5 Fiji bungalows over the water for your next trip

When your destination is Fiji, it’s all about island life from here on out! Miles of stunning beaches with powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and blue skies are yours to enjoy, so 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 Fiji bungalows over the water from where you can choose to stay.  

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 Fijian feeling. 

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. You can also stay in a beachfront bure! 

If you’re in Fiji to unwind from the stress of daily life, a dip in a natural mud bath (which comes with a trip to a local market) is worth considering. 

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 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. 

If you love immersing in local culture, you can join in on this Nadi Wonders experience for a guided trip around the town’s heritage sites including a Hindi Temple and local markets. Fond of food trips? This Nadi Historical and Cultural experience comes with Fijian cuisine!

Just a 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, the Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay is a great way to experience bure life with all the essentials of a 5-star hotel. 

The resort has 200 rooms, out of which 22 are exclusively overwater bure-style villas. With its location on mainland Fiji and wide range of amenities, there’s no doubt why this is among our top Fiji bungalows over the water.

The amenities include three spacious swimming pools, one of which is reserved for adults only, with a swim-up bar to savor the signature cocktails served at the Lagoon Lounge.

With its proximity to the town of Nadi, you also have easy access to activities like ziplining and cave tours in case you’re looking for a day trip from the resort!

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. 

Among our favorite Fiji bungalows over the water is the Koro Sun Resort on Vanua Levu, north of the mainland.  Also called Edgewater Floating Bures, this is a staggering 160-acre getaway that is as private a haven as it can get. Plus, among the five Fiji overwater bungalows on our list, this is the only floating resort in a rainforest setting. 

Several room types are available apart from the overwater bungalows, including beachfront bures, suites, and villas. This makes it great for both couples and families — there’s even a free kid’s club facility!

The adults, on the other hand, can enjoy the resort’s wide range of complimentary activities like guided snorkeling, kayaking, rainforest trekking, and even golfing.

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 Fiji bungalows over the water 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. 

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

Only have a few hours to explore Malolo? This cruise experience lets you enjoy the island, complete with drinks and ferry transportation to/from Port Denarau, on a day trip!

To cap off our list of Fiji bungalows over the water is  COMO LaucalaIsland on the northeastern coast of Taveuni. It occupies a coveted spot on Laucala, a private tropical island in the South Pacific. 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.

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.