The World’s Best Overwater Villas Beyond the Maldives

Few travel experiences feel as indulgent as staying in an overwater villa. Private, spacious, and surrounded by nothing but sea and sky, they offer a level of escape that hotels on land rarely match. For many, it is the ultimate honeymoon setting; for others, it is about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and waking each day to the sound of water beneath your feet. The Maldives set the benchmark. Yet today, the same magic is found in destinations you might not immediately expect - all adding something new to the idea of overwater living, and proving the concept is as versatile as it is unforgettable.

French Polynesia: The Icon of Overwater Luxury

French Polynesia is where the idea of the overwater villa began, and Bora Bora remains the dream image that comes to mind. The lagoon is impossibly clear, Mount Otemanu rises sharply from the sea, and life here feels slowed to the rhythm of the tides. It is a place where romance and escapism are hard to separate. One resort that captures this spirit is The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa. It has the island's largest collection of overwater bungalows, some with plunge pools, all designed to make the lagoon the main event. Guests divide their time between the water and the island: snorkelling with reef fish in the private lagoon, learning traditional crafts such as flower crown weaving, or watching rescued turtles at the Eco Centre. When it is time to pause, the Heavenly Spa offers calm treatment rooms over the water, and evenings end with a cocktail as the sun sets behind Otemanu. The standout stay is the Mount Otemanu Overwater Villa with Pool. A glass floor panel gives you a glimpse of the lagoon below, while outside a plunge pool and wide deck face the mountain. It feels private, dramatic and deeply tied to the landscape --- the essence of what people picture when they think of Bora Bora.

Dubai: An Unexpected Overwater Escape

Dubai is better known for skyscrapers and shopping than for barefoot escapes, which makes the presence of true overwater villas all the more striking. On the curve of the Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort brings the idea of lagoon living to the Middle East, with villas suspended above the Arabian Gulf but only minutes from the city. The appeal lies in the contrast. Days can move between desert safaris, yacht cruises or Michelin-star dining in the city, and quiet hours on the resort's private beach or at its Thai-inspired spa. Dining ranges from the rich flavours of Mekong to relaxed poolside meals, while hammam rituals and wellness programmes add another layer of indulgence. The One Bedroom Over Water Villa is the centrepiece. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass panel in the floor keep the sea in view at all times, while a wide terrace catches sunrise over the Gulf. A villa host is on hand, but the real luxury is the sense of calm above the water, just far enough removed from the pace of the city.

Malaysia: A Private Island in the Rainforest

Just three miles off Malaysia's west coast, Pangkor Laut feels like another world. The island covers 300 acres, yet only a small portion has been developed, leaving most of its ancient rainforest untouched. The result is a retreat where luxury is carefully balanced with nature. Macaques swing through the trees, hornbills perch in the canopy, and sea eagles circle above the Straits of Malacca. This harmony between wild and refined is what makes Pangkor Laut so distinctive. At the heart of the experience is Pangkor Laut Resort, long regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric island escapes. Wooden buildings blend into the jungle, walkways follow the shoreline, and the resort's pace mirrors the calm of its setting. The Spa Village is a highlight: a vast complex over the water offering treatments inspired by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Balinese traditions. Programmes range from stress reduction and detox to romance-focused rituals, all using local ingredients and age-old techniques. For accommodation, few settings match the Sea Villas, set on stilts above the emerald waters. Each comes with a private balcony furnished with sun loungers, wide sea views and an ensuite bathroom with an oasis bathtub. The villas feel removed from the bustle of the resort yet remain close enough for easy access to dining, beaches and the spa. It is the kind of place where unhurried mornings stretch into days shaped by the sea, the forest and the rhythm of the island.

Philippines: Eco-Luxury in Palawan

Palawan has become one of the most talked-about destinations in Asia, yet it still feels wonderfully raw. Limestone cliffs rise dramatically from turquoise seas, lagoons remain hidden behind narrow channels, and coral gardens teem with marine life. It is an environment so striking that it has been named among the most beautiful islands in the world, and it is here that El Nido Resorts has built its reputation for sustainable luxury. Founded in 1979, El Nido Resorts has long been recognised as the Philippines' greenest resort group. From renewable materials in construction to community partnerships and low-impact, nature-based activities, the ethos is "guilt-free luxury" in a protected marine sanctuary. Guests can spend their days island-hopping, snorkelling with sea turtles, kayaking into hidden lagoons or simply soaking up the views from a beach edged by rainforest. At Lagen Island, accommodation is inspired by Filipino design and crafted to sit gently within its limestone-fringed bay. Dining ranges from sea-view tables at the Clubhouse to relaxed bites at the Beach Club, with private dinners arranged in secluded spots around the island. The newly expanded spa is one of the largest in Palawan, complete with Watsu pool, reflection pond and private treatment rooms, offering a tranquil counterpoint to days spent in the wild. The highlight for many is staying in a Water Villa. Reminiscent of the traditional Bahay Kubo, these villas stand above the bay with clean lines, natural textures and a sunken lounge that brings guests closer to the sea. Wide balconies frame uninterrupted views, while inside the design remains simple and elegant, keeping the focus firmly on the water and cliffs that define Palawan. Staying in a Water Villa at Lagen is less about glossy excess and more about connection --- to the lagoon below, to the cliffs that tower above, and to the richness of Palawan's biodiversity all around.

Choosing Your Overwater Escape

Each of these destinations shows that overwater living has many forms --- romantic, adventurous, restorative, or unexpected. What unites them is the same quiet pleasure: waking to the sound of water beneath your villa, stepping straight into the sea, and watching the horizon shift with the light. It is a way of travelling that stays with you long after the journey ends.