Picking the PerfectOverwater Bungalow Overwater bungalows have become Tahiti’s trademark image and, for many, the symbol of an ultimate dream vacation.

Words & Photos by Stacey McLeod

Surprisingly, the hotel concept is still fairly young (nearing its 50th anniversary). Club Bali Hai Moorea Resort was the first hotel to unveil them in the 1960s, inspired by traditional Polynesian huts.

Nowadays, overwater bungalows are found throughout the Tahitian islands. While they’re the priciest of accommodations here, you’re paying for the over-the-top experience of waking up to the lapping of waves, and slipping out for a private sunrise dip in the calm lagoon waters as tropical fish scatter around you. There’s literally some of the world’s best snorkelling right off of your dock. At night, you can watch fish, rays and even lagoon sharks swim under the glass coffee tables and floors (nicknamed “Tahitian TV”), attracted to the light.

The bungalows are pretty fascinating pieces of architecture and, while sitting in a cottage on stilts above the water, it’s hard not to think about why they’re so common here and not other places—and how they can rest so close to the water without being hit by waves. It turns out, Tahiti’s calm conditions are perfect for overwater life. It’s generally safe from cyclones, and Tahiti is located at an amphidromic point for the lunar tide cycle. This means that the lunar tide is minimal and water levels in the lagoons barely change, both day and night.

But as you can imagine, hovering over the ocean can be hard on an exterior. Thatched roofs, made from pandanus leaves, need to be replaced roughly every seven years.

Picking the Perfect Overwater Bungalow

There are lots of overwater bungalows found at resorts throughout Tahiti, with several options to choose from. Ask yourself the following questions so you can request the right bungalow from the resort.

1. Are you looking for a romantic hideaway or travelling as a group or family? Most overwater bungalows are built for couples, but some resorts offer multi-room—and even multi-level—bungalows that can house a group.

2. Do you prefer sunrise or sunset?If you like taking in gorgeous skies with a glass of wine or prefer to kick back with a cup of coffee, you’ll want to request a bungalow that’s facing the right direction.

3. How many perks does it have?Ask about the little perks, like soaker tubs, private plunge pools, or the number of glass floors and where they’re located. It’s different for every resort—and even some bungalows within them. Some have glass coffee tables that look down on the ocean floor, around the bathtub, on the deck or on the floor in the middle of the cabin.

4. Are you seeking complete silence?Overwater bungalows take a beating from the salty air and require a lot of maintenance. Ask the resort if there is currently construction on any of the bungalows and, if so, if you can secure a bungalow away from the action.

5. Will you be swimming?It sounds crazy, but some people love overwater bungalows yet never swim off their dock. If you are one of them and worried about blowing your budget, you can save some money by opting for a bungalow on the shore and still have an ocean view.

N E X T Mystical Moorea

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