Overwater bungalows are more rare and expensive than the standard hotel room. However, the views and experience make it worth every penny.
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a paradise in the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia.
It offers overwater bungalows that overlook the turquoise waters of the private beach and lagoon.
You’ll also have magnificent views of Mount Otemanu, which you can view from your private plunge pool.
The resort is a 15-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Airport. You’ll fly into Bora Bora Airport from Faa’s International Airport in Papeete, which is a 45-minute flight.
Make a reservation at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
2. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Another popular resort for overwater bungalows in Bora Bora is the St. Regis Resort.
It offers the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific, with each one starting at 1,550 square feet.
The turquoise blue waters are visible from the glass panels, and some of the villas have a view of Mount Otemanu.
As with the Four Seasons, the St. Regis is on an islet off of the mainland. You’ll need to jump on a brief boat ride from Bora Bora Airport.
Make a reservation at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
3. Song Saa Private Island
Song Saa Private Island is a luxury beach resort in Cambodia. It offers one and two-bedroom overwater villas.
You can see the islands’ natural reefs through the portholes of your overwater bungalow. The sunsets are stunning, as you can see views of the Gulf of Thailand.
It’s located in Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, which is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port.
You’ll fly into Sihanoukville International Airport from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Don Mueang.
Make a reservation at Song Saa Private Island.
4. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
The Maldives is one of the most popular locations for overwater bungalows, and there’s a good reason for it.
The Waldorf Astoria is an elegant resort on the white sands, beautiful coral reefs, and crystal blue waters of South Male Atoll in the Maldives.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a 40-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport.
Make a reservation at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
5. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set on two separate islands and connected by a bridge.
It offers spacious and stunning overwater villas. It’s also home to the world’s first undersea residence, The Muraka.
Even if you aren’t staying underwater, you can dine at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is five meters below the surface of the ocean.
To reach the resort, you can take a 30-minute seaplane flight or travel by speedboat from a nearby island.
Make a reservation at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
6. Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives is an intimate luxury resort that’s located in the impeccable Noonu Atoll.
If you stay at the Cheval Blanc Randheli, there’s a good chance that you might run into a few celebrities.
To get to the resort, traveling by seaplane is the best option. Take a private seaplane from Male International Airport, which is a 40-minute flight to Cheval Blanc Randheli.
Make a reservation at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives.
7. Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu is a gorgeous resort and the only one on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives.
When you’re there, you’ll feel connected to nature and the island. If you’re looking for paradise, this is it.
Like other resorts in the Maldives, you’ll get to it by speedboat.
From Male International Airport, you’ll get escorted to the domestic terminal lounge and get on a 35-minute flight to Laamu’s Kadhdhoo Airport. Then, you’ll ride the speedboat for 15 minutes and arrive at the resort.
Make a reservation at Six Senses Laamu.
8. Sandals South Coast
Sandals South Coast is an all-inclusive luxury beach resort located in Whitehouse, Jamaica.
It sits on two miles of sandy beach and is surrounded by 500 acres of lush wilderness.
You’ll fly into Montego Bay, Jamaica, and get transferred to Sandals South Coast via bus.
The bus ride takes a little over an hour, and you’ll be able to soak in the scenery.
Make a reservation at Sandals South Coast.
9. Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba is a luxury resort that’s located on the Riviera Maya.
The overwater bungalows are beautiful, the rooms are cozy, and the service is exceptional. You’ll find lagoons, lush jungles, and a pristine white-sand beach.
To get to the Rosewood Mayakoba, fly into Cancun International Airport, and you can drive 28 miles to the resort. They also offer chauffeured transfers, or you can take a taxi.
Make a reservation at Rosewood Mayakoba.
10. Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut Resort is set on Pangkor Laut Island and overlooks the Strait of Malacca.
It offers forested hills and white-sand beaches. There are many activities to do, and you can experience the surroundings of wildlife.
The first step is to get to Pangkor Island. Then, you’ll hop on a speedboat and head to Pangkor Laut Island.
Make a reservation at Pangkor Laut Resort.
11. Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the first and only resort in Fiji with authentic overwater bungalows that’s in a natural ocean lagoon and surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary.
The tropical vegetation and white-sand beach on the Pacific Ocean make this all-inclusive and adults-only resort one of the best in the world.
It’s located on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca group of islands, which is 16 miles away from Nadi International Airport. It can be reached by boat, seaplane, or helicopter.
Make a reservation at Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
12. El Dorado Maroma
El Dorado Maroma is an adults-only all-inclusive resort on Maroma Beach.
The overwater bungalows are surrounded by the beautiful and relaxing turquoise waters of Riviera Maya.
The Elite Overwater Bungalow features a private infinity pool, oversized deck, outdoor shower, indoor hot tub, and glass floors.
The resort is located 40 minutes south of Cancun Airport and 10 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
Make a reservation at El Dorado Maroma.
Conclusion
Overwater bungalows are amazing and something you must experience. They’re excellent for vacation because it ensures relaxation and privacy. You can swim and enjoy your time without leaving your bungalow.
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Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Nola & Luna Travel, the destination for travel advice and inspiration. He launched Nola & Luna Travel to share expert advice, useful tips, unbiased reviews, and inspiration about destinations across the globe.