11 Best Overwater Bungalows To Bring Luxury To Your Next Vacation, According To Reviews

There are few travel experiences as evocative as waking up in an overwater bungalow. These dreamy hideaways have become a byword for luxury: rolling out of bed to endless turquoise views, sipping coffee on a private deck complete with a plunge pool, before stepping straight from your villa into the sea. For many, they're the ultimate vacation fantasy. But not all overwater escapes are created equal. Some embrace barefoot simplicity, with hammocks, open-air showers, and a true digital detox. Others are built for indulgence, complete with infinity pools, round-the-clock butlers, and fine dining just a call away. 

What they share is a rare sense of privacy — and the thrill of being suspended above clear, living water, with the reef or lagoon as your constant companion. To help you choose wisely, we've rounded up the best-reviewed overwater bungalows in the world, based on recent traveler feedback. These are the places guests describe as unforgettable whether you're planning a romantic island getaway for your honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, or simply daydreaming about the ultimate escape.

The Maldives has everything you could imagine in a tropical paradise, so it's no wonder that it's one of our most romantic Asian destinations — and Gili Lankanfushi, with a 5-star Tripadvisor rating based on nearly 5,000 reviews, is the ultimate way to experience it. The resort offers a variety of thatched-roof overwater villas, each designed as an open-air oasis with direct ocean access, rooftop terraces, sun-soaked decks with catamaran nets, and semi open-air bathrooms. At the pinnacle is the Private Reserve — the largest standalone overwater villa in the world — featuring four en suite bedrooms along with a two-tier infinity pool, spa, cinema, gym, bar, water slide, and even a private yacht for arrivals and departures.

Perhaps the most talked about feature, however, is the "Mr. and Ms. Friday" butler service, designed to make every stay as seamless and personalized as possible. As one guest put it: "Shaany ('Ms. Friday') made our experience unforgettable. She anticipated our every need, tailored every detail to our preferences, and went above and beyond with her warmth, humor, and thoughtful surprises." Another reviewer summed up the overall experience as "SPECTACULAR. Paradise on earth. I think it's the best hotel I've ever been to for many reasons. It's got everything!" Reviews like these, of which there are thousands, explain why Gili Lankanfushi is regarded not just as a luxury escape, but as the benchmark for overwater hospitality worldwide.

Small in scale but rich in detail, Milaidhoo has earned its perfect 5-star rating on Tripadvisor by offering an experience that is both intimate and indulgent. With just 50 villas, the resort leans into a sense of seclusion, combining Maldivian heritage with contemporary luxury. Each overwater villa rises on stilts above the lagoon and opens onto a sundeck anchored by a 452-square-foot freshwater infinity pool, Maldivian-style swing couch, shaded daybed, dining table, and sun loungers. Inside, the villas continue the theme of understated elegance, with custom-made furnishings and soaring ceilings that flood the space with light. The bathrooms are particularly striking, featuring deep soaking tubs angled toward uninterrupted ocean views and tropical rain showers framed by glass walls.

Service is just as carefully considered. Guests are welcomed with champagne and fresh fruit, enjoy the attention of a 24-hour island host, and can borrow snorkeling equipment to explore the reef. One guest wrote, "What makes the experience supreme is the staff. They simply make your stay delightful and nothing is more important than your happiness." The food here is also a standout, with several distinct dining options — but it is the signature Ba'theli Restaurant, set on a traditional wooden boat moored in the lagoon, that is frequently described by reviewers as an unmissable highlight. As another guest put it, "If you're looking for a private and intimate atmosphere, Milaidhoo is the place for you. The villas are designed to offer complete seclusion, and the resort never feels crowded. It was the perfect escape ... allowing us to feel like we had the entire island to ourselves."

