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What are overwater bungalows?
Overwater bungalow at Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, as viewed on a 2007 site inspection.
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Visit the fishies without ever getting wet in Tahiti, the home of the overwater bungalow!
Overwater bungalows are self-contained units that sit - you guessed it - over water.
Supported by secure platforms and concrete
pillars, the bungalows usually offer luxurious, complete bathrooms for your comfort (and no, nothing ends up in the water
below!), and are connected to the main resort by
long plank walkways.
Guests of these rooms tend to enjoy unparalleled ocean views, lapping waves and a romantic setting you usually only
see in Hollywood films. Most overwater bungalows also provide a see-through section of the floor or coffee table so
you can watch the sea life below.
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In Bora Bora, some bungalow windows frame the striking Mt. Otemanu. If
you'd like to sit down on your own private porch and look out past the thatched roof frame to gaze at the
looming mountain, request to speak with a BigDay agent, who has visited the property and can reserve a bungalow with
that view.
History of over water bungalows in Tahiti
The overwater bungalow was invented in Tahiti during the 1960s by the Bali Hai Boys, who created Bali Hai Resort in Moorea.
The lagoon was so beautiful, they decided to extend the hotel into it and over-water bungalows were born. Today,
many of the upscale resorts in Tahiti offer honeymooners this unique experience.
Why stay at an overwater bungalow?
Less than a dozen countries around the world offer the opportunity to spend the night over water. Watch 'Tahitian TV' - otherwise
known as the vividly colorful reef fish and other wildlife below your glass floor and coffee table. Should you tire of your room,
you can snorkel right from your dock! And, as an added bonus, virtually all of the overwater bungalows
have air conditioning.
The canoe breakfast is another Tahitian treat, as locals in native dress paddle out your morning
coffee and meal while you sit and soak up the rays above.
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Bora Bora overwater bungalows at InterContinental Le Moana resort, taken on a 2007 site inspection.
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TheBigDay specialist David, who recently visited French
Polynesia, adds, "It's magical to see the twinkling night
stars around Bora Bora lagoon as you swim in the moonlight with your new spouse,
with manta rays and tropical fish around your bungalow."
Popular activities at and around an overwater bungalow
Interconnecting wooden walkways lead guests from their overwater bungalows to the activities held at the main resort and on
surrounding grounds.
Most resorts with over water bungalows include a restaurant or two (or more!), a pool, a spa and other facilities
that you'd typically expect from a beach resort.
Various island offerings
can include snorkeling, SCUBA diving, windsurfing, parasailing, golfing, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding,
water skiing, sport fishing, jet skiing, hiking, bicycle rental, shopping, and, of course, relaxing on the beach!
For more on Overwater Bungalows, check out our Overwater Bungalows Guide.
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