Is the Overwater Bungalow Still Sexy at 50?
The overwater bungalow turns 50 this year. We’re celebrating by counting down our favorite floating accommodations around the world…

What began in 1967 as a humble Tahitian hut on stilts has gone global. It was 50 years ago when the Bali Hai Boys, three young men from Southern California seeking a slice of South Pacific paradise, built the first-ever thatched-roof overwater bungalows atop Raiatea lagoon in French Polynesia. Half a century later, it’s now possible to sleep above gently lapping waves in more than 15 countries in villas designed for indulgence with private plunge pools, Balinese-style sun loungers, and even retractable roofs for stargazing from bed. Is the overwater bungalow still sexy at 50? We think so. Here are 10 over-the-top options to consider.