Best Overwater Resorts with Spa in 2026

Sandals South Coast is a 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort within a 500-acre private nature reserve along Jamaica’s southwest coast. It’s one of only three resorts with overwater bungalows in Jamaica, and, heads-up now, though we prefer Caribbean Cay’s larger Elite bungalows, overall this is our favorite resort of the three. It’s not nearly as convenient from Sangster Airport as Sandals Caribbean Cay, that’s true, but the trade off is you get a more exclusive, secluded natural environment. A massive 500-acre private nature reserve to be exact, far removed from the tourist hubs. So it’s a whole different feel to Caribbean Cay in Montego Bay. The journey takes a little than an hour and a half from Sangster, by luxury… > See All the Details & Book

Upgraded and rebranded following Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean) near Montego Bay remains a landmark destination as the site that introduced the very first high-end, overwater bungalow concept to Jamaica and the Caribbean in 2016. Located just a 5-minute drive from Sangster International Airport via private shuttle, Caribbean Cay offers an all-inclusive, high-end private island exclusively for overwater guests, top-tier amenities, and access to neighboring Sandals resorts. The resort is scheduled to reopen for bookings on December 18, 2026, following extensive post-Hurricane Melissa renovations. We very much look forward to it. Sandals Caribbean Cay at a Glance Location: Mahoe Bay, near Montego Bay, Jamaica Accommodation: High-end luxury overwater bungalows (with or without private infinity plunge pools,… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The 5-star Le Taha’a Island’s overwater bungalows sit neatly off of a secluded private islet between Bora Bora and the famous vanilla island of Taha’a from where it gets its name. We find it offers pretty much the same tranquil, laid-back luxury as Bora Bora island but at cheaper prices. Cheaper prices or not, we think many may find Le Taha’a preferable to resorts on Bora Bora’s main island anyway in that it has an even more remote, paradise island feel. And it is a small, intimate resort that for us feels more personable and less corporate than many others. This is reflected too in its architecture and interior design – the accommodation, and the resort… > See All the Details & Book

Sandals St. Vincent is the Caribbean resort chain’s newest resort, opened in March ’24, with among its broad accommodation choices St Vincent & The Grenadines’ very first Sandals overwater bungalows They are also among the very newest overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, and seem to offer good value compared to some of the more established alternatives. They come as two-story units with outdoor decks with access to the water below, overwater hammocks, a semi-open air upper floor for lounging and dining, and glass floor panels downstairs. They are large too and have that space divided over two floors, giving more of  a luxury villa feel. The resort in general too is fabulous, and is shaping up to be one of… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The 5-star, Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Resort is a private enclave surrounded by crystal clear waters and pure white sands near both Moorea Airport and the island’s main ferry dock which has regular ferries running the hour-long journey to and from Tahiti. It is a beautiful place, and if you’re coming, as most people are, straight from busy Tahiti both it and the island of Moorea in general will offer the wow factor. The setting ticks all the boxes for a classic Polynesian island stay; balmy turquoise waters, powdery white sands (the beach alongside is consistently rated one of the best in Polynesia), and lush green tropical foliage, while the resort itself is small, intimate and… > See All the Details & Book

The gorgeous Bacalar Lagoon—Laguna de los Siete Colores—just inland from Chetumal, has recently evolved from a quiet backpacker stop into a trendy escape from the coastal Riviera Maya, attracting a hippie-chic crowd seeking boutique wellness retreats. Akalki Hotel y Centro Holístico was one of the first properties here and remains among the very best, featuring Bacalar’s only overwater bungalows. These are the cheapest overwater bungalows in Mexico, with an earthy, back-to-nature design. They’re nothing like over-the-top opulence of the luxury bungalows farther up the coast, near Cancun. True to its eco-resort ethos, you will forgo heavy modern luxuries like air conditioning and televisions in the overwater rooms, relying instead on natural lagoon breezes and ceiling fans. Overall, we think Akalki… > See All the Details & Book

