11 Overwater Bungalows That Promise the Ultimate Getaway Experience!
Overwater bungalows have been an Instagram craze for a while now and for a good reason. Imagine you wake up in the morning, walk out your back door, and jump straight into the most beautiful, warm, crystal-clear water you’ve ever seen! This is what it’s like to stay in an overwater bungalow.
These overwater bungalows work because they are put on stilts in water that are about 3-4 feet deep. They usually have a back deck where you can climb to the water and snorkel. They’re also usually connected to other bungalows by a bridge that stretches for about a quarter mile.
Overwater bungalows are located worldwide in many different locations. That’s why I’m choosing the best locations for you to book your next luxury vacation.
1. Maldives
When you think of an overwater bungalow, you most likely think of one in the Maldives. The country has 1,192 islands, only 200 of which are inhabited. Many of these inhabited islands have the most stunningly beautiful overwater bungalows you’ve ever seen.
Some of the most popular places in the Maldives with overwater bungalows are Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort. The average cost of a bungalow in these resorts is $500-$800 a night. These resorts all offer overwater bungalow options that allow you to seep above the water in your own little piece of paradise.
2. Panama
Panama is another great place to find overwater bungalow rentals at half the price of the Maldives. The average cost of a bungalow here is anywhere from $100 to $400 per night, and although these are not luxury resorts like in the Maldives, they are still super cute!
The best place to find overwater bungalows in Panama is on the north coast in the Bocas del Toro Province. This is where Panama’s best islands and beaches are, making it the perfect spot for a bungalow stay.
3. Tahiti
Bora Bora is one of the most popular beach destinations for the rich and famous, which means that the luxury overwater bungalows here are some of the best in the world. For example, the Bora-Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa.
If you want to stay in one of these bungalows, be prepared to spend $1,000-$3,000 per night. If you’ve got the money, though, it’s 100% worth it. Some of these options even have private pools off the back porch!
4. Belize
Belize is known for its adorable, colorful houses with thatched roofs. This tradition has carried over to its overwater bungalows. Some of the most popular accommodations are at the St. George’s Caye Resort | Belize, Coco Plum Island Resort, and Tobacco Caye Paradise.
They range in price from $300-$1,000 a night and even have all-inclusive options. These are probably the cutest bungalows on this list, so if you want to stay in an Instagram paradise, this is the place for you!
5. Sweeden
Now, hopping over to a place that you probably wouldn’t associate with overwater bungalows, we have Sweeden. Sweeden has recently started offering bungalows in the Arctic Circle that let you experience something that not a lot of people in the world have experienced. There’s currently only one Arctic above-water bungalow in Sweden, but it’s definitely worth the trip!
The place is called Arctic Bath, and it’s called this because at the center of the resort is a pool that you can swim in that’s not heated and is open to the elements. This bath is covered in ice during the winter, but people still swim in it because of its healing properties. Once you’re done freezing yourself into a little popsicle, you can jump into a hot tub and relax and enjoy the beauty of the Arctic.
6. Indonesia
This is my favorite spot on the list. Indonesia is an island paradise with over 17,500 islands! Some of the best overwater bungalows here are at the Bawah Reserve, Papua Paradise Eco Resort, and Misool Resort. They range from $300-$1,000 per night and require a minimum number of nights to stay.
The best location in Indonesia if you’re looking for an overwater bungalow is the Raja Ampat Islands. These islands have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, and they could be waiting for you right out your door!
7. Malaysia
When most people think of Malaysia, they probably think about Kuala Lumpur, which has tall skyscrapers. However, did you know Malaysia is also known for its islands and beaches? Some of the best resorts in Malaysia for overwater bungalows include Mabul Water Bungalows, Gayana Marine Resort, and The St. Regis Langkawi.
None of these resorts are near this country’s capital, so you must fly to them. If you want to get off the beaten track, head to Sabah, Malaysia, on an island connected to Indonesia. The bungalows here average between $300 and $1,000 per night.
8. Cambodia
Cambodia is not just temples and history; fantastic bungalows are also here! It’s called Song Saa Private Island Resort, one of the world’s most well-known luxury overwater bungalow resorts. This five-star resort has overwater bungalows ranging in price from $2,000 for a one-bedroom bungalow to $3,000 for a two-bedroom.
If you’ve ever wanted to stay on a private island, this is probably the closest you can get because the resort owns the entire island! You can wake up in the morning, swim around the island, and be back in time for breakfast.
9. Thailand
Thailand has some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, island hopping, food… You get it; they have the best of everything. They also have incredible overwater bungalows! The 500 Rai Floating Resort, Panvaree The Greenery, and Ruknam Resort are some of the best ones. They range in price from $200-$500 per night, making these some of the cheapest on this list.
The overwater bungalows in Thailand are mainly on rivers rather than the ocean, but their surroundings are just as beautiful (if not more beautiful) than the rest of the bungalows on this list.
10. Caribbean
There are 13 countries in the Caribbean, but only a few overwater bungalow resorts. However, the ones that they have are some of the most luxurious and beautiful in the world. We have the 5-star Sandals Royal Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort on a private island in Jamaica for $3,000 per night. Then there’s the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows El Dorado Maroma in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for $2,000 per night. Lastly, we have the Aruba Ocean Villas for $1,000 per night.
As you can see, the options in the Caribbean are much more expensive than those in the rest of the world, but they are also more luxurious and modern than many of the others on this list.
11. Africa
I hate to lump all of Africa into one section, but there are only a few overwater bungalows on the entire continent of Africa. The most famous one is in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The price averages out to be $500 per night, which is great considering these are luxury options (some even with a private pool). Then there’s the five-star Constance Prince Maurice for $1,000 per night in Belle Mare, Maurice.
Last, we have the Chobe Water Villas for $3,000 a night in Namibia right on the river, where you can watch elephants and buffalo grazing and drinking from the comfort of your back porch.These are all the options available in Africa, but overwater bungalows are a growing industry, so there will probably be more here in the near future.
