The overwater bungalow is considered an iconic holiday hideaway

History of the Bungalow

It might come as a surprise, but the modern bungalow was created by a trio of Californians in French Polynesia nearly 50 years ago. The trio of expatriates – referred to as the Bali Hai Boys – had abandoned their respective jobs as lawyers, stockbrokers, and salesmen in search of paradise across the Pacific Ocean. After failing to farm vanilla, they bought a run-down hotel lacking great access to a beach. The bungalows were built as a way to attract customers to their less-than-perfect location on the shore, and were modeled after native fishing huts.

The Bali Hai Boys could never have guessed that their rudimentary architectural solution would later beget some of the world’s most extravagant and romantic properties worldwide. Tahiti alone is home to more than 900 bungalow-style accommodations. In fact, the overwater bungalow is a mainstay along the South Pacific and in Southeast Asia. However, you can find equally luxurious bungalows in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.

Jet Linx and our Elevated Lifestyle partner Huffman Travel have scoured the globe to find the best overwater bungalows available. If you’re looking for some truly jaw-dropping bungalows, you need not look any further. The expert advisers at Huffman Travel have done the legwork for you – and Jet Linx is ready to fly you there.