PPR-OW-BungalowImagine waking up to a scene where open your eyes, well rested and look beyond the soft white drapes gently blowing in the breeze, to a view outside your tropical bedroom where the azure blue of the ocean meets the endless blue of sky. A beautiful indigenous bird singing an unfamiliar song is perched on the railing that separates you from the ocean and is the temporary home to your drying wetsuit. You toss on a plush robe and step outside to find your partner on the balcony who greets you with a fresh hot coffee and a euphoric smile.

Sure, you can conjure up this image with ocean front accommodation, but the story is best told with the accommodation being as close to the water as possible, and you can’t get any closer to the ocean than staying in an over-water bungalow. Think most of the over-water bungalows are only in far-away places and magazines? Well, read on to find out where you can enjoy an incredible over-water bungalow at an amazing dive destination, and get the absolute best of all worlds.

There’s nothing more idyllic than relaxing in beautiful accommodation listening to the waves lapping at the shore. Unless of course your chosen space is actually at one with the ocean, such as an over-water bungalow! There are many scuba diving vacation destinations that feature over-water bungalows. The Maldives and French Polynesia are particularly prolific with their offerings but what about other dive trip locations? Here are some ideas to whet your appetite when looking for that perfect over-water bungalow to relax after diving in some of these wondrous places.

PPR-OW-BungalowPalau

The Palau Pacific Resort has just five water bungalows stretched along a private wooden dock. The views are as sumptuous as the interior. Wake up to the infinite blue of ocean meeting sky, relax in a private jellybean shaped comfortable hot tub while enjoying sounds from the ocean and watch the ocean beneath your feet through glass panelled floor.

 

Koro-Sun-OW-BunaglowFiji

In Fiji, the Koro Sun’s Edgewater accommodation incorporates native “Dogo” wood accents that complement their thatched rooves for a more traditional feel. Their 120-foot square deck even has its own two-person kayak so that you can slip straight out into the ocean and explore.

 

Mabul-Water-Bungalow-ResortMalaysia

In Malaysia, the Mabul Water Bungalow Resort near Sipadan Island is a floating dive-resort with wooden-type bungalows housing 16 units of charm, on top of stilts. Exquisitely furnished with contemporary décor, the units also offer a spacious private balcony with panoramic vistas of blue sea. For keen snorkelers and divers, there’s nowhere quite like this.

 

Misool-Eco-Resort-OW-BungalRaja Ampat, Indonesia

Built solely from reclaimed wood, Indonesia’s Misool Eco Resort has accommodations that certainly walk the walk environmentally. Rustic yet stylish, these water cottages feature Balinese style open-air bathrooms and grass roofs providing shade and privacy while relaxing in your hammock. You have direct access to stairs that put you straight into the tropical waters teaming with marine life, as is the norm in Raja Ampat.

 

Vivanta-MaldivesMaldives

In Maldives, Vivanta by Taj’s Coral Reef Maldives Resort has 32 villas designed for relaxation. Expect plush sea facing furnishings, private outdoor shower as well as deep soaking tub all complimented by up to the minute conveniences and a fridge filled with organic foods and refreshements. Drink in the beautiful lagoon views and enjoy direct access to the ocean below.

 

Kia-Oro-Hotel-RangiroaRangiroa, French Polynesia

In the French Polynesia, Kia Oro Hotel in Rangiroa offers some spacious over-water bungalows with a modern and clean design. Relax inside and you can still watch the reefs inhabitants through the glass window set into the floor. Outside there is not only space to laze but also to dine and of course descend into the endless blue of Rangiroa’s lagoon.

 

CocoviewHonduras

Cocoview Resort in Roatan has many right-by-the-water accommodation options, but their over-water escape rooms offer peace and tranquillity within a traditionally Honduran decorated space. French doors allow the best enjoyment of the view while hammocks grant you the best possible holiday castaway feeling. These resorts are just a flavour of accommodations you can choose for your next dive vacation, contact us for more ideas to make your next scuba diving trip one to remember.