Have you ever stayed in an overwater bungalow? It should be on everyone’s bucketlist. There are some gorgeous overwater bungalows all over, but contrary to popular belief, there are lots of countries that have overwater bungalows now, not just in Bora Bora or the Maldives. Most people assume overwater bungalows are really expensive, and usually they are, but we’ve also added some affordable overwater bunglows! If you’re looking for the best places to travel this year, we’ve asked some other travel professionals to give you 16 of the best overwater bungalows in the world!
The Best Overwater Bungalows in the World For All Budgets
Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean
1. Aruba Ocean Villas
Recommended by A Taste for Travel
While Aruba’s large all-inclusive resorts and brand-name hotels are already world-famous, this Dutch Caribbean island has a fresh new crop of small hideaways that are quickly drawing independently-minded luxury travellers. One of the best luxury boutique hotels in Aruba is Aruba Ocean Villas, a hideaway tucked on a secluded beach in Savaneta, that includes Aruba’s very first collection of Tahitian style overwater bungalows. This boutique hotel features three eco-chic beach villas and three overwater bungalows set over crystalline Caribbean waters. I loved waking up to the sound of lapping waves each morning and enjoying coffee on the wrap around deck watching heron dive for fish. My overwater bungalow featured an outdoor shower (complete with a conch shell faucet) yet offered all the comforts of a luxury stay such as AC, a wine fridge, premium linens and a soaking tub with a view of blue sky and sea. Pure magic.
2. Sandals Royal Caribbean Jamaica
Recommended by Follow Me Away
The overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean are some of the best bungalows in the world because they are beautiful, brand new and very easily accessible. To get to these overwater bungalows, you fly into Jamaica at the Montego Bay airport. The airport is less than a 10 minute drive away from these stunning overwater bungalows! They are in a heart shape which is ever so romantic as well. The bungalows either face the mainland of Jamaica or out into the ocean so you can choose which view you like best!
3. Sandals South Coast Jamaica
Recommended by Fit Two Travel
The first overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, the bungalows at Sandals South Coast are beautiful and romantic. Located on the south coast of Jamaica, in Whitehouse, the bungalows have a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea. With total luxury, including private plunge pools, over the water hammocks, see-through glass floor, tranquility soaking tub, and personalized butler service. The bungalows at Sandals South Coast are some of the best overwater bungalows in the world. There are 12 overwater bungalows all shaped in a nice heart. The heart shape is romantic, but also gives the bungalows their own privacy. Not only does Sandals South Coast have five star service but they also have some of the only all inclusive overwater bungalows in the world. The bungalows in Jamaica are definitely the perfect destination for a honeymoon, wedding, or any celebration!
Overwater Bungalows in the South Pacific
Bora Bora
4. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Recommended by Nom List
If you’re looking for the ultimate overwater bungalow experience, look no further than Bora Bora. You’re in for a once in a lifetime experience at the Four Seasons Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The waters are clear and the landscapes are idyllic and this resort only has overwater bungalows available. Each villa comes with a sizable bedroom, bar area, living room, spacious bathroom, and a hot tub. The exterior patio area features a huge deck and a dock area that is ideal for taking a dip in the ocean. The bungalows are so deep that you can’t touch the bottom of the ocean, which was amazing. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a five-star hotel and is located west of Tahiti, just a 50 mile flight away. There are over 100 overwater villas and plenty of water activities available, including paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and excursions the on-site marine biologists. It’s a long flight from the US but this resort is particularly popular with Americans. I super recommend making this a bucket list destination.
5. Le Meridien Bora Bora
Recommended by Honeymoon Always
Located on the northern tip of Motu Piti A’au, a small islet that sits along the eastern coral reef, Le Méridien Bora Bora is a luxury resort with amazing overwater bungalows. Each overwater bungalow provides privacy and tranquility above the turquoise waters of the lagoon and has a gorgeous view of the iconic Mount Otemanu. Unique to these bungalows is the glass-bottom floor allowing you to look down to see turtles and fishes swimming below from the comfort of your air-conditioned bungalow. If you want to take a break from the lagoon, you can go for a swim in one of the two infinity pools. Also available are complimentary snorkeling equipment, kayaks, outrigger canoe, windsurf, badminton and beach volleyball. You can also use the traditional Polynesian pirogue to float around the lagoon on or if you have a need for speed, you can rent a wave runner or boat.
6. Intercontinental Bora Bora
7. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort Cook Islands
Recommended by Fit Two Travel
The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is the Cook Islands only overwater bungalows. Aitutaki is rated as the msot beautiful lagoon in the world, and the overwater bungalows are right bove this gorgeous lagoon. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is an adults-only resort lacoted on a private island, meaning its completely secluded. The overwater bungalows at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort have the best location, as they overlook the crystal blue lagoon. With top-notch luxury and service, it’s considered one of the most romantic places on earth! There are 7 overwater villas at the resort, all with a private view of the lagoon, open-air showers, and just a few steps into the inviting water.
