Overwater bungalows are synonymous with romance, privacy, and relaxation. This makes them arguably the most sought-after accommodation by couples and honeymooners.
Over the years, my partner and I have been lucky to stay in some of the most luxurious and iconic overwater bungalows globally.
From our own unique experiences, here are the 7 best overwater bungalows in the world.
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
- Family-friendly – Free cribs, a Kids club, In-room babysitting, and supervised activities for kids
- In-room massages – you don’t have to go to the spa; they will bring the spa to you
- Easy accessibility – 15-minute boat ride to Motu Mute Airport
- Free full breakfast
We spent five magical days at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
The resort is set on the private island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, with breathtaking views of the Bora Bora Lagoon and Mount Otemanu.
The bungalows were super clean and fully furnished, and being the tropics, they had mosquito nets. Besides a private plunge pool, the deck with sun loungers was perfect for sunbathing.
The 24-hour spa had exceptional facilities for total relaxation and fitness. We loved how they had separate treatment rooms for couples, a romantic and noble endeavor with children in the vicinity.
More photos on booking.com
While at it, I highly recommend you try the aromatherapy massage, the best relaxation I’ve ever had. We detoxified in the sauna, took Pilates classes, and glided in their freshwater infinity pool.
Four Seasons has a plethora of activities that our 5-day vacation literally felt a bit short. Some of the things you can do include
- Swimming in the turquoise waters
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking in the lagoon sanctuary
We also got to play tennis, sample local cuisines, and experience Polynesian culture by visiting a local village to interact with the natives as well as enjoy traditional dancing performances.
2. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Rangali Island, Maldives
- Home to Muraka- the world’s most luxurious underwater hotel
- Attractive dream wedding packages
- Fine dining with 12-onsite world-class restaurants
Hilton’s Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the crème-dela- crème of overwater bungalows in Maldives.
The air-conditioned villas feature premium fabric beddings, lustrous interior designs, and, our favorite, a separate tub and shower bathroom.
Jump into the plunge pool or use the wooden stairs to walk onto the white sandy floor of the Indian Ocean.
The resort is located on two islands with crystal clear waters and healthy coral reefs buzzing with marine life. There are plenty of activities for couples and the whole family, including;
- Water sports
- Fishing
- BBQ facilities
- Ping pong and Tai Chi classes
The nightlife is decent, with an in-house nightclub and karaoke rooms providing endless entertainment for revelers.
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If you prefer tranquility, dive into the infinity pool, settle into a hot tub, or visit the overwater spa and let the masseuses work their magic.
It’s pretty normal to bump into celebrities in the resort, especially at the Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant.
Unlike Four Seasons, which offers free airport transfers, we parted with US$675 each for the roundtrip airport via seaplane.
If you are coming with children, 0-2 years are free, 2-12 years is US$338, and above 12 years, the adult rate applies.
3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Exclusive access to Motu Tapu – The most photographed islet in the South Pacific
- In-villa spa services upon request
- Abundant manta ray population
Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a paradise of two-story overwater villas and a half-mile-long white sand beach.
Besides, it has a 2,800-square foot banquet space that can host up to 60 guests for a wedding which lush reception venues at the Coconut Grove or the pristine Beach Tamure and Iriatai.
With marine life thriving underneath your villa, you don’t have to kayak, scuba dive, or paddleboard too far to swim with manta rays and schools of fish.
More photos on booking.com
We spent our free afternoons in the Hina Spa’s outdoor treatment area, lounging in our outdoor hammock, or in the infinity pool, a popular vantage point for captivating sunset views.
The resort comes alive every night with Upa Upa Lounge as the epitome of entertainment.
It features live acoustic music (Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday) and traditional Aparima dances (Tuesday & Saturday). Fridays are about the Ahi Ma’a feast, which kicks off at 5:45 pm.
4. Sandals South Coast Overwater Bungalows – White House, Jamaica
- Serenity Chapel – Scenic overwater wedding chapel
- Latitudes Bar – Overwater bar with 360-degree ocean views
- Access to the longest pool in the Western Hemisphere – 17,040 square feet
- Free scuba and snorkeling equipment
Sandals South Coast is your ultimate destination, especially for couples wanting to marry or renew their vows. When you book any of the 12 premium overwater bungalows for three nights or longer, you can use the Overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel at no extra charge. How cool is that?
The heart-shaped bungalows are off the main resort, offering a private and truly romantic staycation on the water.
I love the fact that the resort took privacy seriously since access to the dock was reserved explicitly for those in the bungalows.
In each villa, there are ‘sea-through’ glass floors, king-size beds and Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two. The deck was our favorite place, with a private cabana with loungers for relaxing and sunset views.
