Discover These Dreamy Escapes and the World’s Most Stunning Overwater Retreats from the Maldives to the Caribbean
For travelers seeking a unique and luxurious experience, over-the-water bungalows offer an unparalleled way to immerse oneself in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.
Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters, stepping directly from your private deck into the ocean, and enjoying unobstructed views of stunning seascapes with the pristine atolls of the Maldives and the idyllic lagoons of Bora Bora to the vibrant cultures of Fiji and the serene waters of Jamaica, these destinations provide the perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and tranquility.
Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, these top locations for over-the-water bungalow hotels promise an unforgettable escape.
Over-the-water bungalows offer a unique and luxurious travel experience, often set in some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic locations.
Here are some of the best places to find over-the-water bungalow hotels:
Maldives
- Resorts: Soneva Jani, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Gili Lankanfushi
- Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and luxurious accommodations.
French Polynesia
- Resorts: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Highlights: Stunning lagoons, overwater villas with glass floors, and breathtaking mountain views.
Tahiti
- Resorts: Le Méridien Tahiti, Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort
- Highlights: Proximity to the main island with cultural attractions, lush landscapes, and serene waters.
Fiji
- Resorts: Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Koro Sun Resort
- Highlights: Rich cultural heritage, pristine waters, and seclusion.
Bali, Indonesia
- Resorts: The Ritz-Carlton, Bali; Ayana Resort and Spa
- Highlights: Vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and luxurious overwater villas.
Jamaica
- Resorts: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast
Highlights: Caribbean charm, all-inclusive packages, and vibrant marine life.
Mexico
- Resorts: El Dorado Maroma, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows; Rosewood Mayakoba
- Highlights: Caribbean waters, rich history, and luxury amenities.
Panama
- Resorts: Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, Azul Paradise
- Highlights: Eco-friendly bungalows, diverse ecosystems, and cultural experiences.
Thailand
- Resorts: Keemala, The FloatHouse River Kwai
- Highlights: Exotic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique overwater experiences.
Philippines
- Resorts: El Nido Resorts, Apulit Island
- Highlights: Dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, luxury, and cultural experiences, making them perfect for a memorable stay in an over-the-water bungalow.
Did you know?
While over-the-water bungalows are now synonymous with luxury travel, their origins trace back to the 1960s in French Polynesia, where three American expats known as the “Bali Hai Boys” built these iconic structures in Tahiti. They were inspired by traditional Tahitian stilted homes and aimed to create a unique tourist experience.
This innovation transformed the hospitality industry, setting a new standard for exotic accommodations and leading to the proliferation of these stunning retreats in tropical paradises worldwide.
A little history:
The concept of over-the-water bungalows dates back to the 1960s in French Polynesia. Three American expats, Hugh Kelley, Jay Carlisle, and Don “Muk” McCallum, known as the “Bali Hai Boys,” are credited with pioneering these unique accommodations. They initially moved to Tahiti in search of adventure and a slower-paced lifestyle. Realizing the tourism potential, they decided to develop hotels and resorts to attract visitors.
Their first venture, the Bali Hai Moorea Hotel, initially featured something other than overwater bungalows. However, inspired by traditional Tahitian stilted homes and the need to offer a distinctive and memorable experience, they constructed the first over-the-water bungalows at the Hotel Bora Bora in 1967. These early bungalows were built on stilts over the lagoon, allowing guests direct access to the water and stunning views of the ocean and coral reefs.
This innovation transformed the hospitality industry by offering unprecedented luxury and immersion in nature. The concept quickly gained popularity throughout French Polynesia and eventually in other tropical destinations worldwide, including the Maldives, Fiji, and the Caribbean. Today, over-the-water bungalows are synonymous with luxury travel, providing an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and natural beauty.
