Once upon a time, back in the late 1950s, there were three young men who shared an apartment in Newport Beach, California. They worked as a stock broker, an attorney, and a salesman; all three longed to ditch the 9-to-5 to live and play – with the emphasis on play – in the tropics. By June of 1960, they sold everything, made it to Tahiti and bought a vanilla plantation.
Their vanilla farming was an abject failure, threatening their visa status. They were desperate to find a way to stay in paradise and wound up buying a run down four-bungalow hotel from a local politician who was equally desperate to unload it. They named the hotel Bali Hai after James Michener’s mythical island in the book “South Pacific” and by 1962 the ‘Bali Hai Boys’ were in business.
The Bali Hai Boys described their existence as “H&H – hammered and happy,” as they repaired the ramshackle buildings by day and partied by night. One day a photo journalist from Life magazine stopped by Hotel Bali Hai and wound up publishing a story about their tropical retreat, putting the Bali Hai Boys in the national limelight. Combined with easier access from a new airport in Papeete, the hotel’s popularity took off exponentially.
By 1967, faced with the need to expand, the Bali Hai boys came up with the idea to build bungalows on stilts over the coral reef. They put windows in the floors and called it “Tahitian TV.” The first simple overwater bungalows were an instant hit and quickly drew celebrities, which even heightened the demand. The price of paradise in 1968 was $34 per night, including meals.
The nearby Hotel Bora Bora saw the success of the overwater bungalows and asked the Bali Hai Boys for advice in design, which they happily shared. And so began the spread of the iconic style of accommodations found throughout French Polynesia today. Now there are over 165 resorts with more than 8,000 overwater bungalows around the world – about two-thirds are in the Maldives (called water villas there), and a few are found in Fiji, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all of the overwater bungalows around the world.
What is are Overwater Bungalows Like?
https://www.facebook.com/bucketlisttravelsguide/videos/1842756186036991/
These days the thatched roof rooms on stilts may look rustic from the outside but are nothing less than luxurious on the inside. Follow a wooden walkway over the water to your suite, replete with a private deck and plunge pool overlooking the peaceful cerulean water. The inside benefits from the same dazzling views since bungalows are positioned along the walkways so that each one has complete privacy.
Most suites have air conditioning, flat screen TVs, stereos, and WiFi, but a “Tahitian TV” gives you a view directly into the water below, so you’ll probably never even think about technology. Sleek bathrooms open to nature with an outdoor shower and you’ll wake up to a gorgeous water view without even leaving the bed. Some resorts offer butlers to do your bidding, and you may even have your breakfast delivered by an outrigger canoe!
Unfortunately, the Bali Hai $34 rate is a thing of the past and today’s prices reflect the luxurious setting. Generally speaking, overwater bungalows start at about $600 per couple, per night in low season, although it’s possible to find lower priced options at times. Travel Maestro tip: French Polynesia’s high season is June through October. Maldives high season is December through April. It’s a little drier during these times, but off season is still paradise and less expensive.
French Polynesia Overwater Bungalow Recommendations
Covington Travel’s resident Tahiti Tiare (destination specialist) Barbi Partlow recommends her three favorite overwater bungalows in French Polynesia:
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – King Premium Panoramic Overwater Bungalow
Why I love it: The Hilton Resort has an ideal situation on the island of Moorea by the spectacular lagoon, between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. The Premium Panoramic Overwater Bungalows have sunrise or sunset views, and the snorkeling is perfect here in calm, protected waters.
- St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Overwater Premier Otemanu Villa with Whirlpool
Why I love it: The St. Regis is an expansive oasis of luxury, and this overwater bungalow has views of the sunset over Mt. Otemanu, the imposing monolith symbolic of this idyllic island. Relax in your own whirlpool tub on the terrace or wander the luxurious interior of the 1,905 square foot accommodation with every comfort imagined, and Butler service to boot!
- Vahine Island Private Island Resort – Small Luxury Hotels of the World member
Why I love it: You feel like Robinson Crusoe on this little blip of a motu just 23 acres small, just off the “Vanilla Island” of Taha’a. There are just THREE overwater bungalows here and a total of nine rooms, and that’s the way it should be. The simple but elegant bungalows with Polynesian décor are smallish compared to other resort bungalows, but guests will enjoy the quiet uniqueness of this fantasy island with views of the azure lagoon and Bora Bora in the distance.
Now that you’re dreaming of your own escape to paradise, let Barbi arrange your trip. You may be like the Bali Hai Boys and never return!
HOW DEEP IS THE WATER AND CAN YOU SEND INFO BY MAIL ABOUT THESE PLACES ON TOP OF WATER?WHERE ARE THESE LOCATED OTHER THAN BORB BORO
Hi Peggy, The short answers are 1) Usually not very deep, but it depends 2) Yes, please click on the “Plan My Vacation” button at the bottom of the post to give us your address privately. 3) Mostly in French Polynesia and the Maldives, but a couple in the Caribbean and Mexico, too. Cheers – Travel Maestro