There’s something deliciously sensual about drifting off to sleep listening to the splish-splash of waves against the stilts beneath you…
Diving off your deck for a morning swim in warm azure waters…
Sunning topless, French-style, with views of craggy Otemanu peak in the distance…
Topless? Oops – don’t peek!
The overwater bungalows in Bora Bora are some of the most romantic and luxurious accommodations in the world.
We’ve stayed in a Caribbean overwater bungalow and in swank villa resorts with private pools.
We’ve also stayed at incredibly romantic hotels in Europe and at places where the hotel bathrooms are so stunning, you want to spend all your time in the tub!
But Bora Bora’s bungalows over water can’t be beat for a honeymoon, anniversary or other special celebration.
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora: Comparing 8 best resorts
There are only a handful of places on earth which boast overwater bungalows.
One of the most beautiful is Bora Bora in French Polynesia, a nation of 118 islands.
Several overwater bungalow resorts have been built on the necklace of motus (tiny islets) encircling Bora Bora’s famous lagoon.
These wooden villas perch over the turquoise waters, where sea turtles, tropical fish and other sea life abound.
And while you can pet stingrays, snorkel and go on jeep tours on the island, lazing about your overwater bungalow is actually one of the best things to do in Bora Bora!
Contents: Bora Bora overwater bungalows
Bora Bora overwater bungalow reviews
1) Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
4) Westin Bora Bora (Formerly Le Meridien, opening May, 2024)
5) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
6) InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana
Comparing Bora Bora prices of overwater bungalow resorts
Overwater Bora Bora bungalow prices – Expensive, mid-range and cheapest
Tips for your overwater bungalow stay
How do you get to Bora Bora?
First, let’s answer the question: How do you get to Bora Bora?
Most travelers fly to Faa’a International Airport (also called Tahiti International Airport) in Papeete on the island of Tahiti.
Once you’ve landed in Tahiti, you can fly to Motu Mute Airport on Bora Bora. Air Tahiti offers several flights a day. It’s a 50-minute flight.
Tip: To get over jet lag after a long international flight, you might want to stay in Tahiti for a night, before flying on to Bora Bora. We loved the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, which is only a 5-minute drive away from the airport.
Okay, now you’re excited to see where you’re going to stay once you get to Bora Bora!
Here are our reviews of 8 of the best resorts with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora (complete with pros and cons).
Note: The star ratings are according to Booking.com.
1) Four Seasons Bora Bora
- Overwater bungalows: 108
- Rating: 9.6 out of 10 stars
We bedded down at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort, where 108 palm-thatched bungalows perch on stilts over the bathtub-warm water.
It’s located on a private island, shared with the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (#3 below).
If you’re mulling over scads of reviews trying to figure out where to stay in Bora Bora, know that you simply can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons.
The brand is top-notch. No wonder that this hotel was named “Best Luxury Beach Hotel Worldwide” by Luxury Travel Advisor in their 2023 Awards of Excellence.
The bungalows
Spruced up as part of the resort’s 2019 renovation, each bungalow features a separate bedroom, living room and bathroom.
At over 1,000 square feet in size, they’re probably roomier than the home digs of many of the honeymooners who comprise over 50% of the guests.
They each come with indigenous artwork (such as glass-framed, mother-of-pearl necklaces), traditional teak furnishings, vaulted tatami ceilings, an Espresso machine and snorkeling gear.
The bathroom features a double-size stone tub, facing the sea through huge sliding windows, and natural Panpuri bath products in ceramic pots.
A deck with steps leads down into that beautiful blue water.
What’s wow: Some bungalows even sport private pools on their decks.
A resort for everyone
While ideal for honeymooners, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is highly recommended for families too.
The resort has a children’s and teen’s club.
And there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained – from tennis lessons, jeep tours and beach volleyball courts to snorkel safaris, outrigger canoe rides and free SUP boarding and kayaking.
Four Seasons pros and cons
Pros
- The bungalows are ultra-luxe havens. You won’t want to leave your bungalow!
- The Four Seasons overwater bungalows are spaced far apart, so they feel more private than bungalows at other resorts on Bora Bora. (A little topless sun-tanning perhaps?)
