Deborah Chan
Overwater bungalows are an extremely popular choice for honeymooners, and it's not hard to see why. With their iconic thatched roofs, wooden walkways, and outdoor showers, they offer instant access to the sea and are often located in stunning natural settings. While they were once only found in the islands of French Polynesia, overwater bungalows can now be found in many locations around the world, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. With over 90 overwater bungalow resorts to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your honeymoon?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | French Polynesia, Maldives, South Pacific, Mexico, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Panama, Vietnam, Indonesia, Switzerland, Caribbean, Philippines, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji |
| Resort | Sandals Royal Caribbean, Four Seasons Bora Bora, Como Cocoa Island, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Eclypse de Mar, Royalton Antigua, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, El Dorado Maroma, Sandals South Coast, Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen's Mahekal Beach Resort, Koro Sun Resort, Hôtel Palafitte |
| Features | Butler service, glass floors, soaking tubs, outdoor showers, private pools, private terraces, spa, snorkelling, scuba diving, hammocks, private butler, infinity pools, boat transfers, plunge pools, outdoor terraces, jungle treks, mud baths, private beaches, private deck, hot tub, snorkelling, swimming pools, sauna, freestanding tubs, walk-in rain shower, adult-only, all-inclusive, overwater restaurant, welcome champagne |
| Price | $440 per night, $500-1000 per night, $951 per person per night |
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What You'll Learn
Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti in the South Pacific
Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti in the South Pacific are some of the world's most popular destinations for honeymooners seeking overwater bungalows.
Overwater bungalows originated in the South Pacific in the 1960s, and Tahiti and Bora Bora remain the world's premier destinations for this type of accommodation. The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort is one such example, where you can enjoy the award-winning spa, private terraces, and three on-site restaurants. The Romance Package includes macarons, champagne, and a romantic dinner. Bora Bora's newest luxury getaway, The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa, offers five-night stays in an overwater bungalow, with international airfare from select California gateways, a daily breakfast, and a visit to the Bora Bora Pearl Farm.
Moorea, another island in the South Pacific, is a great option for those seeking more value for money and a wider range of activities. The Manava Beach Resort and Spa offers five-night stays in an overwater bungalow, with international airfare, inter-island transport by passenger ferry, daily breakfast, a couples massage, an ATV tour, a Jet Ski tour, and a snorkeling and ray-feeding tour. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon also offers five-night stays in an overwater bungalow, with international airfare, inter-island transport, and daily breakfast. The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea is another option, which includes a foodie tour and a 4x4 island safari.
Tahiti, also in the South Pacific, is another popular destination for honeymooners. The Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort offers international airfare, daily breakfast, and a lagoon snorkeling tour with a motu lunch. The IC Tahiti is another option for a one-night stay.
Many resorts offer honeymoon packages, which can be booked online or through a travel agent. These often include a bottle of champagne and other special amenities, such as an upgraded room or a romantic dinner.
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The Maldives
The country is known for its overwater bungalows, which offer the perfect blend of tranquility, seclusion, and privacy. You can choose from a variety of options, such as the W Maldives, located in the heart-shaped Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, which offers direct access to the Indian Ocean. The resort features aesthetic wooden walkways that lead to thatched-roof overwater bungalows, each with a private plunge pool, glass floor, and indoor rain shower.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is another stunning option, with 77 overwater accommodations boasting rustic charm and access to white sandy beaches and colorful reefs. Meeru is a budget-friendly choice, offering a 55-minute trip from Velana International Airport.
For a truly luxurious experience, consider the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which offers spectacular Sunset Water Villas with private sundecks, infinity plunge pools, ocean-view tubs, rain showers, and double vanity bathrooms. The resort also features 12 world-class restaurants, including the Maldives' first-ever subterranean wine bar.
If you're looking for a more intimate and secluded experience, the Angaga Island Resort & Spa in South Ari Atoll combines rustic elegance with Maldivian tradition. You'll get direct lagoon access from your villa, along with an outdoor shower, cozy bed, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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$19.99
Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica
Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a luxurious all-inclusive resort that is perfect for a honeymoon. The resort combines two distinct cultures for a majestic experience, embracing refined British heritage with a Georgian-style Great House, manicured gardens, roaming peacocks, an authentic British pub, and afternoon tea traditions.
The resort boasts a private offshore island with Bali-inspired beach cabanas, a Balinese-style pool with a swim-up bar, a whirlpool, a spa, and an authentic Thai restaurant. The Over-the-Water Bungalows and Villas offer peaceful serenity with private pools, tranquility soaking tubs, and overwater hammocks for two. Sandals Royal Caribbean also provides world-class entertainment and live music, and popular excursions include the Martha Brae bamboo river rafting, the luminous lagoon experience, swimming with dolphins, and the reggae sunset catamaran cruise.
