At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the overwater bungalows offer privacy that many of the other resort accommodations lack. In fact, a room key is required just to get on the path to the bungalows. Each one sleeps up to eight people, has a full kitchen, and a private plunge pool—from which the kids get a perfect view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, without the crowds. 

All-inclusive Thatch Caye offers three overwater bungalows with a shared deck that can be booked as a cluster—a great option for families who want to bond, but still retain their own space. The deck is outfitted with hammocks and lounge chairs overlooking the sea. The resort also has five premium overwater bungalows with private patios. Kids will enjoy swimming in the natural saltwater pool while adults partake in a seaside massage. Adventurous families can even book a private jungle tour. 

It’s a 30-minute boat ride from Belize City to St. George’s Cay Resort, where you can kick back and relax in a semi-private island experience. Each of the six cabana bungalows has a private porch over the Caribbean and sleeps up to three guests, ideal for small families looking to reconnect. Family-friendly activities include a visit to Mayan ruins and zip-lining through the jungle. 

Sandals Royal Caribbean is known for its palapa-style bungalows with luxury amenities—including private soaking tubs, glass floors, and swim-up patios. With scuba diving, water sports, and nightly entertainment all included with your stay, Sandals is perfect for a multi-generational trip with adult kids, parents, and grandparents. (Note that the resort is adults-only.)

The one-bedroom Casa Ventanas bungalow comes with a private dock, a butler, private meals, and concierge service. With more than 1,100 square feet of space, and a glass floor that looks down to the sea life below, it is perfect for a mother-daughter trip or a sibling reunion. Larger groups can rent a two-bedroom private villa on the beach. Cayo Espanto can arrange a private yacht excursion, a helicopter tour, or a snorkeling trip to nearby coral reef. 

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, is an all-suite, all-villa, all-ocean-view resort on an island that’s home to more tortoises than people. In other words: It’s private. But rather than the guestrooms, it’s the spa that is housed in overwater bungalows. While parents enjoy an overwater massage or facial, the kids can enjoy the beach, paddle-boarding, or golf with the grandparents. 

Sandals Grande St. Lucian has the same palapa-style bungalows as the Royal Caribbean location but are strung together along a straight boardwalk,which offers more privacy than the more iconic heart-shaped boardwalks. Each has a king-size bed and a large bathroom and a personal butler to arrange activities and meals for your group.