8 ultimate overwater bungalows
Tahiti Tourisme is celebrating 50 years of overwater bungalows, and to celebrate, we’ve dug through the archives back to one of our Travel Weekly magazine features.
We profiled seven of the most divine, over-the-water accommodation that helped put the Islands of Tahiti on the map.
In 1967, Tahiti became the first destination in the world to take accommodation above water, and 50 years on, there’s not almost 900 overwater suites across eight of Tahiti’s 118 islands.
Sip on a mojito and scroll through the the holy grail of Tahitian accommodation, from the luxe to the won’t-break-the-bank selections:
1. Le Meridien Tahiti
Luxury meets tradition with these overwater bungalows, featuring thatched roofs, woven palm walls and a Polynesian inspired bathroom. The rooms boast open views of the coral gardens filled with fish and marine life.
The bungalow has a cosy ambience and simple decor, with unparalleled views from windows in every room. The interior has a smooth timber theme, from the floors and the cabinets to the shutter blinds in the bathroom, making it more retro than radical.
This overwater treat will set you back around $690 per night.
2. InterContinental Tahiti Resort
Woven walls are part of the uniform of Tahitian overwater bungalows, but the InterContinental gives it a sophisticated twist.
Tall beige walls and a pyramid style roof give the impression of greater space, while dark wooden timber frames the doorways and bedheads for a dash of elegance.
Large private balconies offer exceptional views of the sapphire ocean, and are the ideal place to soak up the sunset and sip on a cocktail. Isolated from the rest of the hotel, and with steps into the deep water, the InterContinental certainly delivers.
An overnight stay in this bungalow will cost around $720.
3. Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
The spacious, luxe bungalows at Le Taha’a offer a sublime fusion of opulence and island style. Suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon and with exquisite views of the lush Vanilla Island, the bungalows are more than just bedrooms.
The old-fashioned timber decor is excused once you spot the enormous bed in the centre of the room, while the petite bathroom – with his and her basins – hides behind sliding doors just beyond.
The bamboo-stick embellished, wrap-around deck offers unsurpassed views of the lagoon’s kaleidoscope of blues, with a ladder dropping down into the ocean.
One night here will set you back $823.
4. Sofitel Ora Moorea
These overwater bungalows will feel diminuitive compared to the jagged green mountaintops that overshadow this resort, but once inside, the 52 square metre luxury overwater bungalow will feel more like a second home.
A king-size bed is draped in sheer material that slinks down from the high ceilings, while the dark cedar floors reveal a glimpse
of the ocean beneath through a large glass panel in the centre of the room.
The private terrace allows guests to admire the glimmering waterscapes from sun lounges, while the bathroom features stone-tiled rainfall showers and a deluxe bath.
If you want to rest your head here, it’ll cost you $946 per night.
5. Bora Bora Hilton Nui Resort & Spa
Upgrade to a bungalow with decor from this decade, and experience the elegance that the Hilton provides. A decadent four-poster bed leads into a spacious separate lounge in this 95 square metre chamber of opulence.
Polished wooden panel walls and glossy floorboards give a modern feel, with glass floor viewing panels providing a prime position to watch marine life play. The Italian marble bathroom with a deluxe bath overlooking the sparkling water makes for the ultimate luxurious touch.
Enjoy this bungalow for just over $1000 per night.
6. St Regis Bora Bora Resort
The Premier Overwater Villa at St Regis takes the word luxury and gives it a completely new meaning. A four-poster king sized bed draped in satin, glass floor lagoon-viewing panels and an enormous living space barely begin to illustrate the charm that oozes from this bungalow.
The panoramic terrace features a private swimming platform and spa, while the colossal bathroom includes his and her basins and a sunken bath that rests against a floor-to-ceiling window with views of the shimmering water.
A personal butler service is the final check on the extravagance list, with this villa priced from $2628 per night.
7. Four Seasons Bora Bora
Four Seasons may be one of many overwater bungalows scattered across Bora Bora, but it is clearly the gold standard.
Sink into your private plunge pool and soak up the sparkling sunset, or bask in the sunshine on a daybed at the end of your private terrace, where a ladder provides direct access to the lagoon.
An expansive living area is ideal for entertaining, but when it’s time to escape, a free standing, oval bath in a bathroom that leads out to the terrace is a blissful remedy. And with glass floor panels scattered throughout the rooms, you’re reminded that this furthermost bungalow along the boardwalk really is the quintessential retreat.
The hefty price befitting such luxury reaches $4542 per night.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Bonza hires restructuring advisory amid turbulence at Miami-based owner 777 Partners
Regional airline Bonza facing some headwinds as restructuring advisory KordaMentha is called in.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.