The Bora Bora Nui Resort Hotel

The notion of bungalows on pylons in shallow seawater is not a new one — it has been the modus operandi of French Polynesian hoteliers for decades. But there's a reason why this fad never died out, and if you have never experienced overwater bungalow living, it's definitely worth a try.

Bora Bora Nui takes this concept to its most theatrical extreme, with glass panels in the Indonesian hardwood floors of the overwater bungalows, to allow guests to watch the sea life from the privacy of the guest room. And this isn't one of those strict get-away-from-it-all resorts — your smartly decorated bungalow comes complete with a stereo system and two television sets, for those moments when the fish just aren't doing it for you.

There is a beach, naturally, and all the activities one expects from a seaside island resort and then some, from scuba diving and kayaking to shark feeding. The lobby is on stilts just like the bungalows, accessible by paddling in one's canoe or kayak, and yes, on foot as well, but what's the fun in that?

Then again if the thought of all this makes you seasick, there are 36 villas on dry land, scattered along the terraced hillside. Also on dry land is the Mandara spa and fitness center, high atop the hill with panoramic views of Otemanu peak and the surrounding islands. Treatments, including the signature two-hour Bora Bora Indulgence, are administered in one of four private bungalows — though the staff will come to you, if you can't bear to be away from your fish for that long. When in Tahiti reward yourself with a stay in this hotel