The 20 Most Magical Overwater Bungalows in the World
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Overwater bungalows were first planted in Tahitian waters nearly 60 years ago. Today, there are hundreds of thatched roof luxury getaways sprinkled in far-flung locales around the world. For many travelers, staying in a room suspended above the ocean is a pinch-me moment.
"Sleeping in an overwater villa overlooking crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and even sharks is just spectacular," says Katie Carew, a New York–based luxury travel advisor for Travel Edge who has 10 years of experience in the industry. "This unique experience of being able to walk out onto your deck and jump into the ocean is one of life's greatest pleasures."
Made for swimming in the aquamarine waters below, overwater bungalows also allow guests to meditate to the sound of the waves, watch for dolphins on the horizon, or cuddle up for some of the world's most spectacular sunsets. The best part? Privacy is paramount when you sleep on stilts. Overwater bungalows are classic vacation lodgings designed for honeymooners and couples who want to relax in luxury. But increasingly families are flocking to stay in them, making for an exciting and special holiday for kids and parents.
And as the overwater accommodations have evolved over the decades, so have their design. Some people prefer classic thatched roof bungalows, while others opt for a more modern, glossy look more like luxury tiny houses. The most sustainable options are powered by solar energy, and the most innovative have ditched the stilts and now simply float.
From the Arctic to Asia to the Caribbean, we've gathered 20 of the most unique overwater bungalows around the world. Get ready to plan your dream trip.
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Soneva Secret, Maldives
This brand-new addition to the Maldives resort lineup is home to the world's only floating villa. Unaffected by the motion of the ocean, the two-story Castaway Villa is built of sustainable wood and has a saltwater pool and a waterslide straight into the sea. The resort's 13 other villas vary from beach to overwater, and each comes with its own butler, private chef, and assistant.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
In the shadow of postcard-perfect Mount Otemanu, views from the Four Seasons' 97 thatched roof overwater bungalows are pure vacation goals. While you'll have to tear your eyes away from the scenery, the interiors here are airy and contemporary, including light wood tones, latticework roofs, fun woven furniture, and a private infinity pool.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
This all-inclusive luxury getaway is located in Indonesia's remote Anambas Islands. One of the world's greenest resorts, its overwater villas are built of sustainably grown bamboo, powered by solar energy, and devoid of plastic. Decorated with antique wall murals, locally made linens, and a showstopping copper tub, each one is as pretty as it is eco-friendly.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
A Robinson Crusoe hideaway off the coast of Cambodia, Song Saa is a serene escape with B-Corp certification. Its overwater bungalows are rustic yet stylish, with local teak flooring, four-poster beds, driftwood furniture, and Khmer touches throughout. After a day of snorkeling, relax with your feet in the sand and a spiked fresh juice.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia
This honeymoon favorite has earned bragging rights for its claim to "the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia and the South Pacific." The majority of its 90 villas sit on stilts above an aquamarine lagoon sprinkled with glass-bottom floors, dark wood flooring, and furniture with Polynesian artwork. The massive sunken tub in each is perfect for a rose-petal-strewn bubble bath.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Known for its unbelievable overwater architecture, the bungalows here are more like overwater mansions. Each has a private waterslide from its rooftop and a retractable roof over the bed designed for stargazing. Glass-bottom floors in the bathroom and a private saltwater pool only add to the wow factor.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
Lagoon living never looked so good. Seven overwater villas are the latest addition to Banyan Tree's Playa Del Carmen resort. Situated on the lagoon, each channels the brand's Asian roots with a minimalist design mixed with Mexican touches. But the rooftop is the real standout with a wood slat roof and heated plunge pool.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Maldives
Considered one of the Maldives' most luxurious eco-friendly private islands, all 15 of the overwater villas here are solar-powered. Designed like a Japanese ryokan, each has 3,200 square feet of Zen space with timber egg-crate exteriors for extra privacy. Ideal for relaxation, its onsen-inspired bathtub area is a design standout.
Z9 Resort, Thailand
Located near Thailand's Sai Yok National Park, these overwater bungalows beckon travelers to trade buzzing Bangkok for some R&R. Outfitted with natural materials, including wood, concrete, bamboo, and linen, Z9's 15 compact houses float on the Srinakarin Dam. One of the country's most uniquely designed hotels is also one of its most peaceful, with calming mountain and water views.
Arctic Bath, Sweden
Not every overwater bungalow in the world is suspended over turquoise waters. In Swedish Lapland, six Scandi-chic cabins float on the Lule River. Made of timber, their heated floor and pellet stove add to the hygge vibes. As the name suggests, they're made for cold plunging and watching the Northern Lights.
Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Designed with honeymooners in mind, the two-story overwater bungalows at this all-inclusive resort are arranged to form a giant heart over Jamaica's emerald waters. Each has direct access to the Caribbean Sea, a glass-bottom bedroom floor, an overwater hammock, and an outdoor soaking tub for peak romance.
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
This castaway island has 45 rustic overwater bungalows perfect for couples. Its unique Crusoe Residences stand alone above the pristine lagoon, reachable only by boat or swimming. Gili Lankanfushi is also home to what may be the world's largest overwater residence, with a private gym, spa and cinema.
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, United Arab Emirates
Anantara's overwater bungalows are a first for the United Arab Emirates. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the country's adventure capital, its 174 villas are a desert respite. Design touches include Mashrabiya patterns, pitched roofs, and bright pops of blue to accent the whites and wood throughout.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
This Bora Bora outpost has 84 villas stretching out into the cerulean lagoons in two Y-shaped piers. The all-wood interiors feature subtle Polynesian touches like screwpine weavings and mother-of-pearl accents. But the real jewel here is the resort's ethereal overwater Thalasso Spa.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, Maldives
These all-white, sugar-cube-style overwater bungalows look like Mykonos meets the Maldives. Each has a palatial marble rain shower, an infinity pool, and a flat rooftop space designed for private dining, movie screenings, or stargazing.
Conrad Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Perched on a private lagoon, these sleek overwater bungalows expertly marry traditional Polynesian exteriors with contemporary timber interiors. Super-spacious bathrooms with black-veined marble, circular mirrors, and circular soaking tubs are perfect for washing off the sea salt after snorkeling around Bora Bora.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
Jungle meets water at this Riviera Maya resort. Guests arrive by boat to the resort's 18 white modern overwater bungalows with clean lines and flat roofs. Each is surprisingly spacious, with Tulum-style touches and a warm casita feel. The heated pool is a nice touch, especially considering that crocodiles inhabit the lagoon below.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Maldives
The overwater villas at Alila Maldives are tropical brutalism at its finest. Concrete blocks may not sound appealing, but their timber pattern imprint and sharp edges create an effortlessly sleek design against the ocean. Japanese-style interiors, including low-to-the-ground furniture and light wood tones, carry throughout the open-air villa, which looks out into crystal-clear Maldivian waters.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
Credited with Fiji's first overwater bungalows, Likuliku Lagoon Resort has been an adults-only reprieve since 2007. Made of Fijian wood, each of the 10 traditional bures has a handwoven thatched roof and Fijian motifs everywhere, from the wooden beams to the pillows.
St. Regis Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is Malaysia's answer to Mexico. This tropical island destination in the Andaman Sea has ancient rainforests perfect for adventurous travelers. The St. Regis' four overwater bungalows have opulent chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and private pools to relax in after a day of trekking.
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