Soneva Jani is one of The Maldives’ most exclusive private islands and for us its overwater bungalows are uniquely spacious, stylish, and luxurious. We find the very largest of them, the two and four-bedroom ‘water reserves’ around the end of the walkway, really quite extraordinary creations. These opulent wooden palaces come with private pools, water slides, and retractable roofs that allow stargazing direct from the master bedroom. Excellent, gourmet all-inclusive packages are available at Soneva Jani. Check below for details as to what is included. We like that most of the island is left natural and wild so, anytime the feeling takes you, you can have a wander through mangrove forests and deserted beaches, and feel yourself enticingly detached from… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in May 2024 as the third super-luxury resort to welcome guests to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea’s Ummahat Islands. Inspired by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, it is also the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the broader region, and one of only seven worldwide. It’s a special place, then and the location sure is special too; on its own private island in the same Ummahat Archipelago as the St. Regis Red Sea, the first resort in the area. The design, the work of British firm Foster + Partners, is incredibly impressive, particularly their enormous overwater bungalows, of course. It’s broadly minimalist, with clean lines, graceful curves, and sandy hues that… > See All the Details & Book

The eco-friendly Koro Sun Resort sits on a lagoon surrounded by a lush 160-acre nature sanctuary on the island of Vanua Levu, just to the northeast of Fiji’s main island. For us it’s a place with a strong back-to-nature appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous you can head out on some awe-inspiring jungle hikes or deep sea diving trips or, if you’re feeling lazy, just lay back and enjoy as much fine food, pampering, and relaxation as you like. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a broad range of accommodations here, including overwater bungalows which actually float on the water, and larger, two-story, two-bedroom overwater villas in a semi-separate, private section of the resort. The overwater bungalows romantic and cozy… > See All the Details & Book

El Dorado Maroma is an adults-only, luxury resort near Cancun that is home to the very first overwater bungalows in Mexico. Sitting directly on Maroma Beach in Playa del Carmen, consistently rated as one of the world’s finest stretches of sand, the resort set a high standard for luxury all-inclusive overwater bungalows right from the get-go We think you’ll find the overall accommodation, service, and gourmet food and drink options to be of the absolute highest quality. Overall, in fact, the Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma are our number one choice for an overwater bungalow experience in Mexico. The one niggle we have with them is they don’t have direct access to the water below, a pretty standard feature for… > See All the Details & Book

The family-friendly Four Seasons overwater bungalow resort forms an exclusive enclave by the coral reefs to the northeast of Bora Bora. We found their overwater bungalows more modernist than most and they have the feel of luxury design apartments where everything feels crisp, clean, and new. All come with tremendous views over Mount Otemanu and the lagoon, the overwater bungalows particularly, and the resort itself is a pleasure to stroll around with plenty to do and see, and a cozy, friendly, atmosphere throughout. Though the vibe is, this being Bora Bora, generally one of romantic indulgence, We think the Four Seasons takes care of children better than most with a kid’s club and plenty of organized activities. Overwater Bungalows &… > See All the Details & Book

Princess Senses The Mangrove is a 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive along the tranquil shores of Green Island, between Montego Bay and Negril. Opened in late 2024, it introduced Jamaica’s newest overwater bungalows, built to rival Sandals, with the same atmospheric, semi-Polynesian architecture. They are expansive spaces complete with private infinity pools, wrap-around side sun decks, and direct access into the open ocean below. The overwater bungalows here have all the private butler etc., luxury bells and whistles you can ask for. The resort too is high end and quality But overall, at this price point we’d still favor Sandals. Sandals Caribbean Caye for the overwater bungalow experience, and Sandals South Coast for the resort experience in general.   Princess Senses The… > See All the Details & Book

