​​5 Unbelievable Overwater Bungalows to Add to Your Fiji Bucket List

When your destination is Fiji and is all about islands galore, miles of stunning beaches with powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and blue skies, beachfront resorts are usually the best option for accommodation. 

But is that all you can get? It’s a resounding no, especially when there are several overwater bungalows in Fiji from where you can choose to stay. Imagine the very same setting you read about earlier and picture your accommodation right over it. Yes, the beaches need not be ahead of you but behind you now. And the clear waters are right under you. 

Let’s take a look at five of the top overwater resorts in Fiji.

It all started with Likuliku. Yes, Likuliku Lagoon Resort was the first resort in Fiji to introduce the concept of building overwater bungalows with an authentic twist. You will find Fiji’s first authentic overwater bures in Likuliku. Isn’t that a brilliant idea? Creating contemporary ultra-luxury bungalows modelled on their traditional palm-roofed bures and tweaked for the modern visitor.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort has ten stilted private overwater bungalows that are perfect for anyone who wants their secluded slice of the resort’s gorgeous fringing reef and Likuliku lagoon area. Perched on the edge of a thriving protected marine sanctuary with never-ending views of the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort offers the best of both worlds.

The traditional Soga-palm thatched bure-style architecture blends with an upscale decor to create a space that feels both luxurious and authentic. All the materials used here are natural, including the hardwood floors made from the local tree, Intsia bijuga (Vesi),  the hand-carved wooden window pelmets, and the Fijian traditional art pieces. Add that to the modern comforts like a king-size bed, air conditioning, wireless internet access, and flat-screen TV.

This five-star property takes advantage of the overwater location, be it the vast windows and the luxurious bathtub from where you can enjoy the lagoon views and the expansive private sundeck where you can watch the waves roll by right under your feet. That’s not all; glass panels are set into the polished hardwood floor and behind the bathroom sinks where you can watch the underwater world come to life.

And if you want to take a dip in the ‘calm waters,’ that’s right, Likuliku mean in the local language means calm waters, you can climb down the ladder steps from the deck directly into the sea and snorkel along the coral reef. The tidal lagoon between the overwater bungalows and the shoreline fills at high tide and dries at low tide, making it ideal for exploring the seabed.

Extra perks include a complimentary canapé plate and champagne delivered at sunset, exclusively to the overwater-bure guests, from the resort’s head chef.

Other amenities include authentic Fijian restaurants and cocktail bars.

The location is a significant advantage for the Fiji Marriott Resort. Being on the mainland helps with the proximity, but the picturesque setting makes it more desirable. 

Located at Momi Bay, this five-star Marriott resort overlooks a stunning azure lagoon, and the view is both scenic and serene. The very appeal of an overwater resort or a bungalow is the surreal feeling of your abode hanging over the blue waters gently swaying below. 

With the unrestrained luxury that accompanies these overwater bungalows’ design, there is everything virtually on tap. The private balcony and an expansive bedroom featuring a king-sized bed to an ensuite bathroom, complete with a freestanding bathtub, will pamper you. 

The Marriott Momi Bay is also an excellent opportunity to experience a stay in a bure, but with all the quintessential luxury you could expect from a 5-star resort. The property has 200 rooms, out of which 22 are exclusively overwater bure-style villas. 

If you are visiting with your spouse or partner, this can be the perfect place for that romantic break you have been looking forward to or an unforgettable honeymoon. 

All rooms in the resort guarantee striking views of the ocean or the lagoon. But the overwater bures, with their overwater characteristics, take things up a notch. To get to your private bungalow, you get to walk along a boardwalk that stretches out into the cerulean waters of the lagoon. 

The amenities include three spacious swimming pools, one of which is reserved for adults only, with a swim-up bar to savour the signature cocktails served at the Lagoon Lounge. For the gourmets out there, there are plenty of excellent dining options, including a Grill & Bar and a Fish Bar to sample the best of Fijian and international cuisine. 

There is more as the Marriott Momi Bay has a spa for those looking to relax and water sports activities for those who would much rather be up and about. There is even a Grand Salon Ballroom for those lavish weddings or a corporate retreat with a difference.  

The Koro Sun Resort on Vanua Levu is another luxury property in Fiji, with overwater bungalows as its highlight. Also called Edgewater Floating Bures, this is a staggering 160-acre getaway that is as private a haven as it can get. Eight of the 50 fully air-conditioned rooms are overwater bungalows, specially reserved only for adults. 

