The best of the best are the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suites with Plunge Pool. Yes, not only do you get a stunning view of the volcanic crater of Mt. Over-water bungalows with a difference, the Lake Crackenback apartments stretch out over an inland lake affording magnificent mountain and Thredbo Valley views across a breathtaking expanse of crystal clear mountain lake. The Aga Reef Resort is located on the Southeast coast of Upolu Island in Samoa. This is because these areas are home to crystal clear, shallow blue waters that are suited to such accommodations. Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa truly embodies all that is unique and wonderful about culturally-rich Samoa. Anything you want, whether its direct access into the lagoon, private sun deck, glass panel in the floor, great views, or privacy, its all here. However, because of their idyllic accommodations, overwater bungalows will be more expensive than most hotel rooms simply because of the style, and also because remote locations mean it's more expensive to maintain upkeep and import goods and services. This resort tends to be a little more popular with romantic couples than the Manava, thanks in part to its quieter location, but still allows children and offers them tons to do. If you don't want to splurge on the Muraka Suite, consider dining at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which offers lunch and dinner 16 feet below the surface of the ocean. Coconuts Beach Club is on the southern coast of the main island of Samoa in the South Pacific. Award-Winning Samoa Overwater Bungalows Embrace the tropical vibes of the South Pacific at Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa Samoa, home to the only overwater bungalows in the country. Certified specialists from America's #1 agent network. Just off the bedroom are doors that open to an additional, small, mini-deck. The overwater bungalow is a staple of barefoot luxury resorts across the worldthose thatched roof wooden huts are romantic hideaways tailor-made for a permanent Do Not Disturb sign. Some resorts are on the main central island around the extinct volcano, including several overwater bungalows. Nightly rates for overwater rooms start at around $7,000 for double occupancy in May. With that said, the continental buffet breakfast is said to be lacking by a few, but most guests think that it is good enough. Pros: Direct flights to Tahiti make this exotic destination closer than you might think the flight is just over eight hours nonstop from LAX. Pros: These regions are short distances from the mainland US, so you'll save both time and money on flights. Many of the world's overwater bungalows are found in Asia and the South Pacific, in places like the Maldives and Malaysia, as well as Fiji, Bora Bora, and Tahiti. The resort features plenty of traditional accommodation options, as well as overwater honeymoon suites with a roomy sun deck, an outdoor shower, an outdoor soaking tub for two and an overwater hammock. Each is a one-bedroom bungalow with a cascade shower bathroom, and a deck with a hot tub overlooking the dazzling water. (Tim McKenna/Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa). Here is a list of the top 10 best and cheapest overwater bungalows in the world: 1. Her work has appeared in Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Parents, E!. The string of nine palm-thatched cabanas over clear Caribbean waters at Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge immerse guests in a simple, natural environment. For those looking for the classic overwater experience, the place with the most options is French Polynesia. It's expensive but justifiably so as everything needs to be grown or imported. The Maldives are also exceptionally expensive for rooms atop the water. Nestled amongst beautiful tropical islands on the equator, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is . You can roll out of bed and watch the tropical fish beneath your feet. In order to reach American Samoa Islands, you have to go all the way to Honolulu in Hawaii. The 12 overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast, on Jamaica's northwestern coast, couldn't be more romanticthey're even arranged in the formation of a heart! Step inside our overwater bungalows to unimpeded views of the Caribbean seascape and horizon. The island comprises 300 acres, but the resort developed just a fraction of that leaving it feeling lush and natural. The Holiday Inn Resort has ten, and next door, the Warwick Le Lagon Resort has four. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. 1.8 OZEN Reserve Bolifushi Ocean Pool Suite with Slide. Some villas even feature their own private infinity pools with adjacent hammocks positioned over the water. (Courtesy of Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino). The most luxurious resort on Moorea at about a four-star level, this resort has a little over 100 rooms with half of them overwater bungalows. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Here, there are no other resorts, so you're isolated among secluded bays, impeccable beaches, and magical sunsets. To be considered one of the best, they had to be truly over the water. That means the entire bungalow must be suspended on stilts in the water, not with the back of the bungalow touching land. Having a sun deck out over the water helps, especially those with direct access to the water and a ladder for climbing back up. Its more luxurious than what you usually find on Moorea, at close to a five-star level, and we love it for feeling authentically Polynesian and being a boutique size with only about sixty rooms. Private Island Paradise in the heart of French Polynesia Recently enhanced overwater bungalow suites, beachfront villa estates and underwater adventures welcome you at this sand-fringed idyll in the heart of French Polynesia. Exclusive deals. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. They're pricier, but all-inclusive options add serious value. Rates for OWBs start at around $250-$300 a night, although regular room rates can be booked for less. Experience the ultimate in oceanfront luxury. These bungalows are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea in every direction, and each boasts an outdoor shower, a two-person Jacuzzi, glass-bottom floors, a balcony with a micro-infinity plunge pool and a ladder that lets adventurous travelers climb directly into the ocean. Mexico's now got its own overwater bungalow resort, and it's out of this world. Couples can lounge on plush furniture as they take in their tropical. Cons: Many of these locations can be quite a journey from the US and expensive, before even factoring in arduous, pricey flights, not to mention jet lag. Not only are their bungalows perched above the Caribbean Sea, but their chapel and bar are too. This 44-acre resort is a Polynesian paradise, with private overwater villas set on the idyllic South Pacific waters. Cons: While some options represent the highest-end overwater experience, others in this region might be more rustic and less luxurious. Samoa Packages. Cheaper options exist, and while less common, they're still in desirable areas like the South Pacific, Asia, and the Caribbean. Overwater bungalows offer the ultimate in luxury, romance, and privacy, in most instances. Cons: Still, this is the priciest property on our list. And if you opt for true luxury resorts, they likely will inch closer to $1,000, especially if you opt for all-inclusive or full-board packages and travel during popular times of the year and holidays. Read on to find out! Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. To give some perspective to this review, we have stayed at many a 5 star resort, but the over water fales at Coconuts is by far the most spectacular room we have ever stayed in. Butler service is also included for a truly luxe stay. Theyre a large resort with more than thirty overwater bungalows and 250 total rooms. These are the best overwater bungalows, sorted by location and price. Of course, to make it to the top of our list, it also has to have great views. We considered price first and foremost, and every hotel on this list ranges from $121 to $570 per night to start in off-peak seasons (aside from one worthy splurge). Staying in an overwater bungalow is the stuff of dreams. We really love this resort. The CDC said people who are vaccinated can travel safely, though their current recommendations are for travel within the US. Overwater bungalows: 6 Beds: One kingsize bed Wi-Fi: No Room service: No Special room features Sitting area Private bathroom facilities Oversized bathtub Double vanity Waterfall shower Large outside deck Island decor Glass bottom floor area to view the sea life Air conditioning Ceiling fans Coffee/tea making facilities Electronic in-room safes Beds: One kingsize bed Inside, glass floor panels reveal sea life in lit-up waters. El Nido Resorts' Eco-Sanctuary island resort comes with the densest forest perched over limestone, surrounded by 45 islands and islets scattered throughout Bacuit Bay. Go to the InterContinental Tahiti for closer airport access and slightly deeper water. There are many free amenities, which help offset the price, and the views from rooms alone are worth it even if you don't take advantage of the perks. Guests who book this new property can choose from several overwater room options, including a Sunset Overwater Pool Villa with a private plunge pool, an overwater hammock and a huge soaking tub with water views. The highlight of these unique Over-the-Water Fales is the expansive sun decks, where lucky couples will savor their own private retreat. The property itself will keep travelers busy, entertained and fed with a full-service spa, a fitness center, two resort pools, and six restaurants and lounges. A luxurious adults only retreat, Likuliku means calm water and perfectly