Lily Beach Resort is a 5-star all-inclusive with overwater bungalows on a stunning private island in Ari Atoll, Maldives. Their all-inclusive plan offers a generous array of quality services, with a range of free water sports activities and excursions and lots and lots of premium food and drink. It is a well-known resort and consistently popular; people return here year after year, so we’d recommend you book well in advance.   Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a choice of water villas, beach villas, and lagoon villas at Lily Beach. The typically Maldives romantic overwater bungalows come in two categories: their ‘Deluxe Water Villas’ have 1356 ft² of space including a private outdoor deck with a jacuzzi plunge pool. Their… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Stella Island Resort in Crete is a 5-star luxury, adults-only resort with a tremendously good reputation and one which is home to one of only two overwater bungalow accommodations in Europe (the other being at Palafitte Resort on Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland). It occupies a private stretch of Crete’s north coast and offers, amongst other things, spa facilities, some of the very best food on the island, and the opportunity to enjoy many sports including tennis and water sports. The resort has various deals for you to choose from: You can go B&B/breakfast only, have breakfast and dinner included in the room rate, or go all-inclusive. In terms of value, we feel the breakfast and dinner included… > See All the Details & Book

There’s certainly no shortage of Maldives overwater bungalow resorts out there, but not many see the same number of positive reviews as Niva Velassaru. It is an enormously popular resort and many of its guests happily return year after year. We think the convenience helps in fairness – we love the fact that this island paradise is just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport. Its prices are a positive factor too – for a 5-star resort in the Maldives Niva Velassaru offers very good value. It sees a mixture of guests: mostly couples on romantic sojourns but also families. A drawback may be that it can get pretty busy, by Maldives standards anyway. Some may call it lively or… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Anantara The Palm Resort Dubai is a fabulous 5-star resort with 400 meters of private shoreline on Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah. We find it has tremendous facilities, including a very opulent spa, and its accommodation is seen as among the very best in the city. Even better for the Anantara is that it is the only resort in Dubai with overwater bungalows. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: They have a great selection of luxury accommodation – the above-mentioned overwater bungalows, or Over Water Villas as they describe them, being the star attraction (we recommend you book early if at all possible). Being such a top-class resort even their most ‘basic’ accommodation – the ‘Standard Rooms’ are… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Banana Island is an island paradise just off the coast of Doha which is home to Qatar’s only overwater bungalows, and one of only two overwater bungalow resorts in the Gulf region (the other being the Palm Resort in Dubai). All are three-bedroom units and cover a full 2370 sq. feet/220 sq. meters, so for sheer scale alone, they are very impressive. We find them also nicely designed, sleek, and very luxurious, as you might well expect from one of Qatar’s finest luxury resorts. Banana Island has a very highly rated spa and wellness center, commonly thought of as the country’s best, seven restaurants to choose from, and a host of leisure and sports activities both… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Saudi Arabia has recently made huge strides in opening up to foreign tourism and this, the St. Regis Red Sea, which opened fairly in early 2024, is another example of such ambition. It is a high end luxury resort, as you would expect from Marriott’s St Regis line, and it is located on an absolutely gorgeous private island the Saudis call Ummahat. It has access to some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and marine ecosystems, something both the tourism authorities and Marriott are, by all reports, keen to see be preserved and prosper. It’s all new for this part of the Red Sea so we hope this is exactly what happens. Accommodation is a… > See All the Details & Book

W Maldives is a sophisticated 5-star, private (heart-shaped!) island overwater bungalow resort with cutting-edge design and facilities. It receives its fair share of international celebs and is a glamorous and fun place to hang out. Facilities include high-quality restaurants and bars, a sublime sauna & fitness center, and a water sports & dive center. The resort sits by what we consider the best house reef in the Maldives and you can admire a vast amount of sea life directly from your overater bungalow: reef sharks, angel fish, stingrays, and glow-in-the-dark plankton and jellyfish.   Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Most of the accommodation units at W Maldives are overwater bungalows. Their entry-level overwater villas are listed as Fabulous Overwater Oasis… > See All the Details & Book

