Prices start in the low $300s and include full board with no catch. Nightly rates for three-bedroom villas that sleep up to six guests start at $2,689 for reservations in 2022. We rate Likuliku as one of our favourites too. There are 18 in all, each with about 570 square feet to spread out. For more on hotel safety during COVID, read our reporting on what experts say you need to know. When you consider the savings on shorter flights from the US East Coast, as well as inclusions such as all food without limitations, premium liquors, round trip airport transfers, all tips, taxes and gratuities, scuba, and more, it might end up costing around the same as a hotel for $500 nightly that doesn't include any extras. Step inside our overwater bungalows to unimpeded views of the Caribbean seascape and horizon. If you travel in off season, it might be as low as $100 to $200 a night. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Guests have the services of their own Tau - Fijian for friend - who takes care of your every wish. Youll also find overwater bungalows with the best views of land and sea, both out over the water and down below coral and fish swimming below the bungalow, rather than just sand, get top marks. Rates for OWBs start at around $250-$300 a night, although regular room rates can be booked for less. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry . The South Pacific region is probably what most people conjure up when dreaming of an overwater bungalow landscape: crystalline waters surrounding islands ringed by lagoons, Polynesian decor and cultural inspiration, all overlaying that jaw-dropping landscape. Bora Bora is the most famous island of Tahiti. There's only one over-water bungalow on Laucala Island - but it's a giant, 2000 square metre two-bedroom villa on a split level that floats above a stunning pool lagoon. Cons: Critical reviews note the food lacks variety and a remote location means other options are limited. On-site amenities: Pool, spa, water sports and activities. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Ia Orana! The best of the best are the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suites with Plunge Pool. Some even have little glass doors in the floor which you can open, drop a few bread crumbs, and watch the tropical reef fish scurry for their prize. The only overwater bungalow resort in Samoa, Coconuts Beach Club is an interesting collection of accommodations that is particularly popular with Australians and Kiwis. They are situated at the most northern point of Jamaica, and then some. This resort is also home to 10 different restaurants, which feature rare ingredients and menu items, such as Miyazaki wagyu beef and Alba white truffle. The Over Water Fales are excellent with stone floors, glass floor under the coffee table, comfortable bath and great views down the beach and sunsets. The 3,330-square-foot infinity pool of the resort blends into views of the lagoon. 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. Cons: Still, this is the priciest property on our list. They also offer a full-service spa, poolside restaurants, a golf course, as well as amazing bars. Finally, an on-site kids club called the Young Discovery Park keeps little ones busy thanks to its water recreation area and supervised games and activities. This authentic beachfront resort encourages guests to relax into island life and embrace an escape with no phones, TVs or high rises in sight. The Hiltons overwater bungalows are larger than those at Manava with about 670 square feet (62 square meters) and our favorites are the Premium Panoramic Overwater Bungalows. The overwater bungalows were constructed using . In the Caribbean, Sandals now offers overwater bungalows in Jamaica and St. Lucia for a worthy splurge. The territory, which is part of Polynesia, includes the six . While all-inclusive bungalow resorts are very rare in Bora Bora there are meal plans that can be purchased with half board or full board inclusions at many resorts when staying at an overwater bungalow resort. Coconuts Beach Club features Samoa's only, exclusive, Over-the-Water Fales. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. The spectacular overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast are simply incredible. Each bungalow has a view of the ocean below, with a glass panel built into the floor. The Over-the-Water Fales are situated as to maximize individual privacy. The string of nine palm-thatched cabanas over clear Caribbean waters at Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge immerse guests in a simple, natural environment. Go to the InterContinental Tahiti for closer airport access and slightly deeper water. Next, preferences went to bungalows that maximized the overwater experience. 2.2 Soneva Fushi Two-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide - Chapter 2. What's Unique: Sandals has introduced overwater bungalows at three of their caribbean resorts: South Coast in Whitehouse Jamaica . The best of the best there is the two-bedroom Overwater Royal Otemanu Villas with Pool. A high concentration of overwater bungalows are found in Asia, most famously, in the Maldives. If you crave convenience, it's also worth noting that this property offers half board and all-inclusive booking options. Ladders plunge directly from a sundeck into the shallow waters below, and glass floor panels allow for views of the marine life below. 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. 22, 2023, It's hard to imagine any trip more romantic or exciting than vacationing in your own, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. It also has the world's first underwater restaurant and underwater residence, plus tours to see whale sharks, and a unique coral regeneration program to help rebuild its damaged house reef. Every hotel takes the health and safety of guests seriously, with COVID-19 protocols in place, which we've noted for each hotel. Located 30 minutes by plane from Tahiti and situated among the Society Islands in French Polynesia, the island paradise resort offers 40 accommodations, including 11 overwater bungalows. Service gets high marks, as do the facilities, keeping in mind this is more of a 3-star resort as opposed to one of the 5-star resorts in Bora Bora or the Maldives. Typical starting/peak prices: $570/$2,800, On-site amenities: 8 restaurants including underwater dining, 4 bars, 2 pools, 2 spas, dive center, water sports, business center, shops, fitness center, open-air cinema. We stayed at the Overwater Fale. The overwater bungalows at Le Tahaa are bigger than those on Moorea and Tahiti too, at about 1100 square feet you could live