Hurawalhi, an adults-only sanctuary in the Lhaviyani Atoll, has earned an impressive 4.9-star rating on Tripadvisor from over 4,000 reviews, thanks largely to its overwater villas. Guests can choose between three distinct styles: the Ocean Villa is the simplest expression, with a private sundeck and steps leading straight into the lagoon. The Ocean Pool Villa adds a roughly 291-square-foot infinity pool along with a spacious bedroom and a bathroom with a rain shower. Add it to the list of romantic resorts with private plunge pools you can visit. Meanwhile, the Romantic Ocean Villa offers an outdoor bathtub, a catamaran net suspended over the water, and interiors designed to feel especially secluded. All three share the same hallmark: uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to the reef below.

In fact, the reef is a defining feature here, and you'll be hard pressed to find a review that doesn't mention the excellent snorkeling opportunities — with guests raving about their encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fish. Hurawalhi's Marine Biology Center adds depth, turning each overwater villa stay into an opportunity to connect with the ocean. Led by a resident marine biologist in collaboration with ProDivers Maldives, the center runs research, conservation workshops, and guided house-reef snorkeling around the resort. Rounding out the experience is 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world's largest all-glass underwater dining space, where gourmet plates are served against a living backdrop of rays and reef fish. As one reviewer put it: "We are avid travelers and have been to many places, however this was the greatest trip we have ever been on by far."

Few places are more gorgeous than the popular Caribbean destination of Belize, famed for its vast jungles, Mayan ruins, and beautiful snorkeling destinations. Set on a private island off Dangriga, Thatch Caye, a Muy'Ono Resort, limits occupancy to just 30 guests at a time, creating an escape that is never crowded but always restorative. With a perfect 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, it's a favorite eco-conscious choice for travelers looking to swap polish for peace. The island offers two types of overwater stays: the classic Overwater Bungalows, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and a shared deck strung with hammocks; and the Premier Overwater Bungalows — five stand-alone cottages with sweeping 180-degree views and individual decks for uninterrupted seclusion. As one guest put it: "The overwater bungalows are a dream – private, peaceful, and made for true relaxation. We loved just laying on the hammock watching the baby rays below us."

Days here are shaped around the water: snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef, kayaking through mangroves, paddleboarding at sunrise, or taking a dip in the resort's natural saltwater pool. Guests praise the laid-back, social atmosphere of evenings, which often revolve around happy hour at the overwater bar and communal dinners at The Grove featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from Muy'Ono Farms. The resort also encourages guests to unplug: TVs and Wi-Fi are limited to common areas such as the Coco Lounge — reinforcing its off-the-grid appeal. And with single-use plastics banned, solar power in use, and a portion of each booking supports local charities, travelers can feel good about their stay here, too. 

Kudadoo sets the bar for privacy in the Maldives. With just 15 overwater villas, this private island holds a flawless 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, and its residences are a cut above. Designed by architect Yuji Yamazaki, they feature clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive decks that seem to float over the lagoon. Each villa comes with its own infinity plunge pool, outdoor lounge space, and a bathroom with a soaking tub angled toward the ocean. Inside, pale woods and soft fabrics create a calm, stripped-back style that lets the turquoise water steal the show.

What makes Kudadoo stand out, however, is its truly all-inclusive philosophy. Guests aren't just promised unlimited dining and drinks — though reviewers rave about the gourmet dining experience at the overwater restaurant and private wine tastings in the cellar — but also bespoke excursions, spa treatments, and water sports, all included. Many guests highlight the joy of spontaneous experiences, whether it's a last-minute dolphin cruise or watching a movie on the beach, all arranged seamlessly by their personal butler. One reviewer gushed: "Every member of the team knows your name, learns your preferences, and somehow manages to anticipate your needs before you even know them." Just don't forget to check out the best time of year to visit the Maldives before you go. 

