From these, guests can slip right into the crystal-clear waters from a private deck, or peer through glass floor panels that give a direct view of the underwater world beneath. Youll also want to note that this particular resort allows dogs on-site, meaning that your four legged family member can vacation alongside you. Off Panamas east coast on Colon Island, the palm-roofed cabins at Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge sit on stilts over an aquamarine stretch of the Caribbean Sea. The treatment, using water at varying temperatures to address ailments, appeared in ancient Egypt, China, and India. Less of a hot summer holiday, the resort at Manshausen Island in Norway has their own version of the overwater villa. Then head to Devon which has some overwater huts too. However, if you want to just book the overwater bungalows, they cost as little as 83 a night, working out to around 41 each. Those of you who are looking for a more exotic accommodation experience can opt for the Maldivian Houses, which are overwater villas on stilts at a designated space in one of the hotels outdoor pools. Or head to Greece, as the Stella Island resort in Crete has its own overwater bungalows. With an idyllic location in Hurghada, Egypt, Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, also known as the Little Venice of the Red Sea, is an experience in and of itself. 15 Overwater Bungalows to Book in 2023 - AFAR Its also worth noting that the water villas at the Constance Le Prince Maurice are on stilts over a fish sanctuary so theres no swimming allowed directly below them. 5 Travellers can experience overwater bungalows at the Panorama Bungalows in Egypt 5 The bungalows overlook the lagoon in El Gouna 5 The hotel is a bargain too, with seven-night. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort has had overwater bungalows for years. An award night normally costs 150,000 points, though we've seen this drop to 120,000 on certain dates. The villas have floor to ceiling windows so a panoramic view with a glass of wine (there are no TVs in the room) is encouraged. If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue. Travellers have discovered Pema E That, a private beach found on theAlbanian Rivierawhich is just three hours from the UK with Wizz Air. The views are still gorgeous though, and the resort has a long list of restaurants, bars, and included activities for all guests, so its popular with romantic couples as well as those in search of an active holiday. Copyright 20122023 Travelmyth. Rooms/villas/suites Overwater bungalows: 13 Beds: 1 kingsize or 2 twins Wi-Fi: Yes Entertainment system: Flat screen TV Room service: Yes Special room features Hair dryer Air conditioning Tea making area Safe boxes Mini bar Carpet Central heating There are many to be found throughout the South Pacific and the Maldives, but they pop up in some places you'd probably never expect to, like Switzerland. Each overwater villa has its own infinity pool, outdoor shower, and hammock and is adorned with carefully chosen, eco-inspired artwork like those featuring manta rays or underwater coral. Stella Island Resort, located on the Greek island Crete, has a number of bungalows and lodges where you can jump straight into the water from your bedroom. Travellers have discovered Pema E That, a private beach found on theAlbanian Rivierawhich is just three hours from the UK with Wizz Air. Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa in Devon opened revealed their floating lodges overlooking the lake which opened last year. Thatched-roof systems made of natural, indigenous materials (which must be replaced every couple years) are standard, as is the layout of bungalows attached to a wooden pontoon walkway. The Maldives-style overwater villas you can book for just 41pp a night No matter who you choose to travel with, youll find relaxation as well with a TV in each villa, as well as a sitting area. Guests can take part in water sports like surfing, waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing, with activities like tennis and horse riding too. 1. Thats why it offers various types of accommodation for guests to choose, one of which is the overwater suites, the very first of their kind in the entire country! As an adults-only all-inclusive resort, you can expect all the romantic perks: outdoor showers, 24-hour butlers, private infinity plunge pools . Explore some of the worlds best scuba-diving while staying at Caya Espanto. Likuliku Lagoon Resort - the most exclusive experience. For a bit more luxury in Thailand, KC Resort & Over Water Villas is a better option. Our website, archdigest.com, offers constant original coverage of the interior design and architecture worlds, new shops and products, travel destinations, art and cultural events, celebrity style, and high-end real estate as well as access to print features and images from the AD archives. waldorfastoriamaldives.com, Expedia, The Sunset Water Villa, a nearly 1,000-square-foot thatch-roofed bungalow set on stilts above the sea, boasts a spacious an eye-catching glass desk set over a glass-paneled floor, offering views of the turquoise ocean beneath. Europe is not known for its overwater resorts, but there are two options youll want to look into. Guests are well taken care of: The rate includes one spa treatment per person per day, and access to activities like kayaking to