- The resort is family-friendly, and lots of activities are offered.
- Get a massage in the spa’s couple’s suite while peering down through a glass panel into the blue lagoon.
Cons
- It’s pricey to take the resort’s boat to and from Bora Bora island, about a 15- to 20-minute ride away.
- The snorkeling at the resort isn’t the best. (There’s no good snorkeling from the bungalows, as they rest above a sand bottom.)
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Check rates and availability
2) Le Bora Bora
- Overwater bungalows: 50
- Rating: 9.4 out of 10 stars
Say hello to the new Le Bora Bora!
After an extensive 2020 renovation, the Pearl Beach Resort was turned into Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts.
It now ranks among the best Bora Bora resorts on water. In fact, it clocked in at No. 12 in TripAdvisor‘s 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific.”
Located on a white-sand motu, Le Bora Bora is reasonably close to restaurants on the main island – they’re just a 10-minute boat ride away. (Boat transfers are complimentary during the day, but there’s a charge in the evening.)
Note: The resort tends to attract more younger couples and honeymooners than, say, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (see #3 below).
Complimentary activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing.
You may be perfectly content, though, just to chill all day long – occasionally glancing at the close-up views of Mount Otemanu.
The bungalows
Of the resort’s 108 thatched-roof bungalows and villas, 50 are built on stilts over Bora Bora’s lagoon. Keep an eye out for the (harmless) sharks you can sometimes see swimming right by your deck!
The 850 sq. ft. bungalows each have a bedroom, bathroom (with separate tub and shower) and a furnished sundeck with a gazebo.
And don’t worry about the reno ruining the ambience.
There’s still that much-loved glass coffee table at the end of the bed (well, a new version). Just lift up the lid to feed the fish in the lagoon below.
Bonus: You’ll find another glass panel for peering into the lagoon by the bathtub.
Best of both worlds
You have the seclusion of a private island resort here. But you’re close enough to Vaitape village on Bora Bora to enjoy the island’s activities and restaurants.
Don’t miss bicycling around Bora Bora’s 18-mile quaint coastal road.
Be sure to stop at Bloody Mary’s for lunch, happy hour or dinner! It’s a Bora Bora institution – where the floors are sand and you sit on coconut stools.
And if you can snag reservations at Saint James for dinner, do it. It’s said to be the best restaurant in Bora Bora (and less expensive than most resort restaurants).
Le Bora Bora pros and cons
Pros
- Nestled in a garden, their Tavai Spa is amazing – recently reopened after months of painstaking renovation. Its signature treatment uses coconut in a hair mask, body polish and full body massage.
- Another hot new development: The onsite gourmet restaurant, The Poerava, is a gastronome’s dream.
- Le Bora Bora’s white sandy beach is as close to paradise as you can get.
Cons
- The WiFi strength isn’t consistent across the resort.
- The air conditioning in the bungalows could be cooler.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: Check rates and availability
3) St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
- Overwater bungalows: 77
- Rating: 9.4 out of 10 stars
This staggering Bora Bora resort is almost too luxurious to be believed. (We walked quite close to it from the Four Seasons and could see it across a bit of water.)
Spread across three tiny private motus, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is all about privacy and unparalleled service.
Activities and dining options galore (five restaurants), tons of private spaces and being waited on hand and foot make the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort a tropical playground for well-heeled vacationers.
Celebrities – like Justin Bieber and Nicole Kidman (who honeymooned here with Keith Urban) – also love the place.
The resort ranked No. 9 in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific” – ahead of all other French Polynesia overwater bungalow resorts.
Note: With blue-suited butlers to serve you, the St. Regis has a sophisticated exclusive vibe. It’s not as laid-back as Le Bora Bora (#2) or the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (#5).
Mature and well-traveled couples will find more guests in the same age range here than at Le Bora Bora, which attracts mostly young couples.
The bungalows
Of the total number of 90 bungalows or villas, 77 are set on stilts.
And they’re some of the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora – certainly the largest, with the smallest being an incredible 1,550 sq. ft. in size.
You can also choose from different types of bungalows.
