Overwater Bungalow Extra – January Issue of On The Go Magazine

Extended interview with Jonathan Reap, Managing Director of Tahiti Tourisme North America

Tahiti’s overwater bungalows are unlike any other destinations in the world. Tahiti’s geography provides a perfect environment for these luxurious accommodations.

What was the inspiration for the overwater bungalows?
Back in the day we had pearl farms that had these little overwater stilts where they would hang all of the oysters off of the pearl farms. They also had finish stands that were kind of built out of the lagoons. So these guys saw they could actually build accommodations out there. So when they initially built them they did it because they ran out of room on land.

What are your favorite aspects of the overwater bungalows?
I love getting up in the morning, throwing on my swim trunks, a mask and snorkel, and diving in as the sun is rising in the morning. It is extremely quiet and peaceful, it feels like you have the whole world to yourself. Also, the thing that sets overwater bungalows apart is that not only can you hear and feel the sounds, but most of them have glass bottoms with lights so you can light up everything beneath you and see all the fish and coral.

Number of hotels with overwater bungalows:
Tahiti – 2 overwater bungalow hotels
Moorea – 4 overwater bungalow hotels
Huahine – 1 overwater bungalow hotel
Raiatea – 1 overwater bungalow hotel
Tahaa – 2 overwater bungalow hotels
Bora Bora – 10 overwater bungalow hotels