St. George’s Caye, Belize, is a scenic private island with overwater bungalows near the Caribbean’s largest, and the world’s second-largest, barrier reef. We think it offers adventure and excitement on the one hand (it is a popular vacation spot for divers, for example) and peace and tranquility on the other (honeymooners come here a lot too). The food is highly praised, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the room rate. The service is great and the atmosphere is relaxed, warm and friendly. It sells itself as a luxury resort but we think the overwater bungalows, though charming and comfortable, might be a little underwhelming, though their pricing is reasonable. St. George’s Caye Resort at a Glance Location: Private island… > See All the Details & Book

First opening its doors in May 2019, then acquired by the Marriott Hotel group in late 2021, Royalton Antigua is a classic 5 Star Caribbean all-inclusive that became home to Antigua’s first overwater bungalows. It offers opulence and luxury and has a choice setting on the clear, calm waters of Antigua’s Deep Bay, less than twenty minutes from St. John’s, and a half an hour from V. C. Bird International Airport. There are two resorts with overwater bungalows now in Antigua, among just a handful of other luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. Both of them are Royalton properties. You can check out the other; Royalton Chic Resort here.   Overwater Bungalows: Spacious: 1442 sq. ft. with king bedroom, lounge,… > See All the Details & Book

The Fiji Marriott, Momi Bay is an exclusive 5-star resort near Nadi, and the Momi WW2 Gun Site, with an idyllic lagoon and ocean setting. It also has an array of fantastic facilities, premium quality accommodation, including some top-of-the-range overwater bungalows that we found surprisingly good value. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Marriott has a mixture of rooms at the main hotel building, all of which come with either a balcony or a patio, plus a mixture of bures (traditional Fijian-style straw and wood huts) both on land and over water. They come in various sizes with the largest, at over 800 square feet/74 square meters, being their ‘Royal Lagoon’ overwater bungalow. All the accommodation choices are 5-star standard… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The enormous, 5 Star, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Resort, just south of Kuala Lumpur, is one of Malaysia’s most iconic resorts, and it has the largest number of overwater bungalows of any resort in the world. There are an astonishing 522 overwater of them stretching out nearly a mile into the Strait of Malacca in the shape of a hibiscus flower. On land too there are a further one hundred-plus guest villas. We think each water villa has been beautifully put together, with luxurious interiors, and outdoor decks with private plunge pools. The only negative we can see though is that with such a huge number of overwater bungalows together they are relatively close together and… > See All the Details & Book

The 5-star, St. Regis Bora Bora was the setting for the 2009 comedy ‘Couple’s Retreat,’ starring Vince Vaughan, an extra publicity boost that such a confident, sophisticated resort really had very little need for. Its overwater bungalows are stunning and we’re sure you’ll be extremely impressed with almost everything this resort has to offer. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The resort is spread out over 44 acres which includes a private lagoon and various beach areas. The accommodation is a mixture of overwater bungalows and beach villas, all of which are extremely spacious; the largest overwater bungalows and villas in Bora Bora in fact. The very smallest on offer at the St. Regis are 1550 ft² for example, with the… > See All the Details & Book

The 5-star, adults-only Likuliku Lagoon is an eco-friendly island paradise off the coast of Western Fiji, and the first resort in the country to incorporate overwater bungalows. We love that conservation is a big part of the Likuliku story. The world’s last wild population (they were assumed to be extinct until 2010) of Fijian Crested Iguanas to be found in the resort’s on-land sanctuary. Educational, expert-guided forest walks can be arranged. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The aforementioned overwater bungalows, or bures as they are referred to in Fiji, sit at the edge of the fringing reef. They have luxury interiors but we like that the design is semi-traditional, and the materials are natural and local which gives them an… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The El Nido eco-resort chain’s Lagen Island branch has a jaw-dropping setting, even by Philippine island standards – a picture-perfect cove surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush green forest. We think Lagen Island as a whole is spectacular and it is a known sanctuary for a huge variety of flora and fauna. If you’re any kind of nature lover we’d highly recommend the resort’s guided jungle hikes. It is a luxury resort (4-star), with a kind of barefoot chic vibe, and the accommodation, food, and service are of a very high standard. It has 51 rooms in total, a mix of what they refer to as Forest Suites, Beachfront Cottages, and their overwater bungalows which they… > See All the Details & Book

