Tahiti may have started the overwater bungalow trend, but the Maldives has perfected it. And I can say this with confidence since I’ve stayed at nearly 40 different overwater bungalows throughout the island country.

Throughout the Maldives’ atolls, more than 170 resorts offer the stilted accommodations many travelers dream about. With unparalleled privacy and a special connection to the ocean, these thatched-roof hideaways are worth the often-hefty price tag. And here’s why: Where else can you roll out of bed, walk across a glass-bottom floor and onto a private deck, and then jump directly into crystal-clear water? 

Keep reading for everything you need to know about sleeping above the fishes in one of the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations.

How to choose the right category

You’ll swoon over any overwater bungalow, but there are a few things to be aware of before you book. If it’s a family vacation, go for a multi-bedroom option — and make sure your kids are old enough to swim on their own because pools and decks don’t have railings. (If that makes you nervous, consider a beach villa instead.)

Deciding between a sunset- or a sunrise-facing bungalow depends on the guest. If you’re an early riser (which you may be due to jet lag), the sunrise view may be the right choice. Bonus: These are typically the more affordable option. 

Another big question: private pool or no private pool? You may wonder why one is necessary when you can jump right into pristine turquoise waters. However, going in the water isn’t advised at night — so having your own pool is a nice perk. (Most ultra-luxe resorts like Soneva Jani and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island don’t make you choose — all of their overwater villas have pools.)

What to pack

Like most tropical island vacations, bathing suits, shorts, and cover-ups are essential. And it’s incredibly rare for a resort restaurant to have a strict dress code, so casual dresses or shorts and a top will suffice. Seaplanes have a maximum allowance of 44 pounds per person, so less is more — or be prepared to pay extra. 

While most islands have a barefoot luxury ethos, don’t forget flip-flops because the jetties get burning hot during the day. Another must is reef-safe sunscreen; the reefs in the Maldives are fragile and the oils and chemicals in regular sunscreens can damage them. And leave your beach bag at home; most resorts will provide one (check inside the closet when you arrive). 

Also, keep in mind that there are no mini-marts on the private islands, so triple-check that you’ve packed everything you need. You don’t want to be stuck shopping at the resort’s on-site boutique, where prices for clothing and sunscreen (not to mention bags, jewelry, and souvenirs) are exorbitant.

What to expect when you arrive 

Think of Malé International Airport as a transport hub: As soon as you exit customs and immigration, a representative from your resort will be waiting to greet you. (There will be many dozens of reps greeting passengers — it’s normal to feel overwhelmed!) Depending on which atoll your resort is located on, you’ll be whisked away to a speedboat, the domestic terminal for an airplane transfer, or the new seaplane terminal for a seaplane transfer.

Once you touch down on your private island paradise, you’ll be driven to your overwater bungalow via buggy — unless you’re on a particularly small island, like Mirihi Island Resort, in which case, you’ll walk while a porter brings your luggage. (On the other hand, some jetties in the Maldives stretch far into the lagoon, like the one at Joali Maldives, which is almost a mile long.)

How to get around

When you want to leave your overwater bungalow, there are a few options: you can call for a buggy, walk, or take a bicycle. Most resorts in the Maldives give guests bicycles to get around. Just be careful on windy days, as bikes — and their riders — have been known to end up in the water.

Miscellaneous do’s and don'ts

• This is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, so go ahead and order that floating breakfast you’ve seen on Instagram. When else will you get to enjoy bacon and eggs from a tray in your private pool? 
• Don’t worry too much about whether your overwater bungalow comes with a hammock. Although they may look relaxing, they're pretty uncomfortable. After a minute or two, you’ll want to head back to the plush lounge chair instead.
• Put that cell phone (or iPad or any other electronic device) down! The more time you spend gazing out at the water from your deck, the more likely it is that you’ll see pods of dolphins spinning in the air, schools of fish jumping and — if you’re really lucky — rays leaping out of the water.
• When drying your bathing suit in the sun, remember to take it inside at the end of the day. Wind can often blow pieces of clothing into the water.
• Explore — but not too much. Overwater bungalows in the Maldives are designed to cater to guests' every need, so there aren’t a lot of reasons to leave it. Trust me.