Each bungalow offers a private access to the lagoon and spectacular views. She has also appeared as a guest host in the Cannes episode of BBC Travel’s RSVP Abroad series. With only 24 overwater suites and bungalows (which span over 1,000 square feet), you’ll practically have the lagoon all to yourself. All Rights Reserved. A five-minute boat ride from mainland sister hotel Sofitel Marara Beach Resort, the 21-bungalow beauty wisely chose its locale right next to a coral garden teeming with angelfish—which is why it’s home to some of the best snorkeling in Tahiti. Travel Smarter! You can swim in the sandy-bottom lagoon-style swimming pool which is just metres away from the beach front. For an incredible overwater bungalow, more affordable than the big Bora Bora resorts Hilton Mo’orea. Most travelers use Pape’ete—Tahiti’s capital city and the gateway to the Tahitian islands—as a stopover en route to the more fashionable isles of Moorea and Bora Bora. The overwater bungalows are constructed out of natural woods and thatch and all come with modern amenities and private sun decks. Both the Manu Tuki restaurant, which features fine-dining cuisine and a well-stocked wine cellar, and the relaxed Mako Bar offer magnificent views of the lagoon and Mt. The Iridium Spa offers traditional Polynesian treatments involving local medicinal plants, beauty regimes, and massage techniques. https://www.smartertravel.com/9-of-tahitis-best-overwater-bungalows 1 in French Polynesia in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is the quintessential vision of Tahiti: plunge pools and private ladders leading straight from water bungalows down to the tropical fish-filled lagoon—plus lavish spa treatments like 24-karat gold monoi oil massages. If you really want privacy, go for the premium bungalows at the far end of the pontoon, which feature chaise lounges, glass floors, and easy access to the lagoon below. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the stay is its world-famous Thalasso Spa, which delivers specialty seawater therapies in overwater rooms and has soothing hydrotherapy pools set in peaceful private gardens. However, the most famous destinations among the travelers are Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. Set on a chain of islands offering spectacular views of Mt. Royal Huahine is the most luxurious property on the tiny island, which only has 1 supermarket and 8 small villages. Overwater bungalows are one of the best types of accommodations for honeymooning couples. Follow her on Twitter @LaneNieset or Instagram @LaneNieset, or keep up with her adventures on LaneNieset.com. When deciding between InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa’s 84 overwater villas, the main choice you’ll have to make is the view: lagoon, beach or mountains? Otemanu. Otemanu. Lounge on the pool deck of your overwater private bungalow on a hammock suspended over the sea—or in the sauna if you’ve opted for the presidential villa. review process here. Otemanu, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers guests luxury and opulence while still retaining a strong local flavor. Courtesy of the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island. Each bungalow features: air … Which Islands and Resorts in Tahiti Are Best for Kids? There are plenty of options for a vacation like this, especially in and around Tahiti. Tahiti’s first overwater bungalows were built back in the 1960s as stilted homes. Set on its own private atoll, across from Bora Bora on the southwest end of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers the largest stretch of sand in the area (spanning nearly half a mile), plus some of Tahiti’s best coral reefs—so snorkeling here is top-notch. The Arii Moana is the most spectacular restaurant in the resort, serving French-Polynesian fusion cuisine in an elegant space filled with twisting wood sculptures. An overwater bungalow … Bungalows at the SPG Category 5 hotel start at $429 or 12,000 Starpoints per night. From her base in Paris, journalist Lane Nieset, covers travel, lifestyle, wine, and food for publications such as. The upscale Le Corail restaurant boasts the largest wine cellar in Polynesia and serves seasonal delicacies in an elegant fine-dining environment. All villas feature modern furnishings in neutral colors, large bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs, and furnished patios. More adventurous activities include jet skis, deep sea fishing, and parasailing. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. https://www.islands.com/tahitis-best-overwater-bungalow-resorts The 7 Best Overwater Bungalow Resorts in Tahiti and Bora Bora in 2021 Plan Your Stay at One of the Best Bures (Bungalows) in Fiji 7 Overwater Villas in the Caribbean You'll Never Want to Leave The 9 Best Sandals Resorts of 2021 Discover the New Overwater Bungalows … Overwater bungalows on the lagoon off the French Polynesian island of Taha'a, Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa. But with several other restaurants, such as the beachfront Tahitian fish house Fare Hoa and fresh Asian fare at Vaimiti, there is variety to satisfy a range of tastes. . We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Two pools deliver different experiences, with the main pool featuring zero-entry ledges and a swim-up bar. While the overwater villas offer the best views of the crystal-clear lagoon, beach villas ensure easy access to the wide expanse of white sands and other hotel amenities, and hillside villas are set among lush vegetation and picturesque ponds filled with waterlilies and koi carp. Jet ski rentals and diving equipment are available on a second beach to the north. Heading back to French Polynesia, a stay at the Royal Huahine Resort provides one of the best values for overwater bungalows that you’ll find. For a more casual, relaxed atmosphere, the poolside Sands Bar and Restaurant delivers Asian and international dishes, signature cocktails, and views over the waters towards Mt. A popular honeymoon choice for more than five decades, overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, one of the most visually captivating islands in French Polynesia, have evolved from simple one … Why choose between sunrise or sunset views when you can have both? Sign up for our free newsletter. It just doesn’t have the ‘name brand’ of Bora Bora, so you can find overwater bungalows … Rooms feature a range of decor in modern and more traditional styles, with views into the gardens or over the lagoon. With two-thirds of the Overwater Bungalows, the Maldives holds the most number of bungalows. The best show is right below your feet, though, thanks to the glass-floor viewing panel. There is also an onsite restaurant, lounge and bar with panoramic views of the most unforgettable sunsets. The Best Overwater Bungalows for Families in Bora Bora and Tahiti Le Méridien – Bora Bora Hotel phone: 689 4060-5151 While most