Spotlight on Glamping Structures - Overwater Bungalows

DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM FISHERMAN HUTS, THREE STUBBORN AMERICANS INVENTED THE OVERWATER BUNGALOW ON THE ISLAND OF TAHITI IN 1967.

AS OF 2024, THERE ARE OVER 250 RESORTS GLOBALLY THAT OFFER A STAY IN THIS UNIQUE GLAMPING STRUCTURE, AND THE NUMBER IS GROWING.

IN THIS ARTICLE, WE’LL DIVE DEEPER INTO THE STORY BEHIND THE OVERWATER BUNGALOW, AND WE’LL ALSO FEATURE A COLLECTION OF GLAMPTUARYS AROUND THE WORLD WHO OFFER A STAY IN PARADISE, SUSPENDED SAFELY ABOVE THE MOST GORGEOUS WATERS IMAGINABLE.

When Jay Carlisle, Hugh Kelley, and Donald “Muk” McCallum bought a 400 acre plot of land in Tahiti after a brief vacation visit, they were intent on becoming vanilla farmers. But after discovering the land they purchased wouldn’t produce vanilla (oops), and realizing they had no desire to return to a 9-5 job, they took a leap of faith and bought a failing 4-room hotel in 1962.

From farmer to hotelier (and having no experience with either), the guys followed their passion which meant no matter what, they were going to make it work in Tahiti.

*From left: “Muk” McCallum, Hugh Kelley, Jay Carlisle - “The Bali Hi Boys” -* *Vacvacationaccess.com*

Fortunately for “The Bali Hi Boys,” there was a boom in tourism in the 1960’s.

The small 4-room hotel was not enough and the guys needed to expand. Going inland would be challenging but Hugh Kelley saw the water as an opportunity. All you needed were some stilts, a room, and a way to get to the room via a dock. Kelley drew inspiration from the local fisherman who had constructed huts along the waterside on docks to provide shelter from the elements as they fished. With a few upgrades, the overwater bunglaow was born.

*Images of the first overwater bungalows designed by Hugh Kelley -* *Conde Nast*

In 1967, the guys launched their first collection of overwater bungalows for $30 a night, which included all meals.

Today, all-inclusive overwater bungalows can fetch upwards of $8,000/night for the fanciest of Glamptuarys.

While we appreciate the nice things at Glamptuary, we also strive to create a community of inclusivity. And with that mindset, we’ve created a shortlist of Glamptuarys around the world that offer a stay suspended above the water, with a variety of activities to keep you busy if you like. Of course, a relaxing swing is in a hammock also sounds nice…and the following Glamptuarys offer all kinds of experiences for you to enjoy.

BAROS - MALDIVES

PUNTA CARACOL - PANAMA

THATCH KAYE - BELIZE

LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT- FIJI

CANVAS AND ORCHIDS - CAMBODIA

BAWAH RESERVE - INDONESIA

Z9 RESORT - THAILAND

VELASSARU - MALDIVES

Overwater bungalows are definitely a popular option when the environment provides the opportunity to offer this unique glamping structure.

I found it interesting that while this structure was invented by three Americans, you can’t find a Glamptuary with an overwater bungalow in the Unitd States. Why is that? The US has plentiful coastline, and a lot of lakes and rivers. Maybe as the glamping industry continues to grow…a new group of pioneers will lead the way with the first overwater bungalow in the U.S.

When that happens, we’ll be there.

Namasté and safe travels everyone!

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