For many couples, their fantasy Melanesia vacation takes place in the most exotic and romantic type of accommodation—a Fijian overwater bungalow. But there are only five resorts in Fiji that offer over-the-water bungalows, or “bures,” as they’re called here, so if this is your dream, be sure to make reservations in advance!
Fiji is one of the most exotic romantic destinations in the world and something many couples dream about. The long trip is well worth it when you finally see the spectacular scenery for yourself.
Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is a group of lush green islands surrounded by shimmering vivid blue water and white sand beaches fringed with swaying coconut palms. But the scenery isn’t the only reason to visit; Fiji also offers a warm culture that welcomes visitors with generous hospitality.
Our process for determining the best overwater bungalows in Fiji
In order to create this list, we reviewed a list of all the overwater bungalows in Fiji and selected the best ones based on our own experience visiting them, and recommendations from our team of travel agents, and then reviewed our list with other reviews online to finalize the rankings.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
“Likuliku” means “calm waters,” and that’s what you’ll find at this idyllic adults-only Fiji resort nestled along a turquoise lagoon surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary with a fringed coral reef. This peaceful paradise is designed in the traditional style with respect for the land and the cultural heritage of Fiji. Likuliku Lagoon Resort’s overwater bures were Fiji’s first.
Covered with thatched roofs, they have private decks with loungers (and ladders to the sea so you can swim or snorkel right from your bure!), king-sized beds, sitting areas, a refrigerator, plunge coffee and tea, window screens, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. They also feature separate bathing pavilions and soaking tubs with incredible views. Wrap yourself in your complimentary sarong and lounge on the deck as you enjoy on-the-house daily appetizers and freshly baked cookies.
If you can tear yourself away from the amazing view, you’ll find plenty to do. Swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the incredible coral reef surrounding the lagoon; the resort offers complimentary snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. Or stay on land and relax on the beach, by the infinity pool, or at the serene spa. For more active pursuits, there are walking and hiking trails and a beachfront gym, or you can visit local villages, go on a fishing excursion, scuba dive, waterski or wakeboard, go island hopping, or enjoy a sunset cruise.
Dining at Fijiana Restaurant is an experience in itself, as it features stunning water views and an open-air terrace plus creative Fijian cuisine with fresh local seafood and produce. For the ultimate romantic ambiance, book one of their two private beachside dining decks. Likuliku also offers two bars—one on an island in the lagoon and one in the main resort area. On Friday nights the resort holds a traditional dance and feast.
There are only ten overwater bungalows at Likuliku Resort, to ensure complete privacy and luxury—so you’ll want to book your trip as far in advance as possible. Likuliku is located on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca group, about 16 miles from Nadi International Airport. Fiji Airways has regular flights to Nadi from multiple locations including, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. You can transfer from the airport to Likuliku by fast catamaran, private speedboat, or seaplanes or helicopters (charter service only).
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
The only overwater bungalows on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu are the bures at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. Located just south of Nadi International Airport, these are the easiest overwater bungalows to get to if you don’t want to spend an extra minute of your time traveling to your destination.
For adults only, Fiji Marriott Resort’s 22 overwater bungalows are designed in an A-frame style and feature a private deck with incredible views and steps descending into the dazzling aqua waters of Momi Bay. You can choose either an 800-square-foot Royal Lagoon Bure or a 645-square-foot Overwater Lagoon Bure. Both types feature vaulted ceilings, king beds with deluxe bedding, sofa seating, cable TV, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, and a spacious bathroom with a freestanding tub and separate shower. Twenty-four-hour room service means you won’t have to leave your private sanctuary if you don’t want to!
But if you do venture out, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, including three swimming pools (don’t miss the adults-only infinity pool and whirlpool with sunset views!), two tennis courts, a beautiful beach, watersports, surfing, scuba diving, a serene day spa with plunge pools and beauty services, and a 24-hour fitness center. You can also go on a variety of area excursions, including helicopter flights, day cruises, river safaris, and ziplining. Evening entertainment includes a Polynesian Fire Performance, the Village Choir, and a Fijian Meke.
Fiji Marriott Resort gives you a range of dining options, most with lovely water views. Private dining can also be arranged. Lagoon House and Bar offer pizza, pasta, and more in a casual poolside setting (and features a swim-up bar), while the Fish Bar has a range of local seafood dishes plus succulent grilled meats. Savor international flavors and Asian-Indian fusion at Goji Kitchen and Bar, which also provides a hearty breakfast buffet each morning. You can enjoy small pub-style bites and cocktails at Lagoon Lounge, feast on Fijian food and BBQ at the open-air Voi Voi Bar, or pick up deli food and delicious baked goods at the Fiji Baking Company on your way out to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.
Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa
Set in lush tropical surroundings within a 160-acre sanctuary, Koro Sun Resort boasts Fiji’s only floating overwater bungalows. The 15 “Edgewater Floating Bures” are tucked away in a tranquil lagoon but connected to land by a short jetty.
For adults only, each bure is 380 square feet and features traditional Fijian décor, a king-size bed and separate lounge area, a modern bathroom with shower, mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, and a 120-square-foot private deck with direct water access. You even get a complimentary two-person kayak tied up to your deck, so you can just slip into it whenever you feel like exploring.
