Located in the culturally rich but much lesser-traveled South Pacific destination of Samoa, Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa is located on Upolu's southern coast where you'll experience incredible sunrises and sunsets. To give some perspective to this review, we have stayed at many a 5 star resort, but the over water fales at Coconuts is by far the most spectacular room we have ever stayed in. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Las Lagunas is located in the heart of the Mayan world near the ancient ruins of Tikal, Uaxactn, and Yaxh in Guatemala. The Coco Beach Spa at Coconuts offers a full range of massage, therapy and beauty treatments, all performed by internationally trained personnel. In my last blog post, I gave an introduction to what they are, how long to stay, what to do, and where to go. Pros: The Maldives is simply a must-hit bucket-list destination for many travelers, offering some of the most high-end accommodations. Its 20 miles south of the main town of Apia, and 25 miles southeast of the international airport. This is a huge plus. Lake Crackenback Overwater Apartments. Our other favorite overwater bungalows in the South Pacific are at the St. Regis Bora Bora. this overwater bungalow includes glass bottom floors, direct ladder access to the ocean, private infinity pool, spacious terrace with wooden lounge chairs, our signature Private outdoor showers, and other top-of-the line amenities like Jacuzzi tub in room! overwater bungalow VRBO Known as Little Peter Oasis, this two-bedroom overwater bungalow features a thatched roof, mahogany floors and 1,500-square feet of decking, all perched on a. What It Takes to Build an Overwater Bungalow - Architectural Digest The island of Tahiti isnt the best for overwater bungalows, despite its fame. While it was not always a region known for overwater bungalow offerings, Central America and the Caribbean now offer plenty of options, ranging from sky-high price points to budget-friendly options. Snorkeling can be done right on-site while hiking, waterfall viewing and various local attractions are relatively close by. The Holiday Inn Resort has ten, and next door, the Warwick Le Lagon Resort has four. This shading could result in a decreased survival rate, or at least promote behavioural changes in various components of the biological community. Also, Fiji is far you'll have to cross the international dateline to get there if arriving from the US. At over 1,500 square feet (147 square meters), these bungalows at the Four Seasons are more like villas. The first overwater bungalows were constructed on the French Polynesian island of Ra'itea in 1967 by three American hotel owners, Jay Carlisle, Donald McCallum and Hugh Kelley. 2 Maldives Luxury Villas with Slide - Maldives Overwater Bungalow with Slide ( 2 Bedroom Overwater Bungalow with Slide) 2.1 Siyam World Maldives Two Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa with Slide. Best Authentic Samoan Experience National Park of American Samoa's Home Stay Program Web site: www.nps.gov Overwater Bungalows Near The USA . Ever since photos of the first overwater bungalows appeared in Time magazine in 1962, they've sparked wanderlust the definition of inspirational travel way before Instagram was even a thing. When it comes to booking the best overwater bungalows resorts, travelers should consider both the price and availability. All rights reserved. Cons: Still, this is the priciest property on our list. The highlight of these unique Over-the-Water Fales is the expansive sun decks, where lucky couples will savor their own private retreat. Rooms include a private sundeck overlooking the lagoon, perfect for unwinding. South Pacific Cruises: The South Pacific Islands - Royal Caribbean Cruises Though these rooms are not the same as those you would find in the Maldives, they still offer great views of the ocean and island from your private deck. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. There's only one over-water bungalow on Laucala Island - but it's a giant, 2000 square metre two-bedroom villa on a split level that floats above a stunning pool lagoon. Best view, big and beautifule bungalows. Butler service is also included for a truly luxe stay. Our Rating. The bungalows at the Holiday Inn Resort measure approximately 550 sq feet each, accommodate two adults and offer unrestricted access to the lagoon. Bora Bora Vacation Resort | 5-Star - Four Seasons Mexico's now got its own overwater bungalow resort, and it's out of this world. Both Canada and the USA are listed*. These bungalows are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea in every direction, and each boasts an outdoor shower, a two-person Jacuzzi, glass-bottom floors, a balcony with a micro-infinity plunge pool and a ladder that lets adventurous travelers climb directly into the ocean. Where should you book your overwater stay? Another is Koro Sun, which is in a more affordable price range and floats its water bures on pontoons just off a rocky coastline. What overwater bungalows are really doing to our waters - news Moving right along, we get to a unique resort, Le Tahaa on the island of Tahaa in French Polynesia. Youll need to fly to Faleolo Airport, which is the main international airport on Samoa, and from there the hotel will pick you up in their van for the 45-minute drive to the resort, any time of day or night as long as they know you are coming. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Ofu Beach, American Samoa | Travel Channel You might also consider using IHG points to make your stay at this resort even cheaper. Fiji is best known for its luxury boutique islands that are often truly breathtaking. Wi-Fi is also weak. American Samoa | Culture, History, & People | Britannica U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. There are several factors that I kept in mind when considering my favorite overwater bungalows. It also has the world's first underwater restaurant and underwater residence, plus tours to see whale sharks, and a unique coral regeneration program to help rebuild its damaged house reef. We operate independently from our advertising team. This is because these areas are home to crystal clear, shallow blue waters that are suited to such accommodations. Our other favorite overwater bungalows in the South Pacific are at the St. Regis Bora Bora. Wi-Fi: No Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, Jamaica. Those who have stayed in the island villas state that they were able to wake up to a beautiful view each and every morning. Winner, Editors' Choice: Club Med Finolhu Villas, Maldives. The intimate resort offers only overwater fales with six indoor-outdoor accommodations boasting spectacular views of the beaches, lagoon, and ocean. They're spacious, clean, and come with huge bathrooms with a shower, bathtub, and large window overlooking the balcony. These are the best affordable overwater bungalows, from rustic and eco-minded to over-the-top posh. Samoa's only Overwater Fales Luxury and Romance Defined. If you're going to stay in an overwater bungalow, there is no other place to consider other than French Polynesia. This unique resort is located on its own 300-acre private island, and it's surrounded by a centuries-old rainforest and white sand beaches. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has long been home to some of the most sought-after overwater bungalows in the world, but recent upgrades have made its upscale villas even more impressive. Pros: The price offers excellent value for an intimate, indulgent room with a more under-the-radar location than Tahiti or Fiji. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Situated at the end of the dock, facing the horizon, youll have unobstructed views and the deepest water of all the bungalows at the Hilton, but still with enough coral to keep you entertained through the glass viewing panel in the floor. Alesandra has a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley. Having a sun deck out over the water helps, especially those with direct access to the water and a ladder for climbing back up. Featuring six overwater bungalows, which they refer to as over-the-water fales' in their literature, the resort also has suites and villas for guests to select from. The resort's overwater bungalows are known for offering spacious outdoor verandas, sun loungers and soaking tubs with 360-degree water views. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Even by Tahitian standards, this resort's remote location might be as close as you ever get to living that Robinson Crusoe life. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an excellent choice if you want a luxury experience in the Maldives as a romantic couple or a family. If you travel in off season, it might be as low as $100 to $200 a night. Few destinations in the world inspire more wanderlust than far-flung locales dotted with overwater bungalows (or alternatively called overwater villas). In addition to a spa with the only "snow room" in the Maldives, this resort features a kids club, four restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to spend time kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving and more. Every hotel offers overwater accommodations, plus access to beautiful beaches, activities, and scenery. Bora Bora Island - Conrad Bora Bora Nui. For something a bit more off the beaten path, you could try Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, or The Cook Islands. Youll also find overwater bungalows with the best views of land and sea, both out over the water and down below coral and fish swimming below the bungalow, rather than just sand, get top marks. Typical starting/peak prices: $570/$2,800, On-site amenities: 8 restaurants including underwater dining, 4 bars, 2 pools, 2 spas, dive center, water sports, business center, shops, fitness center, open-air cinema. Living Not Just by the Water, but Over and Even Below It Measuring at roughly 590 square feet each, the overwater bungalows accommodate up to 2 adults and provide direct access to the lagoon. Fa'afetai lava. In the Caribbean, Sandals now offers overwater bungalows in Jamaica and St. Lucia for a worthy splurge. Reaching Coconuts Beach Club is easy. Cons: Expect accommodations overall to be much pricier than those that might be found in other regions, like Central America. Cons: Reviewers note occasional lapses in service, plus stronger ocean currents than expected have occurred. You can roll out of bed and watch the tropical fish beneath your feet. Jamaica Overwater Bungalows at Sandals Resorts - Are they Worth it? (Courtesy of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island), Known as a popular resort for over-the-top honeymoons, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island wows guests with its overwater and underwater rooms, as well as its unique dining experiences. 4. Surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah offers an array of room options over the water. 14 Top Overwater Bungalows Around the World - MSN Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa combines luxury and comfort with the natural splendour of the beautiful island of Upolu, Samoa. Some overwater villas also boast their own private pools. There is also a wide variety of tours available so guests can easily experience the beauty and special places on the island. The adults-only enclave has 30 plafitos (stilt houses) on a secluded stretch of the Riviera Maya. It lies about 1,600 miles (2,600 km) northeast of New Zealand and 2,200 miles (3,500 km) southwest of the U.S. state of Hawaii. This 44-acre resort is a Polynesian paradise, with private overwater villas set on the idyllic South Pacific waters. (Courtesy of One&Only Reethi Rah). In addition, because this resort is located a good distance away from the airport, you'll find that it serves as a great location for a romantic vacation. We really love this resort. Snoozing to the sound of waves gently lapping all around you, climbing down the ladder from your private patio into a calm, crystal blue lagoon, catching sight of the Milky Way against a dark sky through your retractable bedroom roof: for beach lovers, staying in an overwater bungalow in a tropical locale is the pinnacle of a perfect vacation.But those one-with-the-sea vibes come with a steep . The South Pacific is the most popular place in the world to stay in an overwater bungalow. Go to the InterContinental Tahiti for closer airport access and slightly deeper water. It's also worth noting that Mexico offers overwater bungalows too but Palafitosat El Dorado Maroma and Rosewood Mayakoba's entry-level price points for these accommodations exceeded our qualifications for this budget-friendlier list. A short flight from Tahiti and with views of Bora Bora in the distance, Le Tahaa is the only resort on this remote island so it offers seclusion and plenty of peace and quiet. Learn more Book Now. The Maldives are also exceptionally expensive for rooms atop the water. Pros: This hotel enjoys total seclusion off the beaten path and is surrounded by raw, natural beauty. Bora Bora is the most famous island of Tahiti. Fortunately, the seafloor dips away rather steeply right here, so you still get some deep water for exploring right off the deck.