nearby beaches and lagoons. Your villa also comes with its own smoothie maker (and coffee machine, of course). conradmaldives.com, Expedia, An archipelago of tranquillity on a coral islet, Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts' villas are nestled in the coconut grove. Of course, other destinations have done their best to catch up, and now there are whopping numbers of thatched-roof villas standing over not just the Caribbean Sea, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean, but lakes, too. Beds: 1 kingsize or 2 twins For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Travellers can experience overwater bungalows at the Panorama Bungalows in Egypt, The bungalows overlook the lagoon in El Gouna, The hotel is a bargain too, with seven-night all-inclusive breaks for around 400, The Panorama resort offers different types of bungalows, Credit: Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, The villas overlook El Gouna, a town on Egypt's Red Sea near Hurghada, The Maldives-style overwater villas you can book for just 41pp a night and they are much closer to the UK, The 'enchanting' UK beach that Brits think looks like the Mediterranean & was rated higher than the Seychelles, The best seaside destinations in Europe revealed - and a popular Spanish hotspot comes in first, The strange UK theme park voted one of the best in the country introduces brand new attraction, 'Parents who don't follow these three simple rules can make flights worse for their children', The seaside town with scenic cliff walks, ferry to islands, live traditional music and B&B voted best in Ireland, Underrated UK city to open 'biggest ever beach' - with slides, rides & rollercoasters, My family stayed in an English fairytale castle for just 68 - with medieval banquet hall & Harry Potter-style rooms, I'm a flight attendant - here are the three things we always eat on the plane and you should too, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). (Courtesy of Song Saa Private Island). This resort, which is located on a tiny island off the coast of Belize and only accessible by boat, is also all-inclusive. With an idyllic location in Hurghada, Egypt, Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, also known as the Little Venice of the Red Sea, is an experience in and of itself.Among its various accommodation options in rooms and bungalows, you'll also be able to find over water bungalows which are placed right above the hotel's private lake, offering wonderful views over the lagoon and the surrounding . Sign up for our monthly Overwater Bungalows newsletter. songsaa.com, Expedia, Tablet, The Overwater Villa on this private island property is more like an overwater estate. Whether you're in the airy living room, noshing at the dining table, bathing in the sculptural tub, lounging in the palapa, or swimming at the edge of the infinity pool, the lagoons beautiful blues are staring back, truly the star of the scene. How Do Pilots Make Up Time En Route After a Flight Delay? Aside from these outliers, over 95% of the worlds overwater bungalow resorts are located in just a few parts of the world. IF you fancy a holiday to the Maldives without the long flight and price tag, then you're in luck. Sign up for our monthly Overwater Bungalows newsletter. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Extended and epic are exactly what we need now. Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, Hurghada, Egypt Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. And it's amazing to be able to jump out of bed and into the ocean in less than 10 seconds. While overwater bungalows are usually popular in the Maldives, it turns out you can experience them a lot closer to Europe. Now 50 years old, the iconic honeymoon hideaways, sought-after spots for not just romance but easy access to throngs of Technicolor sea creatures below, are looking better than ever. Panoramic views of the countless shades of blue outside are another requisite element. But if you really fancy the Maldives, then you can find some great deals with TUI. For other inquiries, Contact Us. View our online Press Pack. Manage your preferences in your cookie settings. 7 Gorgeous Overwater Bungalow Resorts Near the U.S. In 1967, on the island of Raiateawhich, without a sandy beach, was proving a challenging sell for touristsa trio of Californians known as the Bali Hai Boys conceived the game-changer of a dream accommodation: the overwater bungalow. The resort has made great strides to protect the nearby environment as well. Now 76 on Tripadvisor: Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, El Gouna. We've found some other Maldives-style overwater villas that are even cheaper. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Thatch Caye, Belize. The bungalows at Arctic Bath may not be surrounded by coral reefs and palm trees, but they are ever bit a great place to stay as their tropical counterparts. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, French Polynesia. The Panorama Bungalows are found in El Gouna, a holiday resort near Hurghada, in Egypt. An ideal example is this destination on the bucolic coast of Vietnam, where excessively private 1,600-square-foot Water Pool Villas overlook the bays coral formations and give way to flawless sunset vistas, not to mention boasting plunge pools, outdoor showers, handcrafted wooden bathtubs, and steps into the water for snorkeling. Nearby, guests will find a golf club, water sports of all kinds and much, much more. Sixteen feet below the waters surface is a bedroom with its own bathroom and televisionthough youd probably spend most of your time staring at the fish and marine life surrounding you. