Except for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, there are more overwater bungalows in the South Pacific Islands than anywhere else in the world. If you've seen photographs of wooden bungalows lined up over crystal-clear lagoon water, most likely they were in Bora Bora, which is home to most of the 5-star overwater bungalow resorts in the region.
There are also excellent exclusive South Pacific all-inclusive resorts featuring overwater bungalows in Moorea Island, which is very close to Tahiti, and two large resorts with these rooms on Tahiti itself. These luxurious resorts tend to be the easiest to reach and offer good value, but there are remote and romantic overwater resorts in other parts of the South Pacific as well.
A small resort with more land rooms than those situated over the lagoon, the Koro Sun Resort Fiji offers guests a relaxing stay with stunning views. Overwater rooms here wow with a private deck, a personal kayak for use during your stay, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a shower and tropical thatched roofs.
Guests will also find a spa, multiple dining options, lots of activities and added amenities that help to make your stay the best it can be. When booking your vacation, you’ll find that you can choose between a half board meal plan or one that’s full board. Those seeking a wedding venue will delight in knowing that a romantic getaway with a wedding by the sea is waiting for you here.
The very first, and currently only, South Pacific all-inclusive resort on the island of Fiji to offer overwater rooms, the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is a great choice for those who don’t mind staying in a bigger resort that also plays host to a large number of land rooms. Because the resort is so large, guests here will find plenty to do, both in the water and on land, making it ideal for all types of travelers, including those with children in tow. Though the resort does provide wedding facilities and offers a romantic vibe with each and every overwater room, it is best to be prepared for a run-in with kids every now and then during your stay.
The overwater rooms themselves offer amenities including a balcony, free-standing tub, a sofa, an oversized chair and an entertainment center complete with cable and premium movie channels. The rooms have been decorated in soft hues and island timbers, helping to keep a relaxing island vibe alive.
The only overwater bungalow resort on the remote Huahine Island, which is just southwest of Bora Bora, the Royal Huahine Resort is a moderately priced facility with 17 overwater bungalows that are all quite large and feature a Jacuzzi tub. The remoteness is part of the appeal here, and there isn’t an endless list of water sports available, but there are plenty of excursions and interesting things to see on this small island.
With only 41 rooms in total, this has a boutique resort feel, with a gorgeous location set in a scenic bay. Those looking for a moderately priced small and remote South Pacific resort for a honeymoon or romantic getaway should be quite happy here.
With an extremely remote location in French Polynesia, the overwater bungalows at the Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts don’t get many accidental visitors, but reaching the island is easy enough, and the remote location is a big part of the appeal of this exclusive resort for many. The 24 overwater bungalows here come in two sizes, with the largest ones being some of the largest in the region, and the smaller ones still being good-sized and offering great value.
There are many water sports and activities available, but this is more of a couples and honeymoon resort, especially popular with newlyweds. With only 36 rooms and a full-service 5-star spa on location, this is an ideal place for luxury travel to help you get away from it all.
Located just southwest of the often-forgotten island of New Caledonia (just east of Australia and north of New Zealand) is the L’Escapade Island Resort Noumea, which features 25 water villas plus 44 beach rooms. Its location so far from Tahiti makes it very popular with Australians and Kiwis, who can arrive on cheap direct flights, as well as Japanese package tourists, but it’s quite out of the way for everyone else.
Formerly called the Coral Palms Island Resort, this is a small and relaxed destination that offers good value, though doesn’t have a sterling reputation for fast or attentive service.
Located next door to the Holiday Inn Resort, the Warwick Port Vila also has a pleasant location on Erakor Lagoon. There are only 4 overwater bungalows here, and those are actually perched just off the shore of a small peninsula jutting out into the lagoon, so they aren’t the traditional style found in Bora Bora or Moorea.
With 142 total rooms, this is another large resort that caters to families and groups, and might not be ideal for honeymoon couples. There are all-inclusive meal plans available and prices are quite reasonable so this could be an ideal choice for those seeking an active holiday in the South Pacific Islands with overwater flare.
