5 Best Overwater Bungalow Resorts in Bora Bora and the Maldives
If the idea of an overwater bungalow—perched above crystal-clear water, with lagoon views and palm-fringed horizons—sounds like your kind of happy place, you’re in the right spot. These overwater bungalow resorts are pure “wake up over the water” magic.
Overwater bungalows are defined by privacy, thoughtful design, and that rare feeling of being completely immersed in the sea and sky. Each of these island destinations is a standout choice for honeymooners, milestone anniversaries, and anyone craving a true escape—beautiful, easygoing, and quietly unforgettable.
1. Soneva Jani – Maldives
If you’re picturing a Maldives overwater bungalow that feels equal parts serene and playful, Soneva Jani is the one people keep daydreaming about. Their overwater stays (they call them Water Retreats and Water Reserves) are known for generous space, big open-air decks, and that glass-and-lagoon view that makes you pause mid-sentence.
Many villas include private pools, and some feature the resort’s famous water slides straight into the lagoon. Inside, bright, airy interiors keep the view front and center—and in select categories, the retractable roof over the primary bedroom turns stargazing into an actual bedtime plan.
Best for: Couples and families who want an overwater stay that’s design-forward, playful, nature-soaked, and comes with personalized service—without feeling busy or overly staged.
2. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – French Polynesia
Set in Bora Bora’s iconic turquoise lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising in the background, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora delivers the classic overwater bungalow dream—warm Polynesian design, calm water at your steps, and service that feels quietly anticipatory.
Thatched roofs and teak details set the tone, with spacious decks made for swimming, snorkeling, or doing absolutely nothing above that crystal-clear blue.
Mornings might start with breakfast on your deck, then a snorkel in the resort’s lagoon sanctuary alongside rays and tropical fish. Evenings are for sunset drinks as the colors soften over the water—plus tailored excursions and a spa when you want to keep the day easy and close to “home base.”
Best for: Honeymooners and romantic travelers who want an iconic Bora Bora overwater bungalow stay with a balanced mix of water time, adventure, serenity, and understated Polynesian glamour.
3. One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest private islands, One&Only Reethi Rah offers that rare mix of seclusion and energy—plenty of space to disappear, but also plenty to do when you feel like rejoining the world.
The overwater bungalow-style villas sit above a calm lagoon with wide verandas, breezy hammocks, and open views that make sunrise feel wonderfully private. Inside, the design is refined but welcoming, with high ceilings and easy indoor–outdoor living that keeps the ocean in your line of sight.
Days unfold naturally here: coffee on the deck that turns into a swim, a spa treatment when the heat settles in, and dinner under the stars when you want something special without leaving the island. On land, the island is lush and expansive, with excellent dining, laid-back bars, and long paths that beg for a walk or a bike ride.
Best for: Travelers who want classic Maldivian overwater stay with generous space and plenty of variety—especially families or groups who appreciate both privacy and resort-wide amenities.
4. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – French Polynesia
At The St. Regis Bora Bora, grace and grandeur come together in overwater villas that act as a serene stage for some of the South Pacific’s most breathtaking views. Imagine stepping from your private deck into gentle lagoon waters before returning to a whirlpool bath that frames Mount Otemanu’s peaks like a postcard.
Inside, the décor is elegant and refined, with rich textures and thoughtful touches that make lounging a joy. Personalized butler service—an iconic St. Regis hallmark—ensures that sunrise coffees, sunset cocktails, and private dinner plans unfold without effort. Whether it’s twilight champagne on your terrace or star-filled nights above a silent lagoon, every moment feels tailored.
Best for: Romantic couples and luxury seekers who want classic sophistication and personalized service with stunning panoramic views.
5. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
If you love the idea of an overwater bungalow but want it with a more design-forward, fashion-house level of polish, Cheval Blanc Randheli is a standout. The resort’s over-the-water stays, called Water Villas and Lagoon Villas, pair airy interiors with generous overwater decks, set up for long mornings, slow lunches, and that one more swim feeling. It is an especially strong choice for honeymooners who want a romantic setting that still feels calm, spacious, and beautifully considered.
Many categories include a 12.5-meter private infinity pool plus outdoor dining and lounge space right over the lagoon, so you can float, snack, read, repeat, without ever needing to fully re-enter society. Inside, expect a spacious living area, a grand bathroom, and the kind of thoughtful layout that makes an overwater stay feel easy to actually live in.
When you’re ready to shift gears, the Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain is set on its own dedicated island of well-being, which feels like a reset button in the best way.
Best for: Honeymooners and couples who want a Maldives overwater bungalow style stay with generous space, a serious private pool setup, and a refined, quietly meticulous feel, plus families who prefer more room to spread out.
Bonus! Not Overwater, Still a Standout: The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
If you are dreaming of an overwater bungalow resort but you are open to a different kind of wow, The Brando is worth considering. While it does not offer overwater bungalows, it delivers the same sense of seclusion and immersion in French Polynesia, just from private beachfront villas on the coral atoll of Tetiaroa. For honeymooners who care more about privacy and place than sleeping over the water, it is hard to beat.
