12 Best Overwater Bungalows You Can Actually Afford

Searching for overwater bungalows that won't break the bank? From the Maldives to the Caribbean, affordable overwater bungalows are out there. If you've dreamed of staying in a water villa of your own, check out these 11 resorts with overwater bungalows that offer cheap enough rates to fit any sized budget!

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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 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!!!

Hot Tip: Want help planning your next vacation? As a world traveler and travel agent, I can provide suggestions on where to go, help you book the perfect cruise or resort, and much more! Contact my travel agency here.

1) Holiday Inn Resort – Vanuatu

Image of Holiday Inn Vanuatu overwater bungalows
Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn 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. Follow the link below to get a rate quote from our travel agency!

>> Compare Rates for the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

2) Berjaya Langkawai Resort – Malaysia

mage of Berjaya Langkawai Resort
Photo courtesty of Berjaya Langkawi Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for the Berjaya Langkawai Resort

3) Azul Paradise Resort – Panama

Image of Azul Paradise Resort accomodations
Photo courtesy of Azul Paradise Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for the Azul Paradise Resort

4) St. George’s Caye Resort – Belize

Image of St. George's Caye Resort
Photo courtesy of St. George’s Caye Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for St. George’s Caye Resort

5) Reethi Beach Resort – Maldives

Searching for overwater bungalows that won't break the bank? From the Maldives to the Caribbean, affordable overwater bungalows are out there. If you've dreamed of staying in a water villa of your own, check out these 11 resorts with overwater bungalows that offer cheap enough rates to fit any sized budget!
Photo courtesy of Reethi Beach Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for the Reethi Beach Resort

6) Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia

Image of Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia water villas
Photo courtesy of Pangkor Laut Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for Pangkor Laut Resort

7) Koro Sun Resort – Fiji

Floating Bure at Koro Sun Resort
Photo courtesy of Koro Sun Resort

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.

>> Compare Rates for Koro Sun Resort

8) Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa – Samoa

Photo courtesy of Coconuts Beach Resort & Spa

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.

>> Compare Rates for Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa

9) Maitai Polynesia – Bora Bora

Image of Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora overwater bungalows
Photo courtesy of 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!

>> Compare Rates for the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

10) Anthony’s Key Resort – Roatan (Honduras)

Image of Anthony's Key Resort over the water bungalows
Photo courtesy of Anthony’s Key Resort.

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.

>> Compare Rates for Anthony’s Key Resort

11) Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – Bora Bora

Image of overwater bungalows at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Photo courtesy of Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts.

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.

>> Compare Rates for Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

12) Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine

Image of over the water bungalows at Royal Huahine Resort
Photo courtesy of Royal Huahine Resort.

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.

>> Compare 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.

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!

>>Compare our favorite travel rewards 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!

Searching for overwater bungalows that won't break the bank? From the Maldives to the Caribbean, affordable overwater bungalows are out there. If you've dreamed of staying in a water villa of your own, check out these 11 resorts with overwater bungalows that offer cheap enough rates to fit any sized budget!

Thanks so much for reading! Until next time, happy traveling!

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