Tropical Vacations

Top 10 Overwater Bungalows With The Best Views

10. InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa A rare resort with overwater bungalows and no boardwalks, the InterContinental on Moorea (there are also two InterContinentals on Bora Bora and one on Tahiti) has views dominated by lush landscape — the exotic kind that grows naturally on the Pacific islands. | Lori Barbely

By Islands Staff May 30, 2013

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There's no such thing as a bad view of Tahiti from the nearly two dozen overwater bungalows the Islands staff has inspected and stayed in. But these 10 rise above the others for their own special reasons.

**9. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa** It's out on a motu, looking back on Bora Bora's main island. So you have the view of Mount Otemanu, plus classic South Pacific sunrises. | Jon Whittle

**8. Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa** Things are looking pretty special when this comes in at No. 8. The long boardwalks over shallow Pacific water is the essence of Tahitian overwater bungalows. | Lori Barbely

**7. Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa** The location of these bungalows feels more primitive. They're on an isolated motu with views of the very green Taha'a to one side and the magnificence of Bora Bora on the other. | Jon Whittle

**6. InterContinental Le Moana** The view here on Bora Bora stands out from the others because the Crayola-perfect water rubs up against white-sand beaches. | Jon Whittle

**5. Hotel Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island** Yes, you never lose sight of one of the Earth's prettiest lagoons, but from this resort it's a short stroll to a vantage point for incredible overlooks too. We didn't find these high-angle perspectives at many places. | Jon Whittle

**4. Le Méridien Bora Bora** What you see beyond the long expanses of sea is rivaled by what's visible underwater. The private snorkeling lagoon is full of sea turtles brought here to rehabilitate (from sickness or injuries). | Jon Whittle

**3. Vahine Island** There is no Mount Otemanu out here near the island of Taha'a. But with only three overwater bungalows, Vahine is so private that the views are unobstructed no matter where you stand — or sit. | Jon Whittle

**2. St. Regis Bora Bora** The jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu are magnified by the sizes of the St. Regis' rooms, which allow a wider-angle look before you even step outside. | Jon Whittle

**1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora** Photographer Jon Whittle calls the Four Seasons on Bora Bora the resort with the best views in all of Tahiti. "The sight of Mount Otemanu follows you everywhere on Bora Bora, but watching the rising sun paint the side of the mountain from an almost intimidating proximity on my porch was the No. 1 visual highlight for me." | Jon Whittle

Top 10 Overwater Bungalows With The Best Views

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