Photo credit: Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa
8. L’Escapade Ilot Maitre New Caledonia
Recommended by Out Chasing Stars
Nestled in New Caledonia, just off the capital of Noumea, lies Ilot Maitre, and the l’Escapade Resort. New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France, and is the largest lagoon in the world. Thanks to the biodiversity, the lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site. At Ilot Maitre, over the clear blue water, are 25 luxury bungalows. The rooms are gorgeous, but the prime attraction is the water. New Caledonia has protected much of their reefs and islands, so marine life flourishes. We swam with sea turtles, octopuses, and large schools of fish. Walking around the island, we encountered osprey, starfish, and heaps of interesting shells. The southwest side of the island is a wide sandbar, full of seagrass and very shallow at low tide. You can walk out to the lighthouse at low tide, or take kitesurfing lessons at high tide. At the resort, guests can relax by the pool, get massaged, or enjoy some of the watersports like paddleboarding or jetskiing.
Overwater Bungalows in Asia
Maldives
9. Adaaran Vadoo Maldives
Recommended by My Adventures Across the World
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Maldives. It’s main perk is that it only has overwater bungalows, so that each and every guest feels very special. All bungalows are great: there’s a very large and comfortable room, with a big veranda with plunge pool and direct access to water. The bathroom is simply huge, and there’s a jacuzzi at the back. Some bungalows are slightly bigger and others are a bit more isolated, perfect for honeymooners. Some face the island and get sunrise views, yet I feel the best ones are those facing the other way, for they get the most incredible sunset views. Either way, the experience of staying at an overwater bungalow at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is just incredible.
10. Kandolhu Maldives
Recommended by Swedish Nomad
Kandolhu is a true paradise island in the Maldives. It has everything that a big resort island can offer, but it takes less than 10 minutes to walk across the whole island. I’ve been to a few islands in the Maldives, and this is by far my favorite. Kandolhu gives you a luxury version of an isolated island in the middle of no where. Become Robinson Crusoe for a day, but still have access to pools, restaurants and some really beautiful overwater bungalows. And of course, the magical turquoise water and white sand of the Maldives. In their Overwater bungalows, you can enjoy an outdoor pool, bathtub, and have your own private stair down to the water. Inside, you have a big luxurious king-size bed and all amenities needed for a wonderful vacation or honeymoon.
11. Robinson Club Noonu Maldives
Recommended by Our Kind of Crazy
12. Bawah Reserve Indonesia
13. The Grand Lexis Malaysia
14. Apulit Resort El Nido Philippines
Recommended by For Two, Please
Take your tropical vacation to the next level at Apulit Island Resort in El Nido, Philippines. This eco-adventure island resort is located in the blissfully quiet part of Palawan in the north-east., With a 60-meter limestone cliff in the background, holds a spectacular natural setting for lovebirds and honeymoon couples! The all-inclusive resort features 50 luxurious overwater bungalows in the traditional Filipino-style. Each of the overwater bungalows has a private veranda that looks out straight to the ocean. On the island, there are even a few loft-style bungalows that comes with extra space and a staircase that ends right in the ocean! Apulit’s quiet and secluded location makes it ideal for a relaxing holiday. But to maximize your time on the island, take advantage of the many fun and exhilarating activities the resort offers. You can go paddle-boarding to get close to the marine life, wander through the different caves, and even rappel off the limestone cliff – perfect for the thrill seekers!
15. Nguyen Shack Vietnam
Recommended by Thrifty Family Travels
The Nguyen Shack is the ideal spot for those wanting to experience an authentic family friendly home-stay on the water ways of the Mekong Delta, located 6 kilometres from the city centre of Can Tho. Accommodation is in individual rustic bungalows with balconies right over the Ong Tim River on the Mekong Delta. Whilst the rooms appear basic they are full of all the modern necessities like wi-fi, fridge and fans. The outdoor modern shower was a realy hit with my family. We absolutely loved staying here, chilling out on our back deck in the hammocks watching the locals come past in their little long boats, kids swimming in the water and locals simply going about their way of life which is so foreign to us coming from Australia. The guys at the Nguyen Shack are super friendly and provide a variety of tours for guest to explore the Mekong Delta including a tour to the famous floating markets.
16. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Vietnam
Yassssss! This came at just the right time. I’m dying to have a bungalow-over-the-water experience… I keep researching, but now I have just one resource I can refer to! You have no idea how helpful this is. Pinning!
Wow! Serious bucket list goals here. Would be a dream to stay in some of those bungalows!
I have never stayed at an over-water bungalow, but now I’m pretty sure it MUST be added to my bucket list. Thank you for the excellent suggestions!
What a great list. I’ve always wanted to stay at an overwater bungalow – happy to see there are now some options in the Caribbean too.
Oh wow, these look amazing. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get to experience one but a few nights in an overwater bungalow is absolutely on the bucket list. Do you have a favorite?
Wow amazing. Definitely out of my budget though! 🙁
I too think I need to add this experience to my bucket list. It sounds like my idea of paradise
Thanks for this super in-depth post 🙂
We did something similar. We have a team of field experts who camped near the water, put them up, took them down and had a bit of a laugh while reviewing. Either way, keep up the awesome work.
Hi Guys,
Overwater bungalows. Never thought of doing this before. Sounds a little expensive, but looks like considering. Some great bungalows there.
Cheers Sharon…