The 12 Best Hotels in Tahiti with Overwater Bungalows

tahiti overwater bungalows

Posted by on 08 Mar 2023

Staying in overwater bungalows is a must when visiting the beautiful Islands of Tahiti. With gorgeous atolls and rich underwater marine sanctuaries to explore, these luxurious suites offer you easy access to the tropical waters of Tahiti.

Besides being the ultimate example of palatial amenities, Tahiti’s overwater bungalows also play a crucial role in the destination’s rich cultural heritage. The first three overwater bungalows were built in 1967 at the Bali Hai Hotel on Raiatea and were intended to be used as tilted homes.

Later on, more bungalows were constructed in Moorea, which led to the creation of the popular Hotel Bora Bora Huts. Today, there are more than 884 overwater bungalows spread across 22 hotels in 7 out of the 118 islands of Tahiti.

With plenty of these sophisticated floating cottages, it’s difficult to know which will fit your style and needs. So, to help you prepare for your next French Polynesian holiday, we’ve listed twelve of the most beautiful resorts in Tahiti with overwater bungalows and provided tips on planning your next trip to the islands.

12 Chic Hotels in Tahiti With Overwater Bungalows

If you’re looking for an excellent hotel with overwater suites for your upcoming holiday, here are twelve luxurious resorts you can check out.

Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa

Families planning to visit Tahiti will enjoy Moorea’s Intercontinental Resort & Spa. Besides their beautiful floating bungalows over calm waters, the hotel also offers excellent tourist attractions for kids. Parents who want a relaxing day to themselves can also seek out the resort’s onsite babysitting services.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Honeymooners who want to go all out on their French Polynesian holiday will enjoy Four Seasons Bora Bora, one of the island’s largest properties.

The Tahitian hotel’s overwater bungalows are filled with stunning amenities. Some have private plunge pools for couples who want to swim in their suite. Additionally, their staff readily offers refreshments like chilled fruit and freshly pressed towels.

Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Travellers who are particular about the view of their holiday home will love the variety of options the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa offers. The Tahitian hotel features overwater villas with a lagoon, beach, and mountain views.

Their villas have a balanced traditional and contemporary feel to them. Each suite houses traditional architecture highlighting French Polynesian culture and state-of-the-art in-room technology.

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

If you want to avoid large crowds during your French Polynesian holiday, we recommend the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. The hotel is located on one of Tahiti’s lesser-known islands, Tuamotu.

They offer over 24 overwater suites and bungalows, which means you may be able to enjoy the lagoon all to yourself. The resort also boasts premium suites at the pontoon's far end for elevated privacy.

Le Meridien Bora Bora

One of the most remarkable features of Tahiti’s overwater bungalows is their glass floor panes that open up to the island’s stunning waters. Most cottages have smaller glass panes that look like small windows, except for the Le Meridien Bora Bora.

The resort's overwater suites are said to have the largest glass floors on the islands, making guests feel like they’re walking on water. And using a short spiral staircase, visitors can easily take a swim with Tahiti’s friendly sea creatures.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

If you want to start your day with Tahiti’s breathtaking sunrises and end them with a clear view of the sunset, then Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is the establishment for you.

The Tahitian hotel’s overwater cottages are built to be the perfect place to marvel at the sunrise and sunset, with large windows and expansive wrap-around decks. And if you want to elevate your dining experience, they have the only overwater restaurant in Moorea.

Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

Tourists looking to pay Tahiti a short visit can still experience excellent tourist attractions and live in overwater bungalows, thanks to the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.

The resort is near the Fa’a’a International Airport and has over 22 water cottages sitting on the shores of their sheltered lagoon. Their Motu bungalows feature modern decor that creates an overall relaxing and contemporary atmosphere.

St. Regis Bora Bora

The St. Regis resort is one of the most popular five-star luxury hotels in Bora Bora. They offer some of the most romantic amenities in Tahiti, including candlelit restaurants overlooking the island’s blue waters and a secluded private dining experience.

Aside from this, their overwater villas also grant guests an unfiltered view of their sparkling turquoise waters with the cottages’ transparent floors and glass panels.

Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island

Tourists who want to go snorkelling and interact with Tahiti’s Angelfish will enjoy Sofitel Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows. Located on a private island five minutes away from the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort, the hotel features 21 beautiful bungalows sitting right next to a lively coral garden. If you’re looking to stay in a secluded, unspoiled paradise with plenty of excellent amenities, this is the perfect establishment.

Tahiti la Ora Beach Resort

Explorers who wish to explore Tahiti’s capital city, Pape’ete, can enjoy the 12 overwater bungalows of the Tahiti la Ora Beach resort. Located on the island's west coast, guests can take in sunset views and Moorea’s vistas from a distance throughout their stay.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the perfect resort for tourists who value their privacy. The hotel is on its own atoll and sits opposite the lagoon, ensuring guests their own secluded space.

What makes the Conrad Bora Bora Nui different from other high-end hotels is its two-story overwater bungalows. They are the only resort to offer them in French Polynesia, and each villa comes with a hammock suspended over the blue sea.

Royal Huahine

If you want to explore Tahiti’s lesser-known islands, we suggest you stay at the Royal Huahine. The hotel is located on the west side of Huahine Island and has 39 bungalows, 11 floating above its luminous blue lagoon.

The Royal Huahine is the perfect boutique hotel for tourists who want to traverse through lush rainforests and avoid large crowds.

Plan The Perfect Tahitian Holiday

Now that you know where to stay in Tahiti, it’s time to plan the rest of your French Polynesian holiday by determining what the best month to visit Tahiti is. The island’s peak season spans May to October, with June, July, and August as their busiest months.

The perfect month will depend on what you want to do during your holiday. If you want to catch Tahiti’s Pro Surfing Competition, we suggest visiting between June to August. On the other hand, November to April is the ideal time for you if you want to avoid crowds.

The same tip applies when identifying the best Tahiti island to visit. With over 118 islands and atolls to explore, the decision depends on what activities you want to try. There are Tahitian islands with plenty of historical sites, while atolls are perfect for a romantic getaway or even a planned proposal.

If you need more help finding the perfect establishment for your next Tahiti experience, you can visit the Entire Travel Group travel blog for inspiration.

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