Few Maldivian resorts can claim the heritage of Baros. Open since 1973 and holding an average 4.9-star rating on Tripadvisor from over 5,000 reviews, it has become one of the most trusted names in overwater luxury. Guests return year after year for the turquoise lagoon, warm service, and villas that strike the right balance between classic Maldivian style and modern comfort. Indeed, Baros's overwater villas remain its signature. Each thatched-roof retreat opens onto a private deck with direct lagoon access, a four-poster daybed, and views that shift from sunrise pinks to sunset golds. The Water Villas keep things elegantly simple with king beds, rain showers, and soaking tubs angled to the ocean, while the Baros Pool Water Villas are just over 1,356 square feet of pure luxury, with private infinity pools for an extra layer of indulgence.

The house reef is often singled out as one of the best in the Maldives, praised for its easy access and thriving marine life — snorkelers frequently spot reef sharks, manta rays and shoals of colorful fish within minutes. Dining is another draw: three restaurants, including The Lighthouse with its overwater deck, showcase everything from fresh seafood to fine wines. As one former guest summed up, "Our stay at Baros was an unforgettable dream — it truly felt like paradise!"

With a near-perfect 4.9-star Tripadvisor rating, this tucked-away haven, the only 5-star resort on the remote Laamu Atoll, feels part castaway fantasy, part eco-paradise. Six Senses Laamu offers a variety of overwater villas: The Lagoon Water Villas sit above the shallows, with sunken glass bathtubs, daybeds, and overwater nets that keep the marine life just a step away. The Ocean Water Villas are set further out, giving wider horizons and dramatic sunrise or sunset views, some with the added indulgence of a private infinity pool. At the far ends of the jetties, the Laamu and Sunset Laamu Water Villas deliver the most secluded experience, with uninterrupted panoramas and expansive decks made for stargazing or private dining. Across all, the hallmarks remain the same: timber decks, breezy open-air bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers, and interiors in warm woods and natural fabrics that keep the ocean as the real star of the show.

But the experience stretches far beyond the villas. The resort's spa offers open-air treatment pavilions, dining spans from organic island produce to inventive fusion menus, and each guest is paired with a "Guest Experience Maker" (GEM) to personalize everything from private sandbank dinners to dolphin cruises. The marine center, meanwhile, makes conservation part of the stay, while snorkeling, diving, surfing, and paddleboarding keep the reef within easy reach. As one recent guest put it: "We had the best vacation of our lives at Six Senses Laamu. From the very first moment, everything was perfectly taken care of. Our GEM, Sina, was incredibly attentive, thoughtful and always one step ahead ... it often felt like the entire resort was dedicated to looking after us."

You don't have to fly thousands of miles to experience overwater luxury. There are several all-inclusive overwater bungalow options in Mexico, and just off Playa Maroma on the Riviera Maya, the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, attached to the adults-only El Dorado Maroma resort, stand out with a near-perfect 4.9-star Tripadvisor rating. Each villa is designed to keep the ocean in focus: Glass floor panels reveal turquoise water below, outdoor showers and ladders offer direct access to the sea, and spacious decks come with private plunge pools and loungers angled to the horizon. Inside, polished wood floors, rainfall showers, and jacuzzi tubs elevate the comfort, while 24-hour butler service makes indulgence effortless.

Guests staying in the Palafitos enclave also enjoy access to exclusive extras. Each bungalow is paired with reserved beach beds for private lounging, while customized touches — from daily full breakfasts served in-villa to gourmet pre-dinner bites. The Palafitos Wine Bar and Grill, with its two glass-floor dining rooms, is a favorite among reviewers, who praise both the views and the inventive menus. One recent guest raved: "Absolutely incredible stay at Palafitos. Our butlers were amazing and always attentive. The overwater bungalows are beautiful, the resort has so much to do, and the spa is top-notch. Truly unforgettable."