describes its Yasawa Islands location. The Maldives, Mexico and the Caribbean are a few popular regions where you can find hotels with overwater bungalows. Pros: This is an excellent value for an overwater accommodation with private porches, hammocks, and full board included at such an affordable price. Special bonus points went to places with something unique and creative about them. Number of Overwater Bungalows: 12. The overwater bungalows at Le Tahaa are bigger than those on Moorea and Tahiti too, at about 1100 square feet you could live there! The tides move a lot in Fiji, hence why their coral is so vibrant, so Fiji is not famous for its overwater bungalows. Spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are available with Queen sized beds in . The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. The geography of Bora Bora makes it the best place in the South Pacific to build overwater bungalows. The overwater bungalows are a dream, with soaking tubs and indulgent comforts opening up to serene waters. The property has a spa, impeccable scuba options, and an overwater room category billed as Fiji's only floating accommodation. There are 24 overwater suites and bungalows and entry-level Overwater Suites come with living rooms, large bathtubs, and private decks with shaded sitting areas and direct access to the lagoon. Fiji's Koro Sun Resort sprawls over 160 acres on the island of Vanua Levu. Bungalows have spa-style bathrooms, private patios with extended sun decks and outdoor showers, private outdoor soaking tubs, and over-water hammocks. Typical starting/peak prices: $1,100/$1,526, On-site amenities: 8 restaurants, 6 bars, 3 pools, spa, a wide variety of activities. For cheaper alternatives, look to other Asian regions with overwater bungalows that include Malaysia, the Philippines, and more. Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa combines luxury and comfort with the natural splendour of the beautiful island of Upolu, Samoa. Most Water Villas have outdoor showers for you to rinse yourself off with after a swim. Palafitos - Overwater Bungalows Offers Get inspired Scroll Check In Guests 2 Book Now Palafitos Overwater Bungalows A Top Rated Resort Next, preferences went to bungalows that maximized the overwater experience. Up the romance by booking a dinner cruise aboard the resort's dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat. Samoa's only Overwater Fales Luxury and Romance Defined. The island of Tahiti isnt the best for overwater bungalows, despite its fame. The overwater rooms however, offer guests unparalleled views of the lagoon, from both their bedroom and their bathroom via large floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. We stayed 7 nights in a over-the water-fale and it was the best holiday ever. Room service: No. Although there are four resorts at least at a three-star level with water bungalows here, we have two favorites. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. These budget-friendly options are found in top-end destinations such as the South Pacific including Tahiti and Fiji, Central America and the Caribbean, and Asia, including the Maldives. The bathroom of the Over-the-Water Fale features a very unique design, and embraces the open-air bathrooms that have been made famous by Coconuts. Along with an alcohol-free atmosphere, Banana Island Resort Doha boasts a spa and wellness center, a surf pool, a dive center, a 20-seat movie theater, a bowling alley and a putting green, as well as five restaurants serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to retro American diner favorites like burgers and milkshakes. 2.2 Soneva Fushi Two-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide - Chapter 2. There are a set of 12 Waterfront Master Suites, connected by high-rise paths. Yet the. Azul Beach Resorts. Fortunately, the seafloor dips away rather steeply right here, so you still get some deep water for exploring right off the deck. Ready to check out tropical paradise for yourself? In addition, because this resort is located a good distance away from the airport, you'll find that it serves as a great location for a romantic vacation. Located in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean. This property in Doha, Qatar, is the rare overwater resort that offers a bevy of kids amenities alongside its luxurious accommodations. Pros: This hotel enjoys total seclusion off the beaten path and is surrounded by raw, natural beauty. The overwater bungalow concept originated in Tahiti in the mid-'60s, when a group of American expats bought and rebuilt a decrepit Raiatea hotel and creatively repositioned its . Youll find the best overwater bungalows in this island nation. Our favorites are the ones that can see Bora Bora, and also those at the end of the pontoon with views back towards the island of Tahaa. They look out straight to the ocean. Like at other resorts, the overwater bungalows differ only in view. The