The Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia Our Editors Keep Going Back To
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Courtesy of the propertyAdmire Bora Bora's postcard-worthy surroundings from your breezy bungalow at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Highlights include teak furnishings, Polynesian artwork, oversized decks, deep soaking tubs, and, in some cases, private plunge pools and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Plus, the property boasts a total of 108 overwater bungalows, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa
Courtesy of the propertyLow-key and casual, this small resort on Moorea offers easy access to the airport, ferry terminal, and the shops and restaurants that make up the village of Maharepa. Set just off the beach or near the reef, each overwater bungalow is outfitted with local artwork, wood accents, a private sundeck, and direct lagoon access.
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa
Courtesy of the propertyWhen you want views of Bora Bora but all the benefits of a private paradise, head to Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, a Relais & Chateaux property that offers postcard-worthy views of Bora Bora's legendary Mount Otemanu. Serenity seekers should book a suite at the end of the pontoon, which seemingly floats above the lagoon. Romantics will especially love the west-facing sunset suites, which catch the sun as it slips below the horizon. You also can't go wrong with a traditional Bora Bora Overwater Suite, a Premium Overwater Suite, or the swanky Taha'a Overwater Suite.
Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort & Spa
Courtesy of the propertyCraving extra space? Clocking in at 3,465 square feet (with another 1,162 feet of outdoor space!), the Teremoana Pool Villa at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort & Spa offers plenty of room to roam. Noteworthy features include a large outdoor pool, two bedrooms with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, custom artwork, and a chic living area complete with high ceilings and expansive windows. Villa guests also enjoy a one-day access pass to the Deep Ocean Spa facilities, which include steam baths and a tea lounge.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Courtesy of the propertyThe term overwater bungalow doesn’t quite do justice to the Presidential Overwater Villa at this Bora Bora oasis. The 3,229-square-foot, two-story bungalow has two bedrooms, three spacious bathrooms, a sauna, and a large living room. Outside, you’ll find three separate terraces, an infinity pool, a whirlpool, a dining table, and a bar and lounge area. The private butler service is just the icing on the cake.
Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
Courtesy of the propertyEncompassing a lagoon so large that the island of Bora Bora could fit inside, Rangiroa is the second-largest atoll in the world — and it's also a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Beyond the water, the flat island of Avatoru, filled with tiny settlements, shops, and restaurants, is easy to explore by bike. After, retreat to your overwater bungalow at Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa to enjoy unobstructed water views. Inside, you'll find glass-bottom flooring, allowing you to spot colorful fish and other sea creatures without stepping outside.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Courtesy of the propertyPrivacy abounds in the elegant Overwater Premier Otemanu bungalows at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Individual wooden walkways stretch from the beach and over the water directly to your door, while your deck comes complete with a whirlpool tub and a shaded outdoor dining gazebo. After your butler unpacks your bags, ease into the calm water or stroll over to the resort’s lagoonarium, a private marine sanctuary filled with exotic sea life. After, enjoy a romantic dinner for two on the beach.
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts
Courtesy of the propertyThe island of Tikehau is about 220 miles north of Tahiti, and a visit here is like stepping back in time thanks to its secluded locale. The overwater suites and bungalows at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts boast remarkable views of the lagoon, which are best enjoyed from the comfort of your private deck. Also, don't miss a bucket-list-worthy excursion to nearby Bird Island, where you can go birding, enjoy a beachfront picnic, partake in a Polynesian cooking class, or embark on a snorkeling tour.