12 Best Overwater Bungalows You Can Actually Afford
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Admit it, visions of overwater bungalows have been dancing through your dreams.
You’ve seen the photos. You’re obsessed with that beautiful blue water. And, after dealing with a pandemic for the last few years, planning the perfect vacation in an overwater bungalow has vaulted to the top of your bucket list.
Unfortunately, there’s that whole money thing.
Let’s face it: Staying in an OWB isn’t exactly a cheap vacation idea. When searching for affordable overwater bungalows, sticker shock can send even the most seasoned traveler running for cover. And it’s not just the rooms you have to worry about. Flights to many of these locations can get ridiculously expensive as well.
Fear not my frugal friends! While booking an overwater bungalow is never going to be dirt cheap, there are some relatively affordable options available. These affordable resorts with overwater bungalows can help you realize your OWB dreams without breaking the bank. Enjoy!
12 Resorts with Cheap Overwater Bungalows1) Holiday Inn Resort – Vanuatu
2) Berjaya Langkawai Resort – Malaysia
3) Azul Paradise Resort – Panama
4) St. George’s Caye Resort – Belize
5) Reethi Beach Resort – Maldives
6) Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia
7) Koro Sun Resort – Fiji
8) Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa – Samoa
9) Maitai Polynesia – Bora Bora
10) Anthony’s Key Resort – Roatan (Honduras)
11) Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – Bora Bora
12) Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine
2 Easy Ways to Earn “Free” Flights or Hotel Stays
12 Resorts with Cheap Overwater Bungalows
Ready to relax over the water in your very own bungalow? Here are 12 overwater bungalows that are affordable enough to fulfill those OWB dreams!!!
1) Holiday Inn Resort – Vanuatu
For budget travelers, few properties are better suited than Holiday Inn Resorts. These properties generally offer 3-star rates at 5-star locations, making them really hard to beat.
Sitting on its own private island, the Vanuatu resort is the perfect romantic retreat for budget conscious travelers. Measuring at roughly 590 square feet each, the overwater bungalows accommodate up to 2 adults and provide direct access to the lagoon.
Rates for OWBs start at around $250-$300 a night, although regular room rates can be booked for less. You might also consider using IHG points to make your stay at this resort even cheaper.
>> Check rates for the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
2) Berjaya Langkawai Resort – Malaysia
If you’re looking for cheap overwater bungalows, Malaysia has a lot to offer. Situated between a lovely beachfront and a tropical rainforest, Berjaya Langkawai Resort is brimming with beauty.
This property features meeting facilities, 8 different restaurants and bars, a host of recreational activities, and more. Perfect for nature lovers, this resort also has 8 different types of rooms available, including 4 different water villas.
The “chalets” are the smallest and cheapest of the overwater options. These rooms measure at 603 square feet with prices starting at an incredible $280 per night.
>> Check rates for the Berjaya Langkawai Resort
3) Azul Paradise Resort – Panama
Are overwater bungalows in the Caribbean more your style? Consider the Azul Paradise Resort in Panama. No more than a dirt road 15 years ago, this area is sure to provide you with an authentic experience you won’t find in many other places.
One of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets, nature lovers are also sure to love all that the area has to offer. Snorkelers are just a short boat ride from some of the Caribbean’s best coral reefs, while dolphin lovers should keep their eyes peeled in search of the area’s bottlenose dolphins.
Thankfully, this all comes at a price that is affordable. Rates for overwater bungalows start at about $325 per night. These rooms have their own private deck, king bed, and sleep two. Meal plans are also available upon request.
>> Check rates for the Azul Paradise Resort
4) St. George’s Caye Resort – Belize
Sticking with the Caribbean theme, St. George’s Caye Resort in Belize is another affordable option for overwater bungalow experiences. Catering to couples, and perfect for honeymooners, the resort requires all guests be age 15 years or older (13 for divers).
A number of different activity packages are available for divers and adventurers, including SCUBA certification courses and several land-based activities. Non-motorized watersports are also included with the price of your room. Meals (which are served “family style”), coffee, and tea are also included.
