If there is one image that sits right in the front of everyone’s mind when thinking about South Pacific accommodation – it’s the overwater bungalow. It is widely known that French Polynesia is the destination with the most overwater accommodation options in the South Pacific, but we want to let you know of other destinations that are available throughout the region.

Did you know that Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands and The Cook Islands offer their own options for overwater accommodation? To help you understand what you are getting, we have compiled a list of the options in the different destinations for you.

Fiji

The ultimate overwater experience in Fiji is at Likuliku Lagoon Fiji. This 5-star property has ten private and exclusive overwater bures, the first of their kind in Fiji. These bures are elegant and stylish, with traditional architecture and materials using natural elements unique to the region. Each of the bures have a separate bathing pavilion with lagoon views from your grand bathtub. For the final touch of luxury, each day enjoy your complimentary canapé plate from the chef.

For a unique experience, you can’t go past the floating edgewater bures at Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa in the northern region of Fiji. Edgewater Floating Bures are the latest addition to the resort. Each bure floats within the protected marina of the resort, offering the perfect experience for those who love to snorkel and kayak right from their bure deck. Designed with traditional Fijian style, each bure has touches of nautical decor, native "Dogo" wood accents, as well as tropical thatched roofs.

Cook Islands

At Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort you will find the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands. Guests staying here enjoy some of the world’s most superb lagoon views – uninterrupted panoramic vistas of the stunning Aitutaki Lagoon.

The spacious overwater bungalow décor is distinctively Polynesian. The bathroom features an open-air shower in a private walled garden, and the veranda has private sunlounges with table and chairs. Steps lead down to the lagoon from the overwater bungalow veranda allowing guests direct access to the lagoon waters below. After swimming, guests can rinse off under the outdoor shower on the lower veranda deck, right by the water.

Vanuatu

There are two options in Vanuatu to experience South Pacific overwater accommodation.

The overwater villas at Warwick Le Lagon are located on a private island that features a private dock for swimming and snorkelling and a dining pavilion for romantic sunset dinners.

Each villa has premium views and are perched over the clear blue waters of Erakor Lagoon.  Featuring fresh décor, expansive bathrooms with separate showers, deep soaking baths and a spacious living area that opens out onto an overwater deck, these villas are dripping in luxury.

Holiday Inn Resort also offers an overwater room category. Located on the resort’s private Erongo Island, these villas offer the perfect overwater accommodation for a unique and romantic tropical getaway. Take in uninterrupted views from your private balcony, which also features direct access to the lagoon’s warm water

Samoa

Samoa's only overwater fales can be found at Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa. Each fale boasts amazing views of the beaches, lagoon, and ocean, simply breathtaking sunset vistas, and an expansive sun deck (with no direct water access), sun loungers and comfy furniture.

Tahiti

Tahiti is the home of overwater accommodation. In Papeete there is only one resort that offer overwater rooms, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. For more options you will need to venture further out to the outer islands of Tahiti.

If you would love to experience an overwater bungalow but have a tight budget, then we suggest the Manava Beach Resort & Spa located in Mo’orea. You will find the largest overwater bungalows at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort. However, if you want to feel like royalty, try the presidential overwater villa at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

New Caledonia

DoubleTree by Hilton Ilot Matire Resort located a short boat ride out of Noumea offers the only overwater experience in New Caledonia. Their overwater bungalows feature a large separate lounge, bedroom in exotic wood, and spacious bathroom in Italian marble with shower and bathtub, as well as a private terrace facing the sunset equipped with steps leading directly to the water.

Solomon Islands

Fatboys Resort boasts the only overwater bungalows in the Solomon Islands. Located on the secluded Mbanbaga Island in beautiful Gizo, this boutique resort is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty, turquoise lagoons and ocean reefs while enjoying privacy and seclusion. The overwater bungalows feature an entrance hall, queen-size bedroom with mosquito netting and a comfortable, stylish sitting room. It also boasts a balcony to relax and enjoy the sunrises/sunsets (or simply relax and enjoy the perfect view of Kolobangara and Kennedy Island).

Overwater Accommodation in the South Pacific

Now you know where you can find an overwater room, it is time to decide on the destination that suits you best. If you need help with this, the team at Spacifica Travel are here to help you decide. Just give the team a call on 1800 800 722 or enquire online and one of our experts will be able to help you out.