‘water villas' in much of the world, overwater bungalows are gaining popularity every year with honeymooners and every other kind of holiday-maker. Most of the overwater bungalows in the world are actually in the Maldives, which is just southwest of India, but there are three very good such resorts in the Philippines as well.
There are now a total of 4 overwater resorts in the Philippines, with each one varying from the next. Not only do the resorts themselves differ, but the prices as well.
Before we go over the three overwater bungalow resorts in the Philippines it’s worth noting again that there are over 70 amazing resorts with water villas (as they are usually called there) in the Maldives. They range from cheap and cheerful all-inclusive resorts to boutique resorts that are 5-star deluxe and among the finest in the world.
If you are starting from Europe of the Middle East it’ll be faster and cheaper getting to the Maldives than to the Philippines. Check out our main Maldives overwater bungalows page for more information.
If you are starting from anywhere in the Americas you’ll find it faster and easier to reach the overwater bungalows in the South Pacific, with Bora Bora and Moorea being the most popular choices. Also consider other overwater bungalows in Asia, as there are many good choices in Thailand and Malaysia as well.
The most affordable of the El Nido Group’s three private island resorts in the Philippines, the El Nido Miniloc offers 5 water villas perched just out over its scenic bay. This is an eco-resort that honors its remote setting, using local materials to build and furnish all the rooms. There’s no TV or entertainment system, so this is ideal for those looking to escape the modern world.
The best feature of this resort is its breathtaking location on its own island, just a short ride to several other small and gorgeous islands. The prices are also quite modest for such a place, making this one of the best value water villas in Asia.
The newest of the three El Nido resorts in the area, the El Nido Apulit features 50 water villas and no other rooms on its private island. Formerly known as Club Noah, this eco-resort has a long list of water sports and activities available, so it’s ideal for an active guest or for a honeymoon couple looking for an escape in paradise.
The three El Nido resorts are close to each other and many guests choose to stay at more than one of them during their holiday. With most of the water villas, this is the best of them for availability if you are looking for this unique style of accommodation.
The El Nido Lagen Island resort is the most luxurious (and most expensive) of the three El Nido hotels in the area, and like the others, it occupies a secluded portion of a small island that is only accessible by boat. The 18 water villas here are beautifully appointed using local materials, and are ideal for honeymooners.
There are fewer activities available at this resort compared to the others in the group, so this is an ideal place to get away from it all and just relax while enjoying the amazing scenery.
A 5-star resort that’s separate from the El Nido hotels in the area, the Huma Island Resort & Spa is a medium sized resort that offers a large number of overwater rooms. You’ll also find that this particular resort is a great choice for scuba divers who like a variety of tours to choose from. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling right off of the beach.
Families will also find lots to do here with a kid’s club and a kid’s pool right on-site. For adults, there are lots of different sporting and water activities to enjoy, as well as a spa offering treatments and massages for both genders.
I’m wanting book a overwater (for a couple) from Honolulu for 2 nights in November 2022.
What is the instruction ? Could I contact you privately ?
Martine,
We are simply an online guide to overwater resorts around the world and we don’t do bookings. We have links to the best source to book each resort on each of the pages. Best of luck! -Roger
I’m wanting to take my family to a vacation in a bungalow..over water.
Swimming pool..I have 6 adults and 2 kids. Can u help?…send name of place or pics
Hank,
Unfortunately there are no overwater bungalows that can accommodate 8 people. Most of them are built for 2 or 3 people and even the rare resorts with 2-bedroom units charge a fortune for those. You are best off looking for 3 separate normal overwater bungalows for your group. -Roger
Roger,
when is the best weather/time to visit the maldives?
Katherine,
I cover most of this in my article on when to go to the Maldives. The short version is that there are pros and cons to any time of the year. It’s really only late May through early July when you might get hours of rain at a time. The rest of the year the rain tends to come quickly and usually end in 20 minutes or less. I think most people actually prefer to go to the Maldives when the weather is worst where they live, because it’s always warm and pleasant in the Maldives. -Roger
I’m just in the beginning stages of planning an anniversary vacation for around Sept if next year so I know it’s to early to book but wanted to know where I should be looking for the best rates on fights from atlanta Georgia. We want an over water bungalow all inclusive or mostly all inclusive lunch and dinner with drinks/alcohol included. And a few activities. If you know of 2 or 3 options that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you..
April,
There are a few very expensive all-inclusive overwater bungalow resorts in the Caribbean, but none in Bora Bora or anywhere else in the South Pacific. If you really want all-inclusive then the Maldives is your best bet as they have about 25 resorts there that are all inclusive or offer all-inclusive options. You’ll probably get the cheapest flights from Atlanta to the Maldives about 5 months out. And you’ll usually get the best rates at a resort from 3 to 6 months out. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi
I am very interested to know how to build a bungalow and the conditions ex. Water deep , power of waves , etc
Tnx
M,
I get this question a lot and it always surprises me. I wish I could help, but we are an online guide to overwater hotels and we have nothing to do with construction of them. You might consider contacting construction firms in the Maldives, since most of the world’s overwater resorts are there and they keep building new ones. -Roger