18 Swoon-Worthy Overwater Bungalows

Who can resist the allure of an over-water bungalow? Everything about it spells romantic, off-the-grid seclusion, from the thatched roofs and wraparound terraces to outdoor showers and spellbinding views of the azure waters. We traveled to Tahiti, Fiji, Bora Bora and beyond in search of the best over-water bungalows. Here’s what we found.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora, French Polynesia All-Inclusive Resorts Boutique Hotels Grounds Hotels Island Luxury Overwater Bungalow Romance Scenic views Trip Ideas Tropical water sky mountain Nature Lake promontory caribbean Sea Coast islet archipelago Beach Lagoon Resort cape cove resort town reef shore swimming pond

Four Seasons Bora Bora

To get to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, a private yacht takes you across warm South Pacific waters to your very own over-water bungalow or beachfront villa. Once there, you’ll never have to leave the privacy of your thatched-roof retreat— you can request to have meals delivered by canoe, and decks mean that you’re only ever a stepladder’s distance away from the crystalline lagoon.

Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef Maldives Hembadhu, Maldives Beachfront Bedroom Family Hotels Resort Scenic views Villa property home sink swimming pool bathroom restaurant Suite tub Island

Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef, Maldives

This resort represents a younger, more affordable take on textbook tropical luxury, which translates into hip accommodations, a buzzy vibe and top-notch service. The 62 beach and over-water villas come equipped with outdoor rain showers that let you go au naturel in nature. Take a dip in the reef, then climb up your private ladder onto your deck to laze under the sun.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort Malolo Island, Fiji All-Inclusive Resorts Beach Hotels Luxury Travel Pool Scenic views tree water umbrella chair palm leisure property caribbean Resort swimming pool lawn Sea arecales Ocean Villa tropics Lagoon condominium lined swimming plant sailing vessel shade

Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji

This adults-only resort is home to Fiji’s only over-water bungalows, making it a big draw for honeymooners. Splurge on a Deluxe Beachfront Bure for direct ladder access to the lagoon, a freestanding bath, lounger-strewn deck and a private plunge pool.

Six Senses Laamu Olhuveli Island, Maldives Beach Beachfront Exterior Hotels Islands Luxury Ocean Romantic Trip Ideas water sky umbrella leisure chair Sea caribbean Resort Pool swimming pool pier overlooking Villa shore

Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

On the tiny island of Olhuveli, the Six Senses Laamu’s 97 villas are secluded and luxurious, with indoor-outdoor spaces and private beach access. Throw in six distinctive on-site restaurants and bars, the glamorous spa and water activities, and it’s obvious why this resort is a beach vacay slam dunk.

Angsana Ihuru Ihuru Island, Maldives Beachfront Hip Hotels Lounge Luxury Modern water sky chair scene Sea Ocean wooden vehicle evening caribbean Resort Coast Beach Sunset set

Angsana Ihuru, Maldives

Ideal for lovers, divers and environmentalists, the Angsana Ihuru is a stylish haven on a tiny private island in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll. Highlights include the thoroughly modern, thatch-roofed bungalows; the wildlife sightings (think: parrotfish, turtles and blacktip sharks); and the resort’s underwater coral garden initiative, which gives guests the opportunity to clean and restore the house reef.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Rangali Island, Maldives Hotels Ocean water sky reef Nature Sea archipelago Coast islet Island blue cape wind wave atoll arctic ocean day  Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Rangali Island, Maldives Hotels Ocean water sky reef Nature Sea archipelago Coast islet Island blue cape wind wave atoll arctic ocean day

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Rangali Island, Maldives Beach Beachfront Elegant Hip Hotels Lounge Luxury Modern Ocean water chair umbrella leisure mountain Pool Resort swimming pool Sea caribbean overlooking Villa swimming Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The resort encompasses two adjacent islands, connected by a 500-meter footbridge, and offers both standard beach villas and the coveted over-water variety. The expansive 1,600-square-foot spa accommodations have large Roman baths, vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, teak floors, and, of course, unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean.