On Miniloc Island is the Filipino hotel group El Nido’s local eco-resort of the same name. It is something of a luxury resort, which we like, but we also like its laid back, unassuming vibe. It is eco-friendly too and feels more locally authentic than most resorts we’ve seen, with a dash of hippie chic thrown in. There are a total of 50 rooms, a mixture of beach cottages and overwater bungalows. The style is classic Filipino, its bungalows and on-shore cottages have walls of woven bamboo slats and traditional thatched roofs, and all of it blends nicely with the peaceful, rural nature of the setting.   Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: First we have the overwater bungalows, referred to… > See All the Details & Book

Total: 12 overwater suites in three categories: Junior, Presidential, and Chairman. Junior Suites: 1,138 sq. ft., plunge pools, outdoor showers, glass floor panels. Presidential Suites: 1,912 sq. ft., larger layouts with upgraded features. Chairman Suite: 3,049 sq. ft., two bedrooms, two terraces, two plunge pools, hammocks, bar, and kitchenette. Extras: All bungalows include Royalton Diamond Club perks—VIP lounge, 24/7 butler, seamless check-in.   Opened in May 2024, Royalton CHIC Antigua was the second resort in Antigua to have overwater bungalows, the other, also from the same company (Marriott), being the original Royalton Antigua in Five Islands. The Royalton CHIC is built on the site of Halycon Cove Hotel, Dickenson Bay, just a few miles the other side of St. John’s,… > See All the Details & Book

Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen is a premier luxury resort and one of only four in Mexico with overwater bungalows It’s very close to Palafitos El Dorado and Rosewood Mayakoba, both with their own overwaters; in fact, they share the same stretch of coast. Banyan Tree’s overwater bungalows sure stand out; they opt for a modern, two-story, almost European chalet-inspired design rather than the traditional rustic Polynesian style with thatched roofs. They are also quite enclosed, so very private, and many will appreciate that, though we personally prefer the more traditional, open-air feel of Palafitos, or the extra sleek modernity of Rosewood Mayakoba’s, up the road. Out of all three though which offers the best overall resort experience?… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The 5-star celebrity haunt that is the Conrad Bora Bora Nui has perhaps the most opulent overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. The setting is beautiful – a private cove on Motu To’opua – it is secluded and thoroughly romantic, and for us the resort really has an extra touch of class, even by Bora Bora’s high standards. We think it also has a strong candidate for the world’s finest overwater bungalow, and that is the incredibly impressive Presidential Overwater Villa. Their hilltop Hina Spa has soothing treatments and tremendous panoramic views, there are four excellent dining options, a large infinity pool and pool bar, and some lovely stretches of the purest of white sands. The Conrad… > See All the Details & Book

Amanyara sits on a dramatic rocky shore overlooking the coral reefs of Point Marine National Park in Turks & Caicos, fronted by the pristine sands of Malcolm’s Road Beach and surrounded by 100 acres of lush private estate. The resort combines ultra-luxury service with complete seclusion, yet remains just a convenient 20-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport. Accommodation features Indonesian-inspired pavilions and villas set over placid private ponds.. Overall, we think Amanyara represents one of the Caribbean’s premier ultra-luxury retreats, combining striking architecture, exceptional food and facilities, including wellness, and unmatched privacy. Amanyara at a Glance Location: Point Marine National Park, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Accommodation: One-bedroom overwater suite pavilions and expansive 2 to 6-bedroom overwater villas Best for: Discerning… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort has New Caledonia’s only overwater bungalows and, as it happens, the closest overwater bungalows to Australia. We think the overwater bungalows and the resort, in general, are the kind of luxury that you might expect from the Hilton chain, and then some. The setting, a private island nature reserve in Anse Vata Bay, twenty minutes by boat from Noumea, is incredibly idyllic. Sea life is abundant here, with the island being an important habitat for sea turtles. DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is family friendly though the majority of those in the overwater bungalows seem to be couples of all ages. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Twenty-five… > See All the Details & Book