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Brits visiting the Panorama Bungalows near Hurghada can enjoy similar luxuries without really breaking the bank. 1. Set in the Noonu Atoll in the northwest Maldives, each villa here has its own infinity pool, multiple private terraces, and a shaded outdoor dining area, something akin to an overwater bungalow mansion. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Room rates from $220, including breakfast. Reviews are a bit of a mixed bag, with some guests loving their stay while others feeling that it was less then impressive. At Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, enjoy sunset at your private pool. Courtesy Nayara Resorts/Brice Ferre Studio. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay - top adults-only resort. "I always dreamed of staying in an overwater room, so on our honeymoon, my husband and I . (Its also worth booking a visit to one of the spas overwater couples'-treatment suites.) Expedia. There are 32 over-water villas that make for a next-level tropical getaway. Plus, the nearly 400-square-foot native timber and stone Overwater Sunset Pool villa, which features panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean, is unrivaled beauty at its finest. Each villa isn't far from Old Town with restaurants and bars welcoming tourists. In 2012, the Koh Rong Archipelago became home to this sustainable Robinson Crusoechic property with, among other layouts, a two-bedroom overwater Royal Villa of rough-hewn timber, with a vast glass floor in the living room (alongside driftwood furnishings), a half-moon infinity pool with an expansive terrace, dual oversize sunken bathtubs, a personal chef, and a private jetty complete with a boat for the guests exclusive use. El Gouna, which translates to "the lagoon in Arabic" is a relatively new destination, having been developed in 1989 by Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris with the resorts scattered across 20 man-made islands. Tahiti overwater bungalow resorts - There are only two such all-inclusive resorts on Tahiti, both of which are rather large, and quite affordable. The 21 Overwater Bungalows To Visit Throughout the World News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Belize. Every Day Is World Ocean Day at These 8 Overwater Bungalows With See-Through Floors. banyantree.com, Expedia, Tablet, With a collection of 113 mountain-framed bungalows on the water, Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea resort is redefining the concept of a secluded oasis on the pillowy-soft white sand beaches of Temae. They also feature an open layout and a highly organic atmosphere. Out of 140 room optionsmany built into the rain forestthe overwater suite options are the most appealing, with sea and spa villas, plus two signature suites. 5 Underwater Hotels You Can Stay at Around the World - AFAR And if that isnt enough heres another reason to choose the Four Seasons Bora Bora: Through its extended stay program, guests can receive complimentary nights, transfers, meals, and more for stays of 10 or more nights. You can stay in Maldives-style overwater bungalows in Egypt - Daily Star 12 Best Overwater Bungalows You Can Actually Afford - Club Thrifty overwater bungalow and water villa resorts, >More information about the Hotel Palafitte Switzerland, >More information about the Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, >More information about the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa Greece, >More information about the The Sands at Chale Island Kenya, >More information about the Chobe Water Villas Namibia, >More information about the Flamingo Bay Water Lodge Mozambique, >More information about the Panorama Bungalows El Gouna Egypt, >More information about the Constance Le Prince Maurice Mauritius. The surrounding Bocas del Toro archipelago is home to sloths, howler monkeys, and scarlet dart frogs and worth venturing out away from your private terrace for. Overwater bungalows are among the most desired hotel accommodations in the world. Click "Accept" to consent and continue enjoying Travelmyth. The resort also offers a spa and wellness centre, with hot tubs, massages and saunas, while the main restaurant has a buffet service. The Flamingo Bay Lodge is popular with South Africans as well as those visiting the continent for safaris and other trips, and who want something special and a bit of pampering at the same time. It has 16 overwater villas and two tree houses that hover above a turquoise-blue sea, each with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Dolphin Bay Reserve and Bastimentos National Marine Park, and a glass floor for watching the ocean life below. Especially popular with French-speaking guests, the Constance Le Prince Maurice is a premier resort on the east coast of Mauritius. Nayara Bocas del Toro Panama has 16 overwater villas in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Negatives include the food, but with such a variety of dining options close by and just outside of the resort, this may not be that big of a deal. Each