Some ideas are so good you wonder why no one has had them before. Case in point – until Sandals introduced them to Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica late last year, no one had ever offered Indian Ocean-style over-the-water accommodation in the Caribbean.

But instead of kicking back with a rum punch and toasting their success, the Sandals team immediately set about rolling the concept out on the beautiful island of St Lucia.

From May, guests will be able to check into one of nine Over the Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, with more to follow in 2017 at select Luxury Included® resorts.

With a never-before-seen connection to the Caribbean Sea, not to mention a level of luxury that cements Sandals’ position as the world’s leading all-inclusive resorts, it isn’t hard to see why the over-water suites have been an instant hit.

Each over-the-water suite has its own distinctive design, inspired by the Feng Shui elements of wood, water, fire, earth and metal. Paired with the shimmering natural beauty of the ocean – visible at all times from your sun-drenched deck hammock or through the glass panels in the floor of your suite – the result is a serene, stunning and indulgent setting. Of course, a teak king-sized bed, Egyptian cotton linens and your own private infinity pool don’t hurt…

Each villa or bungalow is purpose built for you to get away from it all, though you’ll have a 24/7 butler – trained by the Guild of Professional Butlers – on hand to attend to your every need. Whether you want dinner in your private sanctuary or fancy a private sunset yoga class, they’ll be able to make it happen.

In fact, guests at Sandals’ over-the-water villas have access to a raft of exclusive services and amenities that take the Luxury Included® concept to an whole new level. You’ll be greeted at the airport, whisked to your resort by luxury transfer, and arrive at your room to find a welcome gift waiting.

Though we’d understand if you wanted to hide away in your suite for the entirety of your break, on land (reachable by a wooden pontoon or water taxi) you’ll find all the luxury amenities you’d expect from a Sandals Luxury Included® holiday, not least a wealth of restaurants offering everything from elegant fine dining to casual shacks on the beach serving authentic Caribbean food.

Alongside that, expect unlimited watersports, nightly entertainment, state-of-the-art fitness centres and unlimited scuba diving for PADI-certified divers. For an optional indulgent treat, head to the Red Lane® Spa for amazing botanical-inspired treatments that will leave you glowing.

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At the heart of your dream Caribbean break, though, will be your very own over-the-water suite – where natural Caribbean beauty and Sandals luxury combine like never before.

For more information, or to book, go to sandals.co.uk; call 0800 742 742; or visit in-store at 135 Fulham Road