This is the ultimate, bucket-list travel fantasy come to life.
There is no image that captures the dream of a perfect, tropical paradise quite like the overwater bungalow. The idea of a private, thatched-roof villa perched on stilts over a calm, impossibly blue lagoon is the pinnacle of travel aspiration for a reason. It is an experience of unparalleled beauty, privacy, and a deep, immersive connection to the sea. The price tag for this fantasy is often astronomical.
These are the resorts, however, that are so spectacular, so beautiful, and so luxurious that they are actually worth the incredible splurge.
1. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the gold standard.
This is the resort that defined the modern, ultra-luxury overwater bungalow experience. Located on the stunning, multi-hued lagoon of Bora Bora, the St. Regis is famous for its massive, opulent villas, some of which are larger than a typical city apartment. Each villa comes with a huge, private deck, a separate living area, and the brand’s signature, 24-hour butler service, as mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler.
The resort’s most famous feature is its private “lagoonarium,” a protected underwater sanctuary that is teeming with tropical fish, which you can explore right from your villa. It is the epitome of five-star, Polynesian luxury.
2. Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives is a rustic-chic paradise.
For those who prefer a more rustic, “barefoot luxury” aesthetic, Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives is a dream come true. The resort’s massive overwater villas are built entirely from sustainable materials, like teak and bamboo, and they are designed to blend in seamlessly with the natural environment, as stated by Entire Travel Group. The resort’s ethos is “no news, no shoes,” encouraging guests to completely disconnect.
The most spectacular accommodations are the massive, multi-level “Private Reserve” villas, which are located far out in the lagoon and are only accessible by private boat. It is a place of incredible privacy and natural beauty.
3. The Four Seasons Bora Bora has a perfect view of the mountain.
The Four Seasons in Bora Bora has what is arguably the most spectacular location in all of French Polynesia. Its beautiful overwater bungalows have a direct and perfect view of the island’s iconic and majestic Mount Otemanu. Waking up in your bed and seeing this stunning, dramatic peak framed by the turquoise lagoon is a truly unforgettable, pinch-me moment, as reported by Curators of Travel.
The resort itself is, of course, the pinnacle of Four Seasons luxury, with an incredible spa, multiple fine-dining restaurants, and a level of service that is second to none. It is a truly world-class and picture-perfect resort.
4. Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji is an adults-only haven.
This stunning, adults-only resort is home to the only true, authentic overwater bungalows, which are known as “bures,” in all of Fiji. The resort is located in a protected, natural ocean lagoon and is designed to be a romantic and peaceful escape for couples. The overwater bures are beautifully designed with traditional Fijian architecture and feature a bathing pavilion with a massive soaking tub.
The resort has a deep commitment to the local culture and the environment, and it offers a very authentic and sophisticated Fijian experience. It is the perfect destination for a romantic and secluded getaway.
5. Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia is a story of conservation.
The story of Song Saa is as beautiful as the resort itself. The resort is located on a pair of small, private islands in the beautiful Koh Rong archipelago, and it was created with a powerful focus on sustainability and community empowerment. The owners have established a marine reserve around the islands and have started a foundation that supports the local community.
The beautiful, overwater villas are built from reclaimed materials, and the entire resort is a model of sustainable luxury. It’s a place where you can enjoy a stunning, high-end vacation while also feeling good about your impact.
6. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui has a two-story presidential villa.
Located in a private cove, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a stunning and recently renovated resort that is famous for its incredible views and its spectacular villas. The resort is home to the only two-story overwater presidential villas in all of French Polynesia. These massive, multi-level villas are the absolute pinnacle of luxury, with their own private pools, saunas, and multiple decks.
The resort also has a beautiful, white-sand beach and a stunning infinity pool that looks out over the lagoon. It’s a place that is designed for an over-the-top and incredibly glamorous vacation experience.
7. Soneva Jani in the Maldives is famous for its water slides.
Soneva Jani is a resort that is designed for the fun-loving, and very wealthy, inner child in all of us. The resort’s massive and whimsical overwater villas are famous for one incredible feature: many of them have their own private water slide that goes directly from the second floor of the villa into the turquoise lagoon below.
The villas also have a retractable roof in the master bedroom that allows you to lie in bed and stargaze. It is a resort that is all about a playful, imaginative, and incredibly luxurious form of escapism, a true fantasy come to life.
8. El Dorado Maroma in Mexico is the closest to home.
For Americans who want the overwater bungalow experience without the incredibly long and expensive flight to the South Pacific, the Palafitos at the El Dorado Maroma resort in Mexico are the perfect choice. Located on the beautiful Maroma Beach in the Riviera Maya, these are the first and only true overwater bungalows in all of Mexico.
Each bungalow has a glass-bottom floor, a private infinity pool, and direct ladder access to the beautiful, turquoise water of the Caribbean. It’s a much more accessible and convenient way to have that iconic tropical experience.
9. The Brando on Tetiaroa is a private and sustainable paradise.
The Brando is not just a resort; it is a vision of sustainable luxury. Located on a private atoll that was once owned by Marlon Brando, this all-inclusive resort is one of the most exclusive and environmentally friendly in the world. While its main villas are on the beach, it is the spirit of the place that makes it a bucket-list destination. The resort is powered by solar energy and coconut oil and has a deep commitment to scientific research and conservation.
It is a place where you can experience an incredible level of luxury while knowing that you are in a place that is deeply respectful of the natural environment.
10. The W Maldives is a chic and stylish playground.
For a more modern, chic, and energetic overwater bungalow experience, the W Maldives is a top choice. The resort has the brand’s signature, contemporary design aesthetic and a lively, social atmosphere. The overwater villas are stylish and modern, with their own private plunge pools and a host of high-tech amenities.
The resort is also home to a unique underground nightclub and a beautiful house reef that offers some of the best snorkeling in the Maldives. It’s the perfect choice for a younger, more style-conscious traveler who wants a bit of a scene with their seclusion.