Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, holds a special place in the history of overwater villas. Overwater bungalows were first developed in French Polynesia in the 1960s, with the very first ones built by three American expats—known as the “Bali Hai Boys”—on the nearby island of Raiatea. The concept quickly spread to other islands, including Tahiti, which embraced the idea and became one of the pioneers of this now-iconic style of tropical accommodation.

Today, Tahiti itself hosts a modest number of water bungalows, primarily located at upscale resorts such as the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa and Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort. The island features dozens of overwater units, though it’s worth noting that the majority of French Polynesia’s water bungalows are spread across the outer islands, especially Bora Bora and Moorea.

While Tahiti may not have as many overwater villas as its sister islands, it remains extremely popular among travellers for being the gateway to French Polynesia. Many tourists choose to stay in a water bungalow in Tahiti for convenience, especially at the beginning or end of their trip. It offers a stunning lagoon setting, lush volcanic backdrop, and a taste of Polynesian luxury—all just minutes from the international airport.

Tahiti’s overwater bungalows are highly admired by honeymooners and luxury travelers, serving as a beautiful and romantic introduction to the legendary island lifestyle of the South Pacific.