| If you like the thought of one of the long, lazy luxury | | | | resorts. Nearby Kandooma Channel has been referred |
| vacation packages at some of the world's most | | | | to as one of the Maldives' best dive sites, with |
| pristine tropical playgrounds, wouldn't it be even | | | | excellent snorkelling spots nearby too. |
| better if you could continue being surrounded by the | | | | Other resorts where you can treat yourself to a |
| crystal clear water even while you are relaxing in | | | | stay in an over-water bungalow in the Maldives |
| your hotel room? In an over-water bungalow you can | | | | include the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Resort, Baros |
| do just that. | | | | Resort, and One and Only Kanuhara. |
| Imagine complementing your holiday with the | | | | 3. Mauritius |
| sensational experience of staying in an over-water | | | | Mauritius is another tropical paradise located off the |
| bungalow, where you can look through the glass | | | | African coast, in the southwest of the Indian Ocean. |
| bottom floor to watch the colourful reef fish and | | | | This island has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere and |
| sting rays playing below you. Many of the over-water | | | | is somewhere you can blend relaxing days on the |
| bungalow resorts also offer delicious canoe | | | | beach with vibrant water activities, great shopping, |
| breakfasts were your fresh gourmet breakfast will | | | | fine dining and exciting nightlife. The only Mauritius |
| be delivered direct to your villa by a friendly local in a | | | | resort offering over-water bungalows is Le Prince |
| canoe. | | | | Maurice, where you can also enjoy glass-bottomed |
| Here are our pick of the top five over-water | | | | boat tours, water sports and use of the resorts' two |
| bungalow destinations: | | | | golf courses, located nearby on the mainland. |
| 1. Tahiti | | | | Sheltered from winds, this private sanctuary provides |
| One of the most exotic and romantic parts of the | | | | many secluded retreats as well as a natural fish |
| dazzling South Pacific would surely have to be Tahiti. | | | | reserve. |
| Over-water bungalows originated in Tahiti and the | | | | 4. Caribbean |
| surrounding islands back in the 1960s so it's no | | | | If you want to enjoy a luxury Caribbean holiday |
| surprise that the majority of luxury Tahiti resorts | | | | there is only one resort that offers over-water |
| have over-water bungalows available. | | | | bungalows and that is the 9 Beaches Resort at |
| The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is truly | | | | Bermuda. Choose from one of 84 stylish cabanas, all |
| decadent, complete with a satellite and plasma TV, | | | | located over 18 acres of exquisite private waterfront. |
| air-conditioning and a private security safe. Of course, | | | | You can spend your days participating in all manor of |
| it also has exquisite views! If you like to pamper | | | | water sports and activities, or simply put your feet |
| yourself with champagne and bubble baths, you will | | | | up and sip ice-cold cocktails and daiquiris while lazing |
| love the divine bathrooms in the over-water | | | | on the soft, sandy beach - or from the veranda of |
| bungalows at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort | | | | your private over-water cabana. |
| and Thalasso Spa. Of course, this comes complete | | | | 5. Vanuatu |
| with glass floors and even clear coffee tables so | | | | Another piece of paradise in the South Pacific is |
| they don't obstruct your view. | | | | Vanuatu, a small chain of idyllic tropical islands. Le |
| 2. Maldives | | | | Lagon Resort Vanuatu is nestled amongst 75 acres |
| The ever-glorious Maldives are perfect at any time of | | | | of tranquil gardens, alongside the stunning Erakor |
| the year and the best way to make the most of | | | | Lagoon. With the most amazing views all around you, |
| your luxury Maldives holiday is by staying at one of | | | | this resort is only eight kilometres away from the |
| the many over-water bungalows -- or water villas -- | | | | International Airport. For shop-a-holics, Vanuatu's |
| on offer here. At the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | | | | capital, Port Vila, is the best place for shopping and is |
| resort you can not only enjoy your over-water villa, | | | | only three kilometres from Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu. |
| you can also dine in the unique underwater | | | | This spectacular South Pacific luxury resort boasts |
| restaurant, Ithaa. | | | | three restaurants and bars, each serving a feast of |
| Cocoa Island Resort is 30 minutes from the airport | | | | delectable cuisine. |
| by speedboat and well worth the trip. | | | | If you plan on treating yourself to a luxury Vanuatu |
| Owned by the COMO Hotels and Resorts group, it | | | | holiday, make sure you visit Vanuatu's unique |
| has the same elegance that is typical of these | | | | underwater post office ? the only one in the world! |