Rates for overwater bungalows start at about $520 per night for 2 adults.
>> Check rates for St. George’s Caye Resort
5) Reethi Beach Resort – Maldives
The Maldives is practically synonymous with overwater bungalows, and Reethi Beach Resort provides one of the most cost-effective options anywhere.
This resort boasts 30 semi-detached water villas which measure at 656 square feet each. Sitting over the crystal blue water, each room comes with a large sitting area, a separate bath and shower, and a good-sized balcony that offers direct access to the lagoon. Divers will also find a 5-star PADI dive center.
Here’s the best part: Prices for these villas start at just about $350 a night, making it one of the cheapest overwater bungalows you’ll find! And, unlike some other Maldives locations, there’s not an exorbitant resort fee hidden in your checkout costs, although transfer to the resort does cost over $300 per adult.
>> Check rates for the Reethi Beach Resort
6) Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia
Located on its own private island between beautiful sandy beaches and a tropical rainforest, Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia is a nature lover’s paradise. Better yet, it’s affordable enough to fit within your travel budget.
The resort boasts 7 different restaurants as well as a variety of amenities and activities to fit almost any traveler’s desire. In addition to multiple room options on land, the resort offers an assortment of water villas from which to choose. Most of these villas measure at 592 square feet, although larger spaces are available.
During the low season, water villa rates begin at about $450 per night.
>> Check rates for Pangkor Laut Resort
7) Koro Sun Resort – Fiji
Located on the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji, Koro Sun Resort sits on 160 acres of tropical paradise. Surrounded by lush tropical beauty and crystal clear waters, the resort also offers some of the best deals on overwater bungalows you’ll find.
The “Edgewater Floating Bures” measure about 380 square feet and are located directly over the water. They also boast a 120 square foot deck, allowing you to step right into the water. These rooms come with your own private kayak. Even better, they are adults only – making them a perfect option for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway with a special someone.
Rates generally run about $600 per night.
>> Check rates for Koro Sun Resort
8) Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa – Samoa
Featuring six overwater fales, Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa definitely deserves your consideration. These rooms measure 675 square feet and sleep three.
Enjoy the view from your private deck before slipping into your sunken tub for a relaxing bath in the open-air bathroom. Free breakfast comes with your reservation, and an upgrade to a full meal package is available for a fee.
The resort also features a “Samoan Cultural Day” on Saturdays, which is free to all guests. Rates for the overwater fales start at about $690 per night and are based on double occupancy.
>> Check rates for Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa
9) Maitai Polynesia – Bora Bora
If you can’t stop dreaming about Bora Bora, the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is definitely a resort to consider. As one of the first resorts on the main island, this 3-star property offers some of the cheapest overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.
Along with hotel and ocean view rooms, the resort has 13 overwater bungalows available. These over the water villas provide direct access to the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora’s incredible lagoon.
Rather than catching a ferry across the lagoon, like at many Bora Bora resorts, the Maitai Polynesia’s location on the main island makes it easy for guests to take full advantage of local restaurants and activities. Rates have climbed considerably at this resort, but they are still cheaper than many others. Starting at about $725 per night, this resort can help make your Bora Bora dreams come true!
>> Check rates for the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
10) Anthony’s Key Resort – Roatan (Honduras)
If you love all-inclusive resorts but dream of staying in an overwater bungalow, Anthony’s Key Resort may be for you.
This family-run resort is located on the island of Roatan, which sits about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. Famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, Roatan is a top destination for Caribbean lovers of all types.
This particular resort caters to couples, families, and honeymooners alike. With a wide variety of packages and activities available (think snorkeling, diving, ziplining, dolphin experiences, and more), you’ll never run out of things to do and see. For two adults, rates start at around $600 per night.
>> Check rates for Anthony’s Key Resort
11) Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – Bora Bora
Located in French Polynesia, the island of Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Known for its massive volcanic mountain surrounded by a lagoon, this is a bucket list destination for beach lovers around the world.
