Is there anything more romantic than an overwater bungalow? They’re perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or one-of-a-kind beach trips!
We searched far and wide for the best overwater bungalows. Here are the top 35.
35.) Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa — French Polynesia
Booking
Never heard of Moorea? That’s a good thing. It means others haven’t either and that the island is still somewhat undiscovered.
Moorea is an island in French Polynesia that is often overlooked in favor of Bora Bora. The benefit? It’s more affordable. The Hilton’s overwater bungalows are located on the northern shores of Moorea and are the perfect place to relax.
34.) Four Seasons – Bora Bora
Four Seasons Bora Bora / Jon Whittle
Located in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is often named one of the most beautiful places in the world. Combine that with the Four Seasons, one of the best hotels in the world, and you have a truly magical overwater bungalow.
The Four Seasons Bora Bora has 85 overwater bungalows. The walls are made of volcanic rock and sprinkled with mother-of-pearl accents and are truly majestic.
32.) Hilton Moorea Lagoon and Resort — Moorea
Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Resort / Lori Barbely
Located in the center of Moorea’s northern coast, the Hilton Moorea lies between two bays that create the island’s heart shape. If you’re looking for green mountains, crystal clear water, and starry nighttime skies, you’ll love this resort.
The resort is pretty small. There are only 106 rooms spread across 10 acres, so you’ll never feel crowded.
31.) Six Senses Laamu — The Maldives
Conde Nast Traveler
The Six Senses overwater villas are located in the Maldives’ secluded Laamu Atoll and are triple-tiered and constructed of local materials.
Enjoy snorkeling? Make sure you check out the coral reefs, either on a solo tour or a guided tour.
30.) Rosewood Mayakoba — Riviera Maya, Mexico
Conde Nast Traveler
If French Polynesia is too far, consider checking out an overwater bungalow in Mexico. Specifically, Rosewood Mayakoba, which is just 50 miles south of Cancun.
Mayakoba is nicknamed the “Venice of Mexico” and is a 600-acre resort with canals winding throughout the property. You’ll find emerald lagoons, mangrove forests, and utter relaxation.
29.) Sandals Grande Lucian – St. Lucia
Sandals Grande Lucian
If you’re looking for the ultimate destination wedding, consider Sandals Grande Lucian. It has the Caribbean’s first overwater wedding chapel!
If you want to spend all of your time at your overwater bungalow, we understand. There are lots of things to do if you decide to leave, though. Consider climbing the Pitons or checking out the Caribbean’s only “drive-in” volcano. You could also take a mineral bath, or even check out a few of the St. Lucia distillers to see how people make rum.
28.) Niyama Private Islands Maldives — The Maldives
Conde Nast Traveler
The Maldives has some of the best overwater bungalows in the world, and Niyama is one of them. As such, it should come as no surprise that the resort consistently tops Conde Nast Travelers’ annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
The bungalows each have open-air showers, private pools, and decks that lead directly into the lagoon. While we can’t imagine leaving, there’s plenty to do on the island such as surfing, yoga, and kitesurfing.
27.) Bawah Reserve — Indonesia
Bawah Reserve
If you’re looking for paradise, you’ll find it in Bawah. Located in Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia, Bawah has six islands, three lagoons, and thirteen private beaches. Oh, and did we mention you can only get there by seaplane?
Renting an overwater villa doesn’t come cheap at this luxurious resort. But we promise it will be one of your most memorable trips yet.
26.) Laucala Island — Fiji
Laucala Island
Luacala Island is a private island located in Fiji. It offers 25 thatch-roofed huts as well as one uber-luxurious overwater villa.
The overwater villa is more like a mansion at 3,000 square feet. You’ll have 365-degree views of the ocean, a private pool carved into the rocks, and a staff of 16 to cater to your every need.
25.) Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas — The Maldives
Kihavah is located in the Maldives and is one of the most beautiful overwater bungalows we’ve come across (which says a lot).
Positioned off a sand island in the Baa Atoll, the area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its coral reefs and marine life. Like to scuba? You’ll love it here. Each bungalow features some pretty cool things like swinging day beds, overwater hammocks, and even glass-bottomed bathtubs. You’ll never want to leave (but if you do, check out the underwater restaurant, which is also pretty cool).
24.) Song Saa Private Island — Cambodia
Song Saa Private Island
While Cambodia is a hot destination amongst backpackers, most people don’t realize it also has a luxurious side of it. Song Saa Private Island is one of those luxuries.