Constance Prince Maurice Pointe de Flacq, Mauritius Hotels tree sky water house Resort Lake surrounded Village

Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

This 60-acre resort is on a private estate at the end of a peninsula on the unspoiled East Coast of Mauritius. Thanks to the vision of Mauritian architect Jean-Marc Eynaud, the thatch-roof villas are just shy of over-the-top, with heated private pools, romantic outdoor baths and Feng Shui-inspired interiors.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang, Vietnam Balcony Beachfront Deck Hotels Jungle Romance Scenic views Terrace Tropical Waterfront sky mountain hut Nature Sea overlooking stone

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

You’ll need to endure a long-haul flight and a car and boat transfer to get to this luxury boutique hotel. But once you’ve arrived at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, it’s all about pampered relaxation. The 58 villas are set amid massive rock and boulder formations and overlook the South China Sea; those along the beachfront are extra luxurious, with paths running directly to the sand.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, French Polynesia Hotels tree sky grass Nature shore Coast green Sea water Beach tropics Ocean River arecales caribbean landscape Jungle Lagoon cove Island flower plant surrounded lush

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

Each spacious over-water villa at the Inter-Continental Bora Bora has oh-my views of the azure lagoon and the iconic Mount Otemanu. Designed with an environmental sensitivity, the resort uses revolutionary technology that draws seawater from the depths of the ocean to reuse it for electricity.

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort Maharepa, French Polynesia Architecture Buildings Exterior Hotels Luxury Overwater Bungalow Resort Scenic views sky water umbrella Sea Ocean Sunset evening house night dusk morning Coast sunlight

Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti

With sawtooth mountain ridges, vertiginous fern-cloaked cliffs, deep ravines and dramatic waterfalls, this wild and romantic island retreat is the ultimate far flung escape. Take in the views from the hammock on your bungalow’s deck or from your deep soak tub or rain shower.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia Beach Hotels Lounge Scenic views chair umbrella property leisure Resort caribbean swimming pool Villa cottage overlooking

The St. Regis Bora Bora

Starting at 1,550 square feet, the over-water accommodations at The St. Regis Bora Bora are the largest in French Polynesia. But it’s not just size that sets these lush bungalows apart. Blending minimalist Polynesian decor (think: plank wood floors, thatch-work ceilings, tribal-inspired art) and 21st century luxuries like glass floor panels, this property is a serious stunner.

Diamonds Athuruga Athuruga Island, Maldives Adventure All-inclusive Beach Beachfront Hotels Play Scenic views Trip Ideas water sky house Boat Sea Lake Ocean caribbean shore Island Coast Lagoon Resort Nature tropics cove dock cape vehicle docked surrounded

Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas All Inclusive, Maldives

The villas at this all-inclusive Maldives hideaway eschew thatch-roofs and sand-colored interiors for a sleek, white-on-white aesthetic. Inside, find four-poster beds, lacquered writing desks, polished herringbone floors and open-air showers.

El Dorado Maroma, by Karisma Playa Maroma, Mexico Hotels sky water shore Sea Sunset morning Beach Ocean evening Coast dusk River dawn sunrise

El Dorado Maroma by Karisma, Mexico

Move over, Maldives. Mexico’s now got its own over-water bungalow resort, and it’s out of this world. The adults-only enclave has 30 plafitos (stilt houses) on a secluded stretch of the Riviera Maya. As with most resorts there’s a glass-bottom floor, infinity plunge pool, outdoor shower, 24-hour butler and a ladder that leads into the sea. But, the design is the opposite of cookie-cutter: dark zapote wood from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexican white granite and roofs made with thatched palm leaves.

Song Saa Private Island Koh Rong, Cambodia All-Inclusive Resorts Hotels Luxury Travel water Boat Nature Sea Coast reef marina Lake aerial photography River channel dock green waterway cove shore lined Island promontory  Song Saa Private Island Koh Rong, Cambodia Hotels house building porch home daylighting lighting living room outdoor structure cottage

Song Saa Private Island Koh Rong, Cambodia Hotels tree property swimming pool home Resort backyard Courtyard wooden cottage Villa outdoor structure stone

 

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Lush rain forest, pristine beaches, and colorful reefs are just some of the reasons we love this Cambodian getaway set on two private islands along the Gulf of Thailand. Song Saa’s 27 waterfront villas are done up with natural materials (beach driftwood and recycled timber from old fishing boats) as well as handcrafted furnishings by local artisans. Split your time between the yoga and meditation center, infinity pool, spa, and snorkeling sites.

