Overwater bungalows are an essential part of luxury travel destinations. However, few vacations can beat the excitement and romance of an overwater bungalow. With your private island, clear waters right below you, and breathtaking sunsets outside your stilted apartment blocks, this vacation is like no other.
If you are planning on spending your next overwater bungalow vacation, you need to know what to expect and how to prepare for this type of stay. In this post, we’ll discuss everything about these accommodation options so you can make the best decision for your trip!
What is an Overwater Bungalow?
The Overwater Bungalow is a luxury accommodation built on stilts over the water. The hotel room is as follows: they are located above the water, usually with a peaceful view. You can find them in many places around the world (eg Fiji, Indonesia, India).
What are the benefits of living in one?
The benefits of living in an overwater bungalow are numerous. Built over water, these bungalows have unique views and ample seating. Some people even say that in these bungalows you feel like royalty because they are so luxurious!
Why should you consider overwater bungalows?
Everyone should visit a luxurious overwater bungalow at least once in their life. This has many advantages; One thing is for sure: you won’t find any other place with stunning views than from these amazing rooms.
Imagine waking up and falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. You will feel like you are experiencing a whole new type of relaxation because your body and mind can relax in such an environment.
Which hotels have Overwater Bungalows?
Overwater bungalows are becoming more and more popular. Currently, as of mid-2020, there are approximately 225 overwater resorts worldwide, with more than 8,300 overwater villas in total.
There are now 130 overwater bungalows in the Maldives, the most famous of which are Bora Bora and Tahiti (in French Polynesia). Several resorts are starting to open in Hawaiibut this is very rare.
Why are they so expensive?
Overwater bungalows are notorious for being expensive, but why? First, they are considered luxury homes and are therefore priced accordingly.
In addition to being more expensive to build than standard hotel rooms, many individual apartments are not family-friendly. In addition, the cost of living in these villas also fluctuates depending on the season.
Who are overwater bungalows suitable for?
Whether you are looking for privacy or total privacy, an overwater bungalow is for you. The privacy you will find is unmatched in any other type of accommodation. An overwater bungalow stay is one of best places to visit in December for couples who are going through all the holidays of the month while maintaining complete privacy.
A traditional feature of overwater bungalows is a private pool, most often an infinity pool, on a terrace overlooking the ocean. Some may consider this pointless extravagance, given that you can already enjoy some of the world’s best water just a few feet below you. But many welcome unparalleled privacy.
Pros of Living in an Overwater Bungalow
Bungalows are super luxurious hideaways and you won’t want to leave! One of the main advantages of overwater bungalows is that they have a window in the floor for you to watch the underwater marine show.
Location, weather and tides will affect the view from the floor window.
One of the perks of overwater bungalows is the sun loungers on the terrace with great views. It’s easy to access whatever you bring with you because the sun deck is right outside your door.
The bathing platform is an integral part of the bungalow and will please any child in the shower. No need to worry about splashing someone or interfering with someone’s tanning session.
A top-notch travel experience is overwater bungalow accommodation. Spend time in paradise with ocean as your backyard gives guests an incomparable rest.
Stargazing is great with arguably the best sunset views. Who wouldn’t love to splurge on a bottle of champagne and enjoy the setting sun together while sharing romantic moments?
Cons of living in an overwater bungalow
While most guests are delighted with overwater bungalows, there are some downsides. Some people may prefer more seclusion or visit the resort’s amenities without going out into the water. If you are one of these people, then overwater bungalows may not be for you.
Many hotels offering overwater bungalows are located on secluded islands or islets of land, which means they have a limited number of restaurants. As a result, many resorts offer an incredibly relaxing getaway without many leisure options.
Bungalows are usually built in a curved pattern towards the ocean, so other guests can be seen in the water and on their balconies. There will also be times when you might be the only guest on the street.
How much is the night?
The cost of living in an overwater bungalow can vary depending on location and season, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $ 800 per night and up. Overwater bungalows are considered luxurious accommodations.
Where can I find the best deals?
Overwater bungalows are expensive and most start at $ 1,000 per night. However, you can find lower prices in Colombia, Panama or Belize. One of the cheapest we found was the Oa Oa Lodge in Bora Bora for only $ 260 per night.
What should I take with me to stay in the Overwater Bungalow?
