Ever taken any overwater bungalow vacations? There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning and being able to dive off the front porch into crystal clear waters.
These are some of the lushest spots in the world, resting over turquoise lagoons and sparkling Pacific waters. From Tahiti to Dubai, from Panama to the Maldives, here are twelve of the most hedonist overwater spots on the planet for you to drool over.
1. Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia
On the private island of Pangkor Laut, sea and spa villas stand on stilts above the waters of the Malaccan Straits. If that isn’t enough adventure, there’s a lush rainforest on the other side. Yup, stilts and jungle. But not to worry, up there in the clearing is a choice of seven restaurants, a gym, two pools, three tennis courts, a squash court, and a jet pool.
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2. Likuliku Lagoon Resort – Fiji
Located over a tropical lagoon in the Mamanuca archipelago, Likuliku is Fiji’s first and only resort offering overwater bungalows, or Bures. Each Bure is tripped out with music systems, dvd, free WiFi, flat-screens, a separate bathing pavilion and views of the lagoon from the bath.
It’s like having your ice cream in the tub with timeless views of unfathomable beauty and eating it too, with the flat-screen remote close by. There are only ten of these to choose from, so book early.
3. Club Bali Hai – Moorea
Overwater bungalow vacations aren’t cheap. Club Bali Hai, on the Tahitian island of Moorea, has some of the best prices around. What else do we love about this tropical paradise? Authentic Tahitian atmosphere, Polynesian dance shows, and cycling, kayaking, and other island escapades are all available here.
4. Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge – Panama
According to its website, the Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge is where you can “learn to coexist with the advance systems of renewable energy…” But then you’d miss out on the pristine waters of this tropical dolphin haven and the overwater thatched-roof villas. You might call it Utopia. Or Nirvana. Take your pick.
5. Cocoa Island by Como South Male Atoll – Maldives
A stone’s throw from the southern tip of India, there’s snorkeling, a private sundeck, and steps from your villa leading straight into the lagoon. Also a full service bar serving swordfish champagne 24/7. Life is good here. Your playdate with paradise.
6. Misool Eco Resort Raja Ampat – Indonesia
The resort island of Batbitim is a tropical hideaway just off the equator that combines overwater living with nighttime scuba diving over some of the world’s richest reefs. Swim, dive, snorkel with green turtles and black tip reef sharks – don’t worry, they’re babies.
7. Eclypse de Mar Aqua Lodge – Panama
Single guys will go for the bungalows at this eco conscious resort in the Caribbean. If it’s too late and you’ve already tied the noose, you’ll likely spring for the Honeymoon Suites. Either way, you’ll experience the lodge built completely over water, solar powered electricity, and fresh water from a natural spring inside a reserve where sloths, caimans and iguanas all live in harmony.
8. Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya Resort
In addition to luxurious furnishings, the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite offers spectacular views of the lagoon and mangroves, as well as a plunge pool and outdoor shower garden. Retaining harmony with nature and past, the suites are made from materials indigenous to the area, and the resort steeped in Mayan culture and tradition.
9. Hilton Bora Bora Nui – Bora Bora
The Bora Bora Nui resort and spa is where all good things converge. From the private boat that takes you from Bora Bora to the French-Polynesian Pacific island, to the Mediterranean cuisine, idyllic blue lagoons and your private suite or villa over the water, it’s all that you’d expect from the Hilton and so much more.
10. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa – Dubai
The one-bedroom villas at Anantara Dubai are the ultimate in pampered overwater luxury. If the infinity pool, sunsets, private dining, the glass viewing panel built into the floor or the oversize tub don’t get her attention, you may need to call on the on-hand personal villa hosts, who are ready to fulfil every desire.
11. L’Escapade Island Resort – Lescapade
Lescapade is just 2 hours from Brisbane, smack dead center of the Pacific. About as far from anything as it’s possible to get. If it’s remote you’re after, based solely on how difficult this was to find on a map, this is the spot. It’s got scuba diving, kite surfing, snorkeling, and it’s gorgeous.
12. Aitutaki Resort and Spa – Cook Islands
The only overwater bungalows of the Cook Islands, so named after first being sighted out the ship’s window by Captain Cook’s chef as he roasted wild boar on a spit while everyone else was asleep. The panoramic views will leave you breathless. Truly, deeply, madly breathless.
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