And there’s plenty to explore, from nearby saltwater caves to kayaking up the Salt River to rainforest trekking and herb walks to biking the coastal road, poking around Savusavu town, or visiting the Vuodomo waterfall. You can even kayak to neighboring islands! Of course, there’s also the usual watersports and scuba diving.
On-location complimentary activities include tennis, guided snorkeling, cooking classes, handline fishing, volleyball, bocce ball, croquet, and more. The resort even has a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course. Koro Sun also offers traditional Fijian feasts and dance performances.
For a magical experience, indulge at the spa, which is set in the rainforest in three traditional bures. All of the luxurious, rejuvenating treatments use locally sourced and fresh ingredients.
Dining options include the Palm Grove restaurant, which offers locally sourced regional Pacific Rim style cuisine; gourmet Asian-Indian fusion at the lagoon-front Latitude 17 (which is adults-only after 7 p.m.); and the casual, waterfront Sand Bar and Restaurant. There’s also a swim-up bar and grill at the infinity-edge pool, so you can savor light bites as you enjoy the stunning sunsets!
Koro Sun Resort is located on Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. To get here, you take a short flight from Nadi International Airport to Savusavu Airport (connecting flights run daily), then a car to the resort. The 15-minute drive to and from the resort to Savusavu Airport is included in your stay.
COMO Laucala Island
For the ultimate luxury retreat, how about a private villa on a private island? The COMO Laucala Island resort offers just one overwater bure—but wow, is it spectacular! Imagine enjoying 2000 square feet of rustic elegance in a completely secluded private home, with stunning ocean views from every angle. With only the lush tropical forest behind you, it feels as if you are the only people in the world—but the Wai Residence is just a short distance from the rest of the resort, and a complimentary golf buggy comes with it.
This overwater bure is split-level and has two bedrooms, beautiful open spaces, outdoor dining bures, indoor and outdoor bathtubs, air conditioning, and a fully stocked bar and light bites that are replenished daily. It can accommodate up to four guests (if you feel like sharing!). You can lounge on the waterfront deck that spans the entire front of the home, climb a ladder down into the deep blue and emerald lagoon, or swim overlooking the water in an incredible private pool carved into the neighboring rock.
If you decide to venture away from your private haven, you can play an 18-hole golf course, relax on white-sand beaches, go horseback riding along the water or through plantations and coconut groves, enjoy watersports, snorkel, and scuba dive along a thriving inner reef, play tennis, go mountain biking, take nature walks and scenic hikes, swim in the lap and lagoon swimming pool, or indulge in restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat spa. Or, the staff can create a personalized itinerary for you from a range of experiences such as world-class sailing and game fishing. The resort also offers a leisure center with a library, kids’ club, and gym.
Every stay includes all dining and beverages (except certain vintage wines from their cellar) at the resort’s two restaurants and three bars. Choose from fine dining in a classic plantation home or treetop dining with panoramic water views and Pan-Asian cuisine; feast on freshly caught grilled fish at the Beach Bar; or enjoy private in-residence dining. A poolside bar also serves light bites. The Rock Lounge offers exceptional sunset views with your cocktail.
COMO Laucala Island has an airstrip for private planes, or you can connect from Nadi International Airport on a resort-owned plane. (And enjoy a private lounge at the airport just for resort guests!)
Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina
Escape to this relaxed Fiji resort and enjoy 400 acres of tropical gardens, peaceful lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches along Malolo Lailai Bay. While not entirely over the water, Musket Cove’s six Lagoon Bures are perched directly on a beautiful inland lagoon canal. Each adult-only waterfront bure is 645 square feet and has an open design and vaulted ceilings with a separate bedroom and seating area, serene bathroom, king-size bed, breakfast bar with refrigerator and tea/coffeemaker, ceiling fans and air conditioning, and private outdoor lanai that extends over the lagoon and offers peaceful views from cozy Adirondack chairs.
The Lagoon Bures are just a short walk from the rest of the resort, which offers a spa and fitness facility, a stunning stretch of beach, a swimming pool with cabanas and a swim-up bar, watersports, guided treks, and meandering trails to explore on your own, cooking classes, biking, children’s activities, and excursions like a morning dolphin safari, scuba diving, sports and game fishing, or island hopping. Or, bring your own boat and take advantage of the yacht club and marina facilities.
Musket Cove Island Resort’s rates cover all your meals; dining options include Dick’s Place Bar and Bistro overlooking the pool and bay and offering authentic local dishes, The Trader Café at the edge of the marina, or romantic private dining. You can enjoy your favorite drink at the pool bar or the iconic Yacht Club Island Bar with its thatched roof and tables in the sand under coconut palms.
Located on Malolo Lailai Island, Musket Cove is accessible by water transfer from Fiji’s main island. You can book either a 60-minute luxury catamaran cruise or a private speedboat trip from Port Denaru (20 minutes from Nadi International Airport) to the resort. Helicopter and seaplane transfers are also available.
Ashley has always loved to explore new places and indulges her passion for travel whenever she can. She has been to 12 countries and 32 states so far.
Ashley has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, specializing in the areas of travel, marketing, personal development, and the pursuit of happiness.
Favorite destinations include Sorrento and Capri, Italy; Haarlem, Netherlands; Paris; Sydney and K’gari, Australia; Rotorua and Waiheke Island, New Zealand; the American West; Palm Beach; the Florida Keys; and her hometown of New Orleans. Ashley has a goal of visiting every state plus many more international destinations.