10 of the Dreamiest Overwater Bungalows

When we say paradise, what comes to mind? Tranquil beaches that make you appreciate nature’s lavish colors?

Like white powdery sand fringing turquoise waters, plus gorgeous bursts of yellow and orange sunsets? An idyllic view dotted by spacious wooden villas and heavenly spas, perched above clear waters that show the adventure waiting underneath?

Intimate and private suites with massive sundecks and infinity pools, hashtag honeymoon goals? Well then, sounds like some of the dreamiest overwater bungalows in the world!

Aerial flying drone view of Maldives white sandy beach luxury 5 star resort hotel water bungalows relaxing holiday vacation on sunny tropical paradise island with aqua blue sky sea ocean 4k.

While most of the world-famous Overwater Bungalows are in the French Polynesia, there are many others nestled all over the world. You can go wherever you are without spending a day on the plane.

Here are 10 of the dreamiest overwater bungalows that are sure to make you swoon (in no particular order):

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Four Seasons Bora Bora

In the heart of French Polynesia lies this private sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the beauty of turquoise waters while overlooking toast sunsets against the backdrop of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu.

If you get tired of admiring the crystalline lagoon or the Tahitian night sky (highly doubt it), feel free to dive into the underwater sanctuary, appreciate the colorful corals, and snorkel alongside exotic fishes, rays and sharks. You can even go into an excursion with Four Seasons’ marine biologist!

Or you can take it easy and chill through and through. You can ask for your meals or a refill of your favorite cocktail delivered by canoe (no need to move an inch from your spot in this deck).

Check out the best rates here: Four Seasons Bora Bora

Four Seasons Bora Bora

A personal sanctuary with a large deck and private plunge overlooking Mt Otemanu (image courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora)

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Lined with towering palm trees that seem to point towards the sapphire skies, this highly exclusive and private four-bedroom villa brings you to the peak of luxury.

Accessible only by private seaplane transfers, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one of LVMH’s. You’re sure to enjoy your own Guerlain spa treatments and haute cuisine from internationally-acclaimed, three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alléno.

Everything is against the backdrop of an exotic oasis lending you natural pristine beaches and a massive 25-metre long outdoor pool.

Without going too far, you’ll easily find large coral reefs that boast healthy colors and attract marine life (read: rays and sea turtles).

Check out the best rates here: Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island sprawls across its 1-ha dedicated island and is accessible from a private berth and jetty. (Image courtesy of Cheval Blanc Rhandeli Maldives)

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

What separates this overwater bungalow from the lot is its eco-conscious design and sustainable luxury.

Aside from a palpably intimate vibe (it’s situated on two far-flung islands in Cambodia, next to the wilderness), the resort boasts of its “deep connection with the environment.”

All 27 waterfront villas are built from “local materials, by local hands, infused with local art and soul.” If you’re looking for simple luxuries that live and breathe Asian artisanship, then this is the place for you.

Check out the best rates here: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Ethical luxury next to Cambodia’s lush rainforest (image courtesy of Song Saa Private Island Cambodia)

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

If a piece of paradise took 2 million years to build, this is what it’ll look like.

Found along the Straits of Malacca, this private resort covers 300 acres of an island, dotted by 43 luxurious overwater suites.

It’s an embodiment of a dream overwater bungalow and more – infinity pools side-by-side with oversized sundecks and bathtubs, overlooking the white sand beach and endless azure seas.

Check out the best rates here: Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Awarded “One of the top resorts in Asia” by the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017 (image courtesy of Pangkor Laut Resort Malaysia)

Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Fiji

As the first and only overwater resort in Fiji, Likuliku Lagoon is “designed with integrity to Fijian cultural values, traditional designs and architecture, embraced by the renowned warmth of the Fijian people.” Because of this, it appears as an ancient local village above pristine waters.

The bungalows scream Fijian culture as they’re made of natural materials but with a modern twist. A part of the resort is designed as a Fijian canoe house with high ceilings and hand-woven thatched roof.

Check out the best rates here: Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Fiji

A wilderness island retreat in Fiji (Image courtesy of Likuliku Lagoon Resort)

Sandals South Coast – Jamaica

Sandals offers 12 A-grade Tahitian bungalows spanning across a 2-mile stretch on Jamaica’s South Coast. The massive property covers 500 acres of pristine white-sand beaches and nature preserves.

It also features three “European Villages” that offer amenities such as an overwater bar and chapel, bonfire areas and fire pits, 24/7 butler service, outdoor soaking tubs, and overwater hammocks (perfect for working on your tan).

Don’t forget the three pools, which Jamaica’s largest zero-entry pool and two Renaissance-style pools.

Check out the best rates here: Sandals South Coast – Jamaica

Sandals South Coast – Jamaica

A lively oasis just steps away from the ocean (Image courtesy of Sandals Jamaica)

Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

One of the larger overwater bungalows in the list, Constance Le Prince Maurice offers various options for couples and families alike – 64 Junior suites, 12 Family suites, 12 Villas or the lavish Princely Villa at Constance Prince Maurice.

The 60-acre property applies Feng Shui principles that provide an atmosphere of harmony. For instance, “all beds stand high above floor level to help the circulation of Qi.”

Check out the best rates here: Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

60-acre resort at the end of a peninsula in the East Coast of Mauritius (Image courtesy of Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius)

Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti

Just next to Tahiti, Moorea will show you most beautiful white sand beach of the island, the colors of the lagoons and the Polynesian hospitality.

Sofitel’s 112 bungalows will let you escape the hustle and bustle, turning things around with tropical gardens, magnificent lagoon, refined decors that all complement the mountains, cliffs and ravines from the view.

Check out the best rates here: Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti

Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti)

Image courtesy of Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti)

El Dorado Maroma by Karisma, Mexico

As Mexico’s top contender for the world’s dreamiest overwater bungalows, El Dorado Maroma provides one of the best views of the Caribbean.

Achieve the height of a tropical escape in one of the 30 plafitos (stilt houses) surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya.

Imagine having a crisp tan, with afternoon cocktails in hand and your SO in the other, both of you enjoying the swaying palm trees and a breathtaking horizon that seems to never end.

You can take a plunge in the infinity pool or climb down the ladder to pick the more natural option – the Carribean itself!

Check out the best rates here: El Dorado Maroma by Karisma, Mexico

El Dorado Maroma by Karisma, Mexico

Image courtesy of El Dorado Maroma by Karisma

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Pick from one of the seven one-bedroom villas perched on Cayo Espanto, which is three miles off the coast of San Pedro.

This highly exclusive island offers topnotch privacy and a quiet sanctuary that you typically dream of from your office desk.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, dive into the aquatic life and mingle with the exotic fishes. You can also go a little farther by sailboat and kayaks.

Check out the best rates here: Cayo Espanto, Belize

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Feel the peace and quiet (image courtesy of Cayo Espanto, Belize)

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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