Among the five overwater bungalows in Fiji, this is the only floating resort of its kind in a rainforest setting. There is the feeling of your abode hanging over the clear blue waters of a private lagoon. And having a personal two-person kayak waiting for you at your deck anytime you want to take it out for a spin. 

Your overwater bungalow has a cosy and elegant personal space, an expansive private deck and a private lounge. There is no shortage of creature comforts like air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a king-sized bed, and an ensuite bathroom. 

Is relaxation your thing? Then it would be best if you headed for the rainforest spa with its promise of rejuvenation of both the body and mind. Check out the Polynesian massages with the local favourites that include papaya facials and banana leaf full-body wraps. 

But if it is some action you are craving for, there is plenty to look forward to in the form of water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving. 

While the kids can have fun at the Kid’s Club, the adults can go on a solo or guided hike to the nearby Vuodomo Waterfalls. Or pick up a few skills like cooking Fijian cuisine or learning how to do the Fijian dance. There are options for those looking to play a sport, even golf, at the nine-hole mini-course. 

The Palm Grove restaurant serves Fijian and international cuisine made from the choicest local ingredients, including in-house organic produce and fresh seafood. The best of Pacific Rim and Asian fusion dining is to sample at other restaurants like the Latitude 17, the Sand Bar & Grill, and the Wai Bar & Grill by the infinity pool. For those who prefer their drink, there is the Levu Bar too. 

Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina sits on Malolo Lailai Island in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago. This 4-star resort has 55 bures, out of which six fan out from the water’s edge of an inland lagoon canal. Though the lagoon bures are not entirely over the water, they give you a real sense of floating on the water.

These private residence-style overwater bungalows have a contemporary feel, thanks to their open plans and wood and white minimalist décor, and come wrapped in a warm Fijian decor. However, the highlight is the spacious wooden private deck or lanai that extends out into the lagoon, giving an outdoor feeling and stunning overwater views. It is the perfect place to sip your morning cuppa or relax and watch the soft waves on the lagoon. 

In addition to the standard in-room amenities, air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and spa-like bathrooms are great additions to the view.

Food and dining are a stand-out highlight at the Musket Cove Island Resort. A short stroll will take you to the private beach as well as the other resort facilities. Dick's Place Bar & Bistro offers authentic Fijian dishes prepared from the best local ingredients sourced from the resort’s organic farm. If you want to cool yourself with a refreshing tropical drink, head to the Trader cafe.

As for the ambience and the amenities, nothing lacking there – there is a sauna, spa and fitness facility, and a water sports and dive centre. And should you need to take a dip in the waters or even try snorkelling, you could either go for the calm inner reef waters or explore the outer Malolo Barrier reef. 

On the northeastern coast of Taveuni, Laucala Island Resort occupies a coveted spot on Laucala, a private tropical island in the South Pacific. Set amidst the most beautiful white-sand beaches and tropical forests, this perfect Fijian hideaway boasts a private resort with coveted overwater bungalows.

Laucala offers 25 villas, out of which one is an overwater villa. Based on traditional Fiji architecture but with all the modern trappings of 5-star living, this overwater bungalow spreads across two levels above a beautiful lagoon.

From a spacious terrace to a private pool carved out from the rocks to the rich decor, the latest gadgetry like oversized plasma TVs and Bose sound systems, well-stocked personal bars to granite bathtubs, Laucala exudes luxury. 

Situated on a sprawling island spread across 3000 acres and overlooking a turquoise lagoon, the very entry to Laucala is spectacular, with transfers conducted by private boats. Ferry services are available for the guests if they need to head out for any recreational activities. 

For the out and about traveller, there are plenty of exploring options around the lagoon. The island comes with a championship golf course for those who prefer that. But if it is the relaxation you are after, check out the Spa Centre.

The resort and the bures themselves have a connection to nature feel using indigenous materials, the island’s livestock, and produce harnessed for best results. Emphasis is on handcrafted décor, right from the thatched roofs to the use of stones and granite.

You can choose the Plantation House or the Pool bar depending on whether it is a high-end culinary experience or some savoury snacking that you are after. And for those looking for some fine bars, there is the Rock Lounge or the Beach Bar.

What will also endear you to Laucala is the welcome and the stay you will cherish, for which there is the warm, friendly, and caring staff to thank.