What Are Overwater Bungalows? Complete Guide

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As its name suggests, overwater bungalows are unattached structures that are built over water.

Over-water bungalows are typically situated near the coast, making it simple to access the resort’s main structure, beaches, and facilities.

Long plank walkways connect the bungalows to the mainland. The bungalows themselves sit on substantial platforms and are raised above the sea on solid pillars.

What Can Your Experience Be In Overwater Bungalows?

What Are Overwater Bungalows

Among your chamber on land, you could hear tropical birds or the wind in the trees. However, you may hear the sound of the water lapping from an over-water cottage.

Possibly a few seabirds as well as soft ocean breezes On occasion, you can hear other visitors making their way down the dock to their bungalow or hear passing boats.

The majority of over-water bungalows include an own terrace that overlooks the water. Imagine relaxing in your own private spot while sunbathing without having to share space with others.

Your bungalow may even enable you to jump into the water from your private deck if the water is deep and safe enough, and then climb back up the ladder. Or, untie a kayak and paddle out into the surf while wearing a snorkel mask!

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Feel Of Living In Overwater Bungalows- Get The Ultimate Experience

Nothing screams luxury and relaxation like an overwater bungalow for a dreamy island vacation with the best ocean view.

Without really being at sea, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the marine environment.

Examples of this distinctive island lodging also referred to as overwater villas or bures, can be found all over the South Pacific, with the most well-liked locations being French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Maldives, as well as a few resort destinations in Southeast Asia, Mauritius, and the Caribbean.

The South Pacific is the perfect place for these opulent hotel suites on stilts, with its quiet lagoons, powder white dunes, and azure seas.

The underwater bungalow’s modest exterior only gives a glimpse of the happiness that can be found inside its walls, where conventional patterns and organic materials mingle with contemporary luxury.

It is now a symbol of romance. Overwater bungalows are often made of carved wood, thatched palm leaf roofs, and strong bush poles and coconut fibres that are secured deeply into the sand by concrete pillars.

The inside has woven bamboo walls and is decorated with all the necessary facilities in the manner of a suite from a five-star hotel.

The glass planes constructed into the flooring (or glass coffee tables), known as “Tahitian television,” are a big selling point of the overwater bungalow since they provide a close-up view of the aquatic life below.

Most of these single- or double-storey independent villas also include a private balcony with a deck where you may go snorkelling.

For the widest variety of technicolour aquatic life, pick a resort with overwater bungalows that float over a coral garden.

What Makes The Overwater Bungalows So Famous?

What Are Overwater Bungalows

Overwater bungalows are a common choice for honeymoons and couple’s retreats and a dream location for many tourists since they exude intimacy and romance.

The appeal of the overwater cottage is found in its solitude, utterly gorgeous setting, and attentive but discrete service.

You may wake up to the sound of water softly lapping at your doorway while being caressed by warm winds atop a turquoise lagoon on a tropical island, and have breakfast served to your bungalow by a flower-covered boat.

The private villas include all the luxuries you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, like air conditioning, plasma TVs, music systems, king beds, and, of course, those breathtaking ocean views from both inside and out. They also have magnificent interiors that match the external style.

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What Are The Benefits Of Staying In Overwater Bungalows?

Having assured lounge seats with ideal ocean views and locations may seem like an unusual item to mention, but it is undoubtedly a plus! You may unwind by yourself while taking in the beauty of the ocean.

Additionally, you can easily access all of the “things” that you took on vacation! Simply climb several stairs back to your villa to gather everything you require.

You can jump off as much as you want if you’re still a kid at heart. There’s no need to be concerned about disturbing your neighbours’ sunbathing session or splashing them.

From our over-water villa hotel, you may spend hours leaping, cannonballing, and diving directly into the ocean.

Some Useful Tips To Choose An Overwater Bungalow

What Are Overwater Bungalows

Tips For Couples


The overwater cottage that is most far from the beach should be chosen by couples. You’ll have a lot more privacy and unimpeded ocean views as a result.

Additionally, you are not bothered by any loud activities on the mainland or by people wandering on the wooden planks outside your villa.

Water bungalows exist in a variety of sizes, forms, and amenities. Booking a room with a jacuzzi on the terrace or a tiny plunge pool is a fantastic idea for a couple. These inconspicuous elements spark closeness and passion, setting the scene for a memorable vacation.