Over-the-Water Fales are situated as to maximize individual privacy. The free use of the resorts snorkeling equipment is also a big hit with guests. These bungalows offer all the benefits of staying in an all-inclusive resort, plus extras like private transfers, butler service and a private infinity pool, hammock and outdoor living space. You can even go spelunking! Since its opening in 1973, Baros Maldives has become a popular resort for couples seeking romance and exclusivity. All of their overwater bungalows are the same size and layout, but we think its worth the cost to stay in one of the Premium Overwater Bungalows, because theyre situated towards the edge of the resort, allowing for deep, safe water that you can jump into directly from the private deck. As a destination, New Caledonia tends to have cooler temperatures and service thats not quite up to par with other island nations in the area, like Fiji or French Polynesia. Though these rooms are not the same as those you would find in the Maldives, they still offer great views of the ocean and island from your private deck. The overwater bungalow was actually invented here. Glass panels in the floor as well as the bathroom . To reach the Aga Reef Resort youll first fly into the Faleolo International Airport. The Over-the-Water Fales are situated as to maximize individual privacy. Most hotels are tailor-made for romance and ideal for couples (many are adults-only), though we've also included some options that welcome families or are affordable for solo trips. As with most resorts there's a glass-bottom floor, infinity plunge pool, outdoor shower, 24-hour butler and a ladder that leads into the sea. The South Pacific is the most popular place in the world to stay in an overwater bungalow. Featuring six overwater bungalows, which they refer to as over-the-water fales' in their literature, the resort also has suites and villas for guests to select from. Overwater Bungalows Near The USA . #11 Best Value of 16 Beach Resorts in Samoa "This was our 6th stay at Coconuts Resort in the past 10 years - this time in a 1br beach fale." "My girlfriend and I intended to stay at Coconuts Beach Club for four nights." 12. A white, sandy beach and breathtaking, tranquil blue waters provide the perfect setting for this stunning boutique retreat surrounded by exotic tropical flowers and lush greenery. These six Fales are unique in design and fully embrace the seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that is so popular throughout Samoa. In addition to a spa with the only "snow room" in the Maldives, this resort features a kids club, four restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to spend time kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving and more. Bora Bora Island is surrounded by islets and also boasts of a lagoon with turquoise waters that are protected by coral reefs. On-site amenities:Spa, activities, water sports, restaurant. On-site amenities: Pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, kids center, activities and sports. OVER-the-WATER bungalows THE CARIBBEAN'S MOST SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATIONS Featuring groundbreaking, innovative designs that marry modern luxury to exotic palapa-style architecture, these spectacular Over-the-Water Bungalows deliver an immersive journey of the Caribbean's finest turquoise waters. Bora Bora is the most famous island of Tahiti. While most overwater bungalows are located in far-flung island chains, there are some that are more easily accessible, including a few within all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. The best of the best there is the two-bedroom Overwater Royal Otemanu Villas with Pool. Water depth is about . El Nido Resort Apulit Island. 4.5 / 5. Think an overwater bungalow is out of reach for bargain hunters? Guests can take their dinners on the private decks of budget-friendly overwater bungalows, which have private outdoor showers and outdoor living areas with lounge seating right over the water. The overwater bungalow is a form of, mainly high end, tourist accommodation inspired by the traditional stilt houses of South Asia and the Pacific. Pros: The price offers excellent value for an intimate, indulgent room with a more under-the-radar location than Tahiti or Fiji. Guests can book any number of overwater bungalows with private pools and sizable decks for lounging, but they can also reserve the Muraka Suite a two-level multibedroom "residence" that features a submerged bedroom 16 feet below sea level. Sandals' Over-The-Water Bungalows and Villas are among the Caribbean's most alluring accommodations and include sea-through glass floors where you can catch a glimpse of what's happening in the marine world, king-size beds for ultimate comfort, and spa inspired bathrooms. Reviews for Coconuts Beach Club tend to be rather positive, with the majority of recent guests saying theyd love to come back for another visit in the future.