Overwater Bungalow Honeymoons
When you’re dreaming of an idyllic honeymoon resort, your romantic retreat from the rest of the world, does an over the water bungalow perched above the turquoise ocean sound like your idea of paradise? If so, you’re not alone; staying in an overwater bungalow on your honeymoon is incredibly popular with loved-up couples and if you’re headed on a tropical holiday, they’re practically a honeymoon staple.
Set on stilts above the ocean and linked by raised walkways to the mainland, overwater bungalows offer privacy, great views and the fantastic experience of stepping straight down from your terrace into the water. Everything about them whispers ‘tropical paradise’ – after all, you’d never find them in the UK and if you did, you’d hardly want to stay in one. So, where do you find these idyllic rooms? A honeymoon in the Maldives or the South Pacific, which are the two hottest destinations for overwater bungalows, will also offer a mix of traditional beach rooms and suites as well. However, do not discount a honeymoon in Indonesia, a honeymoon in Malaysia, a honeymoon in Cambodia as these destinations also offer this sought after overwater experience!
The downside of these stilted suites is that by-and-large they are more expensive than land-based rooms. This has nothing necessarily to do with size or amenities, just their position and the novelty of ‘living’ above the water. Beach lovers may also miss the feel of sand between their toes as they step out their front door or the chance to lounge in a hammock directly on their porch. And, for safety reasons, they’re also not advised for couples bringing a baby or small child on honeymoon with them.
If your heart is set on a honeymoon on stilts, but your budget won’t permit two weeks of over water living, you could always split your stay. Book a beach room for the majority of your stay and an overwater bungalow for three or four special days at the end of your trip. This gives you the best of both worlds and hopefully spares a few pennies in the process.
Don’t forget to check out the details of our Honeymoon gift list service, which allows friends and family to contribute towards travel experiences as well as the more traditional gift list items, all in one place. A complimentary service for all Turquoise honeymoon couples and looked after by a full time team, it’s just one of the ways we can ensure your dream honeymoon, becomes a reality.
Where you can find Overwater Bungalows
Our top resorts with Overwater Bungalows
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Soneva Jani is one of the Maldives’ most iconic resorts, set within a breathtaking lagoon of crystal clear waters and uninterrupted ocean views in the Noonu Atoll.
Pangkor Laut Resort
Over 2 million years in the making, this renowned resort sits within a landscape of ancient forests where the trees are as old as the land itself, where sweeping bays are deserted and quiet but for the cry of the macaque monkeys. It is home to Emerald Bay, an unspoilt crescent of sand hugged by the tangle of tropical jungle. This beach is regularly voted as one of the best in the world and it is easy to see why. Only a tiny fraction of the island’s 300 acres has been developed and the resort blends effortlessly into its jungle surrounds – Mother Nature herself could have been the architect! The resort is expansive, however, the clever design means it’s not difficult to find your own perfect piece of paradise.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, with uninterrupted views of the lagoon meeting the protective outer reef, this luxurious retreat nestles along a beautiful white sand beach, with magical sunsets that never fail to impress.
Vahine Island
Vahine Private Island hugs the white sands and coconut groves of Motu Tu Vahine (Island of the Woman) at the edge of Taha'a's aquamarine lagoon. This is an intimate hideaway for only a handful of guests, and a member of the esteemed ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ collection.
Cauayan Island Resort, El Nido
Voted one of the most beautiful places on the planet, any resort located in incredible Palawan can't fail to impress. Surrounded by beauty, with awe-inspiring limestone cliffs and unspoilt jungle, El Nido really is a must stop on any visit to the Philippines. Cauyan Island Resort, a four star hideaway, is tucked away within one of the picture perfect coves, with a small but sublime beach and a charming local style - totally in tune with its environment. Accessible with flights into El Nido airport from Boracay, Manila and Cebu, the island team will collect you on arrival for your short boat ride through islands to the resort.
Bawah Reserve
Barely visible on a map, Bawah Reserve is a true Robinson Crusoe Hideaway, an almost Maldivian style scattering of islands located somewhere in the middle of the South China Sea between Mainland Malaysia and the island...
