Design Destination: walk over water at Sandals bungalows

Amira Hashish samples the delights of the Grande St Lucian bungalows, the very latest Instagram sensation

Walking over water: these bungalows merge cool design with a boho beach vibe

If the idea of walking ‘over’ water appeals, pay a visit to Sandals Grande St Lucian. This fabulous resort has just unveiled nine bungalows which come with glass floor panels looking down onto the gently lapping Caribbean sea.

They are a design feat, blending the boho beach vibe with a streamline and contemporary style.

Ceilings are vaulted, there is a smart TV and custom crafted king-size beds are adorned with soft linens and plush pillows for a great night’s sleep.

The bathrooms, kitted out with Molton Brown toiletries, are equipped with his and hers sinks, a large backlit mirror with mosaic tile and a walk-in rain shower.

Outside, the private patio has an extended sun deck, soaking tub, shower, sun loungers and over-water hammocks.

The resort sits in a secluded spot, on its own peninsula cradled to the west by Rodney Bay and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

A truly luxury experience, celebrities and Instagram gurus are flocking to the bungalows for a healthy dose of escapism. Indeed, this is the stuff Insta dreams are made of.

Bungalows come with the 24-hour Butler Elite service, which handles every detail of the holiday from arranging candle-light dinners on the beach, breakfast in bed with Champagne mimosas or a private cabana on the beach. Our butlers Karen and Michael went out of their way to make us feel at home and made the overall experience really special. Expect surprises in your bungalow or at dinner, from coconuts with your name inscribed in them to very impressive towel art.

There are 12 restaurants on site with international cuisines from Italy, the UK, Jamaica, India and the Orient. From fine dining with white-glove service to the laid-back atmosphere of beachside barefoot, there is something for every occasion. The Bombay Club is a delicious and authentic Indian restaurant while Kimonos serves Japanese cuisine in true theatrical style with the chef preparing dinner in the round.

Red Lane Spa is a relaxing retreat where classic European rituals are reinterpreted with a Caribbean flair. You can have treatments outside or even on the beach if you book in advance.

The hotel works with specialist tour operators who can offer great excursions, from dolphin and whale watching to a Pitons cruise or Soufriere Fountain of Youth trip. Check out islandroutes.co.uk for an extensive list.

However, despite the beautiful surroundings you may not want to leave the resort and there is always something to do with watersports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, paddle-boarding and canoeing, as part of the package. There is nightly entertainment as well such as a Saint Lucian street party or quiz shows featuring hotel guests.

Fronting one of the island’s most enviable beaches with panoramic views of the volcanic mountains, there are five pools in the grounds.

This takes sunny escapism to new heights.

Booking details: Fights to St Lucia take just over 11 hours from London Gatwick with return British Airways tickets starting at around £500. On arrival at the airport, you will be delighted to see the Sandals lounge with a private transfer service available.

Seven nights staying at Sandals Grande St Lucian in an Over the Water Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalow costs from £5825pp. Price includes Luxury Included (all-inclusive) accommodation, Butler Elite Service, 24 hour room service, return economy flights from London Gatwick and resort transfers. The price is based on select travel dates departing 28th November 2017. To book visit sandals.co.uk, call 0800 597 0002 or pop down to the new sandals Luxury Travel Store at 135 Fulham Road, London.

Follow Amira Hashish on Twitter @amiranews and Instagram @thedesigneditor