Secrets for the Best Overwater Bungalow Trip: 6 Essential Tips

daria@journeysofalifetime
Sep 4
7 min read

Updated: Sep 16

*Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa*

One of my very favorite things to do is curate bucket list trips. I love helping clients fulfill their travel dreams. An overwater bungalow is high on many of my clients' lists, so I compiled this guide to help you sort through the options!

Overwater accommodations can come with all sorts of features (private infinity pools, butler service, glass floors, private terraces and more). They are located all over the world, from French Polynesia and the Maldives to Panama and Belize. They also cater to all sorts of interests (sustainability, adventure, wellness and more) and groups (couples, families, friends, multigenerational travelers).

But with so many options, how do you choose?

That's where my expertise comes in—I'll interview you about your travel style, preferences, and must-haves to match you with the ideal overwater experience. For most of these trips, I have access to package rates on your airfare, resort, and transportation, so it is a better value working with me than trying to go it alone. I also take care of all the details (like hotels, transportation, tours, activities, private chefs, restaurants, celebrations) so you have nothing to do but look forward to your trip.

Here are my tips:

What Do You Want at Your Overwater Bungalow Resort?

I ask my clients what features are important to them in a resort, because there is a lot of variation.

Some amenities vary by property and room type: glass floors (allow you to watch tropical fish and marine life from your living room), floor-to-ceiling windows, private infinity pools, unique dining experiences (from overwater restaurants where you can watch sharks swim beneath the glass floor to underwater dining rooms surrounded by coral reefs). Some properties offer all-inclusive packages, while others provide personal butlers and customized experiences. Many resorts are very devoted to sustainability.

I find out what is important to you and give you choices that match what you are looking for.

What Type of Activities Interest You?

I help choose the right property for you based on your interests.

For example, in some locations you can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling, with some resorts offering direct access to pristine coral reefs. Locations like Belize provide easy access to the world's second-largest barrier reef, while resorts in the Maldives often feature reefs teeming with tropical fish right on the property.

Many overwater destinations provide opportunities to encounter wildlife and experience local cultures. Panama properties offer hiking through rainforests filled with sloths and tropical birds, while Belize provides access to ancient Mayan ruins.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and more, often with equipment and instruction provided by the resort.

Wellness-focused travelers can choose properties featuring spas and fitness centers with ocean views, and overwater meditation spaces.

Who Are You Traveling With?

I will help choose the right overwater bungalow resort for you based on who you are traveling with because they aren't one-size-fits-all.

Some properties cater specifically to adults seeking romantic retreats, while others welcome families with specialized kids' programs and educational activities.

Groups can find accommodations with connecting villas or large residences that sleep multiple families.

I can even do buy outs for 10 - 20 people per island and take care of all of the details including private boat charters, maid and butler service, private chefs, food and beverage, water toys and activities. These can be perfect for multi-generational groups, bachelor parties, groups of friends, wellness buddies, diving pals, honeymoons or anniversary trips, and much more!

4. Where & When to Go, How to Get There, and More

Choosing the right resort involves numerous considerations beyond just picking a beautiful property. Ease of travel varies dramatically based on what coast you live on and how far you want to go—Panama and Belize require relatively short flights from some parts of the US, while there are direct flights from Los Angeles to French Polynesia.

The Maldives and Southeast Asian destinations typically require multiple connections and longer journeys.

Seasonal weather patterns, peak tourism periods, and local events all impact the optimal timing for your visit. Some destinations have distinct wet and dry seasons, while others maintain relatively consistent weather year-round.

Booking considerations include ensuring you reserve actual overwater accommodations (some properties have both overwater and beachfront options), understanding what's included in rates versus additional costs, and planning for special occasions or group needs.

These complexities are where my expertise becomes invaluable. I stay current on all of these factors and take them into consideration when I recommend the perfect property and timing for your situation.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui. — *Conrad Bora Bora Nui*.

5. Design & Ambiance: What is Your Style?

Another consideration is the vibe you want. Overwater bungalows range from traditional Polynesian charm to ultra-modern sophistication.

Properties like Le Bora Bora and the Four Seasons Bora Bora maintain authentic Polynesian architecture with thatched roofs and natural materials, while resorts like the Westin Bora Bora embrace contemporary design with sleek lines.

Increasingly, travelers seek sustainable options and there are lots of choices. Some of my favorites are Kudadoo (fully solar-powered), Bawah Reserve (built with recycled materials), and Nayara Bocas del Toro (a complete off–the-grid operation).

