Experience the World's Best Overwater Villas

Bringing you closer to your surroundings, often with your own direct access to sparking turquoise seas, overwater villas are an experience not to be missed. With more and more resorts appearing around the world, we've put together a list of our favorites, and with some lesser known locations included!

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Is there a more perfect location than white sands, turquoise waters, rainforest surroundings for a luxury private island retreat? Known as Cambodia's finest luxury property, Song Saa combines jungle villas, ocean view villas and overwater villas all with interiors that draw on the simplicity and beauty of the natural environment. This really is the most stunning island escape where guests can explore the area's wildlife as well as relax in luxury with a world-class restaurant and spa treatments set in the rainforest. (Song Saa Royal Villa pictured at top)

The Manta Resort, Zanzibar

Manta Resort is situated on the Northern Peninsula of Pemba Island in Zanzibar between the Ras Kigomasa and Vumawimbi beaches. The water villa is a private floating island with a bedroom four metres below the surface. The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area where guests can enjoy sunbathing, dining, stargazing and even sleep under the stars hearing the sea lapping around the room. Then there's the underwater bedroom. A soft double bed is surrounded by panes of glass offering almost 360 degrees viewing - watching the shoals of reef fish and tropical marine environment. Spotlighting the water around the villa at night from the underwater room, is sure to be absolutely breathtaking.

Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

This hotel exudes understated elegance and has 76 junior suites, 12 villas, and one presidential suite, some of which sit on stilts above a nature reserve. Its location on a remote peninsula means it is surrounded by white sand beaches and a peaceful lagoon. Guests can enjoy endless watersports, access to two 18 hole golf courses and the hotel's state-of-the-art spa.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

This hotel has three lagoons, over which the resort and rooms are spread. The overwater bungalows are set on two floating bridges with views of Mount Otemanu, an impressive extinct volcano. As you'd expect, the hotel has all the facilities and activities that you could dream of including four restaurants, a holistic spa, a children's club, scuba diving and helicopter rides to see this stunning location from the air.

Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Rosewood understands luxury and this hotel shows that. It's beautiful design and round-the-clock service makes it perfect for couples and families alike. The tranquil lagoon is the perfect location for their overwater suites, which put design and comfort at the forefront.

One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

The Maldives are known for their crystal clear, turquoise waters and what better way to enjoy them than by getting as close as possible with an overwater villa. This luxury resort is one of the best in the Maldives and has some amazing facilities including six restaurants and an outstanding spa. The watervillas are elegant and contemporary and lounging in your won pool offers the ultimate in relaxation.