Lagoon

A lagoon is a shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, atoll, or sandbar that separates it from the open ocean. For travelers, this is where most of the magic happens at a tropical resort. Lagoons offer calm, warm water (26-29°C year-round), visibility often exceeding 30 meters, and protection from waves, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and overwater villa stays. The famous overwater bungalow was invented at Bora Bora's Hotel Bora Bora in 1967. Closed lagoons (Aitutaki, Rangiroa) feel like infinity pools; open lagoons (Maldives) connect to deep water where manta rays and whale sharks pass through.