The 5-star, adults-only Anantara Veli Resort has 67 chic overwater bungalows in a sublime setting just half an hour by speedboat from Mali’s International Airport. The location is more private and secluded than many other overwater bungalows in The Maldives and is very much designed for romantic getaways. It is still just a two-minute speedboat shuttle to the busier (& family-friendly) Anantara Dhigu Resort across the lagoon. There, you’ll find a broad range of facilities and entertainment; restaurants, bars, shops, water sports, etc. Antara Veli also has facilities of its own though with tennis courts, a fitness center, an outdoor spa, and three very fine restaurants serving Japanese, Thai, and international food. The service here is consistently impeccable, and you are… > See All the Details & Book

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is an award-winning 5-star all-inclusive with overwater bungalows on a stunning private island in The Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. The resort has a great reputation for family vacations, winning the World Travel Awards’ category of Best Family Resort in the Indian Ocean for three years running from 2016 to 2019, while also being nominated multiple times for the world’s best family resort. We find it’s also a popular place for a romantic getaway too though – this being the Maldives adults/couples tend to dominate anyway. There are also dedicated adults-only zones and the resort is large enough to find plenty of space for rest, relaxation, and romance. It offers various options – b&b, half board, full board, and… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Formerly Le Méridien The Westin is a new Marriott overwater bungalow resort that was fully renovated and rebranded in May ’24. Even after this fine renovation for us it doesn’t have the same show-stopping sense of opulence and scale as some other nearby resorts; the St. Regis or The Four Seasons for example. But, though the largest overwater bungalows at The Westin cover not much more than 540 ft², they are certainly luxurious, stylish and well-equipped. So we think if you feel having acres of extra space is not worth the extra premium price then The Westin will be for you. The resort is family-friendly, but sees mainly couples, and is generally very relaxed and quiet…. > See All the Details & Book

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort situated on the scenic Pigeon Island Peninsula in northwest St. Lucia. It remains home to this tiny island paradise’s only overwater bungalows Opened in 2017, the resort’s nine overwater bungalows offer the same Sandals premium, overwater experience as in Jamaica, with glass floor panels, tranquility soaking tubs, outdoor decks and dedicated butler service. They’re not cheap, of course; budget around $4,000 per night in season for the overwater bungalows Despite the prices, demand for these nine bungalows is very high, so also prepare to make reservations in advance. If that price sounds too much, Grande St. Lucian also has a range of opulent beachside suites we think are really good… > See All the Details & Book

All-inclusive resorts, be they with overwater bungalows or not, can tend to fall short when it comes to real luxury but Ozen Maadhoo is the Maldives’ finest example of how to get it right. We think it’s a really fabulous place: the setting is stunning, as is the accommodation, there is a generous supply of top quality food and drink and, if staying more than 4 nights, complimentary activities to enjoy too – spa treatments, scuba diving, and a meal at the resort’s very special underwater restaurant, just to give you an idea. All that plus very high levels of service make Ozen All Inclusive, for us, excellent value compared to other similar resorts in the Maldives. Overwater Bungalows &… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: Just a ten-minute shuttle boat ride from Motu Mute Airport, and fifteen minutes across the lagoon from the town of Vaitape, lies the little island of Tevairoa – the wondrous setting for the 4-star Le Bora Bora Pearl Resort’s overwater bungalows. We have a total of 80 accommodation units here, comprising overwater bungalows, beach villas, and garden villas, but feels rather small and like a boutique resort. I also think it feels more traditionally Polynesian than other resorts around Bora Bora, in terms of architecture, style, and general laid-back atmosphere. It is family-friendly, and has activities for children, but wouldn’t really define itself as such. I think it maintains well the tricky balance between keeping children… > See All the Details & Book