Bora Bora is generally considered an expensive destination to visit, and it is pricier than many of the over the water bungalow options listed here. If this island is on your bucket list, however, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts may be a good option.
Like many Bora Bora hotels, Le Bora Bora sits across the lagoon from the main island. However, this one offers relatively affordable overwater bungalows so you can visit the island on a budget.
The cheapest options measure in at 667 square feet and sit closer to the beach. Prices for OWBs generally start at about $1,000 per night during the low season.
>> Check rates for Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
12) Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine
Located in French Polynesia, a stay at the Royal Huahine Resort provides one of the best values for overwater bungalows that you’ll find.
Just a short plane ride from Tahiti, the island of Huahine allows you to experience the vibrant turquoise waters and sensational sandy beaches found throughout French Polynesia. Guests can dine at one of the property’s two restaurants or take a ten minute drive into town to explore the local cuisine. And, while some of the island’s neighbors may be more famous, this relatively undiscovered spot is considerably more affordable.
With rates for overwater bungalows starting at about $315 a night, this tropical paradise is one that deserves a spot on your bucket list. Although this hotel continues to be closed through December 2022, this is one to keep on your radar for future stays.
>> Check rates for the Royal Huahine Resort
How to Save on Flights and Hotels
Now that you’ve seen the overwater bungalows, let’s talk about getting there. Presumably, you don’t live in the South Pacific, the Maldives, or the Caribbean – which is where the majority of these resorts are located. So, you’re going to need to hop a flight.
Depending on where you’re flying to (and from), flights to these gorgeous getaways could cost you thousands! Yes, I said thousands. For instance, when Holly and I visited Bora Bora, the flights alone cost us nearly two grand apiece. Yikes!
So, what’s a traveler on a budget supposed to do? Luckily, you can use points and miles to reduce the cost.
Regardless of where you’re flying, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are almost always a good option. They transfer at a 1:1 ratio to 13 different travel partners (including 10 airline rewards programs), which means you’ll likely be able to use those points to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can also transfer points to one of their hotel partners if it works out to your benefit.
2 Easy Ways to Earn “Free” Flights or Hotel Stays
Travel rewards credit cards can help you travel the world for pennies on the dollar. In fact, we’ve used these cards to earn thousands in free flights, hotels, and more. Here’s a few of our favorite cards to help you pay for your next big trip!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Signup Bonus: 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in first 3 months
Bonus Value: $750
Point Transfers: Points transfer 1:1 to partner loyalty programs
Transfer Partners: Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air France/Flying Blue, and more
Card Details: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is almost always the first card we recommend to the first one we recommend to newbies. You earn a massive 60,000 point bonus when you spend $4,000 on your card in the first three months. Those points are worth $750 in travel when you book through the Chase portal, or you can stretch your points further by transferring them to one of Chase’s thirteen airline and hotel loyalty partners. You also earn 5x points on travel you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on other travel purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees, and you can redeem points for high-value gift cards (not recommended) so you really can’t go wrong!
Annual Fee: $95
Learn how to apply | Read our review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Bonus Value: $750
Card Details: The Capital One Venture Rewards Card makes earning free flights and hotels easy. After making $4,000 in purchases over the first 3 months, you’ll earn a 75,000 point welcome bonus. Those points are worth $750 toward a travel statement credit. Simply use your card to book flights or hotels, then apply the credit on your next statement. That means you can choose any airline or hotel you wish, plus there are never any blackout dates to worry about! You’ll also earn 2x points per dollar spent, and you’ll get up to $100 in credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck. That’s hard to beat!
Annual Fee: $95
Learn how to apply | Read our review
Looking for a specific airline or hotel card to meet your needs? Find more of the best travel rewards credit cards here.
Overwater Bungalows: Final Thoughts
See?!? Finding cheap overwater bungalows isn’t as difficult as you thought!
With a little bit of planning and a small amount of research, you could stretch your travel dollars enough to make your overwater bungalow dreams come true!
Thanks so much for reading! Until next time, happy traveling!
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