The Over-the-Water Fales are situated as to maximize individual privacy. Deepwater, entertaining coral and fish, and a high standard of quality and authenticity make Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea one of our favorites for a water bungalow stay. Samoa | Overwater Bungalows Home Destinations Samoa Destination travel guide for Samoa WHEN VISITING ANY DESTINATION IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY. Learn more. Pros: You'll enjoy the classic overwater bungalow experience at this Maldivian stunner for far less than many other counterparts cost. Cheaper rooms that are not overwater exist, but if you have your heart set on one, nightly rates dip reasonably low in off and shoulder seasons. Gently lapping waves both beckon you for a swim and lull you to sleep every evening. Of course, to make it to the top of our list, it also has to have great views. Traditional Fijian decor with touches of nautical style and thatched roofing completes the look. A slate of daily activities includes morning or sunset fishing, a sunset photo tour (on which it would be nearly impossible not to nail some prize-worthy snaps), as well as a full menu of treatments at the spa. 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. Overwater bungalow reservations for 2022 start at around $2,500 per night for double occupancy. Cons: Reviewers note occasional lapses in service, plus stronger ocean currents than expected have occurred. A white, sandy beach and breathtaking, tranquil blue waters provide the perfect setting for this stunning boutique retreat surrounded by exotic tropical flowers and lush greenery. The South Pacific region is probably what most people conjure up when dreaming of an overwater bungalow landscape: crystalline waters surrounding islands ringed by lagoons, Polynesian decor and cultural inspiration, all overlaying that jaw-dropping landscape. Island Villas We rate Likuliku as one of our favourites too. Apia, Upolu 1. The World's Best Overwater Bungalows to Give You Travel Envy This resort tends to be a little more popular with romantic couples than the Manava, thanks in part to its quieter location, but still allows children and offers them tons to do. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. October 30, 2015. What overwater bungalows are really doing to our waters - news A rather small 4-star resort featuring a total of just 16 rooms, the Aga Reef Resort in Samoa is ideal for visitors seeking a tropical stay alongside luxury amenities. 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. Along with an alcohol-free atmosphere, Banana Island Resort Doha boasts a spa and wellness center, a surf pool, a dive center, a 20-seat movie theater, a bowling alley and a putting green, as well as five restaurants serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to retro American diner favorites like burgers and milkshakes. While all-inclusive bungalow resorts are very rare in Bora Bora there are meal plans that can be purchased with half board or full board inclusions at many resorts when staying at an overwater bungalow resort. Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort offers overwater bungalow options in an all-inclusive, private-island setting. It's estimated that worldwide there are something in the region of 8000 overwater bungalows - or overwater villas as they're sometimes called - concentrated in approximately 200 resorts. The overwater bungalows feel like bargains compared to similar accommodations in other parts of the world. Best view, big and beautifule bungalows. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Cons: Critical reviews note the food lacks variety and a remote location means other options are limited. Couples can lounge on plush furniture as they take in their tropical. When researching this resort, one of the first things that you may notice are that the overwater rooms are not completely over the water and are instead perched on land with the back terrace situated over the lagoon. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Each is a one-bedroom bungalow with a cascade shower bathroom, and a deck with a hot tub overlooking the dazzling water. Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa truly embodies all that is unique and wonderful about culturally-rich Samoa. On-site amenities: Restaurant, pool, excursions and tours. All rooms are crafted from recycled timber sourced from old Filipino homes for floors and furnishings and also feature sliding glass doors that open to a private veranda. Just make sure you know what youre getting. Not only are their bungalows perched above the Caribbean Sea, but their chapel and bar are too. Private decks can be closed off with sliding glass doors for privacy and the use of AC. The overwater bungalow is a staple of barefoot luxury resorts across the worldthose thatched roof wooden huts are romantic hideaways tailor-made for a permanent Do Not Disturb sign. The resort's overwater bungalows are known for offering spacious outdoor verandas, sun loungers and soaking tubs with 360-degree water views. OVER-the-WATER bungalows THE CARIBBEAN'S MOST SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATIONS Featuring groundbreaking, innovative designs that marry modern luxury to exotic palapa-style architecture, these spectacular Over-the-Water Bungalows deliver an immersive journey of the Caribbean's finest turquoise waters. These overwater bungalows are fully in the water and a bit more spacious than those in Vanuatu or Samoa, and in a quiet setting off a private island, could be fun for those who want pure relaxation without too much activity. If you dream of stepping out of your room and dipping straight into warm, turquoise waters surrounded by incredible scenery, then you'll likely feel that the answer is yes. TravelByJen : Travel agency specializing in discount travel and The best of the best are the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suites with Plunge Pool. These are the best affordable overwater bungalows, from rustic and eco-minded to over-the-top posh. 60+ Gorgeous Overwater Bungalows in Asia Some have freshwater plunge pools in the deck, suspended over the water. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows surround you with the sapphire serenity of the Caribbean. Bungalows are quite large at nearly 750 square feet, and decor is modern and tropical, done in creams and vibrant colors. Travel Agents For American Samoa Overwater Bungalows Living Not Just by the Water, but Over and Even Below It Otemanu, a requirement for any top Bora Bora overwater bungalow. All-ages. Why overwater villas are the ultimate luxe escape - Lonely Planet as well as other partner offers and accept our. Theyre a large resort with more than thirty overwater bungalows and 250 total rooms. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and twins. Yet the. Winner, Editors' Choice: Club Med Finolhu Villas, Maldives. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. This is Dianne, here again, to talk to you about everyones favorite topic the best overwater bungalows in the South Pacific Islands! The resort's overwater bungalows are known for offering spacious outdoor verandas, sun loungers and soaking tubs with 360-degree water views. The ultimate bucket list item: staying in an overwater bungalow. Its more luxurious than what you usually find on Moorea, at close to a five-star level, and we love it for feeling authentically Polynesian and being a boutique size with only about sixty rooms. As long as you follow proper precautions and choose hotels that promote the health and safety of guests, you can travel with little risk, especially if you are vaccinated. Here you'll also find lots of great activities to join in on, both within the resort and nearby. ACCOMMODATION - InterContinental World's Best 8 Spacious Overwater Bungalows with Private Pool. We're including Sandals' adults-only South Coast Jamaica property even though its price point is an outlier for good reason. We stayed for three nights in one of the Overwater Fales..Very beautiful and well catered for. For winter 2022 reservations, nightly rates for overwater rooms at this Waldorf Astoria start at $2,694. If you crave convenience, it's also worth noting that this property offers half board and all-inclusive booking options. How we selected the best overwater bungalow hotels, Overwater bungalows in the Caribbean and Central America, people who are vaccinated can travel safely, read our reporting on what experts say you need to know, The best affordable hotel rooms with private plunge pools, The best wellness retreats in the Caribbean, The best honeymoon destinations and hotels, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, an anniversary celebration or a honeymoon, there are few options that stand out more than overwater bungalows. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Planning a stay at a hotel with overwater bungalows is a bucket-list item for many, but the accompanying price tag can be a daunting obstacle, even for a once-in-a-lifetime event like a honeymoon. The bedroom and sitting area opens up onto the expansive decks, and can be closed off with large glass sliding doors for those guests wishing to use the air-conditioning. Cons: Expect a very long journey to reach such a remote paradise. Lagen Island is serenely located between a lush forest and a crystalline, shallow lagoon. Cons: This hotel lacks the extravagances of its South Pacific or Maldivian counterparts if that's what you're looking for. Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows. Price: Base Rate From: Baltimore, Houston, New Orleans, Orlando & Fort Lauderdale/Miami. 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. Attention to detail is said to be everywhere and greatly appreciated. A two-person kayak is tied to each bure's 120-square-foot private front deck, so you can hop right in the water for either kayaking or swimming. Over-the-water is a way of life in the Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago comprised of almost 1,200 sandy atolls. Top Australian Overwater Bungalows | Travel Associates Vahine Island Private Island Resort South Pacific, Le Tikehau By Pearl Resorts South Pacific, Check online specials for the Aga Reef Resort, Entertainment system: 32 Flatscreen TV with 20 channels, Low season online specials from US$293 per night, High season online specials from US$294 per night. . 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. We got such a suprise when we entered the room It was stunning. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora really takes the overwater island bungalow to heart, with about one hundred overwater bungalows from a total of 120 rooms. Both resorts have coral underneath the bungalows, making for more entertaining viewing than if they just had sand, but both tend to have fairly shallow waters that make it harder to jump right in. Welcome to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort - ram-test5.ose-dev39-vxbyr (Courtesy of Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino). Jamaica Overwater Bungalows at Sandals Resorts - Are they Worth it? This time, Im letting you in on a little secret. On that note, I especially love bungalows in deep water, because theres nothing like being able to jump in right from your private deck! There are two Tahiti resorts with overwater bungalows of solid four-star quality. The Best Points Hotels with Overwater Bungalows - NerdWallet See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Coconuts Beach Club features Samoa's only, exclusive, Over-the-Water Fales. Cons: If you're looking for over-the-top opulence, you might find this option too rustic (or that aspect could be a pro). Located in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean. Measuring at roughly 590 square feet each, the overwater bungalows accommodate up to 2 adults and provide direct access to the lagoon. Another is Koro Sun, which is in a more affordable price range and floats its water bures on pontoons just off a rocky coastline. Hawaii often has various quantities of precipitation and year-round warmth. We operate independently from our advertising team. 