bungalow is located directly on the lagoon, so you can jump straight into the water. It offers deluxe overwater suites which float above the jade-coloured lagoon and are equipped with a private heated plunge pool, minimalist yet luxurious interiors in warm tones, a large terrace with spectacular views over the surrounding nature and even butler service, offering the most intimate and majestic environment for couples. Located on the verdant Chale Island, just 3 hours from Nairobi, The Sands at Chale Island is the only island resort in Kenya. IF you fancy a holiday to the Maldives without the long flight and price tag, then you're in luck. In fact, each of the spaces is complete with a collection of art that tells the story of the island and JOALI, driven by the women founders' commitment to sustainability and female empowerment. In addition to dining options and a spa, guests will find kayaking, a glass bottom boat, sailing, a gift shop, a few different pools and a sixteen seater jacuzzi. 7) Koro Sun Resort - Fiji. jumeirah.com, The Waldorf Astoria features two Stella Maris Ocean villas that, as their name implies, are elegantly hoisted above the crystal-clear Arabian Sea. Set on stilts above the water, each overwater suite features a spacious ensuite bedroom, a sitting room, a wooden veranda and steps that lead right in the water for immediate access to the azure sea. Just five hours from the UK you can find overwater bungalows which cost as little as 41 each a night. While all the villas are luxe, Casa Ventanas, at 1,100 square feet and more than 150 feet of privacy, goes above and beyond with custom-crafted furnishings and a new glass floor featuring a light that can be switched to different colors to filter the sea-creature-filled waters below. A 4-star Egyptian resort that prides itself on a wide variety of activities to partake in and enjoy, the Panorama Bungalows El Gouna Resort in Hurghada, Egypt is a great choice for those who like lots of choices during their vacation. 8 Overwater Bungalows for World Ocean Day With See-Through Floors A 4-star resort, the Panorama Bungalows El Gouna is a great choice for those who like lots of options and for those who plan to travel with kids of all ages. Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort (from USD 774) Show all photos. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina - best for families. This private island was a favorite of opera star Luciano Pavarotti. Surrounded by lush tropical beauty and crystal clear waters, the resort also offers some of the best deals on overwater bungalows you'll find. Maldives French Polynesia Belize Philippines Epic Stays Beaches and Islands. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Travellers can experience overwater bungalows at the Panorama Bungalows in Egypt, The bungalows overlook the lagoon in El Gouna, The hotel is a bargain too, with seven-night all-inclusive breaks for around 400, The Panorama resort offers different types of bungalows, Credit: Panorama Bungalows Resort El Gouna, The villas overlook El Gouna, a town on Egypt's Red Sea near Hurghada, The Maldives-style overwater villas you can book for just 41pp a night and they are much closer to the UK, The 20p trick to avoid paying for Ryanair hand luggage, The new travel rules which will make a holiday to Spain MUCH easier, Three common mistakes parents make on planes that put their children in danger, The 3 easy tricks to get free drinks & hotel rooms at casinos in Las Vegas, The tiny UK island you can only visit twice a year, The new EU rule that risks millions of Brits ditching Spanish holidays, I work for an airline and you should never book the last flight of the day, The Red Sea's best kept secret - lesser-known resort with 33C summers & all-inclusive for 23pp, The big mistakes youre making on the plane that will make cabin crew hate you. ON every traveller's bucket list is to stay at an overwater villa, with Maldives being one of the most popular destinations for Brits. Located between huge mountain ranges and the Barents Sea, you can instead try and catch the Northern Lights, with the seven Sea Cabins perched on a natural ledge over the sea. The overwater villas at Cambodias private island, Song Saa, are another pick of luxury travel company Scott Dunn. While overwater bungalows are usually popular in the Maldives, it turns out you can experience them a lot closer to Europe. There are extensive business facilities in addition to the luxury rooms, so this resort seems to be as popular for executive corporate meetings as it is for honeymoons and other romantic retreats. It is a fully inclusive resort, and its guest service promise is an anything, anytime, anywhere concept, achieved with the help of private butlers. View all hotels with overwater villas >>, Don't forget to follow us on social media! The Panorama Resort has different types of bungalows, from pool and beach bungalows, garden view and family bungalows to the iconic overwater bungalows. Entertainment system: Flat screen TV sixsenses.com, Expedia, The just-opened resort (formerly the Hilton Bora Bora Nui) is set on arguably the most spectacular part of Bora Bora, and is home to the only two-story overwater bungalow in French Polynesia. COMO Laucala Island - best overwater bungalow for couples. Plus, in each over-water villa, the dedicatedjadugar(private butler) will arrange just about