All About Overwater Bungalows
Have you dreamed of staying in your own little piece of paradise in an overwater bungalow in some beautiful exotic locale? These picture perfect stays are on the bucket list of many travelers! Learn more about overwater bungalows and how to make that travel dream a reality.
My husband and I had the opportunity to honeymoon in the Maldives in an overwater bungalow, and let’s just say we’ve been planning our trip back ever since we left.
Where Are They
Let’s start with where to find these beauties. There are around 225 resorts in the world that have overwater bungalows, and almost two-thirds of them are in the Maldives. With so many properties in the Maldives to choose from comes lots of variety, so you’ll find 3 star to 5 star places, some ultra romantic and several even for families with children, and a whole range of amenities. You’ll also find a range of prices to fit any budget. (If you’d like to have this experience as a family, then look no further than the Maldives.)
There are also several properties with overwater bungalows in French Polynesia - the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. They range from gorgeous to magnificent, and most resorts here are ultra luxurious and romantic.
For those looking to stay closer to home, you do have a few choices! There are a small handful of overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize, and Panama. However, styles throughout this region vary dramatically. Most places here are eco-resorts, with only a few resorts that have the quintessential, luxury style bungalows.
Getting There
What you’re looking to get out of your experience will determine which of these is the best destination fit for you.
Although the Maldives presents the most options, it’s also the furthest away from the US, set in the middle of the Indian Ocean south of India. Depending where you’re departing from, you might find a stop in beautiful Dubai to be a great option to break up the trip. Emirates Airlines serves many US cities and also offers complimentary stopovers in Dubai.
Located in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is fairly well connected to the US via Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In both the Maldives and French Polynesia, the majority of resorts are on their own private island. Once you reach the main airport, you’ll transfer to your resort via speedboat or a short hopper flight, depending on the location of the resort.
For many people, the allure of the Caribbean is that you can have an amazing experience without the lengthy flight. Places like Mexico, Jamaica, and St. Lucia are a quick and easy flight from most US cities and offer a few luxurious overwater bungalow options.
What To Expect
If you’ve selected a resort that’s on its own private island, expect to feel secluded in paradise! Features vary by resorts but generally include a few dining options on site, pools, spas, and some daily activities and entertainment.
As for the bungalows themselves, they can include amenities such as a glass-floor section for you to watch the fish swim by, a balcony with your own jacuzzi or private plunge pool, or an outdoor shower.
Some resorts are fully all inclusive, meaning all of your meals and drinks are included, while others allow you to choose a meal plan that best suits your needs.
And some resorts include extra perks like butler service to make your getaway absolutely perfect.
What To Do
So what is there to do when you’re on an island in the middle of the ocean?
If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or romantic occasion, then special dinners, a private catamaran ride, or a couples spa treatment are great special options.
If you’re looking to mix in a little more adventure to your trip, consider snorkeling or diving excursions, spot dolphins and sharks, swim with stingrays and colorful fish, go paddle boarding or parasailing, or take a scenic flight over the islands. Bora Bora in particular is known for the stunning Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano that can be explored by boat or on foot and a must see on any visit to the island.
When To Go
It’s always warm and sunny in paradise. However, the best time to visit the Maldives is in the winter or spring, as this is the driest time of the year, and summer typically presents some rain. French Polynesia is the opposite, with summer being the high season and winter being the time that you have the greatest chance of seeing rain.
As for the Caribbean, hurricane season is in the fall, and this is also the wettest season.
Is a stay in an overwater bungalow on your bucket list? Let’s make it happen! Contact me today to start planning your great escape.
