Overwater Bungalow or No Overwater Bungalow?

Susan Green — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:59:34 +0000

How to Decide What’s Right for Your Tahiti Trip

Few travel decisions feel as exciting, or as stressful, as choosing whether to stay in an overwater bungalow in Tahiti. For some travelers, it is the entire reason they are going. For others, it turns out not to be the best fit once they really think about how they travel.

The truth is that overwater bungalows are incredible, but they are not automatically the best option for every traveler or every trip. Tahiti and Bora Bora offer beautiful alternatives that can be just as private, luxurious, and memorable.

Here is how to think through the pros and cons so you can choose what truly fits your travel style.

The Pros of Overwater Bungalows

There is nothing quite like waking up with the lagoon right outside your door. Overwater bungalows offer a sense of separation and escape that feels uniquely Tahitian.

One of the biggest advantages is direct lagoon access. Many resorts allow you to swim or snorkel straight from your deck, and the marine life can be surprisingly vibrant right beneath you. The views are also unmatched. Sunrise and sunset over open water often feel more dramatic without land in sight.

Overwater bungalows also tend to have excellent airflow. Being positioned above the lagoon means cooler breezes, especially in the evenings, which many travelers appreciate.

And of course, there is the experience itself. For many, staying overwater is a once-in-a-lifetime moment they have dreamed about for years. That emotional factor matters.

The Cons of Overwater Bungalows

What people often do not realize is how much walking can be involved. Depending on the resort layout, your bungalow may be quite far from restaurants, pools, and the spa. Some resorts, like the St. Regis Bora Bora, assign bikes to each bungalow, which makes getting around much easier and more enjoyable. Others require long walks, especially at night.

Overwater bungalows are also more exposed to weather. Wind, rain, and strong sun are felt more directly, and decks can become very hot midday depending on their orientation.

They are also not always the most practical choice. Beach access usually requires leaving your bungalow entirely, and water movement beneath the villa can be noticeable for light sleepers.

And then there is cost. Overwater bungalows are almost always the highest room category. While they are stunning, they are not always the best value depending on how much time you actually plan to spend in your room.

The Pros of Non-Overwater Bungalows

One of the biggest surprises for many travelers is just how private non-overwater bungalows can be.

Garden and beachfront villas often feel incredibly secluded, surrounded by lush landscaping. Some options, like the garden villa with pool at Le Bora Bora, feel like having your own tropical backyard. Fully fenced, with a private pool, outdoor seating, and lounge chairs, they offer complete privacy.

Non-overwater bungalows are also more convenient. They are typically closer to restaurants, the main pool, and resort amenities, which makes daily life easier, especially on longer stays.

They tend to be quieter at night, with less water movement noise, and they offer more shade throughout the day thanks to palm trees and gardens.

From a value perspective, these categories often allow travelers to extend their stay, upgrade experiences, or add private excursions without increasing the overall budget.

The Cons of Non-Overwater Bungalows

The biggest drawback is visual. While still beautiful, they do not deliver that iconic overwater look many people associate with Tahiti.

Privacy can also vary by resort and category. Some beachfront bungalows sit closer to walking paths, which is why resort layout and exact room selection matter more than people expect.

Views may also be more limited in garden categories, especially if ocean vistas are a top priority.

What About Pools?

Both overwater and non-overwater bungalows can include private pools. If having a pool is important to you, it does not have to be the deciding factor. You can find excellent pool options in both categories, and the key is choosing the right bungalow type within the right resort.

So, Which Should You Choose?

An overwater bungalow may be right for you if:

This is a bucket-list trip and the experience itself is the priority
You love being in the water and plan to spend time on your deck
You do not mind walking or biking around the resort

A non-overwater bungalow may be the better fit if:

You value ease and convenience
You love greenery, privacy, and a more grounded tropical feel
You plan to spend most of your time exploring the resort or taking excursions

For many travelers, the best answer is actually both. Splitting your stay between a garden or beachfront villa and an overwater bungalow allows you to experience the full range of what Tahiti offers without feeling locked into one style.

This is where thoughtful planning makes all the difference. Knowing which resorts have the best layouts, which bungalow categories offer the most privacy, and where a pool or bike access truly adds value can completely change the experience. Through our relationships within the Virtuoso network, we are able to help clients navigate those details and match them to the option that fits how they actually travel.

The details matter more than most people realize, and the right fit can completely change the experience. If you are curious to explore what options align best with how you travel, we are always happy to talk.

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