As an all-inclusive resort, some of the perks you’ll enjoy include:
- Dine in any of their nine gourmet restaurants
- Unlimited premium liquors in the 7 bars
- Roundtrip airport transfers with an airport arrival lounge
- Free motorized and non-motorized water activities
- Unrestricted access to live shows and entertainment
More photos on booking.com
The service at Sandals South Coast is exemplary, and since we opted for the Butler service option, we had a fabulous time. He took care of all our restaurant reservations and shuttle bookings, and the cooler in the cabana was always full every morning with our favorite drinks.
5. Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Malalo Island, Fiji
- Moderate prices
- Early morning Island hopping tours
- Magical sunset cruises
- 2-day rescue diver courses
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a gem of the South Pacific with ten adult-only overwater bungalows. While the palm-thatched traditional rooms (bures) ooze simplicity, they have an opulent interior with hand-carved art from the finest artisans dotting the walls.
Spacious bedrooms feature a deluxe king-size bed, and a bathroom is furnished with pure Fiji amenities to provide an authentic South Pacific ambiance. A separate living room opens to a private balcony for easy access to the ocean.
We found Beautifully handcrafted likuliku sulu (sarongs) in our closet, which we later learned were a prerequisite to visiting the indigenous Yaro Village.
Each morning, freshly baked cookies were delivered to our `bure` with plunger coffee and tea readily available. The resort has only one restaurant, and the cuisines are rich in flavor and usually served with tropical fruits.
On Friday nights, ensure you enjoy the traditional earth oven feast (Lovo) after tantalizing dance displays (Meke) by the staff.
More photos on expedia.com
The water activities here are abundant, from snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Alternatively, visit Malolo Island’s sacred sites, have a romantic picnic on the beach, or soothe your soul at the Tatadra Spa.
On those days you are feeling lazy, you can take in the sights and sounds of the Likuliku Lagoon and the expansive sea from the comforts of your day bed.
Lastly, Fiji also houses other famous overwater bungalows, including; the Marriot Resort Momi Bay and Koro Sun Resort. You can always compare your alternatives to find out which suits your needs best.
6. Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
- Soundproofed rooms – ultimate privacy
- Family-friendly, 100% non-smoking resort
- Toatea Crêperie & Bar – Only overwater bar in French Polynesia
The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is conveniently located on the heart-shaped Moorea Island between Cook’s and Opunohu bays.
Staying in the overwater bungalows gave us direct access to the lagoon, where we swam with the agile dolphins and harmless reef sharks.
The villa’s deck was perfect for star gazing and catching the fantastic tropical sunrise and sunsets.
More photos on booking.com
The resort offers plenty of land and water recreational activities ranging from the tennis courts, scuba diving, and hiking to windsurfing and jet skiing. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa for all your fitness and relaxation needs.
Note- If you are flying to Hilton Moorea through Tahiti as we did, make sure you land before 5:30 pm local time, as transfers resume the next day at 6:00 am.
7. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
- Personalized St. Regis Butler Service
- Iridium Overwater Spa
- Prayer room and halal food for Muslim guests
- Impeccable dining options and award-winning restaurants
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is an architectural marvel and the most exclusive hotel on our list, with posh overwater bungalows for couples, family, and friends. The rooms are fitted with fine Egyptian sheets, pillow-top mattresses, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms.
The resort has impeccable dining options in a serene setting with brilliant nature-inspired architecture. The award-winning Alba serves the best international cuisines; Orientale delves into Pan-Asian delicacies while T-Pan prepares the finest Japanese dishes.
You can also choose to feast on delectable pizzas at the beachfront Crust & Craft or have a romantic garden dinner at Cargo Restaurant.
Additionally, you can pop in at dusk at the overwater Whale Bar to enjoy the panoramic sunsets and a glass of the Island Mary. The signature cocktail is a rendition of Bloody Mary with kala namak salt as an additive that adds a unique kick.
More photos on booking.com
The Vommuli Dive & Watersports Center guarantees endless fun activities. You can rent sea bobs, glass bottom kayaks, and jet skis or charter a luxury yacht for deep-sea diving and romantic adventures.
Enjoy free canoeing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling equipment, provided you don’t need a guide. The beach, infinity pool, and the spa’s whirlpool also provide remarkable water excursions.
Luxurious accommodation, hospitality, and splendid entertainment options make your stay at St. Regis more memorable, but all this opulence doesn’t come cheap.
We spent more than we had budgeted since most services and amenities were surcharged. Overall, it is worth it for once in a lifetime vacation.
Final Word
Whether you fly to the Maldives, French Polynesia, Fiji, or closer home in the Caribbean, these 7 overwater bungalows offer a truly unforgettable experience with impeccable hospitality on the backdrop of stunning ocean views.
With summer on the horizon and reservations fading by the hour, what are you waiting for? Start making your travel itinerary today!