Pangkor Laut Resort Lumut, Malaysia Hotels tree water palm Beach night palm family arecales evening woody plant plant lighting dusk sunlight lined surrounded sandy shore

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Nestled on a private 300-acre isle in Malaysia, Pangkor Laut Resort is a true tropical oasis. Its 43 posh over-water suites feature massive sundecks and over-sized bathtubs that look out over the azure sea. And around the resort, there’s four restaurants, two outdoor swimming pools, and a private beach to continue the bliss

COMO Cocoa Island Cocoa Island, Maldives Beauty Hotels News Trip Ideas sky water Beach Sea shore Ocean watercraft sand surfboard surfing equipment and supplies Boat wind wave sailing vessel day   COMO Cocoa Island Cocoa Island, Maldives Hotels sofa swimming pool property building Resort cottage Villa eco hotel

COMO Cocoa Island Cocoa Island, Maldives Hotels water pier sky chair scene umbrella blue Sea Ocean Beach cloud Pool Coast caribbean Island empty swimming lined shade

Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives

Cocoa Island is the ultimate romantic escape for couples and honeymooners. Here, privacy is paramount: the dhoni boat-inspired suites are spaced 24 feet apart, a personal butler caters to your every need, and the South Indian cuisine can be delivered straight to your bungalow (meaning there’s no reason to leave). There’s also an over-water Como Shambhala spa if you want to watch the fish while you get a massage for two.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Randheli Island, Maldives Hotels sky swimming pool property leisure house Resort Villa home condominium mansion stone Island

Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives

We try not to pick favorites, but it’s pretty damn hard to top the elegant ++Cheval Blanc Randheli++. Owned by the same French firm that represents high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Moët & Chandon, luxury is in every detail. Starchitect Jean-Michel Gathy, who designed the stunning Aman properties, dreamt up the 46 villas in a blend of clean contemporary style and traditional Maldivian craftsmanship. The airy open-plan abodes have cathedral ceilings, Vincent Beaurin artwork, plus sliding glass walls that open onto a glam sundeck and 40-foot slate infinity pool. Other posh perks: lagoon-side pontoons, a seaplane chauffeur, Guerlain spa treatments, a hammam, Leonor Greyl hair salon and beauty studio, plus three bars and five restaurants, including Le 1947’s tasting menu fare courtesy of three-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Hadahaa Island, Maldives Beachfront Hotels Luxury Play Pool Resort Scenic views tree sky swimming pool leisure property building marina condominium Sea caribbean dock Ocean arecales Beach home Villa Lagoon palm Deck shore sign

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has all the trappings of an upscale island retreat. The 50 breezy bungalows have high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalist decor (think: white stone, chunky black furniture and native wood). When hunger strikes, there’s the Island Grill, a toes-in-the-sand spot with a wood-burning oven. But most of your days will be spent snorkeling at the 30 dive sites nearby (a resident marine biologist can also give tours) as well as indulging in an indigenous treatment at the Vidhun Spa.

 

The 10 Best Places to Avoid Noise, Light, and Air Pollution

Looking to get away from it all? Science has proven that nature travel can improve almost every aspect of your wellbeing, from increasing your attention span to improving your mood. To get the most benefit, it’s worth seeking out places with minimal noise, artificial light, and air pollution.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy. Quiet places are disappearing fast, even in protected areas; nighttime light pollution covers nearly 80 percent of the planet; and there are no places left that are entirely free of air pollution.

Go to These Places to Avoid Noise, Light, and Air Pollution

But there is hope; there are several well-organized resources for finding the darkest, quietest, and cleanest places left on Earth, including dark skies associations, noise experts, and the World Health Organization’s survey of air conditions worldwide. I combined them all to pick 10 of the best places to find clear skies, bright stars, fresh air, and the purest sounds of nature.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff was the first city named an International Dark Sky City by the International Dark Sky Association, and was in the top five for cleanest air in a recent State of the Air survey by the American Lung Association. This small city isn’t particularly quiet, but active civic measures to keep down noise pollution mean that it’s easy enough to find peace in the surrounding areas at places like Meteor Crater and Walnut Canyon.

