Ways to save big on an overwater bungalow

How to Save on Paradise Accommodations
When it comes to planning romantic getaways and honeymoons, one type of hotel room — the overwater bungalow — seems to be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. With glass panel floors, huge soaking tubs, and water views in every direction, it’s easy to see why so many couples covet this unique (and expensive!) vacation concept.

Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to stay in an overwater bungalow. Consider these 18 savings hacks and tips to save on your next luxury trip.

Look for “Free Night” Promotions
Some resort brands with overwater bungalows offer 4th or 5th night free promotions almost year-round, and these offers can help you save big. For example, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers a 4th-night free perk when you book at least four consecutive nights, and free breakfast is even included.

Look Beyond the Maldives and Bora Bora
While the Maldives and Bora Bora are home to more than their share of overwater bungalows, these destinations are some of the most far-flung and expensive to get to. If you want to stay overwater without paying an arm and a leg, consider overwater stays in countries like Malaysia and Panama.

Consider All-Inclusive Options
Some resorts with overwater bungalows are also all-inclusive, meaning your food, drink and entertainment are included in the nightly rate. For example, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows in Riviera Maya, Mexico are part of a larger all-inclusive property called the El Dorado Maroma. The rooms aren’t cheap by any means, but you will know the total cost of your trip ahead of time.

Book with Hotel Loyalty Points
If you have hotel loyalty points with a program like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy or IHG Rewards, you may be able to book a stay in an overwater bungalow for free. At the very least, you could use points for a few free nights then pay for the rest of your stay in cash.

Earn Free Nights with a Hotel Credit Card
Some hotel credit cards also offer free nights you can use at any eligible property. As an example, the Hilton Honors Aspire card from American Express offers a free weekend night every year you have the card, which you can use for a stay in a property like the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa or the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Pursue Elite Hotel Status
If you stay in hotels often for work or for leisure, earning elite hotel status can help you score benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast and more. However, you can take these perks with you when you travel to exclusive resorts from the same brand, including for stays in an overwater bungalow.

Travel Off-Peak
If you’re willing to travel outside of peak travel dates and the holidays, you can often save big on your overwater stay. For example, the off-peak season in the Maldives lasts from May to October, so it’s much easier to get a good deal during this time. Flights may be cheaper as well, leading to even more savings.

Consider Multiple Dates
Even if you’re willing to travel over off-peak dates, you can save even more by being flexible with the exact dates you travel. If you are willing to travel a week or a few days earlier or later, you can often save hundreds on your hotel stay and airfare. Make sure to compare multiple travel dates so you know for sure.

Book Flights with Airline Miles
If you have some airline miles stashed away, using them for your flights is a good way to save on your overwater bungalow vacation. This is especially true since you almost always get better value using your miles for long haul international trips. If you have enough miles to book Business or First Class, that’s even better.

Be Flexible with Resorts
Also try not to get your heart set on a specific overwater resort, and especially not one of the more luxurious options. If you’re willing to compare multiple properties for your travel dates, you’ll be in the best position to get a good deal.

Pack Plenty of Snacks
Overwater bungalows tend to exist in far-flung travel destinations where everything has to be imported. As a result, even snacks can be outrageously priced. By packing some snacks that travel well, you can skip these added costs and order less for regular meals.

Stick to Happy Hour for Drinks
If you think snacks are pricey at luxurious resorts, you’ll be shocked at the cost of cocktails. In destinations like Bora Bora and the Maldives, cocktails can easily run $25 and up. If you must have a few drinks, try to take advantage of your resort’s happy hour if they have one.

Follow Travel Brands on Social Media
Following various travel brands on social media puts you in the position of learning about their sales and promotions right away. When you hear about a great deal and take the time to check out pricing for your travel dates, you can book right away for instant savings.

Consider an “Off Brand” Resort
Also remember the lesser known properties with overwater bungalows often offer the best deals. For example, you could try skipping luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria and Conrad and look for lesser known resorts with names you’ve never heard of. For example, the Velassaru Resort in the Maldives offers overwater bungalows for as little as $549 per night.

Factor in Additional Flights and Transfers
If you’re considering an overwater stay in a destination like Bora Bora or the Maldives, you’ll want to keep resort transfers and their costs in mind. For example, getting to Bora Bora requires a long flight to Tahiti and then another flight to Bora Bora. Even then, you have to get transportation to your resort if they don’t offer it.

In the Maldives, a round-trip seaplane transfer to your resort can easily tack on $500 or more per person to the cost of your trip.

Shop Around for Deals
Before you book this kind of vacation, you’ll also want to spend some time shopping around for travel deals. By comparing destinations, resorts and various promotions that are available when you’re shopping, you can zero in on the hotel with the best possible price.

Switch Rooms Halfway
Also decide whether you have to (or even want to) stay in an overwater bungalow for your entire trip. You can save money on your getaway — and switch things up — by staying overwater for part of your stay then moving to a less expensive room option for the rest of your vacation.

Book with a Travel Agent
Certified travel advisors offer their services for free, yet they often find you lower prices than you can find on your own. This is true whether we’re talking about shopping for cruises, booking an all-inclusive getaway or staying in an overwater room. Travel agents may even be able to get you extras like room upgrades and free breakfast, so make sure to use one.