Tips For Families


It might be challenging to reserve an overwater cottage for a family. Children under the age of 12 are rarely permitted because resorts often have an age restriction for their waterfront accommodations.

Of course, there are rare exceptions, and certain retreats do have the necessary security measures in place. These consist of well-lit walkways, stair rails, non-slip ladders, gate locks, and bigger lounge spaces. Even if they are bringing little children, parents must still sign a release.

If you desire a water bungalow when travelling with children, make sure it has lots of open areas. It is practical to have daybeds, a wooden deck, and perhaps a covered couch so the kids are not constantly in the sun.

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Top Places To Find An Overwater Bungalow

What Are Overwater Bungalows

Choose your next bucket list vacation with this list of the best overwater bungalows in the world.

  • Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
  • Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
  • One&Only Reethi Rah: The Maldives
  • Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma: Mexico
  • Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa: The Maldives
  • Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara: Qatar

Who Should Consider Booking Overwater Bungalows?

What Are Overwater Bungalows

When planning your trip, this is among the most intriguing and crucial factors to take into account. The Maldives, Bora Bora, Fiji, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean are where you can find the majority of overwater villas. When choosing your holiday spending, use caution.

The majority of Maldives’ islands are remote from the country’s main landmass. So, the cost of an airport transfer will increase. Try to book a resort close to Male Airport when making reservations.

The majority of island resorts are situated distant from Male Airport, as was previously stated. Try to make arrangements for airport transport after making a reservation for a hotel or villa.

The majority of upscale island resorts provide airport transportation. After making a reservation, email your information to the appropriate resort and inquire about the availability of their airport transportation service.

Choose an island resort close to Male Airport if your budget is short to save money! For airport transfers from Male International Airport to their specific resorts, almost all island resorts charge extra.

Pros of Overwater Bungalows

You’ve never seen an over-water villa hotel outside of a beautiful, tropical environment! Not only do you have a front-row seat to the ocean, but the surroundings of the property are as beautiful and are worth leaving the villa for. 

One suggestion we have is to request a home with a view of the sun setting. You will like sharing a glass of champagne while seeing the way the sun sets in the sky. It’s such a lovely location for a romantic getaway!

Cons of Overwater Bungalows

Some of the over-water villa hotels are located on remote islands, although not all of them. This indicates that there are probably no easily accessible eateries outside the property.

In our experience, we have dined at resort locations, which may be somewhat expensive. So that we can rest and enjoy the villa, we usually keep our stays to a maximum of 3–4 nights.

Additionally, we add a couple of extra nights in a different portion of the region that is nearer the city and has additional food alternatives.

Although there is no one right in front of the villas, the neighbours on the side aren’t that far away. Other visitors may be seen on balconies and in the water.

You see people on their balconies to your left and right since the villas are built in a more curved than a straight line into the ocean.

It was never an issue for us since there would be occasions when we would be the only ones outside because we spent a lot more time on our balcony than our neighbours do.

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Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How deep is the water under overwater bungalows?

About 4.5 feet of water lay beneath the deck. The lagoon where the bungalows are located seemed to have a fairly constant depth throughout the property.

Q2. What is the difference between a water bungalow and a water villa?

A water villa or water bungalow is essentially the same thing as an over-the-water accommodation. However, you would need to read the island-specific chamber descriptions. Even though the room is not over the water, some water rooms feature steps that lead down to the ocean.

Q3. Are overwater bungalows noisy?

Other visitors’ noise is also nonexistent. You can only hear the tranquil sounds of the water all around you. Due to their isolation and lack of nearby properties’ light pollution, it also gets quite black there at night.

Q4. Does the US have any overwater bungalows?

Yes, there are lots of overwater bungalows in the US.

Q5. How do over-water bungalows work?

The façade of the majority of overwater bungalows is often based on the local island or region’s traditional village cottages, and they are connected to the main resort buildings and the beaches by wooden walkways, however, the design may vary from location to location.

Q6. How much is it a night in Bora Bora?

The average nightly rate for a 3-star hotel in Bora Bora is $464, while a 4-star hotel costs $2,279 there. If you’re searching for something truly exceptional, a 5-star hotel in Bora Bora costs, on average, $6,507 per night.

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Near Paradise Cafe Frederick Rd, Catonsville, Maryland, United States