Thinking about heading out to the beautiful Maldives? There’s only one way to truly appreciate the stunning watery landscapes around you and that’s by staying in an overwater villa.
Let’s be honest, the Maldives are famous for their luxury water bungalows that offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, privacy, and luxury amenities. So, with this in mind, we’ve collated a list of the water villas in the Maldives so you can start to plan your dream vacation in paradise.
Let’s dive in…
The 16 Best Overwater Villas In The Maldives
1. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Wellness experience with 11 different dining options
The Waldorf Astoria name has long been associated with high-end luxury and their Maldives outpost doesn’t disappoint. With a range of overwater villas and bungalows with their own terraces, sundecks, and plunge pools, you’ll feel like an A-lister.
If you want to head over to the main building, you can choose from an amazing eleven different dining options with cuisines from all around the world. Feel like being pampered? Why not head to one of the ten treatment villas, offering the ultimate experience when it comes to wellness and relaxation?
2. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Overwater experience surrounded by 100 hectares of pristine lagoon
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, check into the Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa. Set on an island in the southern part of the Raa Atoll, you can enjoy 20 hectares of virgin land on the island as well as around 100 hectares of pristine, crystal-clear lagoon.
With so much beautifully clear water to explore, you don’t want to waste any time. So, check into your over-water bungalow and step right into the stunning waters below. With a secure ladder directly from your private sun deck, you can explore this gorgeous part of the world at your leisure.
3. Como Maalifushi
Luxury wellness retreat with exciting excursions
If you’re looking for a combination of blissful relaxation and once-in-a-lifetime excursions, consider booking a stay at the Como Maalifushi. With a dedicated Shambala retreat with yoga, meditation, and spa services, you can melt away all the stresses of daily life and get in the mood for relaxation.
Want to embrace the best things to do in the area instead? Como Maalifushi offers diving with whale shark tours, private sailboat charters to secret surf spots, and paddleboard tours of this amazing area. So, regardless of whether you want to chill or get your adrenaline pumping, there are plenty of options at the Como Maalifushi.
Suggested Reading: Bali vs Maldives – An Honest Comparison
4. Soneva Jani
Eco-friendly resort that’s perfect for stargazing
One of the amazing things about staying out in an over-water villa in the Indian Ocean is the lack of light pollution. As a result, you’re rewarded with a dazzling star show every single night. At the Soneva Jani, they’ve capitalized on this with their own onsite observatory and retractable roofs in some of their stunning villas so you can watch the stars from the comfort of your luxury suite.
If you’re heading out to the Maldives with your family, Soneva Jani also offers a kids club at their main building, called The Gathering, With tennis courts, gardens, and even an overwater silent cinema, there’s so much to see and do at this sustainable resort.
5. Siyam World Maldives
Family-friendly overwater resort with tons of amenities
Overwater bungalows are great, but when you add a slide directly into the ocean off the back of each private deck, that takes it to a whole other level. Siyam World Maldives brings family fun and combines it with relaxation and luxury to provide a beautiful experience for everyone.
If you’re in need of some much-needed rest and relaxation, this resort definitely has you covered. With 18 different wellness and spa pavilions to choose from, you could have a different treatment every day and still not visit all the well-being areas in this gorgeous resort.
6. Six Senses Laamu
The one and only luxury resort in the Laamu Atoll
If you want to visit the stunning and underrated Laamu Atoll, you need to check into the Six Sense Laamu. As the only luxury resort in this area, it’s the ideal base to explore this quieter part of the stunning Maldives.
You can expect dreaming Indian Ocean views, amazing treatments and spa options, and plenty of delicious meals at the various restaurants, wine cellars, and even the resort’s own ice cream parlor! Spend your days snorkeling and exploring from your overwater bungalow on a vacation you’ll never forget.
7. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sprawling resort with a bountiful reef area
If you want to enjoy some amazing diving and snorkeling while you’re in the Maldives, head to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. With a house reef and garden area, you can use the complimentary snorkeling equipment and head out to explore the colorful ecosystem that lies below the waves.
Want to dive deeper? You’ll be pleased to know that the Iguraidhoo Dive Site is just 10km away from this stunning resort and you can easily organize transfers through the hotel and hire gear. If you want to explore the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you need to check out this amazing resort.
8. OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
Elegant resource with plenty of watersports to explore
If you want to explore the water while you’re in the Maldives, then you’re in luck with a stay at the OZEN Reserve Bolifushi. Not only are there a plethora of world-class diving sites all around the resort, but there is also an over-water gymnasium which is great fun for kids and adults alike.
Journey under the waves on a submarine adventure, cycle around the resort or the wider island using complimentary bikes, or just chill out at the resort’s beautiful spa. The OZEN Reserve Bolifushi definitely has a little something for everyone!
9. Baros Maldives
Small island retreat near Male city
There are luxury overwater villas and then there are overwater villas that also have stunning private infinity pools. Well, that’s exactly what you get with a stay at Baros Maldives. Located just a 25-minute speedboat ride directly from Male International Airport, you can start your dream vacation as soon as you land!
