Overwater bungalows are a somewhat new phenomenon in the world of hospitality. there was a time when cruise ships, boatsand other sailing ships were the only option for sleeping over the sea, and comfort was subject to waves and storms, not to mention being limited to particularly tight spaces that often left much to be desired aesthetically. . Now, as planes – both standard and float versions – land in destinations like the Maldives, French Polynesia and Fiji, one of the hallmarks of the maritime landscape is a long line of bungalows stretched across pontoons that meander through the famous crystalline cerulean waters.
In 1967, on the island of Raiatea – which, without a sandy beach, was proving to be a challenging sell to tourists – a trio of Californians known as the Bali High Boys imagined a dream habitat game changer: overwater. Bungalow. At that time they assured the government that, like the traditional Tahiti fishing huts, they would not harm coral with their pandanus-leaf-thatched roof structures, and this order still holds true. His trio of bungalows at the Bali Hai Hotel became a craze that spread to Bora Bora and beyond; After all, charming stilted cottages offer immersion in the magic of the ocean, without snorkel masks or air tanks. Now almost 60 years old, prestigious Honeymoon HideawayThe destination, sought after not only for romance but also for easy access to the hordes of technicolor sea creatures below, is looking better than ever.
In more than half a century, the overwater villa has gone from extremely simple to ultra-convenient in some respects, although plenty of affordable, basic versions also exist around the world. Its homeland, the island of Tahiti, ranges from Moorea (where Sofitel prohibits motorized activities to protect its pristine lagoons) and Tikehau (at night, swim beneath the charming perch of Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort) to Rangiroa (hotel Kia). Claims around 900. Oura’s 10 bungalows have the best views of all the islands) and Bora Bora, where Le Meridien Mount Otemanu-facing bungalows have the largest glass floors of all the bungalows. Of course, other destinations have done their best to catch up, and there are now vast numbers of thatched-roof villas standing not only on the Caribbean Sea, the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, but also on lakes.
Wherever they stand, over-water dwellings feature the same elements, with exterior design hallmarks remaining consistent. Thatched-roof systems made from natural, indigenous materials (which must be replaced every two years) are fairly standard, as is the layout of the bungalows linked by wooden pontoon walkways, but naturally there is more to it when it comes to materiality. There are more deviations. For some people it’s just not worth sleeping on over water If there is no peekaboo window on the floor. Panoramic views of the countless shades of blue outside are an expectation, while more recently, two-story versions have introduced overwater pools, Jacuzzis, and suspended swings that dwarf Manhattan studio apartments.
In celebration of the revolutionary structure, we take a look at some of the most spectacular modern overwater bungalows from around the world.
