Close your eyes… imagine you are drifting off to sleep with a fresh, salty breeze and the sound of lapping waves right outside – or underneath- your bedroom. With the ocean just a few steps away from where you sleep, the overwater bungalow is undoubtedly the most romantic love nest for honeymooners and couples. The Islands of Tahiti are the original home of the exquisite water villa, first built by the famed ‘Bali Hai Boys’ on the islands of Moorea and Raiatea in 1967. Although they have been replicated across the world – often located in remote island locations like the Maldives, for us, Tahiti remains the go-to destination for a luxurious over water villa holiday. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the overwater bungalow, so to celebrate we have handpicked the most picturesque overwater hotels in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a & Raiatea and Rangiroa.
Even if you’re not planning to book a water bungalow holiday, consider these photos your daily dose of wanderlust…
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, the utterly sublime Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers the crème de la crème of overwater experiences. This is the only resort on Motu To’opua in Bora Bora, so you will be marooned in utmost seclusion on the crowning jewel of French Polynesia. A quintessential romantic sanctuary, the luxurious water villas are dotted along an elegant walkway out to the peaceful lagoon. Inside, the style is spacious yet contemporary complete with glass floor panels for sub-aqua gazing. Some even come with a plunge pool and catamaran-style hammock strung over the sapphire waters- the perfect sun-soaked chill area!
Our favourite room at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui: For a real wow factor and plenty of romance, indulge in on an overwater villa with a private pool.
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Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
Just a short hop from Papeete (your first port of call in the Islands of Tahiti), a stay in Moorea means you’ll be feeling the sand between your toes and the salt-kissed sea breeze on your face before you’ve had time to let the jet lag kick in! For the ultimate island-hopping Tahitian honeymoon, soak up the beauty and charm of Moorea before hitting the awe-inspiring scenery and sparkling allure of Bora Bora. Combine a 4-night stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and 5 nights at Conrad Bora Bora Nui from £4,295pp including one free night and a 35% saving with our fabulous Turquoise offer.
Our favourite room at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort: Overwater Bungalow number 96 and 98 have no other rooms directly in front, so you can enjoy the most spectacular and uninterrupted lagoon view.
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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Bora Bora isn’t short of beautiful properties, but if you are looking for quintessential overwater paradise it doesn’t get much better than the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Taking full advantage of its magnificent setting on a private Motu (islet) in Bora Bora’s infinite turquoise lagoon, the vistas from Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora are simply breathtaking. Sip on a sundowner and gaze out from your deck towards the mystical peaks of the icon Mount Otemanu. We’d forgive you for thinking you have found your very own heaven on earth…
Our favourite room at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Overwater Bungalow Suite with Mountain View (which you can see from your bath!)
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Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa
Honeymooners and romantic couples in search of hedonism and beauty have long headed for beautiful Tahiti – but the lesser-known island of Taha’a, just a stone’s throw from legendary Bora Bora, is all too often overlooked. Famous for its vanilla plantations and black pearl farms, Taha’a is intimate, idyllic and wonderfully unspoilt. Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa lies on a Motu (islet) in the Taha’a lagoon and is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of hotels. Inspired by traditional Tahitian architecture, the overwater suites are exquisitely Polynesian and irresistibly romantic!
Our favourite room at the Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa: Sunset Overwater Suites have the best view to watch the sun melting into the lagoon.
EXCLUSIVE TURQUOISE OFFER: Make the most of our incredible 50% saving exclusively for Turquoise guests and stay for 7 nights at Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa from £3,495pp.
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Hotel Kia Ora Rangiroa
The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa is located between two bodies of water– the Moana-tea, or the Peaceful Ocean, and Moana-uri, the Wild Ocean. Dotted along a stretch of pearlescent white sand on the north side of Rangiroa’s vast lagoon, Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa boasts elegance and refinement, resting in perfect harmony with the natural environment. All of the overwater bungalows are positioned in the most enviable of spots with far-reaching views across the expansive horizons.
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If your idea of a dream honeymoon is a chance to unwind, we suggest getting as close to a body of water as possible—and trust us when we say these overwater bungalows will ensure a quick transition to island time…
