Why stay on land when you can stay overwater? Whether a romantic love-nest for couples or a pirate-ship playground for families (NB not for tots!) treat yourselves to a few nights perched high on stilts over an azure lagoon, waking up each morning to the sound of the gentle waves beneath. Overwater villas can be found in all shapes and sizes, all over the world! Some have private pools, some have two bedrooms, some (almost all!) boast jaw-dropping views and some even have waterslides which take you whizzing from the top floor straight into the water below…. here is a guide to our top six!
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The Islands of Tahiti
If you are looking for quintessential Polynesian island paradise it doesn’t get much better than the Four Seasons Bora Bora. The overwater bungalow concept was born in Tahiti and therefore Bora Bora and the islands beyond boast some of the best villas and views in the world. From your room at Four Seasons, enjoy a private vista overlooking Mount Otemanu, the sparking turquoise lagoon or a stunningly white beach… the views are worth the flight ticket alone!
Soneva Jani, The Maldives
Sibling to Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani does the family proud. Each villa has it’s very own 13-meter private pool and some even have a water slide from the upper floor straight into the lagoon below! Relax in your private water villa and watch the roof retract for a once in a lifetime star-gazing experience.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
The stylish island of Likuliku (meaning ‘calm waters’ in local dialect) is home to Fiji’s very first and only overwater bungalow, or Bures as they are known there. This laid-back, adult-only hotel effortlessly captures the natural charm of Fiji.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
The overwater villas at the Rosewood Mayakoba, (located in Tulum?! on the east coast of Mexico), float graciously above the resorts water ways, giving stunning views of the lagoons and mangroves which twist and turn throughout the hotel. On arrival, enjoy the unique experience of stepping aboard a luxurious river boat, which will take you from reception, straight to your new abode – taking arriving in style to a whole new level…
Song Saa, Cambodia
The overwater villas are perched on stilts, with private decks from which you can step down into the turquoise waters of the gulf of Thailand. This paradise island boasts Cambodia’s only over-water villas and are certainly some of the best we have seen in the world. Each villa comes with a private pool, thatched roofs and oversized baths, all together creating the perfect island getaway after a busy Asian adventure.
Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Unique for Mauritius, which is known for it’s beachfront boltholes and private villas, Constance Prince Maurice is home to 11 stunning and unique overwater suites. Slightly different to the others in our collection, you cannot swim in the lagoon over which these rooms sit, purely because it is a natural fish reserve and home to a number of rare species! This doesn’t take anything away from the overwater charm though. We love the jungle-feel surrounds and the spacious private balcony – positioned perfectly to enjoy those stunning sunsets, G&T in-hand.