Roisey, France

Roisey, located in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of France, has been determined by the World Health Organization to have the cleanest air in the country. Thanks in part to its location in a national park as well as altitude over 4,200 feet in some places, skies are also often very clear. Add to that an official population of just 909 people, and you have a great choice for getting away from it all right in the middle of Europe.

Te Anau, New Zealand

 

Global testing by the World Health Organization has found Te Anau to have some of the cleanest air worldwide. Its location at the entrance to Fiordland National Park makes it a basecamp for hikers and “trampers” who can see night skies so clear that there’s a small cottage industry offering night sky tours in the area. The presence of helicopter touring companies means it might not always be the quietest spot, but if you are hiking into the fjords or along the Kepler or Milford Tracks, you can escape the noise as soon as the heliports shut down each evening.

The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve in Mt. Cook National Park is another superb New Zealand option, free of most air pollution and attracting stargazers from around the world.

Campisabalos, Spain

Located about 100 miles north of Madrid, Campisabalos is another city that sits high on WHO’s list of the best air in the world. Dark sky maps put it solidly away from most light pollution; if you want even darker, travel a bit southeast to the Parque Natural de la Serrania to the west of Cuenca, which also includes the Enchanted City, a geological wonder created by natural erosion approximately 90 million years ago.

Mojave Desert, California

Trevor Cox, a professor of acoustic engineering at the University of Salford and author of a book on natural sound phenomena, recommends the Kelso Dune area in the Mojave Desert. Cox visited the spot specifically because there are interesting sounds—the dunes make a growling or bellowing sound when you move the sand around that gives them the name “singing sands”—but Cox notes that the area is extremely quiet.

“Kelso Dune in the Mojave Desert … has no flights and no cars, and actually no sound at times because there is very little wildlife,” he says. “It is a special place.”

The dunes are also located in a formidable area of dark skies, and the National Park Service’s “half the park is after dark” motto definitely applies here.

Lapland Region, Finland

Way up in the northern Lapland region of Finland, the municipality of Muonio topped WHO’s most recent clean air list. While you pull in the fresh air, you can take in some superb views of the northern lights; Finns often ski or snowshoe into the countryside to see the lights, but VisitFinland.com has put together a list of more comfortable options, including heated tents and glass igloos.

Muonio has the longest snow season in all of Finland, so if you don’t get clear skies right away, strap on some skis while you wait for a good night to see the lights.

San Pedro de Atacama Region, Chile

Clean air, high altitude, and the driest desert in the world combine to put the San Pedro de Atacama region at the top of the list of the darkest, clearest places on Earth. Don’t believe me? Check out this timelapse video. In addition to being free of light and air pollution, the desert environment also offers minimal sound from wildlife.

Grasslands National Park, Canada

Gordon Hempton, founder of One Square Inch of Silence, did an acoustic survey at Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park and found that it has “the quietest, purest sounds,” he said. And much of the park is nearly absent of light pollution, according to Dark Site Finder. You won’t find much air pollution here either; the air in Canada is some of the best in the world, according to WHO.

Canary Islands, Spain

Mountainous geography and a location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean make La Palma and Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands among the purest destinations on the planet. Teide National Park on Tenerife includes the highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean for peak baggers, not to mention stargazers.

Haleakala Summit, Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the most consistently clean air on Earth—even bustling Honolulu gets good marks from WHO—and the ability to get up above the clouds into thinner, cleaner air on top of Haleakala, in Maui, means there is even better stargazing here than at sea level. Visitors can stay overnight to see the stars and take in the sunrise, giving you the best of both worlds. The Mauna Kea observatory on the Big Island is another superb option, although staying overnight is not possible there.

Top 20 Most Romantic Songs of All Time

Each of us has our own favorite romantic songs……I am beyond words!

 

Undying Romantic Songs

20. I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles

This song was written by Don Gibson in 1958.  Charles recorded the song four years later after listening to the first two lines of the song.

19. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

It is one of the best romantic songs of the late singer Whitney Houston.  It is also known as the singer’s signature song.

18. Tonight I Celebrate My Love – Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack

This romantic love song was written by Michael Masser, an R & B songwriter, and Gerry Goffin, a famous pop songwriter.

17. Make You Feel My Love – Adele

The song was originally sung by Bob Dylan in 1997.  It also has two different versions which were done by Garth Brooks and Billy Joel.  However, Adele’s version was the one which touched a lot of people.

16. We Found Love – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris

Can you really find love in a hopeless place?  This song is one of Rihanna’s greatest hits and it is also one of the best romantic songs.

15. How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees

When Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb wrote the song for the movie “Saturday Night Fever”, they do not have any idea what the movie is all about.  They originally want Yvonne Elliman to sing the song.  However, Robert Stigwood, the group’s manager, asserted that the group should record the song.

14. Endless Love – Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

This song became a hit when it was featured in Brooke Shields’ movie, “Love Story”.  It was written by Lionel Richie.  At first it was only an instrumental but later on Franco Zeffirelli, the director of the movie, requested the singer to add some lyrics to it.

13. You’re My Best Friend – Queen

This song was written by John Deacon, the bassist of the band, and dedicated this to his wife.  It became one of the most enduring romantic songs of all time because of the deepest message of love.

12. You Make Loving Fun – Fleetwood Mac

Christine McVie wrote this song for his husband John.  It talks about her affair with another man which caused their breakup.  John would probably want to hear this song over and over again.

11. And I Love Her – The Beatles

According to Paul McCartney, this is the first ever ballad that impressed him.  Despite the fact that is was in number 12 in the chart but it is considered as one of the greatest romantic songs of the group.

10. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers

This lovely romantic love song was featured in the movie, “Unchained” which was released in 1955.  The song has three different versions in 1955.  It was performed by Al Hibbler, Roy Hamilton and Les Baxter.  In 1965, the Righteous Brothers released their own version.  It became a hit single in 1990 when it was included in the movie, “Ghost.”

9. In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” is one of the nicest romantic songs ever written.  It was featured in John Cusack’s movie, “Say Anything…”  It is known as one of the best romantic love songs in the 80’s.

8. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton dedicated this song to his girlfriend Pattie Boyd.  It was featured in the album Slowhand and became one of the top 20 singles in 1978.

7. Thank You – Led Zeppelin

This lovely love song was Robert Plant’s Valentine’s gift to his wife.  Its lyrics are quite heavy and can definitely touch your hearts – “If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you”

6. Just The Way You Are – Billy Joel

Billy Joel dedicated this romantic song to his wife Elizabeth.  It became number 3 in the Billboard Hot 100.  It also won Grammy Awards for the Song and Record of the year.

5. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

This song by the Beach Boys has the most fabulous melodies.  This is why; a lot of artists have already done their own versions of the song, “God Only Knows.”

4. Maybe I’m Amazed –

Paul McCartney wrote this song for his lovely wife Linda McCartney.  It was first featured on his first solo album entitled, “McCartney”.  Later on, a live version of the song was included in the album “Wings Over America”.

3. Your Song – Elton John

“Your Song” was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.  Despite the fact that they have finished writing the song in a short period of time but it became one of the most enduring romantic songs.  The song expresses pure feelings of love.

2. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Roberta Flack

This song was written by Ewan MacColl in 1957.  He dedicated this song to Peggy Seeger who eventually became his wife.  It was interpreted by a lot of artists.  However, the version of Roberta Flack in 1972 was the one who became famous.  “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” became number one in the US pop chart after it was featured in the movie, “Play Misty For Me.”

1. Something1 – The Beatles

This song is considered as the all-time greatest romantic song from the Beatles.  When George Harrison wrote this song, he admitted that he was greatly inspired by one of James Taylor’s song which is entitled “Something in the Way She Moves”, which is coincidentally the first line of the song.  According to Harrison, the song was not actually meant for his wife.  “Something” is one of the greatest romantic songs ever written.

These are just some of the most romantic songs ever written.  When you hear these romantic songs, you will surely felt the emotions of love in it.  Singing a love song to your loved one is one way of showing her how much you love her.