Formerly known as the Le Meridian Hotel and Palms Casino, the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu is undergoing major renovations in mid-2011 to update the whole facility. The 10 Overwater Lagoon Villas won’t be ready again until at least September 2011.
This is a large resort with a long list of available activities, nearly all of which are included free in the price. It’s also only a short ride to the main town of Port Vila so guests have many more options than just the single restaurant at many South Pacific resorts.
Featuring the only overwater rooms in Samoa, the Coconuts Beach Club impresses with 6 overwater bungalows. Each of the overwater bungalows offers an extensive view of the lagoon, from different angles in your suite, including the bathroom tub. The rooms themselves are also very big with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
This moderately priced 3-star resort is popular with Australians and Kiwis, partly for the boutique size, private beach and personalized service. Once you arrive there are many free activities and equipment available, as well as free beverages in the bungalow’s mini-bar. You can also choose to use the resort’s meal plan for an additional daily fee. If Samoa is convenient for you then Coconuts Beach Club is worth checking out.
While not your typical overwater South Pacific resort, the Aga Reef Resort is still a great choice for those seeking something in the lower price range. Here you’ll find 16 rooms to select from, some of which are situated partially over the lagoon, granting guests a back deck that extends out and over the water. Inside each room, you’ll find an entertainment center, air conditioning, a fridge, a coffee and tea area and a sitting area.
Outside of your room, you’ll find a resort restaurant, a spa offering two treatment rooms, a swimming pool and snorkeling right off of the beach. Nearby you’ll find flea markets, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and a few beautiful waterfalls. Because of its location, amenities and room features, you’ll find that this resort is often used by couples looking for a romantic escape or honeymoon resort.
Located in the Cook Islands, making it popular with those from New Zealand in particular, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa is a boutique resort featuring 8 overwater bungalows that are very large and well-appointed. This is one of the properties that closely associates itself with its South Pacific location, so the experience feels both authentic and paradise-like.
There is a long list of water sports and other activities, plus four restaurants and a full-service spa, so each guest in the 37-total bungalows and suites gets plenty of attention and has far more choices than you’d expect at such a small but exclusive resort.
Located on a tiny private island just off Taha’a, not far from Bora Bora, the Vahine Island Private Island Resort is one of the most intimate, luxurious resorts in the South Pacific Islands, featuring 3 overwater bungalows along with 6 other beach villas. Each overwater bungalow is large, and each features an aquarium table that allows guests to look directly into the lagoon below.
In spite of its small size, there are many activities available, including a long list of themed excursions. And while there is no dedicated spa at this resort, there are massages available in the rooms, so honeymoon couples can get pampered in luxury in a secluded paradise on their romantic getaway.
With a remote location near Fiji, the Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a 5-star hotel with 10 large overwater bungalows in addition to 35 beach villas and suites. Very popular with the honeymoon crowd, this resort is all about luxury, and the food is exceptional, but there are plenty of water sports and activities available for the active set.
The spa here is one of the finest out of all the South Pacific resorts, located up on a hill overlooking the lagoon. Those interested in Polynesian culture will be very welcome here, as this luxury resort carries that theme throughout.
PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF MARCH, 2015
Among the smallest and oldest overwater bungalow resorts in the South Pacific, the Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel is located on Raiatea Island, very close to La Taha’a and Bora Bora. The 9 overwater bungalows are the cheapest in the South Pacific, and among the cheapest in the world.
The diving near the resort is quite good, and its lone restaurant rarely disappoints, but otherwise, this is more or less a 2-star resort with limited facilities and “relaxed” service. The rooms themselves don’t come with air conditioning, though the ceiling fan should be enough for most people most times of the year.
PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF LATE 2012
Another extremely remote resort, the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort is located in the distant Manihi Atoll, which has a population of under 1,000 and its largest industry is pearl farming. While it does take a 90-minute flight from Tahiti, once landed you’ll be taken to the resort from the airport on a golf cart, so the travel time is shorter than many resorts in Bora Bora.
There are 19 overwater bungalows in this small resort, which is run by the reliable Pearl Resorts group. It offers good value and reasonable rates considering the features and activities available. It’s popular with honeymooners as well as families, but it’s small and private enough that both groups should feel comfortable.