Travel
Dream Digs: 12 Affordable Overwater Bungalows
These gorgeous overwater accommodations in stunning destinations across the globe promise million-dollar views without the millionaire price tag
The epitome of tropical holiday bliss, a stay in an overwater bungalow is a bucket list item for many travellers – yet high room rates and long flights to isolated destinations may deter even the most motivated. Fortunately, it is possible to find those idyllic views in dreamy locations at affordable prices. From Panama to the Philippines, your perfect hideaway awaits.
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea
Noumea, New Caledonia
[Photos: DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea]
The best of both worlds awaits at this chic hideaway set in a marine reserve just a short boat ride away from the New Caledonia capital of Noumea. Its 64 contemporary guest rooms are distributed across lush gardens, the beach and the water, ensuring you find the location, size and rate that best suits your travel style. Make the resort the starting point for visits to the popular Anse Vata Beach or Duck Island, known for its underwater trail. Back in the hotel, toast yourday in paradise with a cocktail at the Sunset Bar.
El Nido
Miniloc, Phillippines
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According to popular belief, some of the world’s most jaw-dropping beaches are in the Philippines, and this oceanside hideaway might just prove the point. Nestled between dramatic cliffs, leafy rainforests and emerald waters, El Nido invites you to sway into the rhythm of Filipino life. The lovely guest rooms blend local details, like bamboo-covered walls, with elegant furniture and private balconies. Outdoors, adventures include snorkelling, diving, beach volleyball and island-hopping. After a day of exploration, find total calm in the serene massage hut or plan a picnic with those you love the most.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort
Langkawi, Malaysia
[Photos: Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Two Bedroom Suite on Water]
Ensconced in a breathtaking rainforest, this resort makes Mother Nature the protagonist of any stay. As romantic as it is family-friendly, Berjaya Langkawi features a kids’ club, a cute outdoor playground and a glistening pool where every guest will find a dreamy spot to while away the afternoon.
Activities abound for those who want to explore alluring Langkawi – think: bird-watching expeditions, jet-ski island-hopping, bike tours and kayaking among mangroves, which you can also experience in an entirely different way during a Night Safari. The resort’s varied culinary offerings include Oriental Peral, showcasing Cantonese specialities, and the gorgeous Pahn-Thai, serving Thai favourites on a deck that floats over the water.
Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge
Bocas del Toro, Panama
[Photos: Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge]
Sleeping above the curaçao-blue Caribbean is the stuff of dreams – and you can make it happen at this delightful lodge in Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago. Designed to immerse guests in a tranquil natural landscape, the lodge features nine stilt-supported cabins, each crowned by a palm leaf roof that showcases the region’s traditional architecture. Sustainability is key to the experience here; solar panels provide energy, while a biodigester processes water, seeking to protect the surrounding environment from pollution.
Spend your days exploring secluded beaches, snorkelling coral reefs or hiking in the lush rainforest. In the afternoon, head back to your cabin to watch the sun sink below the horizon. With any luck, a pod of dolphins may wish you goodnight.
Adaaran Club Rannalhi
South Malé Atoll, Maldives
[Photos: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Sunset Water Villa]
Travelling to the Maldives is a dream for many globetrotters – yet a pipe dream for most. This budget-friendly escape, however, makes the dream easier on the wallet with its all-inclusive offers. Here, your rate covers not only food and drink but activities as well, such as complimentary snorkelling equipment, water aerobics, yoga sessions, paddleboarding, windsurfing and sunset cruises. Mealtimes mean feasting on generous buffets offering everything from local flavours to international fare, while sipping cocktails bursting with tropical fruit. The room price also includes a USD 50 spa credit per person – the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
El Faro del Colibrí Acqua Lodge
Bocas del Toro, Panama
[Photos: El Faro del Colibrí Acqua Lodge ]
The small Panamanian island of Isla Carenero is home to this low-key retreat, just minutes away from the centre of Bocas Town. With its slow pace and crystal-clear water, the isle is ideal for the kind of holiday where the only item on the itinerary is relaxation (though you can always add activities like surfing and kayaking). El Faro del Colibrí features five simple and sweet bungalows that hover over the sea; for a truly special stay, book El Faro (The Lighthouse) – a two-story acccommodation with a living room and a terrace offering views of Almirante Bay.
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
Port Vila, Vanuatu
[Photos: Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu]
Picture-postcard holidays await at Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu – no matter what kind of trip you have in mind. Couples will love resting in cheerful overwater villas, lounging by the tranquil Terrace Pool, or relaxing with a massage at the spa. Families, on the other hand, will delight in the themed suites that create a fun environment for kids of all ages. Extra perks for the young ones include a kids’ club, a dedicated pool area, and the Kids Stay and Eat Free programme. While in Port Vila, check out the National Museum of Vanuatu, showcasing traditional items and artefacts from the region.
Avani Sepang Goldcoast
Ehsan, Malaysia
[Photos: Avani Sepang Goldcoast]
Bathed in the magic of Malaysia’s Gold Coast, Avani Sepang Goldcoast is close enough to Kuala Lumpur to make your journey an easy one, yet it feels light years away from the busy city life. The resort houses 315 guest rooms and villas outfitted in sleek yet warm wooden details; cosy up to your loved one in a King suite, or embark on a family adventure by booking one of the larger villas. Days here are spent exploring wildlife-rich mangroves, learning about the secrets behind dragon fruit farming, or discovering the legendary Batu Caves, one of Malaysia’s leading cultural and spiritual sites.
The Float House
Chang Wat Kanchanaburi, Thailand
[Photos: The Float House]
If you’re still high on a White Lotus-infused Thai obsession, this enchanting resort might just be the place you’re looking for. Huddled along the River Kwai, its villas evoking Thailand’s natural riches beckon with their teak furniture and splashes of bright colour. There are countless ways to immerse yourself in the area’s stunning beauty and calming energy, from stand-up paddleboarding to bird-watching and canoe rides, but eating is, of course, a highlight. Boasting memorable river views, Pontoon Restaurant serves Thai delights and international specialities.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Samal Island, Philippines
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This resort’s name holds a promise: once a pearl farm offering one of the ocean’s most precious gifts, it’s now among most relaxing and breathtaking places in the Philippines. Named after the area’s tribes – T’boli, Tausug, and Yakan – suites boast locally inspired touches, such as textiles and wallpapers, while keeping the surrounding nature as the central star. If you can tear yourself away from your room, spend your days embarking on countless marine adventures, from jet skiing to snorkelling or paddle boarding. Of course, your idea of an adventure might be lounging by the pool with a cocktail, which we fully endorse.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
Flores, Guatemala
[Photos: Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Waterfront Suites]
Natural beauty and Mayan mysticism infuse this corner of Guatemala – the perfect atmosphere for getting away from it all. Set just minutes away from the astonishing Tikal archaeological site, Las Lagunas allows you to explore the region’s history while enjoying a peaceful retreat with a mission: to protect Guatemala’s flora and fauna through responsible tourism. Adventure lovers can enjoy a tour to Monkey Island or the Blue Crater – a deep-blue water spring – while those in search of R&R will find it in massages and evening boat tours.
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Kandooma, Maldives
[Photos: Holiday Inn Kandooma]
If you’re looking for an excuse for a family getaway, this Maldivian resort is what you’ve been waiting for. With 154 villas outfitted in modern furniture and joyful decor, this resort has everything you’d want from an island escape: white-sand beaches, diving, surf lessons, a Kids Club for the little ones, and a spa where stress melts away. The best part: the all-inclusive package ensures you know exactly how much you’re paying – and can make the most of it.
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