Best overwater bungalows
Unlike other vacation destinations, in an overwater bungalow, your room may be the main attraction with its front-row seat to ocean views. However, not all overwater bungalows have the same offerings.
Before you begin your search, you should decide which part of the world you want to travel to, since overwater bungalows are found in a variety of tropical locations. Most overwater bungalows are a part of large resorts offering enough dining and entertainment options that you can spend most of your trip not far from your bungalow. Some villas are arranged so you have a private experience, while others put you fairly close to your neighbors — though you will likely have the bungalow to yourself. As with any hotel room, the furnishings and amenities can vary greatly, with some bungalows feeling much more modern thanks to features like spacious showers, Wi-Fi and kitchenettes.
Overwater bungalows
For the getaway with a bit of everything, Le Bora Bora offers a complete island vacation experience with several different bungalows and villas to choose from. Modern decor and amenities make for a comfortable stay, and the staff is welcoming and always ready to help. Activities and amenities include snorkeling, saunas, private beaches and tennis, all on the resort grounds. The spa not only offers all of the services you would expect of a high-end resort but also has reasonable pricing. You can expect ocean views or mountain views from most of the bungalows. Just a short boat ride from the main island, this resort allows you to enjoy the quiet and isolation or venture to Bora Bora itself for enjoyable tourist attractions. Meaningful sustainability commitments make this one of the greener overwater bungalow resorts on our list.
A smaller resort, the Manava Beach Resort is well-suited to romantic getaways, though its location on the island of Moorea puts it a short walk from restaurants and shops. The grounds and rooms are clean and welcoming, and the staff is accommodating. If you’re hoping to see some wildlife, snorkeling lets you get up close to the island’s ocean ecosystem. The resort organizes several activities and events that draw from Polynesian culture, including a dance show. If you’re not up for the walk, a regular shuttle service can bring you to and from local restaurants.
Located on Motu Taufarii just to the west of the main island, this quiet resort offers a five-star experience with its friendly and attentive staff and its clean grounds and ocean views. A handful of restaurants offer more than enough on-site dining options, with the Jean Georges Lagoon standing out as a customer favorite. If you're hoping to see tropical wildlife up close, this resort is a standout with its Lagoonarium, a large enclosure for a variety of local fish with regular presentations from a marine biologist. Some overwater bungalows have glass floors to let you watch the rolling tide or even catch a glimpse of the wildlife.
If a quiet island getaway sounds more appealing than visiting a flashy resort on a touristy island, consider Adaaran Prestige Water Villas. Its smaller selection of overwater bungalows works to its advantage, creating a quiet, more intimate atmosphere than that of large resorts. The glass-floor bungalows give you a view of passing wildlife, which is abundant on the island and includes not only fish but also tropical birds, lizards and other animals. There are more than enough activities to keep you busy, including watercraft, outdoor sports and evening shows. Since the resort covers the entirety of the small island, you may appreciate its self-contained experience far from any busy islands filled with tourists, though its proximity to southern Asia means you could extend your trip for some sightseeing.
With its unique pyramid-shaped bungalows just a short swim from life-filled coral reefs, you’re likely to encounter a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, sea snakes and fish. Guided snorkeling groups ensure that you make the most of your time in the water and learn about the local flora and fauna. Though there’s a popular on-site restaurant, the ferry can take you to the main island of Noumea for a wider selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. If you're planning a shorter vacation, the Ilot Maitre resort will keep you well entertained for the length of your stay.
If you’re looking for a secluded romantic getaway, the bungalows at El Dorado Maroma offer a private experience and minimal crowds. Each overwater bungalow has a small pool and an outdoor shower, as well as glass floors and views of the ocean or shore. Staying in a bungalow also gives you access to a restaurant and a part of the beach not available to the rest of the resort. Customers praise the yoga instructors and guided kayaking and snorkeling tours.
On the main island of Bora Bora, this affordable resort offers gorgeous sunset views and a simple getaway in sizable overwater bungalows. Just a short distance from the city of Vaitape, you can use the available bikes to quickly get to town to explore its many shops and restaurants. As opposed to a traditional resort, the Oa Oa Lodge has only eight bungalows, allowing the staff to give you plenty of attention. Breakfast can be served in your room upon request, and a terrace guarantees a relaxing spot with an ocean view. The lodge can be reached via the free ferry that runs from the airport to Viatape.
What to know before booking a stay in an overwater bungalow
Location
An overwater bungalow offers a unique vacation experience with a private place that almost guarantees an ocean view. The popularity of overwater bungalows means they can be found all over the world, not just French Polynesia. Many overwater bungalow resorts are in the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
If you have sightseeing you hope to do along the way or if you plan to take a boat to nearby cities and attractions, location may be a deciding factor. However, if you’re just looking for a mellow seaside escape, you have a much wider range of resorts to choose from and may be able to find more affordable options. Resorts on small islands offer a quiet, isolated feeling, though you’ll have to take a boat to find other entertainment options.
Resort amenities
Overwater bungalows are typically a part of larger resorts, which may include amenities like restaurants, water activities and nature trails. If you want a full resort experience, research the atmosphere and offerings of your top picks as well as their dining options.
If water sports are a must-have, make note of what boating equipment and snorkeling or scuba gear is available and whether it's included with your stay or comes at an additional price. Some bungalows have low decks for swimming right out of the back door, but the water is not always deep enough for swimming.
Just because a resort has dining options doesn’t mean you’ll be able to enjoy your stay without traveling far for food. Check menus (and prices) before your stay to get an idea of what your meals will look like.
FAQ
Q. Are overwater bungalows safe?
A. Despite their at times precarious appearance, overwater bungalows are in little danger of tipping into the ocean or being knocked over by a large wave. Most of the time, the water surrounding bungalows is no more than 10 feet deep, and the supports are firmly anchored. The primary risk comes with swimming off of the deck without a lifeguard present, especially if you have young children.
Q. How private are overwater bungalows?
A. Most bungalows have the modern privacy features you would expect — locking doors, window shades, et cetera. However, they are typically clustered in villas, which may put your deck just a short distance from your neighbor’s, meaning you’ll be sharing the sunset views. Most resorts have no more than a handful of overwater bungalows, so while space is limited, you aren’t likely to feel crowded in by neighboring rooms.
Q. What modern amenities can I expect?
A. It varies from one resort to another of course, but in general you can expect the same amenities as a modern hotel room. This usually means air conditioning, a shower and toilet, and sometimes a kitchen or kitchenette. Some bungalows have a terrace and a ladder for easy ocean access.
