15 Of The Best Overwater Bungalows In The World

If staying above crystal-blue waters surrounding a villa in the Indian Ocean sounds like your thing, look no further. Even the spa is set over water. The Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a short, 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé, the Maldives' capital.

A holiday there is a tropical vacation of a lifetime. Chic overwater bungalows stretch out over the lagoon, with the summits of Otemanu and Pahia rising up in the distance. With white sand and turquoise waters all around you, leaving this beautiful island will be difficult.

Lodgings at Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji are called bures, which in Fijian means cabin. But the thatched-roof bungalows are much more than that. Floating above gin-clear waters, you can only get there by catamaran, private speedboat, seaplane, or helicopter to a private helipad. 

You'll be sad to go even after a week on this majestically beautiful private island resort. Relaxing, intimate, and charming, this is where you can literally step into the ocean from your private balcony. You can watch the sunset from your own pool, too.

The hotel is built on stilts over Lake Neuchâtel. If you ever get tired of looking at the surreal sunset each day, you can go on winery tours, sail on the lake, and even hike. The 40 private bungalows have accommodations with lake views, private terraces, and plenty of luxury amenities such as direct access to the glittering waters of the lake.

This is an eco-resort, entirely solar powered and close to the city of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean. Some of the bungalows are set over an inland creek but others are out near the beach. You get to enjoy 100 acres of beaches, lagoons, and lavish gardens. Guests love the canopy beds and hand-painted tiles. Lots of marine life exists there as well – from pelicans to frigates and sea turtles that you can view up close.

The fairytale like Flamingo Bay Water Lodge is situated in a lovely tropical tidal estuary along the Inhambane coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. It's a preferred location for newlyweds and others who want a stylish but eco-friendly escape. All villas, which have their own private deck, face west so you never miss a sunset.

At Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, you will be suspended above the crystal-clear lagoon with exquisite views of the lush Vanilla Island. The resort is very secluded because it's on a small islet off Le Taha'a Island. The bungalows are quite spacious and the views vary with the price. From the lagoons to reefs and the startling sunsets, there is plenty of sights to decorate the sky.

The resort is quiet and remote, literally nestled among unpopulated islands. The overwater cabanas have hammocks and steps leading right into the water, allowing for the experience of snorkeling off your private deck. Misool Eco Resort is an exclusive dive resort. The center, also built on stilts, offers three dives a day.

The 60 overwater bungalows are stilted over a tranquil lagoon, next to clean sandy beaches and towering palms. All cabins have private decks with views that stretch for miles. You can go night diving to see whale sharks and dolphins. The sales pitch is: This is a "truly breathtaking island with plenty of secluded sandbanks where paradise seekers escaping from the pressures of daily modern life can forget the outside world and let go of all inhibitions."

People head here to find privacy. The resort is off the Panama's Isla Colon, and each bungalow has stairs leading straight to the Caribbean, wraparound terraces, and thatch roofs. Snorkeling and kayaking the long coral reef are some of the more adventurous options.

The Eco-Sanctuary Island, Lagen in El Nido, is nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and a calm, shallow lagoon, an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday in a private and tranquil island. People can kayak to caves, hike through a rainforest and snorkel under their overwater villas. The private sun decks make sunbathing and stargazing an especially pleasant activity.

The sales pitch of the Thatch Caye Resort includes private decks, air conditioning, a natural salt water swimming pool, and hammocks everywhere. Each overwater bungalow has 180 degree views. You can see distant islands and clear blue water for miles. The villas also have private patios with hammocks so you can fully enjoy the island breeze.

The bungalows are spread over acres of beach and jungle that are linked by lagoons. Each suite is crafted from materials such as limestone, wood, and water to enhance harmony with natural surroundings. The villas have private decks, a plunge pool, and an outdoor shower. Activities include diving, horseback riding, kayaking, and golfing.

The bungalows are built high amid the hills, nestled within lush gardens or resting on stilts above the island's tropical waters. The water looks a bit green because of the rich vegetation. The verandas with sun loungers are huge and the bathtubs have seaside views.