Happened to all of us. We see a photo of an overwater bungalow (or a water villa, as they are called in much of the world) and we immediately daydream about spending a holiday in one ourselves. There's something both romantic and private about these hotel rooms, which is one reason that they are incredibly popular for honeymoons and anniversary trips.
One complication is that overwater bungalows are found in only a few parts of the world, almost all of which are a long way from the people who'd like to stay in them.
This site is your ultimate guide to everything having to do with overwater bungalows and water villas, and below we'll cover everywhere that they can be found. All told, there are around 5,000 overwater bungalows in the world, and new resorts are opening every year.
Looking for one in Zanzibar for two? Any recommendations? Or Capetown?
Brian,
Sorry, but I’m not aware of any overwater resorts in Zanzibar or South Africa. Hopefully they will be planned in the coming years. -Roger
There are 4 of us that would like to depart Seattle and get to Sunshine in January. We were thinking Bora Bora but are wide open. I was wondering if there are any water bungalows that accommodate 4 people but are still affordable?
Theresa,
Most of the Bora Bora resort hotels allow 3 guests per room, but I’ve only heard about a couple that allow 4, and those are the super expensive ones that go for close to US$2,000 per night.
The option that might work are the so-called Brando overwater bungalows, which are privately run and not part of a resort. A couple of them have two bedrooms and they are actually more reasonably priced. Good luck! -Roger
Hi, there is 5 of us wanting to stay closest to Jacksonville Florida (Mom not doing well). That has the bungalows over the water, but HAS to be clear water? Can you help me? I am a disabled vet, and they wanted to do this for me. Thank you, Lisa🌞
Lisa,
The closest real overwater bungalows to Florida are in Jamaica at two different Sandals resorts, but the water isn’t turquoise like it is in Bora Bora and the Maldives. Unfortunately Florida is pretty much half a world away from the ones with clear water. The closest are probably in Tahiti, but if you go there you might as well go to Moorea, which is right next door. -Roger