Hotels
Overwater bungalows: 7 hotels where you sleep above the water
A glass floor above the lagoon, steps straight down into turquoise water and fish under the bed. These are the overwater bungalows we would book, from the Maldives to Crete.
Overwater bungalows are found above all in the Maldives and French Polynesia, with Bora Bora the most famous of all. Fiji and Mexico have them too, and Europe has a version on Crete. These are seven hotels where you live above the water.
It is the sound you remember. Small waves slapping against the stilts under the floor at night, and the stillness in the morning as you step from the terrace straight into the lagoon. The overwater bungalow is the dream room for many, and it is worth choosing with care.
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How we chose the hotels
The hotel has villas or bungalows built over water.
We included the classic places and a few shorter trips, so not everything needs two days of flying.
Hotel facts come from Hotels.com.
The Maldives: where the overwater villa is the standard
The Maldives has more overwater villas than anywhere else, and almost every resort island has its own row out into the lagoon. The dry season from December to April is the most popular time.
Soneva Jani
The villas sit far out in the lagoon on Noonu Atoll.
The Maldives: Soneva Jani
Best for: couples who want space, privacy and a bit of play.
Soneva Jani sits on Noonu Atoll, with villas far out in a vast lagoon. The villas have their own pool, and several have a slide straight into the sea. At night you can lie on the terrace and watch the stars, far from the lights of Malé.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Soneva Jani
Anantara Kihavah
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with rich life under water.
The Maldives: Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Best for: couples who want to snorkel and dive.
Anantara Kihavah sits on Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for manta rays and whale sharks in season. The overwater villas have their own pool, and the hotel has an underwater restaurant where fish swim past your table.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
French Polynesia and Fiji: where it all began
Bora Bora
Mount Otemanu rises in the middle of the island, right above the lagoon.
Bora Bora: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Best time: May to October, in the dry season. Best for: honeymoons and big occasions.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora sits on a motu in the lagoon, with overwater bungalows facing Mount Otemanu. This is the picture most people have in mind when they think of an overwater bungalow, and the real thing does not disappoint.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The hotel sits on its own motu, with Matira Beach nearby.
Bora Bora: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Best for: couples who want Bora Bora with a little more calm.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits on its own motu in the lagoon, and the overwater villas stretch out into the turquoise water. Take a kayak around the motu in the morning, and spend the rest of the day snorkelling right outside your door.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Fiji
Likuliku sits on Malolo in the Mamanuca Islands in western Fiji.
Fiji: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Best time: May to October. Best for: adults who want calm, coral reefs and Fijian hospitality.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Malolo was the first place in Fiji with overwater bures, and it is adults only. The bures are built in traditional style, and the reef outside is good for snorkelling.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Closer to home: overwater bungalows in Mexico and Europe
Riviera Maya
Palafitos sits by Maroma Beach between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Riviera Maya, Mexico: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Best time: December to April. Best for: adults who want an overwater bungalow and all inclusive in one package.
Palafitos at Maroma Beach is often described as the first overwater bungalows in Mexico. The bungalows have their own plunge pool, and the resort is all inclusive and adults only. The flight is also shorter than to the Pacific.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Crete
The bungalows sit above a large saltwater lagoon in the hotel garden near Hersonissos.
Overwater bungalows in Europe: Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa, Crete
Best time: May to October. Best for: couples who want the overwater feeling without a long haul flight.
Stella Island near Hersonissos in Crete has bungalows built over a large lagoon in the hotel garden, not over the sea. It gives you the overwater feeling with a short flight, and the hotel is adults only. See also our best hotels in Crete.
Book the overwater bungalow: See rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa
When should you book an overwater bungalow?
Book 4-6 months ahead, especially for Christmas, Easter and honeymoons.
Compare villas with and without a private pool. The price gap can be smaller than you think.
Check transfers from the airport. Seaplanes and boats can add a lot in the Maldives and Bora Bora.
Rather have a pool to yourself on land? See hotels with private pool.
Frequently asked questions about overwater bungalows
Where can you find overwater bungalows?
Overwater bungalows are found above all in the Maldives and French Polynesia, especially Bora Bora and Moorea. You also find them in Fiji, Mexico, Bali and Malaysia, and Crete has bungalows above a lagoon in a hotel garden.
Are there overwater bungalows in Europe?
There are almost no overwater bungalows above the sea in Europe. The closest option is Stella Island in Crete, where the bungalows are built over a large lagoon in the hotel garden.
Where are the cheapest overwater bungalows?
The Maldives has the most overwater villas and therefore the widest price range. Mexico is also a good option from the UK, with a shorter flight than the Pacific. Outside high season prices are often lower.
What is the difference between an overwater bungalow and an overwater villa?
In practice they are the same: a room built on stilts above the water. Bungalow is used most in the Pacific, while villa is most common in the Maldives, where the rooms are often larger and have their own pool.
Are overwater bungalows safe for children?
Many overwater bungalows have a terrace with steps straight into the water, so they suit adults best. Some hotels have family villas or do not allow children in overwater rooms. Check before you book.