Staying in an overwater bungalow is the ultimate vacation experience. Imagine lying in a comfortable bed, listening to the waves crashing below, and watching a dolphin leap into the air far below. You don’t have to leave your private deck or plunge pool to take a refreshing dip in the water. There is no way anyone can say no to that kind of vacation.
Fortunately, the world is full of stunning overwater villas that will leave you gasping for air and fill you with a deep sigh of contentment. When looking for an overwater bungalow resort, whether you’re looking for an adults-only retreat where you can have breakfast in your pool or an all-inclusive resort where kids can press their faces against the glass floor to watch fish swim by, you’ll find a wide variety of options.
We’ve compiled a list of the best overwater bungalows from around the world to help you decide where to go next on your bucket list.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora
Private yachts transport guests to and from the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where they can stay in an overwater bungalow or a beachfront villa. To get the best of both worlds, you can have meals delivered by canoe to your thatched-roof retreat, while the lagoon is just a few steps away thanks to decks.
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2. Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef, Maldives
If you’re looking for a younger, more budget-friendly version of tropical luxury, this is the place for you. It has hip rooms, a buzzing vibe, and top-notch service. The 62 villas on the beach and on the water have outdoor rain showers that let you go outside and get clean without having to get wet in the bathroom. Take a swim in the reef, then climb up your own private ladder to your deck and relax in the sun on your own.
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3. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
The only overwater bungalows in Fiji can be found at this adults-only resort, making it a popular destination for newlyweds. To have direct access to the lagoon, a freestanding bath, a sundeck with loungers and your own private plunge pool, opt for the Deluxe Beachfront Bure.
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4.Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
The Six Senses Laamu, located on the tiny island of Olhuveli, offers 97 villas that are both secluded and luxurious, with indoor-outdoor living spaces and private beach access. When you factor in the six distinct on-site restaurants and bars, the luxurious spa, and the numerous water activities, it becomes clear why this resort is a beach vacation slam dunk.
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5. Angsana Ihuru, Maldives
The Angsana Ihuru is a stylish hideaway on a tiny private island in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. It’s great for lovers, divers, and people who care about the environment, too. There are a lot of great things about this resort, from the modern thatch-roofed bungalows to the wildlife (think parrotfish, turtle, and blacktip sharks) and the resort’s underwater coral garden project, which lets guests clean and restore the house reef.
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6. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
One of the world’s most luxurious resorts is spread across two neighboring islands, connected by a 500-meter footbridge. Teak floors and large Roman baths adorn the 1,600-square-foot spa’s luxurious accommodations, which also feature vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
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7. Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
The unspoiled East Coast of Mauritius is home to this private estate’s 60-acre resort. For a more luxurious feel, Mauritius architect Jean-Marc Eynaud designed the thatch-roof villas with Feng Shui-inspiring interiors, a unique twist on the traditional design aesthetic.
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8. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
For this luxury boutique hotel, you’ll need to endure a long-distance flight, followed by a car and boat ride. It’s all about pampered relaxation at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, however, once you arrive. Each of the 58 villas is nestled among massive rock and boulder formations with panoramic views of the South China Sea; those located on the beachfront are especially luxurious, with paths leading directly to the sand and water.
The dramatic Water Villas are the highlight of this unique resort. These split-level villas feature a plunge pool, private deck, outdoor shower, and an exquisite handmade wooden bathtub in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.
This tranquility is enhanced by the exclusive two-story, three-bedroom Water Reserve only accessible by walkway or speedboat. It has a separate living/dining room and each of the bedrooms has its own bathroom. Aside from the usual amenities, this Water Villa has a kid-friendly waterslide leading from the top floor to the pool.
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9. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa
Each of the InterContinental Bora Bora’s spacious overwater villas boasts breathtaking views of the azure lagoon and the iconic Mount Otemanu volcano. The resort, which was built with environmental sensitivity in mind, makes use of revolutionary technology that draws seawater from the depths of the ocean and recycles it to generate electricity.
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10. Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti
Wild and romantic, this island hideaway features jagged mountain ridges, precarious cliffs draped in ferns, deep ravines, and thundering waterfalls. Relax in a hammock on your bungalow’s deck or soak in a rain shower or deep soak tub.
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11. The St. Regis Bora Bora
The overwater accommodations at The St. Regis Bora Bora start at 1,550 square feet and are the largest in all of French Polynesia, according to the hotel. However, it is not only the size of these luxurious bungalows that distinguishes them. This property is a stunning combination of minimalist Polynesian decor (think: plank wood floors, thatch-work ceilings, tribal-inspired art) and 21st-century luxuries such as glass floor panels.
