You say: Honeymoon Suite. We say: Overwater Bungalow! What could be better than waking up to emerald-coloured ocean views, with the sound of water gently lapping beneath you?
We don’t need to tell you that the Maldives is teaming with some of the best overwater bungalows in the world. Or that Bora Bora has a few to choose from as well. From Cambodia to the Cook Islands, we’ve rounded up our favourite bungalows that may find their way into your honeymoon adventure.
Looking for paradise? Pangkor Laut Resort is so idyllic it was even declared ‘paradise’ by the late Pavarotti. If you want to see what the Italian opera singer was talking about, book yourself into this elegant five-star resort and retreat in some tropical luxury.
Positioned on the Straits of Malacca, just off the West Coast of Malaysia, Pangkor Laut Resort offers a choice of villas (all-high brow enough to be honeymoon suites) which are either set in the hills or positioned on stilts above the water.
As fabulous as it would be to wake up amidst a lush tropical garden, our suggestion is to opt for one of the overwater bungalows. Sea and Spa villas offer the novelty of being built on stilts and feature stunning outdoor balconies, wooden sliding doors, and super inviting outdoor decks to catch a postcard-worthy sunset from.
Die-hard foodies will be pleased to know there is the ‘Chef’s Kitchen Experience’ which starts with a visit to the neighbouring Pangkor Island’s fishery and noodle maker. Be guided through traditional Asian herbs, spices, and recipes, then learn how to cook and garnish the perfect meal.
Classic Polynesian luxury is undoubtedly an overwater villa. Perfect for couples, each villa at the Marriott Resort Momi Bay has its own balcony, leading straight out to the sapphire water. Free-standing bathtubs, huge TVs and even bigger beds fill out these decadent honeymoon suites.
Interiors feature open-plan spaces that take advantage of the stunning scenery. Traditional Fijian design is blended with timber and crisp, white colours to create a minimalist feel. There is good news for larger groups too – many of the deluxe rooms on the mainland can be interjoined to create larger suites.
Three on-site restaurants offer the best of local Fijian cuisine, in addition to international flavours. Make use of the paddle boards and snorkel gear to explore the surrounds, or relax at Quan Spa before enjoying the adults-only infinity pool.
We couldn’t list off a collective of overwater bungalows while leaving off the gravitational centre of French Polynesia. Bora Bora is less than an hour’s hop from Tahiti and has become synonymous with honeymoon suites floating over its lagoons.
While luxury hoteliers have already set a baseline with attentive service and elegant furnishings, the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort offers a comparative value for money without undermining this “once-in-a-lifetime” travel experience.
While luxury hoteliers have already set a baseline with attentive service and elegant furnishings, the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort offers a comparative value for money without undermining this “once-in-a-lifetime” travel experience.
New Caledonia is one of the Pacific’s most coveted destinations, so it comes as no surprise that L’Escapade Island Resort reflects the same amount of paradise the island has become known for. If you’re looking for a typical overwater bungalow stay, the ones offered here won’t disappoint.
Dotted in the Pacific, with high-pointed ceilings, a little like a series of majestic crowns floating in the ocean, these honeymoon suites are an experience of the senses.
Appreciate king-size beds, separate living rooms, and large windows which open out to uninterrupted ocean views. The aesthetic draws inspiration from a traditional New Caledonian style, featuring rattan-lined walls, soft blues, and splashes of salmon. Start the morning on your private deck, then step down a series of steps into the azure blue waters.
If you can’t get enough of the ocean, make use of the resort’s aquatic activities which range from snorkelling and stand-up paddling to jet skiing. Just a three-hour flight from Sydney, these are some of the most convenient overwater bungalows to add to an Australian honeymoon.
Ready to float down the River Kwai? At the Float House, you can do just that – well kind of. Lounge in your very own overwater bungalow, which is gracefully suspended over the flowing waters of the river. Situated amidst the tropical jungle and mountains of the Saiyoke Region, the 18 de facto honeymoon suites put serenity at the heart of the guest experience.
Villas are decked out in a style which is affectionately referred to as ‘Thai Folk’. Think bamboo and teakwood furnishings, overhanging sheer drapes, and soft blue and orange silks. While it may be tempting to lounge in your bungalow all day, we suggest making use of some of the outdoor activities on offer, including canoeing down the River Kwai.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the hotel’s open-air pontoon floating restaurant and bar. Recline on large wooden, cushioned lounges and dig into some delectable Thai and international fare. Heaven!
For an A-list kind of experience in Vietnam, nothing speaks more than a stay at Vinpearl. Exclusively set on the private Hon Tre Island, the resort offers 84 coastal villas and overwater massage huts that simply beckon a relaxing stay.
Our pick is to go for one of the beachfront villas, which all feature a private pool, a terrace, and picturesque gardens that seamlessly melt into the surrounding nature. This honeymoon destination is so luxurious, you even get a choice of bed pillows which are infused with various scents!
If you fancy the idea of cooling off in pristine still waters, head to the resort’s impressive blue-tiled pool which is encircled by swaying palms. Heat up on one of the sun lounges, then grab yourself a specially concocted drink from the Pool Bar.
If you fancy the idea of cooling off in pristine still waters, head to the resort’s impressive blue-tiled pool which is encircled by swaying palms. Heat up on one of the sun lounges, then grab yourself a specially concocted drink from the Pool Bar.
We’re going to let you in on one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets: The Cook Islands. Further, set your spyglass on the island of Aitutaki, where you’ll find the ‘oh-so-chic’ Aitutaki Lagoon Resort.
Proudly housing the Cook Islands’ only overwater bungalows, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is THE place to stay if you’re seeking a honeymoon for the books.
The thatched-roof bungalows are perched over the azure waters of the Muri Lagoon, and offer all the typical luxuries. Think rattan-lined walls, large sliding doors, and a blissful outdoor deck appointed with sun lounges and steps which lead directly down into the lagoon.
For some added pampering, head to the blissful SpaPolynesia Aitutaki, which offers various face and body treatments. Our pick is the Tama Coconut Scrub, which is referred to as a ‘tropical treat for your body’. Leave with your skin feeling refreshed and silky smooth, and your mind fully revived.
What’s better than staying in an overwater bungalow? Staying in an overwater bungalow on its own island of course! Song Saa Private Island is the brainchild of two Australians who arrived at the desolate island in Cambodia in 2005, and have since created a haven of relaxation and luxury. Keeping sustainability in full sight, the resort is built from local materials, by local hands, and uses repurposed furniture throughout.
The intimate resort offers 24 private pool villas, which boast linen-draped king-size beds, bathrooms with deep-soaking baths and rainfall showers, and fully stocked mini-bars. Beyond the villas, the resort also features a dreamy infinity pool, a private beach, and a range of aquatic sports including scuba diving, kayaking, and even speed boating for all those adrenaline junkies out there.
Come evening, head to Vista Bar & Restaurant, sit on one of the oversized beanbags, and dig into some local Khmer flavours. Bread is baked onsite and seafood is freshly caught by local fishermen. Prepare for a trip, much less a honeymoon, of a lifetime.