Cayo Espanto is a private-island resort with just seven villas, but its crown jewel is Casa Ventanas, the island's sole overwater bungalow and its most sought-after hideaway. With a 4.9 star rating on Tripadvisor from nearly 300 reviews, the resort has built a reputation for tailoring every stay to the individual, making it one of the most intimate escapes in the Caribbean. Casa Ventanas is an expansive one-bedroom retreat set at the end of a dock stretching out into the sea, ensuring uninterrupted privacy. Thoughtfully styled in line with the island's other villas, it features custom-crafted furnishings, generous living spaces, and every imaginable comfort, but what sets it apart is its setting: surrounded entirely by the turquoise Caribbean, with sea life gliding right past or beneath the glass floor panels. 

Guests can spend their days swinging in hammocks, watching marine life swim by, or heading out to explore the world's second-largest barrier reef, where snorkeling and diving are exceptional. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the sand, the island also offers fly fishing, birdwatching tours, and private cruises through the surrounding cays. Wellness is never far away either, with spa treatments delivered in the comfort of the villa — from massages to facials and aromatherapy. One reviewer summed up a stay at Casa Ventanas by writing: "It was spectacular. We were looking for quiet, privacy, reading, rest, break from kids, good food, good drink and relaxation in general. Cayo Espanto was PERFECT!"

Few resorts capture the imagination quite like the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, often considered the definitive South Pacific escape. Holding a 4.8-star Tripadvisor average, and with iconic overwater villas set across a turquoise lagoon backed by the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu, the setting alone makes it bucket-list worthy. It's the overwater bungalows themselves that are the true stars, though. Designed with thatched roofs and airy, Polynesian-inspired interiors, they start at about 1,076 square feet and stretch up to palatial configurations with private plunge pools. Each opens to a spacious deck with loungers, ladders leading straight into the lagoon, and views that shift from dazzling blues by day to fiery pinks at sunset. 

Inside, vaulted ceilings and teak furnishings nod to traditional design, while modern luxuries like deep soaking tubs with ocean views, rainfall showers, and plush Four Seasons beds make them as indulgent as they are beautiful. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of the villas here, with one recent guest writing: "We were lucky enough to stay in a mountain view overwater bungalow, and it was everything as advertised...and more. I genuinely could not think of a single thing I'd change about the room." While the service, spa, and dining all deliver the signature Four Seasons polish, it's the combination of vast, lagoon-framed bungalows and that cinematic mountain view that has secured this resort's place as the icon of Bora Bora.

In the remote waters of Raja Ampat, Eastern Indonesia, Misool is proof that sustainability and luxury can coexist. Built entirely from reclaimed wood and anchored by a responsible tourism policy and several community outreach projects, the resort has a 4.8-star Tripadvisor rating with hundreds of glowing reviews. The resort's eight Water Cottages are built on stilts over the North Lagoon, each separated by about 33 feet for privacy. Nearby, four slightly larger North Lagoon Villas offer even more space while keeping the same connection to the sea. 

From their wide decks with hammocks and direct lagoon access, guests can spend hours watching marine life pass beneath them, or get up close snorkeling and diving in one of the most pristine reef systems on earth. The resort sits at the heart of the Misool Marine Reserve, where conservation efforts have seen reef life flourish. In fact, a patch of coral no bigger than a football field here can host nearly five times more coral species than the entire Caribbean Sea. The surrounding waters of Raja Ampat are equally staggering —  home to over 1,500 species of reef fish. As one reviewer put it: "The diving is phenomenal. In a lifetime of diving I've never seen coral as densely packed, as diverse and as healthy". 

This ranking is based primarily on recent Tripadvisor ratings and reviews, focusing on properties that hold near-perfect scores (4.8 out of 5 or above) from over at least 200 reviews and consistently glowing guest feedback. Each entry was verified through official resort websites to confirm villa types, layouts, and amenities, ensuring accuracy in the descriptions. We also drew on authentic guest reviews to highlight details travelers repeatedly praised — from exceptional service and dining to unique villa features like glass floors, hammocks, and private plunge pools. The goal was not only to list the world's most celebrated overwater resorts, but also to show what makes each stand out in practice: the touches that guests say turn a beautiful setting into a once-in-a-lifetime stay.