The Overwater Deluxe has a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, marble bathroom and a glass panel in the living room to view fish below in the lagoon.
Traveling with another couple?
The Overwater Royal Otemanu has two bedrooms (each with a king-bed) and two bathrooms.
Some bungalows also have their own pools.
The villas were all “refreshed” in 2019 and 2020, so you’ll find new parquet floors and furniture, along with new decks and pandanus roofs, as needed.
Size is everything
With the amount of size and space you get at these Bora Bora overwater villas, you have all the room you need to fully relax.
You’re given so much private space, you can really stretch out and enjoy the 24/7 food and drinks room service. (You can even get your breakfast delivered by canoe!)
St. Regis pros and cons
Pros
- Complimentary butler service is available around the clock to satisfy your every need.
- The resort’s signature Lagoon restaurant has an Asian-fusion menu designed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Hmmm, what to choose? Thai chili crusted lamb chops with green pea puree or mahi mahi with a celeriac puree and maple syrup?
Cons
- The resort is so huge you can’t get from A to B quickly. Forgot your sunglasses in your villa? You might need a golf cart ride to go back to retrieve them.
- You need serious change jingling in your pocket, otherwise you might suffer heart palpitations every time you look at the menu and drinks prices!
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Check rates and availability
4) Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
- Overwater bungalows: 85
- Rating: TBD
Formerly Le Meridien Bora Bora, this resort is rebranding to the Westin. It’s temporarily closed for a major refurbishment and is expected to re-open as a Westin resort in May, 2024.
All overwater bungalows in Bora Bora at the Westin boast the largest glass floors of any resort in the area. And you get unparalleled close-up views of Mt. Otemanu here.
Those are the above-water perks.
The unique underwater perk?
With the supervision of a marine biologist, you can swim with sea turtles near the resort.
The bungalows
In your room, you’ll find the largest overwater bungalow glass floor in Bora Bora.
No mere panel, this is a big window through which you can easily observe fish and turtles swimming in the tranquil turquoise waters below the bungalow.
Note: Every overwater bungalow at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is the same.
They only differ in terms of the views offered (the more expensive have Mount Otemanu views).
To infinity
On the beach side of the resort, two infinity pools look out across the lagoon and to Mt. Otemanu and beyond.
And if swimming in these pools or the sea doesn’t give you enough exercise, there’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Westin pros and cons
Pros
- Those glass floors make for a unique experience. You can see something intriguing right beneath your feet almost every time you look.
- The views of Mt. Otemanu, especially from the infinity pools, are unsurpassed.
- The turtle sanctuary connected with the resort is a remarkable place – you can learn so much from the marine biologists there and even be a “healer” for the day, caring for the sea turtles.
Cons
- Food options are limited if you have dietary restrictions (especially for vegans).
- These over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora have disappointing decks – they’re too small to comfortably stretch out and relax on them.
Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa: Check rates and availability
5) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Overwater bungalows: 84
- Rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars
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Located on the long narrow crescent-shaped island of Motu Piti Aau, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is 5-star.
It made the list of “Top 20 Resorts in Australia and The South Pacific” in the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards – taking home the No. 20 spot.
TripAdvisor rates it highly too. It’s ranked No. 18 in their 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific.”
The IC Thalasso’s overwater bungalows are lovely – some of the most appealing of all the resorts.
The resort grounds are very well maintained too, matching the luxury of the overwater bungalows.
With three restaurants and two bars, as well as themed nights, you’ll also find a good variety of dining options.
The bungalows
It’s all about the bungalows here. There are 88 in total, 84 of which are classic Bora Bora water villas on stilts.
They have separate bedrooms and living rooms (nice if you want to sleep in but your partner is an early riser).
The bed also faces a floor-to-ceiling window, so you wake up to fabulous views of the lagoon.
And the bathtub sits by a picture window.
The bungalows also come with a lot of amenities that make them feel like a home away from home. This includes a minibar and work desk, along with two TVs for each bungalow.
As well, you’ll find a 323 sq. ft. terrace that overlooks the water. It comes complete with an outdoor freshwater shower and a shaded area to relax.