Your design preference often correlates with the overall experience you're seeking, which is why my consultation process explores not just what you want to do, but how you want to feel during your stay.

6. Best Destinations for Overwater Bungalow Vacations

Here are some of the best destinations in the world offering overwater bungalow experiences:

The Classics: French Polynesia

No discussion of overwater bungalows is complete without French Polynesia (which includes Tahiti and Bora Bora), where it all began. Bora Bora remains the gold standard with properties like the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offering overwater bungalows designed to resemble a traditional Polynesian village. The most luxurious option spans 1,576 square feet with views of both the lagoon and iconic Mount Otemanu (seen in the distance above).

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort showcases the largest overwater accommodations in the South Seas, featuring exotic woods and handcrafted Polynesian art across 44 acres of pristine landscape.

On Moorea, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort offers an easier-to-reach Tahitian experience with glass floor panels providing direct views of the marine world below. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa features a famous overwater restaurant and bar called Toatea Crêperie & Bar, where guests can watch sharks swim under the pontoon while enjoying sunset cocktails.

I am intimately familiar with all of the best properties throughout French Polynesia. Each has unique characteristics and specialties. The key is matching you with the right island, resort style, and experience based on your preferences. Contact me to start planning!

Exotic & Remote: Indian Ocean, Asia & Beyond

The Maldives has become synonymous with overwater luxury, offering some of the world's most spectacular floating accommodations.

Anantara Kihavah sits on a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 80 beach and overwater pool villas, the Maldives' only overwater observatory and award-winning underwater dining. COMO Cocoa Island features private pools for their water villas and has created spaces that feel more like a Hamptons beach house than a traditional Maldives property.

For ultra-modern luxury, combined with thatched roofs, The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers overwater villas equipped with private pools, sundecks, spa treatment rooms, rotating beds, and outdoor bath pavilions spread across two islands. The most renowned and unique feature at this resort is a two-level residence featuring a master bedroom located 16 feet underwater in the Indian Ocean, making it the world's first undersea hotel suite. Become an inhabitant of ocean life in this architectural marvel with above and under the sea sleeping, dining, and lounging enclosed by glass walls and ceilings offering close encounters with rare marine wildlife.

W Maldives is more traditional with thatched roofs outside and modern luxuries inside the bungalows. It is located on a secluded private island featuring overwater bungalows with private plunge pools, sundecks, and service they call “whatever you want, whenever you want it.”

Southeast Asia offers unique overwater experiences. Bawah Reserve in Indonesia's Anambas Islands provides sustainable luxury with overwater bungalows made from recycled materials, while Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia operates within a marine reserve, focusing heavily on conservation and marine life preservation.

These represent just a sampling of the exotic overwater options available. I maintain relationships with properties throughout the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and even unique locations like the mangrove-surrounded Mandina Lodges in Gambia's River tributary.

The Americas

For those seeking overwater luxury without extensive travel, Panama offers exceptional options. Nayara Bocas del Toro provides an all-inclusive, adults-only experience on a private island with 16 overwater villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and glass floors for watching marine life. The resort is entirely off-grid and solar-powered. Guests can snorkel right from their villas, explore nearby rainforests filled with sloths and tropical birds, or take guided night swims with bioluminescent plankton. I get my clients package deals on this resort (airfare/resort /transportation) for a better value and ease of travel.

Belize presents another nearby option with properties featuring overwater bungalows along with world-class scuba diving access to the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest in the world—plus opportunities to explore Mayan ruins and experience rich cultural history.

These represent just a few of the closer-to-home options I can recommend. There are additional overwater properties throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America that might be perfect matches depending on your interests and travel style.

Contact me for more information and I recommend the best choice for you!

Contact Me to Plan Your Next Adventure

The key to realizing your overwater fantasy is finding the right match among hundreds of options across dozens of destinations. That's where my personalized approach makes all the difference. I'll learn about your travel style, must-have amenities, preferred activities, and group needs to recommend the ideal overwater experience—one that exceeds your expectations and creates memories to last a lifetime.

Ready to start planning your overwater bungalow adventure? Contact me today to begin the consultation process. Together, we'll find your perfect floating paradise!

—Daria Dimitroff, September 2025

Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke luxury vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.

Booking through me is better than reserving on your own because I’m an expert. I do this every day and have local contacts all over the world. I provide a stress-free experience and save you time. I give you personalized advice. I get you a better value, including perks. I have clout and connections. I customize your trip, and I’m a real human who delivers exceptional service and takes care of you before, during, and after your journey.