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Ultra Luxe Overwater Bungalows Across The World
photo:
Jose Villa
Fiji, the Maldives, and Bora Bora are the most popular spots for luxury hotels that float above crystal clear waters where dolphins and brightly hued fishies swim through coral reefs below. From glass-floored lounge spots to bungalows floating on the bay, we’ve searched all the brightest blue seas to get this overwater bungalow party started. Anyone poppin’ bottles yet? We'd say this collection of paradise lodging is celebration worthy.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Venue: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Venue: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Photo:Jose Villa
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Four Seasons Resort Bora Boralearn more
- Motu Tehotu,
- Bora Bora,
- French Polynesia
The Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora is a collection of thatched roof bungalows that float along crystal clear turquoise seas with mountains in the backdrop. Surely you’ve imagined a place like this in your head, only these luxury hoteliers made it a little bit better than what you’d pictured.
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profile Photo:El Nido Resorts
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El Nido Resortslearn more
Limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and dense lush rainforests make up this collection of remote islands. El Nido Resorts has super sweet luxury bungalows on stilts set up on four different islands in the Philippines.
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profile Photo:Amilla Fushi
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Amilla Fushilearn more
Another gorgeous getaway in the Maldives, Amilla Fushi is located in the UNESCO-protected biosphere of Baa Atoll. It’s all-white and all-modern, surrounded by endless crisp blue waters and lush tropics.
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Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
You’d be hard pressed to find life a bore-a in Bora Bora, what with its drop-dead gorgeous surrounds and endless open seas. For a luxury boutique hotel experience that isn’t overcrowded, look to Pearl Beach Resort and Spa for overwater bungalows on the lagoon.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Islandlearn more
Luxe takes on new meaning at this adults only, private island. Nevermind that this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, Conrad Maldives also is home to an underwater restaurant where sea life freely swims above and around you while you dine. Head above water to your private bungalow to round this oceanic experience.
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profile Photo:In Bed With Me
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Maalifushi by COMOlearn more
- Maldives,
- Maldives
A snorkeler’s paradise, the Maldives are the place to be if you love to explore, relax, and float to the nearest shore for a pick-me-up. Maalifushi combines Japanese aesthetic with island simplicity for a stay that’s modern and gorgeous, with epic overwater rooms.
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profile Photo:Sahil Bloom
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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaalearn more
Considering going green for your next luxe getaway? This luxury eco-friendly resort in the Maldives features striking modern rooms, with lots of timber and huge windows, that sit right over water or just on the shoreline.
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profile Photo:Finolhu
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Finolhulearn more
Seven luxury water villas float on this stretch of sandy white beach and lagoon in the UNESCO-protected biosphere of Baa Atoll in the Maldives. If you’re more interested in having your feet set on solid ground, check out the cabanas on the shore that have their own private plunge pools.
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profile Photo:One&Only Reethi Rah
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One&Only Reethi Rahlearn more
Roll out of bed and jump right into the ocean? Yes, please. With 12 private beaches, an infinity pool, and hammocks galore, the One & Only Reethi Rah floats just above the sea and it’s one of the best resorts in the Maldives.
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Photo:Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Located in a private cove on Motu To'opua, this secluded Bora Bora resort is beyond bucket list worthy. Dine in the glass-floored sunset lounge and wander back to your floating hotel room while you take in the lush backdrop of Mount Otemanu.
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learn morePhoto:Soneva Fushi
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Soneva Fushilearn more
The luxury villas at Soneva Fushi can sleep a whole party crew of up to 18. Traditional island digs, this super luxe overwater resort is cozy and easy to call home if you’re traveling as a couple or as a group.
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Gili Lankanfushi Maldiveslearn more
Robinson Crusoe provides the inspiration behind some of these gorgeous Maldives cabins on the water. With a jungle cinema, organic gardens, and an underground wine cellar, this spot will have you wishing you’d get left behind.
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profile Photo:Six Senses Laamu
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Six Senses Laamulearn more
If an escape is what you’re after, Six Senses Laamu will have you feeling as far from the “real world” as you can get. Take advantage of the famed organic fare and the open docks that serve as gathering zones floating above the ocean.
