Overwater bungalow of the week: Vahine Island Private Island Resort

Just east of Bora Bora lies the most intimate of all overwater bungalow resorts in the South Pacific. With only 9 total rooms, 6 of which are at the edge of a private 23-acre island and the other 3 of which are magnificent overwater bungalows just out over the lagoon, this is as mellow and low-key as things get at a resort hotel.

This week we are featuring this splendid resort because in addition to everything else it has going for it, it's quite reasonably priced as well. Perhaps since it doesn't have the cache of being on Bora Bora (just a short ride away) it's less in demand for honeymoons, or at least less well known, but there are no compromises for those staying here.

This week: Vahine Island Private Island Resort

Most 5-star overwater resorts in and near Bora Bora have around 100 rooms, and that can make for an ideal stay for many people, but couples seeking solitude should really appreciate a resort with only 9 rooms like the Vahine Island Resort. There are 3 large overwater bungalows way out into the quiet lagoon, and 6 beach bungalows and suites located on the shore of its own 23-acre private island.

Unfortunately the resort doesn’t publish any photos of the interiors of the overwater bungalows, but you can actually see a 360-degree virtual tour of the rooms by clicking on the “virtual tour” link on the hotel’s official website.

At 753 square feet (70 square meters) the rooms are quite large inside and have a generous private terrace out over the lagoon out front. You get either a king size bed or a pair of twins, plus a whole separate sitting area with a big couch and chair overlooking the glass-bottom coffee table. These floor-windows are found in pretty much every overwater bungalow in the world, but that doesn’t make it less special when you are able to observe the undersea life clearly under your bungalow while sipping a bit of wine or champagne in the evening.

A long list of activities as well

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Vahine Island Resort is that there’s a great number of water sports and daytime activities available, in spite of only having 9 rooms. Normally only the large resorts can afford to offer sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and the like, but this resort’s location is near enough to providers that you can do all of that and much more.

You can even visit a vanilla plantation or an oyster farm, or go horseback riding on the larger island just across the lagoon. Those on a romantic honeymoon trip might prefer to just relax around the hotel between excellent meals at the main restaurant, but those interested in other activities will have among the greatest number of choices of any resort in the South Pacific.

Price: Starting at US$650 in the low season, and only a bit more in high season