All the bungalows (1,022 sq. ft. in size) have the same layout inside, only differing in terms of view and position.
Some kick it up several notches, however, with private attached pools.
Cool feature: The resort pioneered and uses a unique sustainable air-conditioning system called Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC). This system uses cold deep-sea salt water to cool the resort – no need to feel guilty using the air con!
Over-the-top Brando suites
If you want to really splurge, splash out on one of the four new overwater Brando Suites.
They’re located at the ends of the two outstretched arms of bungalows.
With upstairs decks, large private plunge pools and gorgeous art and furnishings, these Brando Suites are some of the swankiest overwater villas in Bora Bora.
Indeed, they’re some of the poshest in the world!
IC Bora Bora Thalasso pros and cons
Pros
- You can lift the lid of the glass coffee table in the living room and feed the fish in the water below.
- The spa has glass bottom cabins, so you get views of fish swimming beneath you when indulging in a massage.
- There are lots of free things to do, like playing pool and ping pong, SUP boarding and feeding the tropical fish.
- Wild stingrays come to be fed at the beach every day – it’s quite wondrous to pet their silky soft skin and help feed them.
Cons
- Some guests complain that the food is bland.
- The bungalows are perched over a busyish stretch of water.
- While the Brando Suites are fancy and modern, they’re not as private as other overwater bungalows at the resort. And you could be bothered by the noise of jet skis passing quite close by. (The villas are soundproof inside, however.)
- The shuttle service to the sister resort on Bora Bora (#6 below) isn’t complimentary (unless you’re booked in a Brando Suite).
InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort: Check rates and availability
6) InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana
- Overwater bungalows: 49
- Rating: 9.1 out of 10 stars
Most of the Bora Bora resorts covered here are on their own private motus.
Not so with the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana.
It’s located on the southern tip of the main Bora Bora island – right on Matira Point by beautiful Matira Beach (considered by some to be one of the prettiest beaches in the world).
Being on the main island means you feel more connected to the life and atmosphere of Bora Bora, rather than having a sense of disconnected privacy.
The bungalows
The comfortable wooden bungalows (61 in total; 49 overwater) are very Polynesian in feel.
They feature pointy thatch roofs, walls covered in textured paper (that looks like straw matting), polished wooden countertops in the bathrooms and wooden louvers.
The bedroom is separate from the living room, which has a glass coffee table through which you can glimpse fish swimming underneath.
Wooden decks have wood sun loungers covered in cushions, along with a rustic table and chairs.
Great value resort
If you’re trying to choose between the InterContinental Thalasso resort (#5 above) and this one, most people say go to Thalasso. The reason is that Le Moana isn’t as fancy.
Perhaps “fancy” isn’t the be all and end all, though.
The IC Le Moana is less expensive. It offers great value too. And the service is very friendly and helpful.
In fact, it’s still No. 20 in the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific” 2023.
And if you want the ability to try different local restaurants and easily explore Bora Bora’s attractions (like jeep tours and bicycling around the island) – a big plus – then Le Moana trumps Thalasso.
IC Le Moana pros and cons
Pros
- The snorkeling right under the bungalows and out in the lagoon is great (see if you can spot the stingrays).
- Kayaks, SUP boards and snorkeling equipment are free to use. There’s even an outrigger canoe that you can take out.
- The front desk hands out a list of local restaurants, most of which offer free roundtrip transportation. Go to the Bora Bora Yacht Club for fresh seafood and a heart-stopping setting overlooking the water. The Lucky House turns out yummy pizza. And La Matira Beach Restaurant serves up great sushi. (You can walk to both the Lucky House and La Matira.)
Cons
- Because this resort isn’t set on a private motu, it feels less private.
- The resort isn’t as luxurious as some of the other resorts. (As one of Bora Bora’s older overwater bungalow hotels, it’s a little outdated.)
- The lagoon water isn’t very deep (maybe chest-high) by the overwater bungalows – so you shouldn’t dive from your deck.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana: Check rates and availability
7) Conrad Bora Bora Nui
- Overwater bungalows: 86
- Rating: 9.2 out of 10 stars
Set on the private island of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui fronts a seemingly endless stretch of soft white sand (the longest stretch of beach in Bora Bora).