The most important thing to remember when staying in an overwater bungalow is that you may have to walk a long walk to the rest of the resort. So with that in mind, you’ll want to take your essentials with you.
Bring a variety of clothing, toiletries, and a camera with you.
Bring extra sunscreen with you as you will be outside on your private terrace. An insect spray can come in handy depending on the season you’re resting in. Take a portable charger with you so that your camera and phones don’t run out of power after all the photos you take.
Top 10 Overwater Bungalows
Stepping into a bungalow over the water, one cannot help but feel that they have escaped from the world and found themselves in a private paradise. From thatched roofs to outdoor showers and mesmerizing views of azure waters, nothing is better! In search of these mystical gems, we found the best overwater bungalows from all over Tahiti, Fiji, Bora Bora and more. Here are our top picks:
- The Four Seasons Bora Bora Overwater Bungalow is an unforgettable experience. With a private terrace and serene lagoon views, this overwater bungalow has it all. You don’t even need to leave your room to enjoy your meal on the water; it can be delivered directly to your overwater bungalow.
- Six Senses Laamu, Maldives – One of the most luxurious overwater bungalows in the Maldives, a stay at Six Senses is an unforgettable experience. Sit back on your overwater platform and watch the sun set over crystal clear water – a clear paradise.
- Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua is a stunning overwater resort in Antigua. Some perks include a mixologist service on your private terrace while watching the sunset over the water, and access to your own yoga instructor.
- The Constance Le Prince Maurice Overwater Bungalow, Mauritius is the perfect overwater getaway. This 60-acre resort in Mauritius is one of the few surface waters in Africa. A private terrace and outdoor shower will leave you feeling your own privacy on the beach!
- Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam can be difficult to reach, but the overwater bungalows at this resort are well worth it. Many villas are nestled among large boulders and offer private overwater platforms with unrivaled views.
- El Dorado Maroma Overwater Bungalow from Karisma, Mexico will give you the feeling of royalty with its overwater “palace” with private terrace. This adults-only resort is one of the most luxurious seaside resorts we’ve ever seen – definitely not for those on a budget!
- The private island of Song Saa in Cambodia with colorful reefs, lush rainforest and overwater bungalows is located on a private island with 27 villas. It is the ideal destination for those looking to escape from a hectic life and live a few days as royalty.
- Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia, Overwater Bungalows are a tropical oasis. These overwater villas are surrounded by clear waters and have a very large private terrace. The resort also has four restaurants from which you can choose if you decide to leave your villa.
- Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji Overwater bungalows are located in Likuliku Lagoon, surrounded by clear waters and lush gardens. This adults-only resort offers some of the most breathtaking views from its private terraces and is a honeymooner’s paradise.
- Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti Overwater Bungalows are a luxurious overwater hideaway. They offer stunning views and easy access to the lagoon from the comfort of your room, and the hammocks on the private terrace are the perfect place to unwind and unwind.
Five affordable overwater bungalows
If you’ve always dreamed of an overwater bungalow vacation but don’t want to ruin your bank account, we’ve found five relatively inexpensive options. It will appeal even to those with a modest budget.
- Anthony’s Key Resort – Roatan, Honduras is located on the beautiful island of Roatan in Honduras. This family-friendly resort caters to a wide variety of travelers, with prices starting at $ 600 per night.
- George’s Caye Resort – Belize is located on a private island in Belize. It offers overwater bungalows and rooms with Caribbean Sea views. Prices for overwater bungalows start at $ 500 per night, while premium overwater bungalows start at $ 750 per night.
- The Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine, French Polynesia, is just a short plane ride from Tahiti and offers some of the best overwater bungalow value in the world. Villas start at $ 300 per night, over water starting at $ 600 per night.
- Azul Paradise Resort – Panama is located on the Caribbean side of Panama in a private overwater location that provides a truly authentic experience, one of the area’s best kept secrets. Water rates start at 4,000 per night.
- Holiday Inn Resort – Vanuatu is located on a private island with direct access to the lagoon. The Holiday Inn is known for its affordable accommodations and this resort is no different. Overwater bungalows start at $ 300 per night.
If you’re planning on spending your next overwater bungalow vacation, you need to know what to expect and how to prepare for this type of stay. With your private island, clear water right below you and breathtaking sunsets outside your stilts, this is a vacation like no other.
This post originally appeared on Savoteur.