Top Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia for a Luxury Escape

You’ve seen the blindingly beautiful photos of the best overwater bungalows all across the world. Stretching out into the sparkling turquoise waters, these bungalows have become the ultimate travel fantasy, and for good reason. What could be more magical than beginning the day with a morning swim straight from your deck?

French Polynesia, especially Bora Bora, has long been regarded as the ‘it’ place for the most stunning over-the-top luxury accommodations. With its pristine white-sand beaches and vivid turquoise lagoons, it’s the perfect destination for experiencing overwater bungalows for the first time. Let’s take a look at the top overwater bungalows in French Polynesia that take luxury to the next level.

Our Top Overwater Bungalows

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

If you were to imagine a paradise, it would look a lot like Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. The luxury accommodation, which first opened its doors in the early 2000s, was created to offer high-end stays in French Polynesia that are in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. That’s also reflected in the resort’s design, which incorporates natural materials such as coconut wood and pandanus leaves, following traditional Polynesian architecture.

While all the overwater bungalows at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora are stunning, the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow suites will take your breath away. Whether you’re winding down in the beautiful living room, taking some me-time in the sculptural tub, or taking an evening dip at the infinity pool, you’ll constantly be surrounded by the lagoon’s mesmerizing blues.

The service here, as you’d expect from Four Seasons, is equally impressive. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure everything is just the way you need. Take advantage of the concierge team, visit the incredible spa (where else can you have a massage and admire hundreds of tropical fish through the glass floor at the same time?), and treat yourself to some seriously good food. A stay here is guaranteed to be perfect.

Prefer to be on land? The resort also offers beachfront villas with private gardens and amazing infinity-edge pools.

Our Tip: Try the signature Kahaia Haven ritual at the resort’s spa.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Ever dreamed of stepping directly into your screensaver? Then the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the place you should go. Offering picture-perfect views of Mount Otemanu, some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, and five-star service, this private island escape seems straight out of a movie. 

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort comprises 44 acres and spreads across three bitsy “Motus” (islands) that are all connected by pedestrian bridges. Impressively, the accommodation boasts the South Pacific’s largest overwater suites and villas (90 in total). 

If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, consider booking the Overwater Royal Otemanu Villa, which features a 20-by-16-foot infinity-edge pond, the largest suspended pool in the region. Not too shabby, right? No matter which room you decide to pick, you’ll get 24-hour butler service, access to a full-service spa, and many delicious dining establishments.

Our Highlight: One of the coolest parts about staying at St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the many activities you can try. If you’re a fan of snorkeling, there’s no need to leave the property. The resort has its own Lagoonarium, which is a protected underwater sanctuary with beautiful marine life.

COMO Laucala Island

One of the most remote archipelagos in the world, Fiji is the perfect place to go when you want to escape it all. Known for its flawless beaches, incredible underwater treasures (it’s sometimes even dubbed the ‘soft coral capital of the world’), and plenty of opportunities for adventure, it’s a bucket-list-worthy destination that should be on every traveler’s list.

While Fiji has no shortage of beautiful hotels, if you’re looking to experience the magic of overwater bungalows, your best option is COMO Laucala Island. Situated in the dreamy Koro Sea, the hotel is surrounded by gorgeous, untouched rainforest, thick coconut groves, and, of course, exceptional coral reefs. To arrive here, you’ll need to take the resort’s private plane, which flies directly from Fiji’s international airport in Nadi.

So, what’s so special about COMO Laucala Island? The island resort was created by the co-founder of Red Bull, and truly is a billionaire’s private paradise. Here, you’ll find 25 exclusive, standalone villas, which are smartly hidden from curious eyes. No matter which you choose, you get access to a private beach, a stunning outdoor pool, and a yoga deck.

The true star of the five-star hotel, however, is the more luxe two-bedroom Overwater Villa, which has living quarters above the lagoon. Like the rest of COMO Laucala Island, it combines traditional Fijian design with elegant styling.

While reading your favorite book on your villa’s deck will be magical on its own, there’s plenty to do for those who prefer something more active. In fact, the hotel even features its own 18-hole golf course.

Le Taha’a By Pearl Resorts

When it comes to the best overwater bungalow resorts in French Polynesia, you can’t miss Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts. The ultra-luxurious resort takes the cake for barefoot luxury. 

Perched on its own private motu (islet), Le Taha’a offers sweeping views of Taha’a’s lush shores on one side and iconic Bora Bora on the other. The resort includes over 50 stunning suites and villas that are designed with a strong focus on Polynesian architecture and comfort. Guests can choose from intimate Overwater Suites, Beach Villas with private plunge pools and garden hammocks, or even Royal Beach Villas for families and groups.

Departing later in the day? The resort has a dedicated transit lounge, which is equipped with showers, changing areas, and even beds, so you can relax before your flight. 

What’s cool about vacationing at Le Taha’a is the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. You can kayak right from your overwater deck or drift-snorkel through the vibrant Coral Garden. If your idea of paradise is more about indulgence than action, you can unwind with a peaceful spa treatment in the Tāvai Spa. 

Another highlight unique to Le Taha’a is its fragrant vanilla connection – the island is famed for its plantations, and you can even sample the spice in cocktails, desserts, and spa treatments during your stay.

Our Tip: Start your day with a delightful breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe to your overwater suite.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The island of Bora Bora is unapologetically lush and luxe. Famed for being the ultimate honeymoon destination, Tahiti’s quieter little sister attracts travelers who appreciate beauty, natural surroundings, and the opportunity to escape everyday hustle and bustle. The epitome of the French Polynesian idyll is Conrad Bora Bora Nui. In fact, the tropical oasis is so spectacular that it was once visited by the Kardashians (yes, it was where Kim infamously lost her diamond earring).

Located on Motu To’opua, Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers various accommodations, including spacious Lagoon-View Suites and Presidential Villas (which include butler service). Each of the thatched-roof, overwater bungalows has a modern Polynesian vibe and a neutral design that allows the spectacular lagoon to take center stage. 

Throughout the accommodation, you’ll notice well-thought-out details that elevate the overall experience, for instance, his-and-her sinks, hot baths with awning windows, and TVs that rise from the foot of the bed. If you decide to splurge on the Presidential Villa, you’ll even get access to a well-being room with a sauna and a private bar! Despite the many rooms on the property, it often feels like you have the place to yourself.

Another advantage of staying at Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the fact that you get to learn more about the Polynesian culture. From the names of hotel landmarks to the staff greetings, everything here pays homage to local traditions. In fact, when guests check into the ultra-luxe accommodation, they receive a booklet featuring drawings of Polynesian legends.

Our Tip: For a unique experience, book a sunset treatment at Hina Spa!

Final Thoughts

Gorgeous tropical islands, sky-piercing, moss-green peaks, and turquoise lagoons – French Polynesia is a travel destination dreams are made of. If you’ve ever thought about booking an overwater bungalow stay, there’s no better place to do it than here! 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, a fun-filled family adventure, or even a beautiful escape for yourself, opting for an overwater bungalow resort will be the ideal choice.

While there are numerous excellent hotels to choose from (around 1,000 properties, to be precise), these five stand out among the rest. There’s a reason they’ve consistently been ranked the best in the world! They’re extremely private, equipped with glass-bottom floors, sun decks, and private pools. Not to mention, you can literally roll out of your bed and jump into the water. A dream come true!

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Dreaming of your own overwater bungalow escape? Let the travel experts at Travel Queen LLC take care of every detail. From choosing the perfect villa to arranging unforgettable excursions, we know what it takes to create the ultimate vacation for you!

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