there! This is Dianne, here again, to talk to you about everyones favorite topic the best overwater bungalows in the South Pacific Islands! These are the best affordable overwater bungalows, from rustic and eco-minded to over-the-top posh. Le Tahaa and Bora Bora are more likely to have giant villas located far out into a sandy lagoon, with more luxury than can be found on Moorea or Tahiti. A luxurious adults only retreat, Likuliku means calm water and perfectly describes its Yasawa Islands location. Its 20 miles south of the main town of Apia, and 25 miles southeast of the international airport. Few destinations in the world inspire more wanderlust than far-flung locales dotted with overwater bungalows (or alternatively called overwater villas). This eco-lodge is located in Panama's Bocas del Toro area where white sand and turquoise water make the views and the atmosphere idyllic. Cons: While some options represent the highest-end overwater experience, others in this region might be more rustic and less luxurious. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows surround you with the sapphire serenity of the Caribbean. 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. Spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are available with Queen sized beds in . In order to reach American Samoa Islands, you have to go all the way to Honolulu in Hawaii. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. The Holiday Inn Resort has ten, and next door, the Warwick Le Lagon Resort has four. On-site amenities:Spa, marina, kayaks, 3 pools, restaurant, sports and water activities. 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. The over-the-water bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian convey an intimate connection to the beautiful Caribbean waters and rich marine life. 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. This property in Doha, Qatar, is the rare overwater resort that offers a bevy of kids amenities alongside its luxurious accommodations. Find the right agent for your trip. Each has a large sun deck, expansive bedroom with a King bed, and a high traditional Samoan ceiling. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, part of Hilton Hotels, is unique from other resorts in the area because it's located on two islands instead of one, resulting in more room options, privacy, and added amenities. 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. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. 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 There are a set of 12 Waterfront Master Suites, connected by high-rise paths. They were so impressive I honestly cried. Contact us to get started planning your trip today! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Pros: This hotel offers excellent value with access to stunning Mayan ruins and a jungle feel that is unlikely to be found with other overwater villas. Nightly rates for double occupancy in early 2022 start at $2,250. The overwater bungalows boast astounding views of the beach, lagoon and ocean, along with postcard-worthy sunsets. #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. Deepwater, entertaining coral and fish, and a high standard of quality and authenticity make Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea one of our favorites for a water bungalow stay. On that note, I especially love bungalows in deep water, because theres nothing like being able to jump in right from your private deck! Totally unspoiled with screensaver views in every direction, Tikehau Island places you away from the over-saturated crowds of (big-spending) honeymooners on Bora Bora while still indulging in overwater accommodation luxury. Snorkeling can be done right on-site while hiking, waterfall viewing and various local attractions are relatively close by. If being all the way in the water is important to you, then ensure your bungalow wont have one side sitting on land. Glass floor panels and lit water ensure you can enjoy undersea views at any time. Choose from 108 rooms and suites, including overwater villas with furnished sun decks and direct water access. Bora Bora Island is surrounded by islets and also boasts of a lagoon with turquoise waters that are protected by coral reefs. We are ideally situated on Upolu's southern coast, boasting amazing sunrise and sunset views. 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. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Fortunately, the seafloor dips away rather steeply right here, so you still get some deep water for exploring right off the deck. Fortunately, not all overwater bungalows have an astronomical financial barrier to entry. 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. Coconuts Beach Club (Breakfast daily) $1,229 per couple. 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. October 30, 2015. We stayed 7 nights in a over-the water-fale and it was the best holiday ever. Think again. 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. The overwater bungalow was actually invented here. 4.5 / 5. Although there are four resorts at least at a three-star level with water bungalows here, we have two favorites. Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows. Pros: Because the resort is spread on two islands, it feels like you're staying on your own private one. Not only are their bungalows perched above the Caribbean Sea, but their chapel and bar are too. 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 . Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. LikuLiku still gets a mention though, for being a top-notch property that offers the most authentic overwater bungalow experience in Fiji. Ocean View Hotel Rooms. Vahine Island Private Island Resort South Pacific, Le Tikehau By Pearl Resorts South Pacific, Check online specials for the Aga Reef Resort, Entertainment system: 32 Flatscreen TV with 20 channels, Low season online specials from US$293 per night, High season online specials from US$294 per night. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. The Over-the-Water Fales are situated as to maximize individual privacy. Butler service is a given: here, they arrange welcome cocktails, dining reservations, and can even unpack your luggage and press your clothes. Nightly rates for overwater villas that accommodate. When they're not strolling the shore, guests can take advantage of unlimited fine dining and drinks at nine restaurants and seven bars. Cons: Some overwater villas feel dated, especially in comparison to the more modern, updated beach villas. Those who have stayed in the island villas state that they were able to wake up to a beautiful view each and every morning. . Sandals South Coast has a set of overwater bungalows lined up in a heart shape. We stayed for three nights in one of the Overwater Fales..Very beautiful and well catered for. Some villas even feature their own private infinity pools with adjacent hammocks positioned over the water. The location on Samoa is ideal for water sports of all kinds, including surfing and scuba diving. Overwater villa options include the two-bedroom Ocean Pool House, which features a spacious outdoor deck and a sunken outdoor hot tub that juts out over the water. When researching this resort, one of the first things that you may notice are that the overwater rooms are not completely over the water and are instead perched on land with the back terrace situated over the lagoon. All rooms are crafted from recycled timber sourced from old Filipino homes for floors and furnishings and also feature sliding glass doors that open to a private veranda. 9 Top Affordable Overwater Bungalows Around the World. Pros: This is an excellent value for an overwater accommodation with private porches, hammocks, and full board included at such an affordable price. Out on the motus, there are lots of four and five-star resorts, but we have two favorites both of which occupy our number one spot of Best Overwater Bungalow in the South Pacific, possibly the world! Pros: The price offers excellent value for an intimate, indulgent room with a more under-the-radar location than Tahiti or Fiji. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Water depth is about . Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a privately owned island situated three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. Hide. Bora Bora is also more expensive to visit than Fiji! Guests who choose this particular resort will have access to an on-site spa, water sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks, three restaurants and two bars. The island of Tahiti isnt the best for overwater bungalows, despite its fame. Lake Crackenback Overwater Apartments. The Maldives are also exceptionally expensive for rooms atop the water. The Maldives, Mexico and the Caribbean are a few popular regions where you can find hotels with overwater bungalows. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Island Villas If you're interested in a meal plan, there is one available that you can add on each day of your stay. The property has a spa, impeccable scuba options, and an overwater room category billed as Fiji's only floating accommodation. Pros: This is the most value-priced property on our list for overwater bungalows with glass floor panels to gaze right into the sea at a shockingly low starting point. This shading could result in a decreased survival rate, or at least promote behavioural changes in various components of the biological community. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The resort caters well to romantics and to children, being very popular with honeymooners as well as having a complimentary kids club and a unique on-site snorkeling lagoon to keep everyone entertained. Cons: You'll have to cross the International Date Line to get to Fiji plan for jet lag, and stay long enough to recover. Since kids (up to a certain age) stay and eat free here, its very popular with returning family guests. Exclusive deals. Having a sun deck out over the water helps, especially those with direct access to the water and a ladder for climbing back up. Located in the culturally rich but much lesser-traveled South Pacific destination of Samoa, Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa is located on Upolu's southern coast where you'll experience incredible sunrises and sunsets. Azul Beach Resorts. Fiji has about fifteen overwater bungalows. Cons: If you're looking for over-the-top opulence, you might find this option too rustic (or that aspect could be a pro). In fact, the property added eight more overwater bungalows in late 2019, some of which feature private infinity pools that float above the lagoon. The overwater villas are where it's at if you're hoping to up your vacation game to the high-class level. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Cons: Tikehau is remote don't expect to get there in a fast jaunt from Tahiti's international airport. These six Fales are unique in design and fully embrace the seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that is so popular throughout Samoa. For cheaper alternatives, look to other Asian regions with overwater bungalows that include Malaysia, the Philippines, and more. Le Mridien Maldives Resort & Spa opened in September 2021 on Thilamaafushi Island. Please use the drop-down menu and select your departure point. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. ACCOMMODATION - InterContinental World's Best 8 Spacious Overwater Bungalows with Private Pool. There are no phones or TVs, just total peace. Consider breaking up your stay by booking a few nights in each. This extravagant overwater villa resort is part of the exclusive Karisma Resorts' El Dorado Maroma Spa Resort and offers amenities that a vacationer could only dream of, such as full-body massages on the deck and delicious full-course meals delivered right to your villa by a butler. Open to the expansive deck with sliding glass doors, the bathroom features and opaque ceiling, bathing the room in natural light. Aitutaki is beachy, sandy, and quiet, a great spot for adults only to spend some quiet days just relaxing by the sand. We were fortunate to get upgraded to the Over Water Fales. Beds: One kingsize bed For winter 2022 reservations, nightly rates for overwater rooms at this Waldorf Astoria start at $2,694. (Courtesy of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island), Known as a popular resort for over-the-top honeymoons, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island wows guests with its overwater and underwater rooms, as well as its unique dining experiences. More of a jumping-off point for other islands in French Polynesia, Tahitis overwater bungalows are smaller, closer to shore, and lack some of the other bells and whistles of those on other islands they are also generally more affordable overwater bungalows than in Bora Bora. On-site amenities:Spa, activities, water sports, restaurant. The free use of the resorts snorkeling equipment is also a big hit with guests. The resort's overwater bungalows are known for offering spacious outdoor verandas, sun loungers and soaking tubs with 360-degree water views. This is because these areas are home to crystal clear, shallow blue waters that are suited to such accommodations. 1.8 OZEN Reserve Bolifushi Ocean Pool Suite with Slide.