Travel

6 Best Overwater Bungalows to Add a Splash to Your Island Getaway

Overwater bungalows are a must if you want to get the most out of your luxury beachfront vacation.

If you've visited the Caribbean lately, or any number of stunning hot spots around the world, you've heard about them. Maybe you've already spent a week or two in one of the thousands of overwater bungalows available. But if you're still not sure what all the hype is about or where to find the best accommodations, look no further.

If a beach front suite is not close enough to the water for you, these accommodations will suit you perfectly. You won't even need to leave your bed to see incredible sunrises over pristine water. Plus, in many cases you'll get a version of the amenities and service you'll find at any of the world's most opulent hotels. The experience varies, though, depending on which exquisite location you pick. 

Some of these overwater bungalows focus on luxury. Others give you the perfect environment for romance. There are even a few economical choices. And you can decide how far you want to get away from home. Overwater bungalows are popular in tropic paradises, but you can probably find some stunning options in your neck of the woods. Each of these beautiful properties are some of the best overwater bungalow choices in the world! 

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Overwater Bungalow

There are no shortage of choices if you're looking for the perfect island getaway. And there are plenty of beautiful suites to book at each of those destinations. But overwater bungalows offer a uniquely beautiful and immersive experience.

The Views

Step out of your suite and into the water. Look down as you sip a mixed drink to see exotic fish swimming below you. There's nowhere you can go in any of these overwater bungalows to avoid majestic beauty and 360 degrees of brilliant ocean landscape. 

Just like any traditional resort on land, overwater bungalows certainly vary depending on target audience. Resorts with a lower price point will naturally offer fewer amenities and perhaps less opulent finishes. But one thing you'll always have is that view. Up, down, left and right, in one of these resorts the best room in the house is whichever one you're in.

Location

Now comes the hard part. There are overwater bungalows from Mexico to Cambodia and everywhere in between. Just decide which view you want and match it with the right resort. With the world's best tropical views, we assure that no matter where you stay -- you won't be disappointed! 

You might be picturing the idyllic views of a Caribbean getaway -- and you won't be disappointed. But one thing I learned is that these special suites are available in some vacation spots I wasn't expecting. Check out where you can find some of the best overwater bungalows in the world.

1. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji

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Credit: Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Overwater bungalows are popular among tourists of all stripes, but particularly appeal to couples. So I'll start with Likuliku Lagoon Resort, a property that caters to lovers. In fact it's designed for couples to experience the beauty of Fiji with a focus on romance.

This is the island's first foray into underwater bungalows, and Likuliku Lagoon Resort got it right! Not only is the view stunning from anywhere on the property, you'll get first class service throughout your stay. You can opt for a more traditional suite, but one of 10 overwater bungalows are options worth exploring.

You'll find views of the lagoon from your bathtub. Watch the aquatic life swimming underneath. Then get away from it all with a leisurely walk on nearby Naivaka Beach or a low impact hike up to Jona's Lookout. When you're done with the activities and amenities, you can always cozy up on your private deck and sip a tropical drink. 

2. Four Seasons, Bora Bora

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Credit: Four Seasons

If you're traveling to Bora Bora (and you should!) and looking for overwater bungalows, you'll find plenty of great options. So I'll resort to my travel rule: When in doubt, go with the Four Seasons. There are some brands that provide reliable first class accommodations wherever you are around the world. The Four Seasons provide exactly that, and the company's foray into overwater bungalows is no exception.

As you'd expect, this resort is all about luxury. And the views are as beautiful as anything else on the island. Lagoon views abound from the private overwater bunglaows. Oh, and there are a whopping 85 of these incredible suites available on the property.

There's plenty to do nearby, including snorkeling among the coral with exclusive access to a nearby sanctuary. But be warned -- once you set foot in one of the overwater bungalows you might not want to leave. You'll be infatuated with the volcanic stone from which the rooms are constructed. And with amenities including a washer and dryer available for your personal use, you can take in the scenery in absolute comfort.

3. Soneva Jani, Maldives

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Credit: Soneva Jani

Any of the overwater bungalows on this list will provide breathtaking views from your bed. Or anywhere else, for that matter. Staying at this property in the Maldives, however, provides some other incredible vantage points. Everywhere you go, you'll see sights you'll never forget. But there's one spot at an exclusive observatory that will give you a view of the heavens above this heaven on earth. Oh, and it comes with an informative and entertaining presentation from an astronomer on site.

Haven't been to the Maldives or don't know what to expect? This string of South Asian islands defines tropical beauty. There are so many stunning views around the world, and there can never be a clear winner. But a sunset on a pristine beach at the edge of one of these islands is sure to rank high on anybody's list.

Soneva Jani is one of those resorts where your shoes will be off from arrival to departure. And you'll probably struggle to get back into the habit of lacing up for a couple of days after that. Footwear is not only unnecessary, it's discouraged. Especially when you're cooling off on your personal water slide.

4. Song Saa, Cambodia

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Credit: Song Saa

A trip to Cambodia might not be at the top of your bucket list. Maybe you should reconsider that list. If you need some convincing, check out one of the overwater bungalows at Song Saa.

Of course you'll find the typical amenities, but there is always a local cultural twist on everything at this resort. The hospitality is unmatched, as is the food locals will tempt you with throughout your stay.

Everything prepared for you is sourced nearby and incredibly fresh. Even down to the homemade sea salt brings an incredible flavor to the dishes. There's the seafood you'd expect with some influences that might remind you of home. Try a lamb burger or anything off of the menu. The only thing that will rival the taste is the view!

5. Sandals South Coast, Jamaica

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Credit: Sandals South Coast

This resort combines two of my favorite words in travel: "Jamaica" and "Sandals." If you've stayed in a Sandals resort, you know the level of treatment you'll get. It's all here at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. 

There have been overwater bungalows among Sandals' other offerings on the island. But the South Coast property presents a dozen new suites in a heart shaped formation. Among the incredible amenities is a bar called Latitudes. It's also located over the water for unforgettable views underfoot. Bottoms up!

And when you're ready to relax, take your drink over to one of the hammocks also located -- you guessed it! -- over the water.

6. Holiday Inn Resort, Vanuatu

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Credit: Holiday Inn Resort

I've included an option that will give you the unmatched experience of overwater bungalows without breaking the bank. Check out this destination if you're not sure and just want to get your feet wet -- pun intended. Don't let the Holiday Inn moniker fool you, this place has got all the comforts of home and a few more. Relax in your private suite on a private island.

Views of the lagoon are as breathtaking as you'd imagine. Your tropical oasis will feature a king size bed, Wi-Fi and even a television if you look away from the natural beauty. All the wonder of other overwater bungalows for as low as $325 per night.

In love with overwater bungalows yet?

It certainly didn't take me long. Now I'm ready to take the plunge -- literally. Did you find a resort in this list that made you want to stop reading and book a vacation right away? As for me, I'm partial to Jamaica. And now I know where to stay to make sure I always have the island's best views.

If you enjoyed this list, please share it with the beachcombers in your life. And if you have some overwater bungalows on your wish list, let us know where they are in the comments section below!

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