The resort offers a diverse selection of international cuisines, meticulously prepared by award-winning chefs. Guests can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, at 12 world-class restaurants, with options for in-room dining as well. The resort also provides all-day boat access, and guests can participate in various activities such as volleyball, tennis, and a range of water sports, including scuba diving and snorkelling.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is a popular choice for couples celebrating their honeymoons and anniversaries, with many guests praising the resort's amenities, dining options, and entertainment. However, some reviews also mention issues with room maintenance and availability during their stay. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred accommodations.
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Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort
If you're looking for a honeymoon destination with a water bungalow, look no further than the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. This luxurious resort is located on the alluring lagoon of Bora Bora, also known as the "islet of two hearts". The resort offers overwater villas with stunning panoramas, cooled by the ocean and featuring private terraces.
The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind after your wedding. Their award-winning Deep Ocean Spa is the first thalassotherapy centre in the South Pacific, offering a range of treatments using nutrients extracted from deep-sea waters. The spa combines modern wellness techniques with ancient Polynesian healing rituals to provide a truly rejuvenating experience.
When it comes to dining, the resort's signature restaurant, Le Corail, offers a gourmet dining experience with a menu of fine French cuisine and the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia. You can also enjoy al fresco dining at The Reef restaurant, which serves exquisite breakfasts and elegant dinners. Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture with mesmerizing shows featuring traditional Tahitian dance and impressive fire dances.
The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort also offers a range of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. You can go scuba diving, take a sunset cruise, or explore the surrounding reefs. The resort even has a botanical garden, the Secret Garden of Love, where you can seal your love with a lock in the Polynesian style. With its pristine beach and tranquil lagoon, the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort is the perfect setting to experience the romance of the South Pacific.
To make your honeymoon even more special, the resort offers honeymoon packages that may include amenities such as champagne, romantic dinners, and other special treats. You can also take advantage of their online booking discounts or arrange a special package through a travel agent.
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
If you're looking for a honeymoon destination with a water bungalow, consider the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam. This luxurious resort is located on a secluded peninsula, offering stunning views of a private bay surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and white sandy beaches. The resort features 62 generously sized villas, each with its own private pool and panoramic ocean views.
Each villa is elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities, including tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini-wine cellar, IPTV, and complimentary high-speed internet access. The spacious villas offer a blend of luxury and nature, with some nestled directly on the beach, over the water, between the rocks, or on a mountain slope.
The dining options at the resort are exceptional, with three restaurants and a bar. "Dining by the Bay" serves a delicious blend of international and local cuisine, including fresh seafood like lobsters and king prawns, while "Dining by the Rocks" provides a unique six-course tasting menu with breathtaking views of the sea.
The award-winning Six Senses Spa offers a range of traditional Vietnamese treatments, massages, facials, and wellness treatments. The spa also features a yoga pavilion, a gymnasium, a hair salon, and a retail gallery. Guests can also enjoy various water and land activities, including water sports, jungle treks, and picnics on private beaches.
The journey to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is part of the adventure, requiring a long-haul flight, car ride, and boat transfer. However, the remote location adds to the allure of honeymooning on a fantasy island, and the resort's intimate connection with nature will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Frequently asked questions
The South Pacific is home to some of the world's most luxurious water bungalows, with Tahiti and Bora Bora being the world's premier destination for water bungalow luxury. You can find water bungalows at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort, Four Seasons Bora Bora, and the Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji.
Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica's Montego Bay was the first resort in the Caribbean to feature overwater bungalows. Other options in the Caribbean include Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, and Royalton Antigua. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider Eclypse de Mar in Panama, which has just seven tastefully designed overwater bungalows.
Southeast Asia is a popular choice for honeymooners seeking water bungalows, with countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia offering an otherworldly culture shock and pristine beaches. In Vietnam, the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay features overwater villas with private pools and stunning ocean views. In Indonesia, the Bawah Reserve offers crystal-clear canoe excursions and pristine waters.
While Europe may not be the first destination that comes to mind for water bungalows, there is one option for those seeking a unique experience. Hôtel Palafitte, located on Lake Neuchatel in Switzerland, is the only hotel in Europe built on stilts, offering breathtaking views and direct access to water activities and hiking trails.
While water bungalows can be on the pricier side, there are some more affordable options available. The Mahekal Beach Resort in Mexico offers an authentic and luxurious experience with rates starting around $440 per night. The Koro Sun Resort in Fiji is another eco-friendly and affordable option, with rates between $500 and $1000 per night.