And with a coral reef at the resort’s doorstep, the snorkeling is better here than at the Four Seasons or St. Regis.
With six different restaurants (from French and Chinese restaurants to a Polynesian beach grill), you’re also not likely to get bored with the food.
The bungalows
The Conrad was completely renovated within the past couple of years. So its 86 overwater bungalows (1,249 sq. ft.) feel fresh and new.
There are also 29 beach and tropical garden villas.
Kitted out with granite countertops, modern furnishings and in-suite coffee facilities, the bungalows have an open plan (so there’s no separate bedroom and living area).
We really like their fully retractable windows, which bring the outside in. Push back the windows when you wake up, and you can lie in bed and gaze out over the water while feeling the fresh air.
About a third of the overwater bungalows have private pools.
But all bungalows have smashing views of the lagoon and its ever-changing hues of aqua, emerald and blue.
You’ll also find bicycles on the walkways (as the property is large), so you can bike to the beach or restaurant from your bungalow.
Tip: Those in the know say the best snorkeling is from the overwater bungalows in the 300 wing.
Hammocks over the water
What’s better than a mere deck?
An additional hammock floor.
Every bungalow deck has a built-in overwater hammock – like a catamaran net. It makes a perfect day bed for lounging around.
You might even want to sleep outside there under the stars one night!
This is possibly just one of the reasons why Rolling Stone featured this Bora Bora overwater resort on their “Most Relaxing Travel Destinations of 2023” roundup. The other reasons probably include the 16 acres of lush hillside and half a mile of pristine white-sand beach to lap up.
Conrad pros and cons
Pros
- Revel in lots of privacy! While most resorts (e.g., the Four Seasons, St. Regis and InterContinental Thalasso) are on the east side of Bora Bora island, the Conrad is on the opposite (secluded) southwest side. There’s little boat traffic and it’s very peaceful.
- There’s decent snorkeling right from your bungalow.
- Sunset, mountain and lagoon views offer an endless treat for the eyes.
- The infinity pool is unbeatable.
Cons
- The resort faces the open ocean (not the inner lagoon), so the water is sometimes not as calm as you’d wish.
- While free, the WiFi is slow.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Check rates and availability
8) Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
- Overwater bungalows: 13
- Rating: 8.2 out of 10 stars
What makes the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora stand out is the resort’s setting, surrounded by swaying palms and lush tropical gardens – right on Bora Bora.
The bungalows
Let’s call the 13 Bora Bora huts on water what they are – huts. Nice ones though!
At the Maitai (considered 3-star), they’re not as fancy as other overwater villas in Bora Bora. But they’re very clean.
The Maitai is among the more affordable hotels in Bora Bora on the water, so you can get that dazzling overwater stay without spending an eye-watering amount of money.
In addition to the overwater bungalows, there are also 28 garden-view rooms and 13 beach bungalows.
The sweetest touch is discovering your bed sprinkled with local flowers (a charming way to welcome you).
Also cool: Each overwater hut comes with a glass coffee table, essentially turning your bungalow into a private aquarium of sorts.
(And on top of all that, Maitai won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for 2023.)
Location, location, location
If you want the freedom to easily leave your resort, you’ll love Maitai Polynesia.
Like the IC Bora Bora Le Moana (#6 above), the Maitai is located right on the mainland of Bora Bora island.
It’s just a 7-minute stroll from two small grocery stores, several restaurants and picture-perfect Matira Beach.
Matai pros and cons
Pros
- These Bora Bora huts over water won’t break the bank (they’re probably the cheapest in Bora Bora).
- Having access to nearby stores for water, beer, wine and snacks is convenient (and helps with the budget).
- You can spy all the little fishies, rays and other sea creatures in the waters below through the glass coffee table.
- The snorkeling right at the resort is excellent – you’ll see octopus, eels and beautiful corals.
Cons
- A lack of water sports and other resort activities means there’s not a lot of entertainment at the resort – but maybe that’s just fine if all you want to do is relax. (And you have the activities right on Bora Bora at your fingertips.)