Bora Bora resorts are better suited to the honeymoon … She has also appeared as a guest host in the Cannes episode of BBC Travel's RSVP Abroad series. You can also soak up the views while soaking in your private plunge pool. Le Meridien Tahiti is a beautiful resort set amongst tropical gardens. Image courtesy of … … Sleep under thatched roofs in Le Méridien Tahiti’s traditional-style overwater bungalows. A stay in an overwater bungalow a bucket-list item for most of those with wanderlust. Most of the hundred-plus bungalows at Four Seasons Bora Bora stand proudly on stilts over the lagoon (and the few that don’t make up for it in size). White- and pink-sand islands dot the 177-square-mile lagoon surrounding the Tikehau atoll (population 500), an hour’s flight from Tahiti’s capital. Category: 5 Star Overwater Bungalows, Family Friendly Resorts, Overwater Bungalows for Honeymoons, Overwater Resorts with Spa, Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floor, and Resorts with Concierge The low key, 5 star resort of Le Méridien offers perhaps the best value around in terms of luxury overwater bungalows … Low season online specials from US$640 per night. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. From charming Polynesian style beach accommodations to the most luxurious beach villas, here are our picks for the best beach bungalows in Tahiti. The resort hosts numerous outdoor activities, from tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts to snorkeling and kayaking through nearby corals. Each of the overwater rooms is perched at the edge of the water, so they … To show you what we mean, we’ve decided to collect a list of the 10 best places to go for an overwater bungalow vacation. Choose a premium overwater bungalow or suite and … With spacious accommodations, a variety of outdoor and indoor activities, and special children’s services, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora realizes the chain's family-friendly reputation. Even large families can be accommodated in the single-bedroom overwater villas and two- and three-bedroom beachfront villas. There are two hotel restaurants, with La Plantation serving creative cuisine based on a fusion of French and Polynesian flavors and techniques, and Le Carre offering gourmet creations in a slick and stylish room filled with polished mahogany, or on the wooden terrace with sunset views over the lagoon. With only 31 overwater bungalows and luxury villas located on a sandy island surrounded by coral atolls, Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island offers a tranquil stay in a secluded island oasis. French Polynesia is home to six archipelagos, but one of the lesser known (and less crowded) is Tuamotu, 220 miles north of Tahiti. The tropical gardens of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa lie just five minutes from Tahiti Airport and not much more than ten from downtown Papeeete. Once you land in Tahiti, hop on a powerboat and speed off to Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which is just as idyllic as it sounds. Best Boutique: Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, Best for Families: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Best for Luxury: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Best for Singles: Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, Best Spa: Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Le Meridien Tahiti – See Rates at TripAdvisor, Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island – See Rates at TripAdvisor, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – See Rates at TripAdvisor, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – See Rates at TripAdvisor, Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – See Rates at TripAdvisor, Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – See Rates at TripAdvisor, Conrad Bora Bora Nui – See Rates at TripAdvisor. Children can play on the splash pad, which sends jets of water shooting up into the air. Modeled after a traditional Polynesian village, the design—dreamt up by a local architect, with the help of Paris- and San Francisco-based design firms—plays on the natural beauty of the lagoon with an indoor-outdoor concept. The Overwater Bungalows are situated towards the inside of the pontoon with views back towards the island of Moorea and the resort. Courtesy of InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Didierlefort / WikiMedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. Cathy Brown is an Argentina-based travel writer who covers hotels, destinations, and products. Take The St. Regis Bora Bora, for instance, where you’re catered to around the clock by the brand’s signature butler service, as well as by pool attendants, who will happily whisk smoothies (or something stronger) straight to your chaise. The hotel hosts a French restaurant, with an attendant wine bar, and a casual, sandy-floored beach grill restaurant that hosts weekly Polynesian fire shows. Best Boutique: But the cool, marine breeze and views of the crystal-clear lagoons make up for it. Although the Islands of Tahiti are known as the birthplace of the Overwater Bungalow, travelers to the islands will find an excellent variety of beautiful beachfront bungalows and villa accommodations. The main pool features a swim-up bar, while the southern pool has waterfalls and an adjacent beach area. Set in spacious landscaped gardens with swaying palms, bright flowers, and a large freshwater pond filled with lilies, Le Meridien Tahiti offers guests classic tropical ambiance. Covered gazebos shield sundecks with sunbeds, showers, and direct lagoon access below. The majority of the high-end resorts in Bora Bora sit on the opposite side of the lagoon, so you won’t have to worry about sharing space—or views. The junior suites are set up in a style so that you not only score the best views of the lagoon, you also don’t have to worry about anyone peering into the private sanctuary of your very own Tahitian water hut. Celeb chef Jean-Georges is behind the menu at Asian-fusion eatery The Lagoon, where you can watch a show of sharks swimming beneath the glass-paneled restaurant floor. One of the only luxury boutique resorts to claim its own private island, this spot really feels like a secluded, unspoiled paradise (with plenty of haute amenities). Twenty-two overwater bungalows are arranged in two sections, with the Motu bungalows featuring more modern décor. Sporting the only two-story, overwater villas in French Polynesia, rooms here feature butler service, three terraces, an infinity pool overlooking the horizon, and a bar area, so you don’t have to go too far to find refreshments for sunset. Located conveniently close to Fa’a’a International Airport, the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is a sweeping, popular resort sitting on the shores of a sheltered lagoon. 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