There may be a lot of competition in overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and indeed in the broader region of French Polynesia, but we think the 5-star InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora is really quite a place. It is located on its own private island, a 20-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Motu Mute Airport, and it is hard to overemphasize the extraordinary setting, with the craggy peak of Mount Otemanu towering above and the most beautifully clear turquoise waters you could imagine swaying gently all around. It also has consistently high levels of service, great facilities, and a laudable commitment to eco-friendly and sustainability principles, all of which, for us, make it stand out somewhat from the rest and lend… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The tropical gardens of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa lie just five minutes from Tahiti Airport and not much more than ten from downtown Papeete. The super convenient location means it’s a place where many people get their very first experience of a classic Polynesian resort and an overwater bungalow stay. It is a large, fairly busy resort and you’ll find it more lively, both day and night (it’s got a 24-hour bar for example), than any similar resort on the likes of Bora Bora and Moorea. The overwater bungalows section though is more quiet and peaceful, relatively speaking, and so in some ways, you can have a romantic getaway or honeymoon while still being… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The Cook Island’s only overwater bungalows are to be found at the boutique luxury, adults-only Aitutaki Resort. We think it’s a fabulous resort with a location to die for – it occupies a private island off the coast of Aitutaki main island, overlooking what many say is the world’s most beautiful lagoon. We feel it’s also an incredibly romantic place, ideal for honeymooners which make up a sizeable proportion of the guests. And weddings too are regularly performed at their beach chapel. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a choice of luxury overwater, beach and garden bungalows here. The overwaters, at 70 sqm/754 sq. feet, are a decent size but still feel cozy and intimate…. > See All the Details & Book

Rosewood Mayakoba is a sophisticated, 5-star luxury resort among emerald lagoons and mangroves of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, an hour south of Cancun. As one of only three resorts offering overwater accommodations near Cancun, alongside Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Palafitos El Dorado, it stands out for high-end design, environmental integration, and world-class facilities. The overwater units sit over the inland lagoon, so guests have this unique jungle waterway ecosystem at their doorstep rather than the open ocean. Some, of course, may prefer the latter, as at the nearby El Dorado Maroma, but Rosewood’s feel more unique and special in some ways, especially with the design being so bravely modern and sleek. While the broader resort is family-friendly, the overwater suites are… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: The 5-star Pangkor Laut is a stunningly beautiful private island near Malaysia’s Straits of Malacca with a pristine rainforest ringed by dreamy sand beaches and crystal clear waters. For us it is one of Malaysia’s, and Asia’s, finest luxury resorts and as such attracts a sophisticated Malaysian and international clientele. We think you won’t not find any kind of unnecessary formality or stuffiness here though, the atmosphere is notably pleasant, friendly, and relaxed. Its facilities really are top of the range – Pangkor Laut’s spa in particular has won countless awards and is consistently named among the world’s very best. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Their accommodation is divided into four categories: Garden, Beach, Sea, and… > See All the Details & Book

Veligandu Private Island, just twenty minutes by seaplane from Male Airport is, for us, probably the best value all-inclusive overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. Though it lacks the full 5 Star wow factor of Lily Beach Resort or Ozen Maadhoo, for what we are getting here we might expect the prices to be almost double what they are. As such it is extremely popular and sees a lot of return visitors.   Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: You have two main room categories at Veligandu – Beach Villas and Water Villas, all of which are doubles with king-size beds though you can order extra beds/cots for children. These are in turn sub-divided into standard and jacuzzi villas. We think… > See All the Details & Book

Why We Like It: For us a strong candidate for the best luxury resort in Mauritius, the 5 Star Constance Le Prince Maurice, just an hour from Port Louis and its international airport, is a divine slice of paradise and one that boasts the country’s only overwater bungalows. There are just eleven in total though – eight junior suites and three particularly spacious and luxurious water villas – so we’d recommend you book well in advance. Though the height of luxury and beautifully styled we think they have one drawback, that is that they sit over a lagoon fish sanctuary. This means that though it features much interesting sea life, you are not allowed to swim just outside your door…. > See All the Details & Book