People often ask me about overwater bungalows, so I wanted to give an overview of some popular destinations to help travelers make a decision when considering the experience. The very first of these iconic accommodations were introduced in the Tahitian Islands in 1967, on Raiatea, by three Americans who had moved there, opened hotels, and wanted to give guests direct access to the lagoon. More were soon built in Moorea and Bora Bora, and they became so popular that similar structures began emerging worldwide.

For a number of reasons, the first place most people consider for an overwater bungalow getaway experience is either Bora Bora in French Polynesia or Maldives in the Indian Ocean. In this post i’m going to highlight multiple alternative locations to consider, including some that have shorter travel distances than you might expect. With Bora Bora being a 19-hour flight from Kansas City, many are unaware that there are several closer destinations where you can enjoy the popular accommodation.

United States

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Disney World in Florida showcase the first ever accommodation by Disney to sit atop water. This village resort is also known for hosting the largest Deluxe Studios at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Jamaica

Sandals Royal Caribbean

Situated in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean has both Private Island Butler Honeymoon Bungalows and Private Island Butler Villas with an Infinity Pool room category. Another unique feature at this resort is its exclusive offshore island, which has a private pool and Jacuzzi, dining experiences and entertainment.

Sandals South Coast

Heading south from Montego Bay to White House, another set of overwater bungalows await at Sandals South Coast. Included in the accommodations is an overwater bar and wedding chapel. If staying over the ocean isn’t quite your style, this property also has South Seas Village, where vacationers can stay in a first-of-its-kind Rondoval suite.

Mexico

El Dorado Maroma

It’s hard to believe overwater bungalows are accessible as nearby as Cancun. Located in the Mexican Caribbean, El Dorado Maroma invites guests to experience the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows. With features including glass bottom floors, indoor hot tubs and a butler service, it’s easy to see why travelers wouldn’t leave their bungalows often.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

Banyan Tree Mayakoba in an Asian-inspired hideaway in the heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya. Nestled within a private gated community and linked by canal waterways, this resort is surrounded by an arcadia of untouched nature in a carefully-maintained ecosystem.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Immerse in deep green mangroves and serene emerald lagoons. A journey to this most acclaimed Riviera Maya luxury resort captivates the soul with unimaginable tropical beauty and simple refinement.

Antigua

Royalton Antigua

Known for having one beach for every day of the year, it’s no surprise travelers venture to Antigua for the seaside experience. At Royalton Antigua, visitors can take their vacation to the next level by staying in one of the property’s Chairman Overwater Bungalows. Some of the many amenities include luxurious bathrobes, complimentary snorkeling equipment and an upgraded room service menu.

Saint Lucia

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Referred to as “The Hawaii of the Caribbean,” Saint Lucia lures travelers in with its lush rainforests and waterfalls existing alongside volcanic beaches. After an active day on the island, visitors staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian can continue to take in these tropical views from the comfort of an Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalow.

Aruba

Aruba Ocean Villas

The adults-only Aruba Ocean Villas is located in Savaneta, the historic old capital of Aruba, on the southwest coast of the island. The sustainable and locally owned boutique resort offers the only overwater villas in Aruba. Each of the property's 13 beaches & overwater villas has its own unique styling, including some with Jacuzzi tubs, open- air showers and dining areas.

Belize

Thatch Caye Resort

An All-Inclusive Private Island Resort in Belize offering overwater bungalows and island cabanas. Thatch Caye Resort sits on its own private island off the coast of Dangriga, Belize.

Casa Ventanas, Cayo Espanto

Casa Ventanas is at the end of a dock that stretches over 150 feet off the island for the ultimate experience in privacy. Surrounded on all sides by the beautiful, turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, Casa Ventanas is a picture perfect window into the exotic water world of Belize. Guests are often enchanted by all of the sea life swimming right past or under their bungalow. Cayo Espanto is also home to multiple other ocean front villas.

Panama

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is nestled in the serene waters off the coast of Panama, offering a unique escape into nature. This exclusive lodge is renowned for its eco-friendly overwater cabins that provide guests with direct access to the clear Caribbean sea, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The lodge emphasizes a connection with the natural surroundings, offering a tranquil retreat with breathtaking ocean views.

Laucala, Fiji

Laucala is a fairly large island of 3000 acres of green mountainous land and jungle forests surrounded by picture perfect white sand beaches. Amidst deep blue waters of the Pacific, the island presents a secluded paradise with 25 exclusive villas. This private island resort blends tropical living with luxurious amenities, offering guests a unique blend of natural beauty and refined comfort.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia remains one of the quintessential destinations for the bungalow experience, with resorts like Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resort and InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa setting the standard for an unforgettable stay in paradise. For a more comprehensive list of locations in French Polynesia worth considering, checkout these resorts offering overwater bungalows:

• Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resort
• InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
• InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa
• The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Polynesia
• Four Seasons Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
• Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea, French Polynesia

Maldives

The Maldives, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is famed for its luxurious overwater bungalows, offering unparalleled privacy, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Resorts like Riu Palace Maldives and One&Only Reethi Rah provide guests with exclusive access to pristine beaches and top-tier amenities. Here’s a list of resorts in Maldives offering overwater bungalows that are worth considering:

• Riu Palace Maldives
• One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
• Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives
• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
• JOALI, Muravandhoo Island Raa Atoll, Maldives
• Park Hyatt Maldives