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. Superior Water Villas are wooden bungalows that sit on top of reinforced stilts with a thatched roof. 14 Best Overwater Bungalows in the World | PlanetWare (Courtesy of One&Only Reethi Rah). Most of its overwater villas have their own private pools, and some feature multiple floors and outdoor whirlpools. (Available from ALL cities and available land only) Samoa tends to be more rustic and remote, and these bungalows are no exception. Are any Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows All Inclusive? The closest island to Tahiti is Moorea, and this is where overwater bungalows really start to get good. Aga Reef Resort - Samoa - Overwater Bungalows However, they could be ideal for adventurous families who want large resorts with lots to do in a remote less-touristed island location. On-site amenities: Pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, kids center, activities and sports. When you consider the savings on shorter flights from the US East Coast, as well as inclusions such as all food without limitations, premium liquors, round trip airport transfers, all tips, taxes and gratuities, scuba, and more, it might end up costing around the same as a hotel for $500 nightly that doesn't include any extras. On-site amenities:Spa, marina, kayaks, 3 pools, restaurant, sports and water activities. These bungalows are just barely offshore, in waters that can be a bit shallow for jumping into. Fa'afetai lava. 7 Gorgeous Overwater Bungalow Resorts Near the U.S. You wont find resorts that small with such luxury in other South Pacific islands. The only overwater bungalow resort in Samoa, Coconuts Beach Club is an interesting collection of accommodations that is particularly popular with Australians and Kiwis. Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a privately owned island situated three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. Consider breaking up your stay by booking a few nights in each. Nightly rates for overwater villa stays in early 2022 start at $3,900. Azul Paradise is situated on the southern coast of Bastimentos Island and has a tiki bar, beachfront grill, clubhouse, bar, and restaurant. This destination is couples-only (perfect for your romantic adult getaway), and features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, shared lounge, garden, and so much more. Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, Jamaica. The overwater bungalow concept originated in Tahiti in the mid-'60s, when a group of American expats bought and rebuilt a decrepit Raiatea hotel and creatively repositioned its . These bungalows offer all the benefits of staying in an all-inclusive resort, plus extras like private transfers, butler service and a private infinity pool, hammock and outdoor living space. Sign up for our monthly Overwater Bungalows newsletter. Our other favorite on Moorea is the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort. There is a totally secluded feel but it's actually just seven miles from Belize City, so it's still easy and affordable to access. Snorkeling can be done right on-site while hiking, waterfall viewing and various local attractions are relatively close by. While Fiji only has a few properties with Overwater Bungalows like Likuliku Resort, it is unique due to tidal movement on reef lagoons. Make is a full week in Paradise and add 3 Nights at El Dorado Maroma from +$999 per person! 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Experience the ultimate in oceanfront luxury. Her work has appeared in Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Parents, E!. These six Fales are unique in design and fully embrace the seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that is so popular throughout Samoa. Next, preferences went to bungalows that maximized the overwater experience. 2.2 Soneva Fushi Two-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide - Chapter 2. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Guests who choose this particular resort will have access to an on-site spa, water sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks, three restaurants and two bars. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. All-inclusive. Up the romance by booking a dinner cruise aboard the resort's dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat. Teetering atop the reef at the northern headland of a crescent shaped cove, 10 bungalows are styled on a traditional Fijian village. With butler service and roomy overwater bungalows starting . For the cheapest prices, look to travel in off season, away from holiday periods, and when the weather might mean more rain. Do keep in mind that the seafloor tends to be mostly sand here, which makes for great swimming but you wont see as much fish through the glass panel on your floor. Sa'Moana Beach Bungalows Show prices Enter dates to see prices 312 reviews Some even have little glass doors in the floor which you can open, drop a few bread crumbs, and watch the tropical reef fish scurry for their prize. Sun loungers and comfy furniture beckon guests to relax and enjoy their tropical surroundings. The Coco Beach Spa at Coconuts offers a full range of massage, therapy and beauty treatments, all performed by internationally trained personnel. Nightly rates for overwater villas that accommodate two guests start at around $325 for stays booked in early 2022. If being all the way in the water is important to you, then ensure your bungalow wont have one side sitting on land. The views from these bungalows are excellent, gazing over the impossibly turquoise and sandy-bottomed Aitutaki Lagoon. For something a bit more off the beaten path, you could try Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, or The Cook Islands. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry . Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 9 Overwater Bungalows Closer Than the South Pacific - SmarterTravel The location itself is also a favorite and guests praise the views that come with each room. Its ideal for romantics who want a small resort because, with just 45 total rooms, each guest receives personalized service. While fewer, you'll also find some in the Caribbean and Mexico. What's Unique: Sandals has introduced overwater bungalows at three of their caribbean resorts: South Coast in Whitehouse Jamaica . Cons: Tikehau is remote don't expect to get there in a fast jaunt from Tahiti's international airport. THE 10 BEST Samoa Beach Resorts - Mar 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor All rights reserved. Most Water Villas have outdoor showers for you to rinse yourself off with after a swim. Travelers who want a convenient all-inclusive experience in an overwater bungalow should look into the Chairman Overwater Bungalows at the Royalton Antigua. Just off the bedroom are doors that open to an additional, small, mini-deck. This 44-acre resort is a Polynesian paradise, with private overwater villas set on the idyllic South Pacific waters. This eco-lodge is located in Panama's Bocas del Toro area where white sand and turquoise water make the views and the atmosphere idyllic. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, Riviera Maya | El Dorado Maroma