Overwater bungalows deserve their place at the top of the luxury traveller’s bucket list – but did you know that you can enjoy the absolute height of luxury in Fiji? We look into two of the best overwater bure options, just a few hours away from New Zealand.
It’s one of those pinch-me moments in life where you don’t know how you got here, but you know you never want to leave.
It’s sunrise by the ocean – a golden pink sky stretches as far as the eye can see out in front of me. Below me, bright fish swim lazily past. And the best part? I’m seeing all of this cosily wrapped up in a king-sized bed.
Welcome to the absolute brilliance of an overwater bungalow, an accommodation option dreamed of by so many of us. There’s heaps of reasons why overwater bungalows are on the top of everyone’s bucket list – they’re private, they’re exclusive and they’re that little bit special (and they make you feel like a bonafide celeb).
They are the epitome of tropical luxury – wide decks you can enter the ocean from; glass floors where you can see the fish below and your own little slice of over-water paradise that offers you an uninterrupted break away from the rest of the world.
They’re almost synonymous with far-away places such as Bora Bora and The Maldives – but you don’t have to fling yourself across the world to experience one. In fact, how does three hours sound?
Fiji’s overwater bungalows – or bures – rival the best in the world, and they’re a hell of a lot easier to visit. Here’s our top two places you can have that luxe overwater bungalow experience, right in our own backyard!
Likuliku Resort, Malolo Island
Me, a very happy camper outside my overwater bungalow
As soon as I stepped over the threshold of my private, overwater bungalow at Likuliku, I knew that this was going to be a truly special stay.
A simple 45-minute boat ride from the Denarau marina gets you to paradise – an adults only (YES!) resort perched on a protected marine sanctuary and lagoon that’s designed for couples to have some romantic time to themselves.
As well as a host of beachfront bures, Likuliku boasts 10 overwater bungalows that have been designed with traditional Fijian architecture and materials, while considering the utmost in luxury that’ll have you standing in the sumptuous reception area with your jaw hanging down by your knees.
Of course there’s the expansive deck that wraps around the front of the bure with daybeds, loungers and chairs so you always have great outdoor lounging options – as well as the ladder where you can directly drop into the crystal-clear ocean from, with your provided snorkelling equipment of course (trust me, you’ll see SO many fish!).
But there’s also the deep, luxurious bath from which you can also see the ocean – perfect for a romantic night in with your partner.
A canape tray an freshly-baked cookies get dropped to your room daily so you’re never short of snacks, and the main resort buildings are a five-minute walk away so you can drop in for main meals easily.
It’s a slice of heaven, right on the pacific.
Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay
If you’re keen to have that overwater bure vibe without leaving the mainland, you’re in luck – the Marriot Momi Bay has you covered with their gorgeous overwater bungalows that sit over a crystal-clear lagoon. Momi Bay combines family resort with adults-only luxe, by having separate areas in the same location BUT the overwater bungalows are strictly no kids, thank you very much, so you’re guaranteed some peace and quiet.
This resort is a little more expansive – there’s five dining options compared to Likuliku’s one, for example, so if you like a little bit of American-style luxe with your Fijian escape, this is the vibe for you.
Timber and white furnishings lend the whole vibe to the luxe feel of the bungalows, and at 60 square metres you have space on space.
While it might be hard for you to tear yourself away from your overwater bungalow, you also have an infinity pool to soak in – and of course, a swim-up bar which is always a highlight for a Fijian holiday. Get your fill of food and drink, and then retire to relax in your bure in peace.