anything, from delivering a gourmet breakfast in bed to organizing a dazzling celebration for friends. But in November 2018, it debuted a two-level villa called the Murakawhich means coral in the Dhivehi language in the Maldiveswith a bedroom and bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass walls submerged below the Indian Ocean, as well a . More recently, private overwater pools, jacuzzis, and suspended hammocks, have been introduced along with two-story versions that dwarf a Manhattan studio apartment. Crafted of exotic noble woods with vibrant accents, the nearly 3,000-square-foot bungalow is a prime place to watch neon lagoon fish either behind glass portholes or in the flesh via private ladder access. Much of the produce is grown on nearby islands, and food is sourced as responsibly as possible. stregisborabora.com, Expedia, One of the beautiful things about overwater bungalows is that, to a large degree, they allow nature meld with the indoors, and tend to act as frames for their postcard-perfect surrounds. Each of these rooms come with air conditioning, central heat, a mini fridge and a mini bar, Wi-Fi, room service, a living room and a bathroom. Lofty wood-beam ceilings keep things light and airy in the Grand Water Villa, but understandably extras like the long infinity pool (complete with built-in submerged chaise), separate jacuzzi, draped outdoor daybed and lounge areas minimize time spent inside. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. The Maldives-style overwater villas you can book for just - The Sun (See Conrad Maldives Rangali Island below.). The hotel has two swimming pools with a kids' section, a hot tub, a pool bar and a private beach. Last but not least in our list is Greece, a country which is revered for its sandy beaches and crystal waters. The pair insist they are 'mad about each other', New Insidious film has subtle detail no-one spots but its the scariest part of movie, Insidious: The Red Door is available for viewing in cinemas, with the original cast reprising their roles as Dalton moves away to college and travels into the Further once more, Doctor reattached child's head after he was hit by a car while riding his bike, Suleiman Hassan, 12, was riding his bike when he was hit by a car and suffered an internal decapitation, which left his skull 'almost completely detached from the base of his neck', People are only realising lines on cups and it'll change how you pour drinks, You might not have realised there are "marks" on plastic cups which could change how you serve your alcohol once and for all. If scuba isnt your thing, try the snorkeling, fly fishing, jungle trips, and tours of Mayan ruins for a bit of historic context. The resort also has its own kids' club and entertainment available every night. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, A four-star resorts in Egypt has a number of overwater villas, Guests can go straight into the water from their rooms, The luxury overwater villas at Elounda have sea access and mountain views, The Crete hotel also offers free breakfast to have on your terrace, Also in Greece is the Stella Island resort with overwater villas, The resort is a more budget friendly option, While not as warm as the Maldives, Switzerland has its own take on the overwater villa, The hotel is a number of 'containers' hanging over the water, Forget warm weather overwater villas - you can watch the Northern Lights from these, The rooms overlook a ledge on the water and are the only ones of their kind in Norway, Misool Eco Resort is perfect for water-sport lovers, Each room overlooks the water, and you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, Thailand has a number of overwater villas which are a fraction of the Maldives, Mango House is a much more budget friendly option, The KC Resort in Thailand is different to the rest, with each 'overwater' room having its own infinity pool, The largest overwater villa in the world has opened in the Maldives, The most beautiful overwater villas you dont have to travel to the Maldives for starting from just 30 a night, The 'enchanting' UK beach that Brits think looks like the Mediterranean & was rated higher than the Seychelles, The best seaside destinations in Europe revealed - and a popular Spanish hotspot comes in first, The strange UK theme park voted one of the best in the country introduces brand new attraction, 'Parents who don't follow these three simple rules can make flights worse for their children', The seaside town with scenic cliff walks, ferry to islands, live traditional music and B&B voted best in Ireland, Underrated UK city to open 'biggest ever beach' - with slides, rides & rollercoasters, My family stayed in an English fairytale castle for just 68 - with medieval banquet hall & Harry Potter-style rooms, I'm a flight attendant - here are the three things we always eat on the plane and you should too, Stay at Panorama Bungalows El Gouna from 42 per night - book here, Stay at Elounda Beach Hotel from 184 per night - book here, Stay at Stella Island Resort from 177 per night - book here, Stay at Hotel Palafitte from 250 per night - book here, Stay at Manshausen Island Resort from 68 per night - book here, Stay at Mango House Seafront Suites from 30 per night - book here, Stay at KC Resort & Over Water Villas from 68 per night - book here, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).