The honeymoon must-have — the overwater bungalow —is now being offered around the world. Here, some of our favorites.
Photo courtesy of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Stays at this collection of retreats are completely and totally immersive. Each property has a signature scent, impeccable service and a secret retreat vibe. This 58-villa property that sprawls across a stretch of sand and some rock outcroppings on the East Vietnam Sea encompasses ultra-romantic villas perched above the water. Each of the 35 sustainable, bi-level cottages comes equipped with always-on-call butlers and have private pools, enormous teak decks and oversize bathrooms that open onto the photogenic surroundings. With the exception of snorkeling right off your personal paradise, there’s little reason to leave the room, as your butler can arrange to bring everything (even yoga instruction and massages) to you (villa rates start at $1,045 a night and include breakfast).
Photo courtesy of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
In French Polynesia (OG home to the overwater villa concept), this 107-room retreat, which is accessible only by boat, enchants with its rambling grounds, sparkling sands and crystalline waters abundant with tropical fish. Rooms are truly oversize and crafted from locally sourced woods and the leaves of the indigenous pandanus tree. All have direct water access; some boast personal plunge pools. Don’t miss a private motu (small island) dinner where you, your partner and a single palm tree are the only ones sitting on the pristine sands (room rates for the overwater bungalow suite start at $1,140 a night).
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora
Sandals Grande St. Lucia
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Count on the Caribbean’s romance expert hotel group to offer — and engineer — the first bungalows on stilts in the region’s islands. A result of nearly a decade of environmental impact studies, the exclusive collection of uber-luxe accommodations — with indoor/outdoor living spaces and butler service — is the definition of “honeymoon perfect.” Make a splash with cannonballs off of your expansive deck or find Zen with a cup of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee on the private hammock suspended over the brilliant water. After a day of resort activities (sailing, beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding) have your butler reserve a table at the property’s hip sushi eatery, which offers a delight of fresh-from-the-sea dishes (room rates for the overwater honeymoon butler bungalow start at $1,078 per person, per night and are all inclusive).
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
With the addition of 20 accommodations that hover over the water at the Magic Kingdom hotel, Disney, once again, creates reality from dreams. Fit for up to eight guests, the overwater villas are the perfect solution for a familymoon, friendmoon and bachelor/bachelorette getaway. Decor is evocative of mid-century Hawaiiana with colorful textiles, wooden accents and whimsical only-at-Disney touches. At night, you can marvel at the evening fireworks spectacular from your private on-deck plunge pool (room rates for the over-the-water bungalow suites start at $2,272 a night).
Photo courtesy of Disney Resorts