With 24/7 assistance from a dedicated villa host, you can be sure that your stay at the Baros Maldives is everything you’ve dreamed of. Explore the marine center, enjoy an EcoDive, or pamper yourself at the spa – the choice is yours!
10. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Private island luxury with personal butler service
If you want the ultimate Maldivian luxury experience, then you’re definitely going to want to check out the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Set on its own private island, everything about this place oozes luxury and five-star service.
From having your own personal butler service to one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the Indian Ocean, to anti-gravity yoga experiences, everything at the St. Regis goes above and beyond. Honestly, this is a bucket list level of luxury!
11. Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru
Kids stay for free at this family-friendly resort
If you’re traveling to the Maldives with your whole family, consider checking out the Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru. With its own dedicated kids’ club and deal where children under 13 are allowed to stay for free, it’s a great option if you’re bringing little ones with you.
In terms of excursions and amenities, the Movenpick is full of them. With its house reef, you can snorkel and explore the wonderful world under the waves without ever leaving the resort. If you want more of a dive experience, there are a whole host of excellent dive sites within a few minutes by speedboat!
12. The Nautilus Maldives
Luxury resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
It’s hardly news to say that the Maldives is a natural wonderland, but with a stay at The Nautilus Maldives, you could actually stay in a UNESCO biosphere reserve! Snorkel around the resort’s very own coral reefs and appreciate the natural beauty all around you.
If you want something a little bit more sporty, you can try windsurfing, canoeing, or even head out on a catamaran sailing boat, completely free of charge. With all this beauty right on your doorstep, why wouldn’t you go and explore it?
13. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Modern and bright resort on the Alifu Alifu Atoll
If you’re looking to spend time with your loved ones, hang out on the water, or treat yourself to a day or two in the onsite spa, then the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon might be the resort for you. With daily dive trips to some of the best sites in the Maldives, this place is ideal for watersports enthusiasts.
With stunning infinity pools cascading off the back of the overwater villas into the crystal clear waters all around you, palm trees everywhere you look, and plenty of white sandy beaches, this place definitely feels like paradise.
14. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
A classic Maldives resort with plenty of recreational activities.
Want to kick back and relax on your next vacation to the Maldives? Then you should book a stay at the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu. Located around a 45-minute scenic seaplane ride from Male’s main airport, it feels like you’re arriving in a private paradise.
With volleyball courts, snorkeling excursions, a full spa, and a gym, there really seems to be a little something for everyone to enjoy. At the end of the day, watch the sunset with a drink from one of the four different bars and wave goodbye to another day in paradise.
15. Jumeirah Maldives
Stunning resort with inspirational workshops and well-being offerings
Looking to learn a new skill or find yourself while you’re in the Maldives? Well, the Jumeirah Maldives doesn’t just provide a beautiful place to stay and relax, but it also offers inspirational classes and expert-led workshops. It’s a full-service wellness retreat in paradise!
If the classes and workshops aren’t for you, the resort also offers high-end yoga classes, snorkeling and dive trips, private yacht tours, and a whole host of other luxurious excursions and amenities. No matter what you’re into, there’s going to be something for you at the Jumeirah Maldives.
16. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Designer resort with Japanese influences and architecture
With just 15 over-water villas, the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is a super exclusive resort that is packed full of beautiful design touches and amenities. From unlimited spa treatments to 24/7 butler service to private yoga and meditation sessions, this place is luxury at its finest.
This sustainability-built resort which was designed by world-famous Japanese architect, Yuji Yamasaki, is a relaxing place to rest, recuperate, and treat yourself to the finer things in life. Whether you want private dining experiences, want to explore the elite wine cellar, or prefer to spend your time in the dedicated cheese room, this place is on another level!
FAQs About Best Over Water Villas In the Maldives
How much does a water villa cost in the Maldives?
The cost of a water villa in The Maldives largely depends on the time of year, the resort, and the size of the villa. The cheapest over water villas in the Maldives cost around $90 a night but can easily rise into the thousands depending on the level of luxury you’re looking for.
What is the best water villa in the Maldives?
Honestly, this depends a lot on personal preference. Many of the over water villas on this list are considered the best in the Maldives. A lot of these hotels have played host to celebrities, millionaires, and influencers over the years for good reason!
Is an overwater villa worth it?
Let’s be honest, an overwater villa in the Maldives is on many people’s travel bucket lists. It’s considered the height of luxury travel and accommodation, and if it’s your first time in the Maldives, it’s well worth splashing out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. With over water villas costing as little as $90 per night, it’s definitely worth the cost!
Are overwater bungalows noisy?
Surprisingly, over water bungalows aren’t noisy at all. With the bungalows being separated from other villas by the water and lengthy walkways, these accommodations remain calm and tranquil. You can enjoy your time at your over water bungalow, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be disturbing anyone else, and they won’t be disturbing you!
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