There are only a few places in the world that offer you the romance, intimacy, and magic of a stay in an overwater bungalow. With all the amenities of a first-class hotel suite set over spectacular calm, warm, blue lagoons, overwater bungalows are the ultimate in seclusion, relaxation, and luxury! Overwater bungalows are rare, and that’s what makes them special. Most are perched on stilts above beautiful lagoons in French Polynesia (Tahiti), Maldives, or Fiji. These drool-worthy places are typically part of 5-star resorts, giving you all the top-notch service and modern amenities you’d expect from a premier property. Wake up in the morning and dive into the warm lagoon from your back deck, peer through glass flooring to see fish and coral, or sink in your own private plunge pool. Visit a special overwater spa and get pampered in paradise. Or, simply snuggle up with your sweetheart and enjoy the unforgettable view. Here are our top island suggestions for an overwater bungalow stay:
Bora Bora, French Polynesia Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and is renowned for its stunning overwater bungalows. With picture-perfect views over a sparkling turquoise lagoon, white sand beaches, and the stunning Mount Otemanu as a backdrop, it doesn’t get much better than this. Bora Bora is home to many four- and five-star overwater bungalows at the InterContinental, Hilton, Four Seasons, St Regis, Sofitel, and Le Meridien, to name a few. Some overwater bungalows have private plunge pools and ladders leading down to the water. Many offer thrilling water sports, helicopter rides over the island, and glass bottom boat trips. Enjoy the amazing “Tahiti room service”, where your breakfast is delivered to you by an outrigger canoe and set up on your private deck.
Taha’a Island, French Polynesia This vanilla-scented island offers an intimate escape from the everyday. Accessed by boat from Raitea airport, Taha’a Island is surrounded by tiny motus with bright sand beaches and pristine waters - ripe for snorkeling and scuba diving. The serene Taha’a Island Resort is surrounded by exquisite old trees, colourful flowers, and tropical plants. The resort has a stunning collection of forty-five thatch-roofed overwater suites suspended above the crystal-clear lagoon. Enjoy "Tahiti room service" here and visit the resort’s sophisticated spa, nestled in a beautiful exotic garden. Overlooking the peaceful resort's interior laguna and surrounded by bamboo trees, this is the ultimate in relaxation!
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives The bejeweled waters of the Maldives are home to magnificent whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins - and they’re the perfect setting for a magical getaway. Accessed by a thirty minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport, Alifu Dhaalu is home to the five-star Conrad Maldives - set on two islands. The secluded resort feels like a deserted island paradise and the overwater villas here are the ultimate in laidback luxury, featuring swimming pools, Jacuzzis, infinity pools, butler service, and private sundecks. The island’s crystal clear waters are ripe for top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving.
Dhigufinolhu Atoll, Maldives Located in South Male Atoll, the islands are home to two stunning Anantara Resorts: Antantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu. Here you can splash about in the clear waters of the lagoon or enjoy a massage, as you peer through the glass floors to marvel at tropical fish swimming underneath. This paradise sanctuary accessed by speedboat from Male International Airport is encircled by sparkling turquoise lagoons. Anantara Veli offers only overwater bungalow accommodation, including amazing pool bungalows that have a private plunge pool on the deck. Anantara Dhigu offers incredible overwater suites, including an overwater pool suite that’s 180 square metres in size! Clients at each resort are welcome to dine on both islands and indulge in Japanese, Thai, seafood and grilled cuisine at its finest.
Malolo Island, Fiji Situated as part of the Mamanuca Islands archipelago, Malolo Island is home to Fiji’s only overwater bungalows. On the magnificent volcanic island, Likuliku Lagoon Resort offers just ten overwater bungalows designed exclusively for couples seeking a tranquil getaway. From the water, Likuliku looks like an ancient village, with overwater bures built using natural elements unique to the region. The resort captures the spirit of traditional Fiji, while including modern lifestyle touches like air-conditioning, music systems, free WiFi, flat-screen monitors, a daily Chef's Canape Plate, and a blissful king-sized bed. All meals are included in a stay at this luxurious adults-only resort. This place is pure bliss!
By Bronwyn Hodge
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Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.
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