To discover some of our favourite overwater bungalows around the world read on!
When it comes to island getaways, nothing takes a notch like a stilt bungalow. They're ideal because they're secluded, romantic and endlessly luxurious. In fact, they've become a resort staple in top luxury destinations like the Maldives, Bora Bora and Fiji. What's more, even for those who care about nature, there are bungalows that respect the environment. So don't worry about the ocean around you. In fact, all are built with sustainability and nature in mind.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Moorea is a lesser-known island in French Polynesia than Bora Bora. But the island is equally impressive for its clear waters and mountainous backdrops. The resort is located on the northern shores of Moorea. The Hilton's overwater bungalows allow you to jump straight into the ocean from your balcony. As a general rule, the price of these properties in Moorea is considerably lower than hotels in Bora Bora and the Maldives.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
These properties are located along a small islet or motu. The bungalows on stilts at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora rise above the island's turquoise waters. What's more, they offer panoramic views of the prodigious Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. The interiors are sober, inspired by the natural style of traditional Polynesian villages. What's more, they all have indoor-outdoor areas with ladders down to the lagoon. You can also choose between different views; beach, lagoon or, the one we think is the best, the mountains.
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Sustainability is at the heart of the only luxury resort on the remote atoll of Laamu in the Maldives. Local materials were used to build the three-storey villas on stilts. This is how these properties generate income for the neighbouring island communities. You can also take a guided entuba diving tour of the reef. Your guide will be one of the island's marine biologists. They work tirelessly to enhance and conserve the resort's reef and the surrounding area. In fact, these coral reefs are fragile and in danger from unconscious tourism. Next, enjoy a meal based on produce grown in the island's organic gardens and seafood freshly caught by local fishermen. Finally, treat yourself to one of the many treatments at the Six Senses spa overlooking the ocean.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Maldives
We love Niyama's discreet overwater bungalows. Indeed, each has a partial open-air shower, private pool and terrace with stairs leading directly to the lagoon below. But what's even more interesting is all the activities to be enjoyed on land and water around these twin islands. In particular, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, cycling and yoga. Niyama is also perfect for family holidays. The resort devotes a large part of the island to the enjoyment of little ones.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
There are vast and extravagant private islands, then there's Bawah, which resides in a league of its own. This Indonesian paradise comprises six islands, three blue lagoons and 13 white sand beaches in the heart of the remote Anambas archipelago. The latter is only accessible by seaplane. Admire the natural splendour from the comfort of a dreamy, rustic chic bungalow on stilts. Balconies have staircases leading down to the shallows, rich in marine life. Come here for spectacular sunsets, treetop dining, Indonesian jungle treks and island hopping in clear kayaks.
Laucala Island, Fiji
You can have the ultimate Fijian private island experience in one of 25 glamorous thatched bungalows on Laucala Island. But there's something special about the stilt villa - a 3,000-square-foot property on 2 levels, where the ocean is visible from almost everywhere and a private pool is carved into the surrounding natural rocks. What's more, the island boasts the highest guest-to-staff ratio of any resort in the world (16 people per villa). So expect the very best in private island cocooning.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Maldives
This Maldives resort is exactly what stilt dreams are made of. Kihavah is situated off a beautiful sandy island in the Baa Atoll. It has been officially designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. This is for its magnificent coral reefs and prolific marine life. The thatched-roof bungalows all have top-of-the-range facilities such as glass-bottomed baths, swings and hammocks on stilts. Of course, you may never want to leave your villa, but it's impossible to resist the resort's stilt spa, astronomy-themed rooftop bar (with the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean) and underwater restaurant.
Song Saa private island, Cambodia
In the Cambodian archipelago of Koh Rong, 24km south of the mainland city of Sihanoukville, this private island resort is home to nine glamorous, no-frills overwater bungalows (and 18 island villas). Perfect the art of doing nothing from your private pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. If you're feeling ambitious, cross the footbridge to the neighbouring island of Koh Bong, where you can go hiking and discover birds and other wildlife.
Brando Suites Bora Bora at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
A seaside retreat? The Brando has everything you could want in an ultra-luxury South Pacific retreat - except a proper bungalow on stilts. To fill this gap, the hotel has introduced four Brando suites on stilts at its partner, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Each suite imitates the elegant design of the Brando villas. The floors and walls are made of miki miki wood. The roof is made of pandan leaves. while housing the largest pools on stilts in French Polynesia. Can't decide where to stay? Special packages allow guests to split their time between the two properties.