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Royal Davui Island Resortlearn more
If Fiji isn’t the ultimate dream destination, we don’t know what is. If a week of lounging on your own private beach and snoozing in a cabana tucked into the tropics is calling your name, be sure to check out the Royal Duvai Island Resort.
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Photo:Song Saa Private Island
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Song Saa Private Islandlearn more
Feeling a little more adventure-ready than a typical island getaway? Song Saa in Cambodia promises a pair of private islands surrounded by coral reefs, ancient rainforests, and all the warm tropical water you’ve been begging for.
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The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Contemporary island style is what these overwater bungalows float in with. Island hopping in the South Pacific sounds like a reef-tastic dream to us now. Go ahead and get your scuba gear on.
Photo:Hilton Moorea Lagoon
Hilton Moorea Lagoon
Papetoai, French Polynesia
Surrounded by gorgeous greenery covered mountains, this series of luxe overwater bungalows sits right in the heart-shaped bay of Moorea. Here you can swim with the stingrays, reef sharks, and dolphins just outside your door.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives
South Province, Maldives
Sleep above the lagoon at this beautiful Maldives overwater bungalow resort. Not only is this spot ultra luxurious, but also the morning sunrise does not disappoint.
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Photo:Le Taha'a Island Resort
Le Taha'a Island Resort
Tahiti
This five-star Relais & Chateax property sits on the famed Tahitian lagoons, accessible via helicopter or boat ride. Choose this overwater bungalow spot if you’re into snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, sunset cruises, or whatever else floats your (handcrafted) boat.
Photo:Te Tiare Beach Resort
Te Tiare Beach Resort
Tahiti
Giving all new meaning to the “getaway” concept, Te Tiare is on one of the French Polynesian islands that’s only accessible via boat. If authentic reigns over glam, this could be your best bet for an overwater bungalow hotel in Tahiti.
Photo:Le Meridien Bora Bora
Le Meridien Bora Bora
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Nestled in the thick of coconut forests and colorful villages, Le Meridien is surrounded by miles of fine, white sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise water. A collection of overwater bungalows and beach villas, this luxury resort in Bora Bora is worth saving up all your vacay days for.
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
French Polynesia
Classic Polynesian bungalows float over this beautiful blue-hued lagoon on what’s known as the “magic island.” This Moorea resort is sure to have a spell on you in no time.
Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort
French Polynesia
Because pink is our favorite shade of sand, we bring you Tikehau’s pink sandy beaches and coconut groves that open up to the bright blue lagoon and this resort of overwater bungalows. Check out the infinity pool while you’re scoping out the coral atoll landscape.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Mauritius
Laze around on a hammock with a good book, try your hand at teeing off, or pick up some bicycles and explore Mauritius Island on wheels. Whatever you get into during the day, you’ll be happy to lay your head down at one of these Four Seasons villas with beach views, plunge pools, and plenty of modern luxury to boot.
Photo:Laucala Island
Laucala Island
Fiji
Ride horses through the beaches, plantations and hinterland, check out Laucala’s organic farms and gardens, or play a round of golf at this prized Fijian resort. There are multiple villas on-site, but our fave is probably the 2-bedroom overwater villa that sits right over the lagoon and has a pool built into the volcanic rock.
The Float House River Kwai
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
This floating boutique hotel is a hideaway tucked into the River Kwai in Thailand that’s a strip of connected thatched-roof bungalows set right along the water. These floating villas have easy access to local waterfalls, caves, hiking trails, and an adventure park, or you can spend the day riding elephants through the jungle.
The Underwater Room at Manta Resort
Pemba Island, Africa
Take a wooden boat to the Manta Reef and step foot into this floating hotel with an underwater bedroom. Providing full viewing access to the surrounding reef at all hours, it’s easy to say you’ll never want to leave this little oasis.
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
Panama
A set of nine overwater bungalows float on the Caribbean Sea at this Panama hotel. Canoe out to search for white-faced monkeys and high-five adorable dolphins along the way.
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SUBMIT YOUR VENUE
Do you know someone who owns a beautiful barn, gorgeous getaway, or rad rental home? Share this roundup and tell them to request information on membership and media opportunities with The Venue Report.
Submit your Venue
Would you like to list your venue, hotel, restaurant, or home on The Venue Report?
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