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Taking full advantage of its magnificent setting on a private motu (islet) in Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, the views from Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora are simply breathtaking.
Constance Moofushi, Maldives
If you've often wondered where Robinson Crusoe would stay if he ever did 'luxury', your answer is Constance Moofushi Hotel and Resort. Located on Barefoot Island, chic oozes from the resort's every speck of sand, whose fabulously laid-back vibes are completely in tune with its idyllic location.
Gili Lankanfushi
Offering the ultimate in understated Maldivian luxury, this acclaimed hideaway has been wooing honeymooners and those with a yearning to discover their inner Robinson Crusoe for years. For sheer romance, Gili Lankanfushi is hard to beat.
Niyama Private Islands
Niyama Private Islands definitely tops the cool list! It offers a cutting edge take on the traditional Maldivian experience and with trend-setting twin islands, Play and Chill, you can double your pleasure too!
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
In the virtually uncharted territory of the Laamu Atoll, this stunningly understated resort is hidden deep in the Indian Ocean towards the far southern reaches of the Maldivian archipelago.
Niva Velassaru Maldives
This beautiful island blends minimalist, contemporary chic with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Niva Velassaru Maldives, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers sophisticated and affordable luxury accommodation.
FAQ
As their very name implies, overwater bungalows are one-storey buildings perched over the water, usually on stilts. They're usually connected to a main boardwalk which links the bungalows to the mainland or island resort they're part of. They might also be called water villas, a term which has been adopted for larger overwater accommodation suitable for families or rooms with more than one storey.
Yes they are. The phrase honeymoon hut is more of a nickname for the overwater bungalow, as over the years they've become most associated with honeymooners.
There are so many! Bora Bora in The Islands of Tahiti is most commonly associated with honeymoons and somewhere like Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora occupies one of its most magnificent settings. Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa twins beautiful scenery with the delicate scent of vanilla, while the wonderfully named Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a gorgeously romantic option in Fiji. In the Maldives, we highly recommend resorts like Velassaru, Gili Lankfushi and Six Senses Laamu, or if you'd prefer to honeymoon in Asia, Bawah in Indonesia, Song Saa in Cambodia and Pangkor Laut in Malaysia are both stunning.
You're referring to Soneva Jani! The slides take you directly into the beautiful turquoise lagoon beneath your overwater bungalow and they definitely add a sense of fun to your stunning location.
The incredible Bawah Reserve in Indonesia, also has a residence with a slide into an over water pool with decking area, at the Elang Private Residence.
It depends on where you're planning to go on your honeymoon. However, in most cases the answer is yes. The Islands of Tahiti is the exception to the rule, with no all-inclusive resorts across any of its islands. Unless you're planning to eat and drink a lot, we'd advise considering going on a half board basis if you want to honeymoon here, especially if you have a tighter budget.
We definitely think so! Granted, they are at a more premium price point compared to the beachfront options you can also get at most resorts, but we believe the extra cost is absolutely worth it. They're completely different to anywhere else you would have stayed before – where else will you have a transparent floor you can look through and watch the tropical marine life beneath? Your honeymoon is meant to be the most special holiday of your life and a stay in an overwater bungalow is one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll ever have. If you have a strict budget but still want to try and squeeze in a stay in an overwater bungalow, consider splitting your time between the beach and overwater, as this will bring the cost of your honeymoon down.
Speak to our Tailor Made Specialists
Stuart Matthews
Tailormade Specialist
Sophie Barton
Travel Specialist
Nick Prentice
Senior Travel Specialist
Martha McHugh
Senior Travel Specialist
Lyndsey Newton
Senior Travel Specialist
Lucy Barry
Travel Specialist
Lottie Supple
Travel Specialist
Lara Cowtan
Head of Sales
Katie Owen
Travel Specialist
Your Perfect Stay Awaits
Don’t just dream about waking up over the ocean. Start planning your perfect overwater stay and create memories you’ll always treasure.