This resort is in the Koh Rong archipelago. Song Saa is a private island resort that features nine overwater bungalows and eighteen island villas. Enjoy views of the Gulf of Thailand from your private swimming pool, or check out the surrounding nature trails. Either way, it will be a trip to remember.
23.) Brando Suites Bora Bora at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa — French Polynesia
Brando Suites Bora Bora
Wow. If the above photo doesn’t make you want to hop a plane tomorrow and head to Bora Bora, we don’t know what will.
While there are some pretty fabulous overwater bungalows on our list, the Brando Suites Bora Bora is one of the best. With turquoise blue water, private pools, and stairs leading directly down into the waters, you’ll have the most relaxing time of your life.
22.) Likuliku Lagoon Resort — Fiji
Trip Advisor
Likuliku Lagoon Resort was Fiji’s first resort with overwater bungalows and was designed specifically for couples. As you can imagine, it’s a romantic place.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, we highly recommend this place. If you ever leave your bungalow, consider a walk to Jona’s Lookout, a stroll along Naivaka Beach.
21.) St. Regis Bora Bora — Bora Bora
Booking
The St. Regis plus Bora Bora. You know it’s going to be magical. And it is.
The St. Regis Bora Bora has 44 acres. While the views are superb, the resort prides itself on customer service. Each resort comes with a private butler. You won’t have to worry about good food either. James Beard Award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the restaurant.
20.) El Dorado Maroma — Riviera Maya, Mexico
El Dorado Spa Resorts
Looking to get away to a beautiful overwater resort without suffering from jet lag? Just check out this Riviera Maya resort in Mexico.
In addition to its over-the-water location, amenities include glass-bottom floors, Jacuzzis, private infinity pools, and so much more.
19.) Soneva Jani – Maldives
CNN
There are a lot of exclusive resorts in the Maldives, but perhaps the most exclusive is Soneva Jani.
Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes. After all, you won’t need them while you’re there. You can spend your days at your private bungalow, lounging poolside or sliding down your private water slide. At night, you can visit the resort’s observatory and listen to the on-site astronomer teach you about the constellations.
18.) Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa – Samoa
Visual Itineraries
Set in the scenic South Coast, Coconuts Beach clubs is the first and only resort in the counter with an overwater fales. There is six total throughout the resort!
Each bungalow is spacious for a couple because there are high ceilings and breathtaking sun decks.
17.) Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives
Telegraph
Want to get off the grid? Consider heading to the Maldives and staying at Gili Lankanfushi.
The resort has 45 overwater suites as well as a private reserve, which is only accessible by boat. What’s more? You can visit an artisanal cheese room, a chocolate cave, and an overwater spa! What more could you want?
16.) Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort – Moorea
Sofitel
The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort rests between a turquoise lagoon and emerald mountains and is amongst Moorea’s most beautiful beach bungalows.
The resort features 39 bungalows and offers activities such as snorkeling with manta rays, golfing, and even exploring the nearby pineapple farms. Whether you want to spend your day tanning on your private deck or enjoying adventure, this resort has it all.
15.) Vahine Island – Tahiti
Tahiti
Welcome to Vahine Island, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Resting on the small, private island of Motu Tu Vahine, this resort features sugary white beaches and offers three overwater bungalows.
Each bungalow features an aquarium table showcasing sea life and is as off the grid as you can get. Check out the underwater coral gardens too!
14.) InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa – Tahiti
Tahiti
While Vahine Island is the smallest resort on Tahiti, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa is the largest. If you’re looking for beauty and luxury, this is the place to be.
The resort is one of the easier to get to resorts and is located five minutes from the airport. You can stay in an overwater bungalow, spend your days snorkeling, or take in a few sun rays. Enjoy Friday nights watching traditional Tahitian dances at the Tiare Restaurant.
13.) Sandals South Coast – Jamaica
Sandals Resort
Looking for a romantic way to celebrate an anniversary? Stay in one of 12 overwater bungalows in the heart-shaped community of Sandals South Coast Jamaica.
Relax in your private bungalow, nap in your overwater hammock, or grab a cocktail at the resort’s bar. This place has it all.
12.) St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Maldives
Marriott
The St. Regis is one of the most distinguished hotel chains so it should come as no surprise that its Maldives resort made our list. Built in 2016, this resort has it all.
