We have ancient Mayans to thank for the invention of the hammock – the ultimate symbol of slothdom. These soothing slings were originally made from the bark of a hamack tree, from which they derive their name.
Today, some of the most heavenly hammocks can be found at hotels and resorts across the tropics. And because we love hammocks so much, we tracked down 10 that you should keep in mind for your next trip.
Old Man and The Sea Ocean Villas | Aruba
Dushi Sue Villa Overwater Bungalow — Photo courtesy of Old Man and the Sea Ocean Villas
No need to travel all the way to the South Pacific for the overwater bungalow experience, as this boutique luxury retreat in Aruba’s sleepy suburb of Savaneta offers the identical stilted and thatched abodes. The owner of Old Man and The Sea Ocean Villas – a self-confessed hammock fanatic – has them hanging everywhere, even in a carved out sea pool.
The villas are set in calm, clear waters surrounded by mangroves and teeming with fish, so snorkeling after a sling sleep is just steps from your door. VIP holiday packages include toes-in-the-sand dining with a private chef and scads of luxurious extras.
Hamilton Princess Beach Club & Hotel | Bermuda
Hamilton Beach Bermuda — Photo courtesy of Vanessa Vincent of vsvtravel.com
The legendary “pink palace,” renowned for its first-class service over a century, the Hamilton Princess has placed their quintessential adult cradle right in the sea.
A short stroll into the Atlantic will find you swinging and swaying in the waves, and it’s large enough for two, so canoodling is encouraged. It’s an ideal place to steal away for a rest, which you'll need if you partake of the multitude of activities this world-class resort has on offer.
Now Larimar | Dominican Republic
Dual hammock nirvana — Photo courtesy of Now Larimar Resort
Living large with Now Larimar’s signature Unlimited Luxury ® experience is a breeze when you book one of their oceanfront swim-out suites with dual hammocks on the deck. And you might never want to leave your delightful swinging day beds since they have unlimited 24/7 room service, too!
Though this resort exudes romance for couples, it’s also a treat for parents since their family-friendly services include one of the best complimentary kid’s and teen clubs around. Mom and dad can hang by the pool and sea for hours while their children enjoy all kinds of well-supervised and age appropriate creative activities.
Secrets Aura Cozumel | Mexico
Rafael Nadal at Secrets Aura — Photo courtesy of Clive Brunskill/Getty Images at Secrets Aura Cozumel
"Rock me gently, rock me slowly" is the vibe while immersed in the sea hammocks at Secrets Aura Cozumel – an adult-only, upscale all-inclusive resort. If you’re lucky, you might even see renowned champion tennis star Rafael Nadal rocking along with you since he holidays there every year, and the sea hammock is the first place he goes after a rousing game in the hot sun.
The sea there is also famous for its abundance of marine life, so you’re bound to have lots of colorful tropical fish swing by, too!
Mahekal Beach Resort | Mexico
Deck hammocks at Mahekal Beach Resort — Photo courtesy of Mahekal Beach Resort
Mahekal Beach Resort is another outpost dedicated to the comforting cocoons of the ancient Mayans, and actually, most of this resort has been created with the Mayan way of living in mind.
Located on Playa del Carmen’s longest strip of beach, hand-laid, hidden stone pathways lead to 196 private, palapa-style bungalows with open-air terraces and crochet hammocks.
Cancún: Explore Playa del Carmen through its Diverse Attractions and Activities
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita| Mexico
Four Seasons Punta Mita — Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Punta Mita
Still fairly undiscovered by hordes of sun-seeking tourists, Mexico’s Punta Mita is known for its luxury resorts and upscale homes dotting the lush mountains overlooking pristine private beaches around Banderas Bay.
The Fours Seasons exudes hedonism at its finest, and many of the suites have deck hammocks affording stunning views of the wild blue Pacific. You might even see whales and dolphins frolicking below, and the entire region is ideal for eco-touring.
Pacuare Lodge | Costa Rica
Treehouse Hammock Costa Rica — Photo courtesy of Dani Nichole Photography
You can rock-a-bye your baby in the treetops to your heart’s content while you're eye-to-eye with tropical birds and monkeys in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Your tree house jungle hideaway in this unique eco lodge has dual hammocks on the deck, right in the thick of the protected nature reserve of Pacuare.
Take a life lesson from your neighboring sloths and simply hang out in leisure all day until it’s feeding time!
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club | Nevis
View from Nisbet Beach — Photo courtesy of Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
The only oceanfront ex-sugar plantation resort on the tiny island of Nevis is Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, aptly named for its lovely long stretch of soft sand.
Beyond the gorgeous stone ruins of the old sugar mill, you’ll find half-a-dozen hammocks strewn along the surf with a wonderful view of the waves and the dormant volcano peak of Mt. Nevis – which is often shrouded in cloud forest making it an ideal backdrop to spot rainbows over the sea.
Explore: 10 Hottest Hotel Showers for Two
PM 78 Urban Oasis | Curacao
Manmade urban beach hangout — Photo courtesy of PM78 Urban Oasis Curacao
PM 78 Urban Oasis, a delightful boutique luxury hotel, is in the heart of the trendy downtown neighborhood district called Pietermaai, and it’s full of surprises. For instance, a manmade sand beach off their main “Beach House” suite cresting the rocky coast and wild waves – and lots of hammocks!
They offer six different room types and many have hammocks; there’s even one on the balcony of their top loft apartment. Enjoy watching the big ships cruise by from suspended perches. You'll also find yourself mere steps away from eclectic nightlife and cosmopolitan dining.
Le Phare Bleu | Grenada
Floating raft hammock Grenada — Photo courtesy of Le Phare Bleu
It’s been scientifically proven that people fall asleep faster and sleep deeper in a hammock than in a regular bed, so now add the motion of the ocean and you have the formula for the perfect nap just waiting to happen.
Swim out to the raft in the crystal blue waters at Le Phare Blue’s boutique hotel to test out this theory, and discover if a floating hammock is even better than a stationary one. After your sea slumber, enjoy their unique brand of eco-friendly hospitality amid their award-winning gardens full of hummingbirds.
