*Please note this is an extremely dangerous activity and one that should not be attempted unless you fully understand the risks and skills required for such an activity
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Only
fully opened since late 2011, the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort
(originally known as the Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa) has 392
water villas, which is nearly four times as many as the second-most in
the world. The water villas range from roomy to enormous, with the
largest having 3 bedrooms. They started out as an all-inclusive resort
but then changed to charging for everything separately, and not allowing
outside food in at all. The resort has just completed a renovation in
early 2014, after only being open 3 years, and rates are now a bit lower
as well.
For
those looking for an eco-resort with overwater bungalows in the
southern Caribbean, the Eclypse de Mar Aqualodge is an affordable
candidate. The emphasis here is on diving and snorkeling, so it’s not
really an ideal place for people just looking to relax in the room.
There are only 6 overwater bungalows here, two of which are special
Suite Honeymoon Overwater Bungalows.
A
Maldives resort with surprisingly appealing off-season rates, the
Medhufishi Island Resort has 46 water villas built out over its
stunningly clear lagoon. The water villas are fairly large for this
price range, and decked out in 4-star amenities as well.
The
Angaga Island Resort has 20 new water villas to go along with its 50
existing island villas and suites. This is one of the smaller
private-island resorts in the Maldives, with only one restaurant and two
bars, but reviews here are very solid so they seem to exceed
expectations for most.
The
Sun Island Resort & Spa has 68 water bungalows in addition to its
358 island rooms and bungalows, making it among the very largest
private-island resorts in the Maldives. The water bungalows here are a
bit on the small side, but they are nicely appointed with luxury
bathrooms and appealing private terraces over the lagoon.
The
24 water villas at the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo Resort are in 12
structures, so each does share a common wall with another unit. Still,
guests get a lot of privacy as each room has its own terrace that
doesn’t overlook the others. The resort also has 88 island bungalows,
and 3 restaurants and bars from which to choose.
Among
the cheapest of the overwater bungalow resorts in the southern
Caribbean, the Coral Lodge Resort isn’t a typical “honeymoon hotel” but
it is well suited to adventurous people. It has 6 overwater bungalows
and no other rooms, plus two restaurants and a spa, so it does work for
couples on romantic retreats.
Among
the smaller Maldives private-island resorts with only 45 total rooms
and villas, the Gangehi Island Resort is popular with Italians as well
as English speakers. The 20 smaller Over Water Suites here are just
offshore so they have beach access and a shallow portion of the lagoon
out front. They also have 8 Over Water Del Luxe suites that are fully
out over the lagoon in the more traditional style.
Another
very interesting “eco-resort,” the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge has 9
overwater suites in 3 different categories, and no other rooms. The best
news might be that breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate,
so this place probably deserves to be higher on the list of cheap
overwater bungalow resorts. 
Currently
the cheapest overwater bungalow resort in the South Pacific, the
Huahine Te Tiare Beach Resort is also one of the few to claim only 3
stars as opposed to the 4- or 5-stars that nearly all other overwater
resorts offer. The 17 overwater bungalows here are all quite large,
however, and they are set over a beautiful calm lagoon on a small island
not far from Bora Bora.
Another
unusually affordable water villa resort in the Maldives, the Velidhu
Island Resort has 20 water villas in a total of 10 structures.
Importantly though, the room rates here include “half board” so guests
get breakfast and dinner each day, which can be a big cost savings in a
place as expensive and remote as the Maldives.
St.
George’s Caye Resort is a tiny resort on an island not far from Belize
City, and its most appealing feature might be that it’s almost an
all-inclusive resort. All meals are included in the room rate, as are
non-alcoholic beverages, although you do get one free rum punch each day
if you like. Guests staying at least 4 nights also get the private boat
transfer for free.
CoCo
View Resort has 16 overwater rooms that are in a total of 5 structures
over its lagoon, as well as 13 rooms on the island itself. This is
basically an all-inclusive diving resort, with diving packages that are
only slightly more expensive than just the room itself.
With
106 water villas, the Meeru Island Resort has more overwater rooms than
any resort in the world except for the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort
mentioned on top. There are also nearly 200 beach and island villas, so
this is among the largest Maldives private-island resorts overall. The
low-season rates here are great bargains for anyone looking for a
tremendous number of activity and dining options.
Another
surprisingly affordable option near Tahiti and Bora Bora, the Tikehau
Pearl Beach Resort has 24 overwater bungalows in 2 different sizes, all
set over a glorious turquoise lagoon. The Pearl Beach hotel group
operates several other resorts in the region, so guests can expect high
standards that might be surprising for a small resort with only 37 total
rooms.
With
some of the best prices of all the 4-star “honeymoon style” overwater
bungalows in the South Pacific, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort is
perfect for those who’ve dreamed of the experience but aren’t willing to
pay US$800 or more per night. There are 32 overwater bungalows here,
each perched just off of a small island in the lagoon.
While
the photo might look tempting, be warned that the Raiatea Hawaiki Nui
Hotel features 9 overwater bungalows that have a reputation for being
among the oldest and most spartan anywhere. Located on Raiatea Island,
this appears to be a 2-star hotel that was once probably much nicer.
There
are four overwater bungalow resorts on Moorea in addition to the Bali
Hai Resort in a different category. Of the four “honeymoon style”
resorts, the Sofitel Moorea is the least expensive, but it’s still a
solid 4.5-stars and run by a respected French hotel chain. During the
low season months of March and April, rates dip to their yearly lows,
although from November through May there isn’t much difference.
If
you aren’t made of money and yet you still want to experience a
honeymoon or romantic getaway on Bora Bora itself, then the Sofitel Bora
Bora Marara Beach Resort is probably your best bet. The 24 overwater
bungalows here offer excellent value, including such luxury features as a
separate bathtub and outdoor rain shower.