The Best Overwater Bungalows Across the World

Nothing quite says luxury like an overwater bungalow! Equipped with top-notch amenities like private decks, plunge pools, outdoor showers and more, you are in for a unique and luxurious experience. Dotting tropical beaches, atolls, and lagoons, these thatched-roof escapes offer unparalleled views and the ultimate in island escape-ism. Overwater bungalows are the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can enjoy the gentle sea breeze, listen to the sound of the waves, and soak up the sun on your private deck.

Not only can you wake up to a beautiful sunrise, enjoy the sound of the waves, and watch marine life swim right under your feet, but you can snorkel, swim, and even scuba dive the coral reefs right at your doorstep. Since overwater bungalows are usually situated away from the rest of the resort, they provide privacy and seclusion, which means you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet vacation without any disturbance. Who could ask for more?

From Bora Bora to Vietnam, these opulent overwater bungalows need to be added to your bucket list!

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Nestled in the middle of the Koh Rong archipelago, this unique private island offers 24 thatched-roof villas set amidst a 247-acre marine reserve. Unsurprisingly, nature and sustainability are at the forefront and nearly every building and piece of furniture uses upcycled wood found on the island itself.

Alongside the resident marine biologist, guests can kayak through mangroves as they learn about the local ecosystem. If you’re looking for a unique experience, a traditional blessings ceremony by a local team of Buddhist monks can be arranged at one of the magical locations around the island. If love exploring and learning about local species, and habitats, then the option to do an Island Safari with a guide from their Conservation Team might just be what you’re looking for. Other activities on offer here are snorkeling, scuba diving, morning yoga, private meditation, and many more.

The overwater villas do not disappoint, with luxurious one and two-bedroom options.  For the ultimate overwater experience, there’s the Royal Villa that comes complete with a large private pool and dining for up to 12 guests.

The most unique aspect of Song Saa Private Island is its related foundation, the Song Saa Collective. Established in 2013, this not-for-profit organization is dedicated to protecting the habitat of the Koh Rong archipelago and improve the welfare of its communities.

El Dorado Maroma, Mexico

If you’re based in North America you don’t have to travel far to experience these overwater bungalows, set out from the shores of Maroma Beach in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, just forty minutes from the Cancun International Airport. 

Touting themselves as ‘Gourmet Inclusive’, the El Dorado Maroma is an adults-only (18 and older) spa resort offering seven restaurants, five bars, beach butlers, full concierge service, nightly turn-down service, 24-hour room service and premium beverages.

These are Mexico’s first and only overwater bungalows, and come equipped with full butler service, private infinity pools, oversized decks, indoor hot tubs, glass floors, and room service breakfast being delivered each morning.

Parasailing, scuba diving, yoga classes, cooking lessons, and camel safari tours are just a few of the activities available here. Don’t miss strolling Maroma Beach, nearly five miles of unspoiled white sand and aquamarine water. It is considered to be one of the top ten beaches in the world.

The staff at this luxurious spa resort are ready to make your vacation exceptional!

Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora

With the most stunning views of Mount Otemanu on the island, the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora will take your breath away!

There are a variety of overwater bungalow options to suit everyone from honeymooners to families, with one and two-bedroom suites offering up over 2,000 square feet of pure luxury. Complete with traditional teak-wood furnishing, Polynesian artwork, private plunge pools, or spacious deck areas that provide direct access to the turquoise waters of the lagoon, these accommodations will not disappoint.

Non-motorized watersports are included in your stay, offering everything from badminton and volleyball to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. Adventures abound, from jet boating or deep-sea fishing to exploring the island on a 4x4 (additional costs apply). If you want to learn a bit more about the local culture there are two complimentary classes included where you can create your own organic Tahitian monoï oil, and weave Polynesian shell necklaces with natural raffia fibres and beach-combed shells.

Their five-star concierge team can arrange just about anything, and never hesitate to go above and beyond for their guests.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Six Senses properties are ubiquitous with sustainability and wellness, and the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay delivers both in spades.

Moving beyond resorts as simply destination getaways, Six Senses promotes connection to the places in which they host guests. This is evident at their Ninh Van Bay property, with the property’s villas thoughtfully built into rock formations, to create minimal disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem.

Access to the villa is by a speedboat or via a private wooden walkway set into the mountainside - a scenic twenty-minute walk from the main beach resort. Each villa is secluded, the only person you’re likely to run into is your personal Experience Maker, who is on-call 24/7. Ocean views come guaranteed, as do private pools.

Local activities are endless, from day trips to nearby uninhabited islands, taking a dip in the local hot springs (complete with mineral-rich mud), or even sampling the goods from your in-villa wine cellar on your private sundeck.

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

While overwater bungalows are aplenty in the Maldives, some stand out from the crowd. With only 45 overwater bungalows, Gili Lankanfushi is perched on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives and is only a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport.

The “No News No Shoes” spirit of the Maldives is evident from the moment guests step into the boat from the airport, as shoes are collected and placed in tote bags by staff aboard the vessel. Expect approachable luxury at every turn, beginning with the bubbly and canapes that greet you on arrival. Thoughtful touches are evident throughout, with SPF and bug spray stocked alongside standard in-room amenities. 

The bungalows themselves range from 2200 square foot one-bedroom villas (their smallest) to the whopping Private Reserve, a palatial 18,000 square feet.

There is no shortage of activities to do here with an extensive range of guided excursions for guests looking to explore what lies beyond the resort. Dolphin cruises, fishing trips, seaplane adventures, cooking classes, and trips into the capital city, Malé, to discover the markets, mosques, and minarets.

If you’re seeking opulence in the Maldives, look no further.

Final Thoughts

Vacationing in an overwater bungalow can be a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for privacy, seclusion, and to truly indulge yourself, then consider making one of these places your next relaxation destination!

If you would like to have your next getaway planned for you, consider joining Wander and Soul’s Travel & Lifestyle Club, where we will craft the perfect one-of-a-kind vacation for you, even if you don’t know exactly what it is that you want yet! Remember, how you travel matters. It’s not just where you go, but how the journey shapes you. Learn more about all the amazing benefits of becoming a member of our Travel & Lifestyle Club here.