeymoon would be $2,800. TOTAL. In this day and age, that’s quite a BIG BANG for your buck.
Now, at the opposite extreme are the overwater bungalows, at about $3,500 or $4,00 per night — but more on that in a minute.
The Royalton CHIC is only a little over a year old, and so, everything is in perfect, pristine condition.
My room overlooked the pool areas, with beautiful views of the ocean and sunset. Right upon entering, I noticed two little things that really impressed me. One was the clothes steamer in the closet. I don’t know about you, but I hate the idea of having to get out an ironing board and iron in hotel room – and this is the FIRST TIME I have seen such a welcome amenity! (Although there are butlers who will do the ironing for you.) Second, the room simply smelled great – and that’s because they come with a special scent and mine was “First Kiss,” a lovely little luxury – and you can even purchase a spray to take home. What a great addition – and souvenir!
Let Me Enter-Train You
Being a workout addict, I also really liked the impeccable Fitness Center – whose logo is a little heart, underscoring the sincere theme — and the machines and equipment were also in brand-new condition. Here is where I counted 28 FREE CLASSES per day, along with the professional services of a trainer. This is a really impressive amenity, because many hotels either charge you for a yoga class – or anything besides a yoga class – making this Fitness Center on par with some of the world’s best spa resorts.
Now get ready to be really impressed – their Fitness Personal Trainer, Daniel Antonio, is quite famous in Antigua and Barbuda – and actually, all over the world – as he is a gold-medal-winning professional arm wrestling champion. (And yes, he has the biceps to prove it.) Daniel has pioneered arm wrestling in the West Indies and at age 21, is a walking encyclopedia of all things muscle-and-metabolism. I have been to many hotels – and gyms – around the globe, and before this, I have yet to meet a personal trainer of such repute. Believe me, he can create a personalized, fun workout plan for you, and one that is all about ease and effectiveness. And if you’re up to it – take advantage of the Hilltop Bootcamp class (free of course) which will definitely let your body know who is boss.
And speaking of spas, if you are into wellness, wholeness, feeling good, and “hushpitality,” get ready for Royalton’s newest brand: Vessence – a combination of the word “Vacation” and “Essence.” Royalton Vessence, its new adults-oriented brand, will reimagine the all-inclusive experience, focusing on wellness and a serene sanctuary.
The first to bring this vision to life will be Royalton Vessence Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, debuting in Summer 2026.
Interestingly, Royalton resorts are entering the limelight — or should I say “sunlight” — at a fast and furious pace. According to Craig Marshall, the Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, he told me that Royalton “is the quickest-growing Caribbean hotel chain…and its brand motto is ‘Expect The Unexpected.’”
To avoid confusion, just remember – the Royalton brand is designed for families, while the Royalton CHIC marque is more of a party atmosphere.
But I didn’t party. Most of the time, I stayed waterlogged, floating in the crystal-clear waters, many times in my inflatable tube. And as I repeatedly looked heavenward, I simply thanked God, and The Universe, over and over again, to be in such a place of blessed bliss, all by myself. (And you can certainly enhance that altered state by renting a cabana.)
Could life be any better? Well, actually, yes. The huge spa, which Mr. Marshall told me was “overengineered to almost 10,000 square feet,” was also in immaculate condition. The Royal Spa offers a wealth of massages and beauteous facials with German-made BABOR products, which are famous for their science-backed innovations. Its Ampoule Concentrates, for example, are world-famous (especially in the Advent Calendars.) And Interestingly – Achtung Baby! — BABOR has just been appointed an Official Skincare Brand by Forbes Travel Guide (FTG).
There is also an extensive pre-treatment hydrotherapy circuit, including a little room with a bucket of ice above, which can shower down on upon you. (Yup, that might just go on the proverbial Bucket List.) There is also a salon outfitted with first-class décor, including luxurious pedicure-massage chairs that are covered in gorgeous brown, buttery-soft leather – the kind you would find in an imported European sportscar. Yes, these are the Maseratis of massage chairs – complete with crystal bowls for your feet.
I had a terrific massage here that completely removed the painful kinks in my neck and shoulders – and jaw – that had been troubling me for weeks. Upon exiting, I realized that I was so relaxed and wobbly – like gelatin – so it’s safe to say “You had me at Jell-o.”
All of my included meals here were very good, with a staff that just cannot do enough for you – even if you have special requests. You can fire up your eating engine at Vespa, where there are 10 main courses, plus 10 types of pizza and you can even upgrade to broiled lobster. I also especially liked the Mediterranean restaurant, which served a completely delicious homemade gazpacho, and you should definitely order two at dinner, it is that good. The Executive Chef told me that absolutely everything served at the resort is made-from-scratch, including all of the delicious breads and sauces. Another restaurant worth mentioning is Hunter’s Steakhouse, so named for the resort’s Toronto-based owner, the travel entrepreneur Stephen Hunter. Pescari is the name of the hotel’s premier restaurant – and Antigua’s only overwater restaurant. It only serves sushi and ceviche, and you need to know this if you, like me, don’t eat raw fish (although the staff will certainly take time to make sure they create an entrée you like).
Treat Yourself To A Posh Nosh
My favorite? Well, it was Insomnia – the “Starbucks in the Sunlight” cafe where you can order, order, order to your heart’s content and partake of coffees all made with Jamaican Blue Mountain, and a wealth of wonderful and delicious sandwiches, ice creams, and pastries that are yours for the taking. My only complaint here is that the big, bountiful, buttery chocolate croissant only had a disappointing 1/8 of a teaspoon of Cadbury (which, I was told, was being addressed by management).
And now for the piece de resistance – the overwater bungalow, complete with glass floor, ladder entry right down into the waters of Dickenson Bay, private plunge pool (although the water was much too hot during the day), hammock, a shower that is the size of most New York City studio apartments, Bulgari green-tea amenities, and butler service. Upon entering, I told my butler that no one would ever see me again, because once I set foot in, I was not leaving. (I even scheduled a personal-training session in my bungalow).
Two important things to note here: I don’t think anyone in management ever got into the water, and looked at the bungalows from that perspective. First, the ladder steps from your deck right into the water are very slippery due to algae and seaweed, and these need to have some kind of rubber strips to make entering and exiting easier. Secondly – when you are in the water, and want to return to your bungalow – none of them have numbers or markings, making it difficult, in the ocean, to determine which one is yours.
Now here is another heavenly part: The resort actually hires “angels” – there is even a job description for this – and these are attractive employees who spontaneously create lovely experiences around the property, and assist in the resort’s regularly scheduled activities, to add oomph and zing to your beach fling.
So what can I say now? “You had me at halo.”
For more about my Wanderlust and Wellness travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.
Debbi Karpowicz Kickham, a former Editor an On-Air TV Spokesperson of Robb Report Magazine, is an award-winning writer, who has also been an advertising copywriter and stand-up comedienne, and author of The Globetrotter’s Get-Gorgeous Guide, her third book. Her two other books are I Love Men in Tasseled Loafers: How To Judge Men By Their Shoes, and the bestselling Off The Wall Marketing Ideas. Here is a link to a recent magazine article profiling her 40 years as a luxury travel writer.