11 of the most luxurious overwater bungalows in Australia and around the world
Dreaming of a holiday that will make 2020 feel like a distant memory? Look no further than these bucket-list stays, set over incredible bodies of water.
Dreaming of a holiday with maximum Zen, that will make 2020 feel like a distant memory? Look no further than these bucket-list stays, set over incredible bodies of water that will have you feeling like you’ve floated into another realm of relaxation. From Bora Bora and the Maldives to a few a little closer to home, here’s 11 one-of-a-kind stays to beeline for as soon as you’re able.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora, French Polynesia (pictured above)
Set along runway-like curved jetties are pandanus-roofed overwater bungalow suites or “specialty” options with one or two bedrooms and plunge pools. The resort has had a recent refresh but the setting and the views need no enhancements. The jagged volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu presides over water of travel-poster blue; the tropical fruit is so bulbous as to seem artificial. Staff tootle about in golf buggies, always with a cheery “Bonjour!” or ”Ia Orana!”. The gardenia-like fragrance of star-shaped tiare flowers intoxicates, and at Kahaia Spa a plate-glass panel set beneath each massage table allows views of clown-coloured fish and coral clusters. ”This is Tahitian television,” says my therapist.
2. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
This adults-only property on Malolo Island, in the Mamanuca group off the main island of Viti Levu, offers accommodation in a line of 10 super-spacious bures on stilts above the fringing reef of a marine sanctuary as well as shoreside options, some with private plunge pools. In the overwater bures, expect a tub with a lagoon view in the ensuite, wide deck with steps leading to the water, and a glass inset in the hardwood floor of the lounging area for a spot of sit-down snorkelling as marine creatures rove beneath. The resort is 100 per cent Fijian owned and a leader in conservation practice, including tropical dry forest regeneration and breeding of endangered endemic crested iguanas. Due to reopen April 1, 2021.
3. Four Rivers Floating Lodge, Koh Kong, Cambodia
Twelve white-canopied octagonal “floating” tents, detailed with botanical prints and featuring excellent ensuites and lounging decks, sit snug on pontoons in this unusual outpost at the south end of the Tatai River, near the Thailand border and about halfway between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. The blend of jungle glamping and overwater lodge works well. A central pontoon houses the communal elements, such as reception, bar and restaurant; and activities include kayaking, excursions to waterfall pools and nature walks. Expect ceiling fans, solar power, a blend of Khmer and international cuisine, and a local community feel-good factor.
4. Soneva Fushi, The Maldives
This island nation reopened to tourists in mid-July and great deals are expected to be in place well into 2021. Operators and hoteliers in the Maldives have not been idle, including environmentally savvy resort group Soneva, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Its flagship Soneva Fushi property, on a tiny isle in the UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, has added eight oversized Water Retreats to its villa inventory. The new accommodation is set over a sparkling lagoon and the message is “intelligent luxury” with all the expected green credentials plus swags of style. The glam retreats feature water slides, organic beach decor, sun loungers and daybeds, boom nets and private pools. There is a touch of wildness at this forested hide-out where guests are urged to go barefoot, cycle on sandy paths and dine at restaurants lodged in treetops, beside jetties and tucked within flourishing vegetable gardens.
5. Warwick Le Lagon Resort, Vanuatu
This large, classic resort, with 142 guestrooms, faces Erakor Lagoon near the nation‘s capital, Port Vila, and has an exclusive quartet of 70-square-metres overwater villas. The look is casual but chic with cushioned day beds, big bathrooms that include soaker tubs, shaded decks and pastel decor with accents of marine colours. Island flowers, weavings and boldly printed fabrics create local Melanesian context and each villa comes with an “ambassador host” to book activities such as romantic sunset drinks, tables for dinner at Wild Ginger Restaurant & Bar, or pampering treatments at Oasis Spa. The resort also features land villas with plunge or free-form swimming pools, upgraded in recent years to a high standard.
6. Berjaya Langkawi, Malaysia
The category dubbed Premier Chalet on Water is the accommodation pick at this spread-out rainforest-fringed resort on Langkawi Island. Or splurge on a Premier Suite on Water, with the extra space the name suggests, plus an ensuite spa tub with picture-window views and large covered deck. Either style is usually booked for minimum two-night stays but the rules are likely to be more relaxed in 2021. The location is magical, with Burau Bay and the Andaman Sea out front, and mountains at back, and activities including zip lining across pristine tree canopies and over waterfalls plus marine sports. The resort is a 20-minute drive from Langkawi airport and is pretty isolated; hang on to that sunhat or fall prey to thieving monkeys.
7. LUX North Male Atoll, The Maldives
This is the second project for Mauritius-based LUX Resorts & Hotels in The Maldives and a perfect complement to LUX South Ari Atoll. This newer resort sits at the upper tip of North Male Atoll, a cluster that‘s also home to luxury neighbours such as Huvafen Fushi and One&Only Reethi Rah. Expect 67 ultra-cool white villas, either overwater or by the beach, with retro mid-century lines. The flat roofs double as “sky lounges” for private barbecues or even outdoor movies set up by staff. Villa interiors conceived by Singapore-based Miaja Design Group are streamlined and angled towards graduated blue views of private pool, sea and sky. Facilities include the clubby Beach Rouge; chill out with DJ music and holiday-coloured cocktails from expert mixologists.
8. Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa, Samoa
With unique overwater fales (villas), this property is a cut above the more basic accommodation on Samoa’s main island of Upolu. On the south coast, about 45 minutes from Apia airport, this friendly and barefoot-style property has just six stilted villas over the lagoon, with ensuites featuring sunken tubs and waterfall-style showers that open onto sundecks via sliding window walls. The high, pointed rooflines and rounded contours mimic village huts or even moored houseboats. There are also beachside accommodation choices that feature semi-open lava rock-walled bathrooms and casual island decor. It‘s worth reading the history of ownership on the resort website for a real tale of the South Pacific.
LOCAL HEROES
Plus, three local destinations — where staying overwater means immersion in nature.
9. Pumphouse Point Wilderness Retreat
Located at Tasmania‘s Lake St Clair, 2½ hours by road from Hobart or Launceston, this luxe retreat once served as a hydro-electric station in the 1930s and 40s. There are 19 guestrooms, including categories in The Shorehouse by the lake, but the pick are those on three floors in the overwater Pumphouse proper, which once housed huge water turbines; this immaculately restored heritage building is reached by a flume that stretches 240m across Australia’s deepest lake.
10. Couran Cove Island Resort
On the north side of South Stradbroke Island, off the Queensland Gold Coast, Couran Cove features Boardwalk Studios and Suites but they do lack the privacy and stand-alone separation of a bungalow and the feeling is more of jutting over the water. But it‘s not all about the sea here, as cycling, bushwalks and beach volleyball all star on a comprehensive agenda of activities.
11. Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa
This NSW Snowy Mountains bolthole, bordered by Kosciuszko National Park and the Thredbo River, was closed during the early 2020 bushfire rampage but swiftly reopened and is now busy again with regional roadtrippers. Its Lakeview Apartments sit partially on pylons and offer broad water and forest outlooks as well as multiple bedrooms, kitchens and laundries that make for an ideal family option.