- There’s no swimming pool (a downside if you don’t like swimming in salt water).
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: Check rates and availability
Overwater Bora Bora bungalow prices
How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora?
There’s no denying that overwater bungalows in Bora Bora are a splurge.
These bungalows represent the ultimate luxury vacation destination for everyone.
As such, they range from expensive to, for many people, unaffordable.
But the cost also depends on what you’re looking for in terms of cuisine, activities and unique details.
Most expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
The St. Regis and the Four Seasons are usually rated the two best Bora Bora resorts with overwater bungalows.
Rooms at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort are the most expensive (starting at about $1,400 USD per night just for the room). But they’re also the largest in Bora Bora.
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the second most expensive overwater bungalow resort in Bora Bora. A 7-night stay (accommodations only) will cost, on average, about $1,500 USD less than the St. Regis.
High-end overwater villas in Bora Bora
The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are at the upper price range for Bora Bora – and guest satisfaction is high.
Mid-range Bora bora bungalows over water
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts and the Westin are all within the same mid-price range for Bora Bora.
For a 7-night stay, you can probably shave off a couple of thousand dollars or more in accommodation costs (compared to, say, the Four Seasons) staying in one of these resorts.
Cheapest overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
There are no really cheap Bora Bora overwater bungalows.
Still, one resort – Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora (#8 above) – is much less expensive than the others.
Their overwater bungalows are the easiest on the wallet. You can get an overwater bungalow at the Maitai for half the price of one at the St. Regis – around $650 USD per night in Bora Bora’s peak season and less at other times.
Bora Bora travel tips
1) Pack a floatie
Bring a blow-up floating mat or inner tube plus a rope, so you can attach it to the deck of your bungalow and float on the water (without floating away).
2) Stay in a beach bungalow some of the time
Most of these Bora Bora resorts have beach bungalows as well as overwater bungalows.
Why not split your stay so you spend a few nights in a beach bungalow (cheaper than an overwater bungalow), perhaps at one resort, then a few nights in an overwater bungalow at another resort?
You’ll save money – and enjoy two different experiences.
3) Bring your own alcohol
Alcohol is ridiculously expensive in Bora Bora (cocktails cost a minimum of $20 USD each). You can save a little by packing 2 bottles of wine each to bring with you into French Polynesia. You can also drink your own special better-quality wines this way too.
4) Take snacks
Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, pretzels and fruit snacks. It might sound silly, but you’ll be thankful you packed these when hunger strikes.
That wraps up our guide on the top Bora Bora hotels on water!
Do you dream of sleeping in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora?
Let us know in the Comments section below!
You can also read comments from other readers.
Discover more overwater bungalows!
We’re hooked on overwater bungalows and have stayed in them in other places around the globe. Read our posts on:
Fiji: From the sweet, easy-on-the-budget lagoon bures at Musket Cove to Likuliku Lagoon’s gorgeous thatch-roof bures, these are the best overwater bungalows in Fiji.
Caribbean: You’ll want to put these dreamy Caribbean overwater bungalows on your bucket list!
Panama: The eco-friendly Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge in Bocas del Toro has cute overwater huts, with great snorkeling right from your deck.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 48, 49 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Lead image InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort | Remaining images courtesy the respective Bora Bora resorts
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Lloyd S.
Friday 12th of May 2023
We have stayed at over-the-water bungalows twice with Sandals in Jamaica and St. Lucia. We're finding it hard to step down to just a beach room now that we've tasted the OWB experience. We LOVE it!!!
We live in the US so it's kind of hard to justify flying all the way to Bora Bora. Just curious. Are there any other places in the general area that are worth seeing besides going to Bora Bora? Most flights from USA go LAX to Tahiti.
We just came back from Thailand and spent 5 days in Koh Phi Phi. Perfect vacation tying amazing sights of Thailand with 5 days on the beach.
So I'm curious if you can think of tying in another location with, say, 7 days at an OWB.
Appreciate your thoughts and really found your site useful!
Janice and George
Monday 15th of May 2023
Yes, we know. Overwater bungalows can spoil you!