This is a resort that feels like its own world, with coconut palms, a brilliant lagoon, and a quiet, natural rhythm that makes it easy to truly unplug. The villas are generously spaced and deeply private, each with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and direct access to the beach and lagoon edge. Days unfold gently here: snorkeling from shore, biking along sandy paths, and lingering over Polynesian-inspired dining beneath the palms. Sustainability is central to the experience, woven into how the resort operates and how the island is protected.
Best for: Honeymooners and travelers who want French Polynesia with exceptional privacy and a nature-first approach, and who care more about the destination and the feel than specifically sleeping over the water.
We’ll Plan Your Overwater Bungalow Itinerary
Each of these overwater bungalow resorts offers a different feel. The right choice usually isn’t the most famous name—it’s the one that fits your travel style, priorities, and pace, from how private you want to feel to what you want right off your deck.
When you book your overwater bungalow itinerary with Collier Travel Collective, we help you choose the best-fit resort, then shape the details around it—transfers, room categories, and experiences that make the trip feel seamless and genuinely personal. The result is an overwater bungalow stay that isn’t just beautiful, but thoughtfully planned so you can simply arrive, exhale, and enjoy.
Schedule a travel planning session with Allison to begin arranging an overwater bungalow stay you’ll never want to leave.
FAQs About an Overwater Bungalow Stay
Are overwater bungalows worth the cost?
For many travelers, yes. You are paying for privacy, views, direct access to the water, and a true sense of escape. The best value usually comes from choosing the right destination, the right resort, the right bungalow category, and the right travel dates.
What amenities do overwater bungalows typically include?
Most overwater bungalow resorts include a private deck with water views, outdoor seating, and spacious interiors designed around the view. Many offer steps down into the lagoon and a soaking tub or outdoor shower, depending on the resort. Higher categories may add a private plunge pool, more privacy, and better views.
Are overwater bungalows good for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other celebrations?
Absolutely. Overwater bungalows are a favorite for honeymoons and milestone trips because they naturally deliver privacy, quiet, and that just us feeling without needing a packed itinerary.
Are overwater bungalows safe?
Yes, in general. Resorts design them with secure railings, lighting, and clear guidance for water access. The smartest approach is choosing the right bungalow category and location for your comfort level, especially for families or anyone who prefers calmer water access.
When is the best time to stay in an overwater bungalow?
It depends on the destination, but peak season usually brings the most consistent weather and higher rates. Shoulder season can offer a strong balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and better value. The best timing is the one that matches your priorities, whether that is sunshine, calmer seas, marine life, or overall value.
Do overwater bungalows work for families?
They can be, depending on the resort. Some properties welcome children in overwater categories, while others have age minimums or recommend beach accommodations instead. For families, it helps to prioritize safer layouts, easier access back to the main resort areas, calmer water conditions, and a setup that fits real-life rhythms.
What is an overwater bungalow, and how is it different from an overwater villa?
An overwater bungalow is a private room or villa-style accommodation built on stilts above a lagoon or calm ocean water, usually with a deck and direct water views. Some resorts use the word villa for larger layouts with more space, bigger decks, and sometimes a private pool. The experience is similar, and the real differences are size, privacy, and features.
Which resorts in this post have true overwater bungalows?
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offer classic overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. In the Maldives, Soneva Jani and One and Only Reethi Rah are known for standout overwater stays. Note that The Brando is not an overwater bungalow resort, since its villas are set back from the beach.
Can you swim or snorkel from an overwater bungalow?
Sometimes, it depends on the resort and even the specific bungalow location. Water depth, currents, reef conditions, and resort guidelines all affect whether swimming and snorkeling from your deck is encouraged or limited. If easy water access matters to you, it is worth choosing your category carefully.
Lagoon view or ocean view, and sunrise or sunset, which should I choose?
Lagoon-facing overwater bungalows often have calmer water and brighter turquoise views, while ocean-facing options can offer bigger horizons and more breeze, but sometimes more wave action. Orientation matters too. Sunrise can feel cooler and quieter in the mornings, while sunset can be dramatic but warmer later in the day. The best choice depends on whether you care most about swimming, snorkeling, views, privacy, or staying cooler.
How far in advance should I book an overwater bungalow resort?
Overwater bungalows have limited inventory, and the best locations go first. Planning six to twelve months ahead is a smart guideline for high-demand weeks and top resorts.
How do transfers work for overwater bungalow resorts?
Transfers vary by destination and resort and may include speedboats, seaplanes, or a domestic flight plus a boat. Timing matters, and luggage limits can apply for smaller aircraft. Planning transfers well is one of the biggest factors in keeping arrival and departure days calm and clear.
Why book an overwater bungalow through a luxury travel advisor?
Because the right overwater bungalow is not just the resort name. It is the specific category and location that best fits your priorities, including privacy, view, orientation, deck setup, water access, and how the transfers fit your flight schedule. A travel advisor also helps you avoid costly mistakes, coordinates the moving parts, and adds value where possible so the experience feels more seamless and personal.
