One of the original overwater bungalows .
spread with the headline “ An Enchanted Island ” in LIFE Magazine , then one of the most influential magazines in America . The magazine featured photos of the Bali Hai Boys and their hotel guests boating , swimming , enjoying music and dining together .
“ It put them on the map ,” Kelley said . “ Americans were fascinated by this island , then people started coming , and the business started booming . It ’ s how they got discovered .”
Putting Overwater Bungalows on the Map By 1967 , with two new airports boosting tourism in French Polynesia , the popular hotel expanded from Moorea with a new property on the island of Raiatea , called the Bali Hai Raiatea . But the narrow Raiatea property presented some challenges . With the ocean on one side , a road on the other side and very little beach , there wasn ’ t much room to expand . At that time , building up wasn ’ t an
HUGH KELLEY option . That ’ s when Kelley got an idea : If they couldn ’ t build out or up , how about building over the water ?
“ Because of the particularities of the physical property of this hotel , they thought it ’ ll give people the opportunity to be over the water ,” Kelley said . “ It ’ ll be the entry-level category because they didn ’ t think people would want to stay there . They were surprised by the interest and that people really wanted that product .”
Getting approval from the French government presented more roadblocks . The Bali Hai Boys had to prove that the overwater bungalows wouldn ’ t harm the environment . They also had to convince the government that the bungalows were in keeping with the natural landscape . Kelley reminded government leaders about the rudimentary , thatched roof fishing huts on wooden stilts on the island of Huahine . Using the skills he acquired as an attorney , his daughter said , he successfully argued that the “ fishing huts are very much part of the culture and landscape of the island ” — just like the overwater bungalows would come to be .
After getting the green light , Kelley created the first iteration of an overwater bungalow . With shag carpets and warm wood tones , the bungalows presented a mid-century modern
THE EVOLUTION OF THE OVERWATER BUNGALOW
2002
THE INTERCONTINENTAL first built overwater bungalows at one of its many French Polynesian resorts . Sustainability was at the forefront of these sleek bungalows , including the world ’ s first private seawater air conditioning ( SWAC ) system , a sustainable technology that uses deep-sea water to cool the resort . Expansions and renovations of the bungalows have occurred throughout InterContinental properties from 2006 to 2018 .
1967
The first overwater bungalow opened on the French Polynesian island of Raiatea . Inventor Hugh Kelley , alongside Donald “ Muk ” McCallum and Jay Carlisle are credited with the invention . Original overwater bungalows were styled with shag carpets , warm wood tones , and The Tahitian Television : a window in the floor so travelers could watch the fish swim by .
2008
FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA offered guests a modern spin on the classic overwater bungalows of the region . New designs featured Tahitianinspired decor , soaking tubs open to the outside , and experimental elements , such as breakfast arriving via canoe .
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