For French Polynesia, you could combine Bora Bora with Moorea. There's lots of great snorkeling on Moorea. But overall, it's still a tropical sand-and-sea vacation.
You could consider Panama and combine the Panama Canal, historic sights in Panama City and an overwater bungalow experience in Bocas del Toro.
Or perhaps look at Fiji. Stay in an overwater bungalow in Fiji and mix it up with adventures like river rafting.
Have fun planning your next OWB trip :-).
Kim
Saturday 15th of October 2022
We are going to Bora Bora for our 25th Anniversary next year and I'm having a very difficult time choosing a resort as I like different aspects of each one. Any advice?
Janice and George
Monday 24th of October 2022
Choices, choices! That's the problem with choices, eh? It's sometime hard to make a decision :-).
Maybe first look at your budget and compare the rates of each. That might rule out some.
Or if price is no object, then look at if seeing fish while snorkeling from your bungalow is really important (or is it okay just to be able to swim?) Do you have a favorite resort brand? St. Regis? Or Four Seasons?
Since it's your 25th anniversary, and you're not young honeymooners, would you prefer to be in the company of other guests of a similar age? Then you can rule out the resorts which tend to attract younger guests.
Anyway, it's a very nice decision you have to make :-).
Have a wonderful anniversary vacation!
Akua Afriyie
Thursday 11th of November 2021
I am from Ghana and I've been watching Bora Bora on TV, when the Kardashians went there on vacation. It’s a very nice and beautiful place to be. I would like to go there with my boyfriend. How can I get there?
Janice and George
Friday 19th of November 2021
Yes, Bora Bora in the island nation of French Polynesia (an overseas "country" belonging to France) is definitely celeb-worthy!
Your best bet would probably be to talk with a travel agent.
The resort you're interested in may also be able to help you with flights -- they'll also know the latest entry rules (e.g., vaccinations, visas, etc.)
Crossing fingers you get there one day :-).
Jimmy
Thursday 15th of April 2021
Excellent post here! Thank you.
What would you recommend if these are important to us: 1) private enough to go topless, 2) organic grocery shopping nearby, 3) calm water for swimming, 4) feels secluded.
Small rooms are fine. Does not need to be luxurious, just clean. Need to go on the cheap side.
We live in The western United States, so I think Fiji and Tahiti are our best bets for overwater bungalows.
Janice and George
Saturday 17th of April 2021
Thanks for the kind commment on our blog!
Hmmm... Tahiti isn't cheap; it's just an expensive destination. But if you can swing it, it's very special.
On Bora Bora, for access to a grocery store, then you need to stay close to the main island - meaning Le Bora Bora (boat shuttle to the island), InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana or Maitai.
You can walk to the convenience store, Tiare Market, from both the IC Le Moana and Maitai (which are the only two resorts with overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island). Tiare Market has cheese, milk, crackers, yogurt, cereals, etc., and some fruits and veggies. Organic? Sorry, don't know :-). And these two resorts happen to be the two least expensive resorts with overwater bungalows too :-).
As for calm swimming water, depending on the weather gods, it can be windy and the water choppy sometimes. Regular trade winds blow from the south-east between May and October (strongest June to September); June to August is winter in Bora Bora. If you stay at the IC Le Moana or Maitai then, you're exposed to these trade winds if they're strong. The saving grace is that Matira Beach at the tip of the island (across the road from the IC Le Moana) faces west and is sheltered from these trade winds, so you can always go and hang out there.
Le Bora Bora is also on the windy side.
The InterContinental Thalasso is more protected from the wind, but it's more expensive.
Unfortunately, though, if the wind is strong, all resorts will be affected to some degree.
The overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji are beautiful and secluded, but they're not inexpensive. Strong winds are uncommon (most likely June to November).
I hope this helps a little :-).
Robert
Monday 9th of April 2018
Bora Bora is absolutely stunning! Your photos are beautiful :) My wife and I were in Fiji back in the late 80's. Hope to visit this tropical paradise in the very near future. Thanks for sharing this great post and inspiration!
Janice and George
Monday 9th of April 2018
We'd love to go back to Bora Bora too :-). And sleep in another overwater villa, of course... Sending you good wishes for when you visit!