The resort features 44 overwater villas (in the shape of a manta ray). Your overwater bungalow comes with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private pool, and so much more. You’ll never want to leave.
11.) Le Taha’a – Tahiti
Le Taha
Are white sand beaches and lush, tropical surroundings your idea of Heaven? If so, welcome to Tahiti’s Le Taha.
Designed in traditional Polynesian style, Le Taha is a private island getaway featuring 45 overwater bungalows. The Relais and Châteaux resort is five minutes by boat from Taha’a Island, which is famous for its black-pearl farms and vanilla plantations.
10.) Cocoa Island by COMO – Maldives
Agoda
It’s no coincidence you keep seeing beautiful overwater bungalows on the Maldives on our list. It truly is a magical place. Cocoa Island by COMO features 33 overwater suits. The suites were built to mimic the local dhoni boats. Villas are 24 feet apart, and each features distinctive arcs.
Spend your days going from your private room into the lagoon below and top them off with a massage at the COMO Shambhala Retreat.
9.) Le Méridien Bora Bora — Bora Bora
Booking
Looking for a thatch-roof overwater bungalow near an ecological center that focuses on coral preservation and caring for sea turtles? Check out Le Meridien Bora Bora.
The resort offers stunning views of Mount Otemanu, and its rooms feature woven-palm walls, timber floors, and a canopy bed. You’ll fall in love with this place the second you step foot on the property.
8.) Cayo Espanto — Belize
Booking
Do you love the idea of an overwater bungalow but hate the thought of having neighbors? We have just the place for you: Cay Espanto.
Located in Belize, just three miles from San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is a one-bedroom overwater bungalow over the Western Caribbean. The villa has custom decor, turquoise shutters, and an oh-so-luxurious canopy bed.
7.) Hôtel Palafitte — Switzerland
Swiss Life
Looking for an overwater bungalow unlike any other? Head to Switzerland and check yourself into the Hôtel Palafitte.
Hôtel Palafitte rests on stilts above Lake Neuchâtel. It’s the only hotel in Europe on stilts! If you want direct access to the water, you’ll need to reserve a Lake Pavilion. Check out the Restaurant Terrace, which is also an overwater bungalow that serves local Swiss delicacies such as smoked gravelax and boar cheek stew.
6.) Pankor Laut Resort — Malaysia
andrewmizziphoto
Don’t want to go to the Maldives or Bora Bora for your overwater bungalow? You don’t have to. Instead, you can head to Malaysia!
Malaysia’s Pankor Laut Resort offers a mix of overwater bungalows and hilltop jungle bungalows. We recommend splitting your time between the two so you can get the best of both worlds!
5.) Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort — Moorea
Sofitel
This resort is on Tahiti’s sister island of Moorea. The Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort is known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise blue waters.
Each bungalow features illuminated glass portholes cut into the floor where you can study the sea life below once the sun goes down. The resort also has private terraces, rainfall showers, and a dive center for those looking to SCUBA or snorkel.
4.) Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort — Tahiti
Tekehau Pearl Beach Resort
If none of the previous overwater bungalows have struck your fancy, perhaps the Tekehau Pearl Beach Resort will. This Tahitian resort has 24 overwater villas nestled in a private coconut grove.
Each bungalow features a palm-thatched roof, private deck, and glass-bottom floors.
3.) One and Only Reethi Rah — Maldives
One and Only Resorts
Love beach life? Consider heading to the One and Only Reethi Rah, where you can stay in a private overwater bungalow and have access to 12 nearby secluded beaches!
Spend your days in the turquoise waters of the lagoon, your afternoons in the spa, and your evenings snuggled up in a hammock looking up at the stars.
2.) Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge — Panama
If you’re looking for the ultimate girls weekend (or a more rustic romantic getaway), head to Panama and check out the Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge.
The resort features nine overwater bungalows, each of which is two stories high. Canopy beds are set on the upper level, offering perfect views of sunrise, sunset, and even the occasional dolphin.
1.) Constance Le Prince Maurice — Mauritius
journeyinstyle
Tucked away in Poste de Flacq, this resort features 12 overwater bungalows (as well as 64 suites and 12 family suites). Haven’t heard of Poste de Flacq? It’s one of the prettiest areas of Mauritius.
The resort features three restaurants, a 25,000 bottle wine cellar, tropical gardens, and an 18-hole golf course. It has something for everyone.
If you get the chance, book a trip to one of these amazing overwater bungalows. You won’t regret it.