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12. El Dorado Maroma, Mexico
Most people think of overwater villas in exotic locations like the Maldives, not Mexico. So the stunning palafitos (overwater bungalows) at El Dorado Maroma are a pleasant surprise.
These 30 luxurious villas are surrounded by a thatched roof and sit high above the deep blue Caribbean waves. These overwater bungalows are coveted for their private pool, glass-paneled floor, elegant furnishings, and expansive decks. They float just offshore of Maroma Beach.
Each of these luxurious villas has a butler, a private beach, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, customized beach picnics, daily in-bungalow breakfast, two beach beds, and pre-dinner drinks and snacks. This adults-only Mexican resort guarantees a passionate, peaceful vacation.
The Overwater Grill is worth seeing even if you aren’t hungry. Glass floors give guests the illusion of swimming in the sea while dining.
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13. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
The exclusive Soneva Fushi resort has only eight overwater bungalows. Each one provides a spectacular glimpse into the lives of the wealthy. From the moment you step into your villa, you’ll notice the attention to detail and the high level of sustainability.
You’ll be treated like royalty the moment you arrive on Kunfunadhoo Island’s desert hideaway. You won’t have to leave your villa. They have a large infinity pool, an overwater catamaran net, and a picturesque patio with unbeatable views.
They even have an outdoor slide into the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the view even on a rainy day. On-site butler service and a sunken seating area are included in the overwater villas.
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14. AYADA Maldives
Imagine yourself lying on an ocean hammock, gazing at a sea so clear you can see the vibrant marine life. A warm breeze tickles your face as waves gently roll below.
You decide to take a quick dip in your private plunge pool, which is located just off the wooden deck of your tiki-roofed overwater bungalow, to beat the heat. Then you stroll through your living room, admiring the fish swimming beneath the glass floor panel. Then you exit the bathroom to a delightful outdoor shower. Isn’t that good?
While most guests choose to bike around the private island, a call to your personal butler will quickly arrange a ride. The restaurants are varied (in location and cuisine), so you can eat on the beach, pool, or tropical forest, and enjoy fresh seafood, teppanyaki, or pasta.
The Ottoman Lounge serves authentic Turkish coffee and specialty teas in traditional silverware. Try a floating tray breakfast delivered right to your private pool for an unforgettable dining experience (on a floating tray, of course). A tropical breakfast in the shallow water of the white sand beach.
You won’t be disappointed when it’s time to play. AYADA has great surfing. Guests enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boat cruises, and dolphin-spotting trips.
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Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Bora Bora
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui, a celebrity-favorite overwater bungalow resort. The lavish accommodations and enticing activities make this five-star masterpiece well worth the steep price tag. The main pool is stunning, with in-water lounge chairs.
The overwater villas are the place to be if you want a high-class vacation. Over 1,000 square feet of blissful tranquility. There’s no better place to unwind than on your own private terrace. Book a pool overwater villa to enjoy the lagoon view from your own private infinity pool. The overwater hammocks are a must!
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15. Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia
As a true tropical haven, Pangkor Laut Resort is tucked away on a 300-acre private Malaysian island. Massive sundecks and oversized bathtubs overlook the azure sea from its 43 luxurious overwater suites. At the resort itself, there are four restaurants and two outdoor swimming pools as well as a private beach.
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16. Angsana Velavaru
Resorts in the Maldives, such as the five-star Angsana Velavaru, are known for their barefoot luxury. The South Nilandhe Atoll is a stunning location for a luxury resort, and the 34 InOcean Villas offer stunning views of the sunset.
This five-star slice of paradise has some of the best overwater villas in the world, thanks to their stilts. They have a private infinity pool, a large outdoor terrace, hammocks over the water, and a rooftop pavilion, depending on their location. Snorkeling is a simple and fun way to explore the coral reefs at the resort.
There are five different all-inclusive packages available for guests to pick from. Floating breakfasts are a unique and memorable way to start the day in your pool.
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17. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
We love this Cambodian hideaway because of the pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs that surround it on two private islands in the Gulf of Thailand. With the help of local artisans, Song Saa’s 27 waterfront villas are adorned with natural materials like beach driftwood and old fishing boats’ timber. Take advantage of the infinity pool, spa, and nearby snorkeling spots when you’re not practicing yoga or meditation.
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18. COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives
When it comes to romance, Cocoa Island is the best place for couples and honeymooners to go. The dhoni boat-themed suites are spaced 24 feet apart, and a personal butler takes care of your every need. The South Indian food can be delivered right to your bungalow, so there’s no need to leave. People who want to get a massage for two can go to the Como Shambhala spa, which is above the water. They can also look at the fish while getting a massage.
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