Brando Suites Bora Bora at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia

Beachfront retreat The Brando flaunts everything one would want out of an ultra-luxury South Pacific retreat—everything except an actual overwater bungalow, that is. So to make up for this shortcoming, the hotel debuted four overwater Brando Suites at its partner, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa in December 2017. Each new suite mimics the eco-friendly and chic design of The Brando’s own villas (think: local miki miki wood floors and walls, pandan leaf roofing) and spans a whopping 3,400 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space. What’s more? The floating suites happen to have the largest overwater pools in French Polynesia and offer gob-smacking views of Mount Otemanu.

Laucala Island, Fiji

You can live out the ultimate Fiji private island experience in any of Laucala Island’s 25 glamorous thatch-roofed bures (pronounced boo-rays). But there’s something extra special about the Overwater Villa, a 3,000-square-foot split-level masterpiece, where the ocean is visible from just about everywhere and a private pool is carved into the surrounding natural rocks. In addition, the island claims the highest guest-to-staff ratio of any resort in the world (16 staff for each villa), so expect the best-of-the-best in private-island pampering.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, the Maldives

TheR8's readers recently crowned Niyama Private Islands Maldives in Dhaalu Atoll the fourth best resort in the world, and for good reason. We’re obsessed with its understated overwater bungalows, each with a partial open-air shower, private pool, and deck with stairs leading directly into the lagoon below. There’s plenty to do on land as well, with common areas split over two islands, aptly named “Play” and “Chill.”

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

In Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, some fifteen miles south of the mainland city of Sihanoukville, this private island resort is home to nine overwater bungalows (and 18 island villas) that are glamorous yet unfussy. Perfect the art of doing nothing from your private swimming pool, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Cross the footbridge to neighboring island Koh Bong, to hike nature trails and search for the charismatic oriental pied hornbills.

COMO Cocoa Island, the Maldives

Unlike most Maldives resorts, where accommodations are split over land and water, this outpostof Singapore-based COMO Hotels & Resorts consists exclusively of overwater bungalows. Most take the form of traditional Maldivian dhoni boats and each comes with a private deck featuring a Balinese style daybed, an outdoor shower, and a staircase that ends right in the ocean.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the Maldives

One of two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives, this retreat in the North Malé Atoll offers the optimal balance of relaxation and excitement. Combine languid days enjoying the aptly-named Sunrise and Sunset overwater bungalows with activities like surf lessons, swimming with black tip reef sharks, and paddle-board yoga classes.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the Maldives

The Four Seasons’s second resort in the Maldives is located in the more far-flung Baa Atoll, officially designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its stunning and fragile coral reefs and prolific marine life. The thatched-roof bungalows are larger than those of sister resort Kuda Huraa, with the added bonus of an elevated sea-gazing loft. In general, access here is restricted to sea planes. However, the three-night Four Seasons Explorer cruise incorporates both resorts and the magical waters in between.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Often overshadowed by big sister Bora Bora, Moorea also impresses with its clear waters and mountainous backdrops. On Moorea’s northern shores, Hilton’s overwater bungalows let you jump right from your balcony into the ocean, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life swimming around you.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Qatar

On a private island twenty minutes by boat from the city of Doha, this resort houses the Persian Gulf’s own interpretation of overwater extravagance—eleven Maldivian-inspired bungalows with a twist. The two- and three-bedroom units (beginning at 2,500 square feet) are accented with ornate Arabian design, and equipped with every modern amenity imaginable, including a private, full-sized, cantilevered swimming pool.

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See also:

Pullman brand set to debut in Fiji

Tesla powering Fiji's newest luxury resort

New $500m Wyndham Fiji hotel to start construction in 2018