7 Best overwater villas in the Maldives

Overwater villas are synonymous with the Maldives. In fact, there are close to 5000 such accommodations globally. And a significant majority of them are spread out across this tropical paradise. Consequently, tourists traveling to the island nation have the option to choose from a variety of overwater bungalows based on their budgets and preferences.

Why book an overwater villa

Thanks to the Maldives having nearly 150 resorts, there is no shortage of on and off-land living options available to tourists. However, staying in an overwater bungalow is a unique experience that accentuates your tropical holiday to a whole new level.

Novelty

One primary reason to book an overwater villa is its novelty factor. Not every tourist destination in the world, even if it’s near the water, offers abodes this exclusive.

Privacy

Although Maldivian resorts are intimate escapes, an overwater villa is a step towards complete seclusion. Most bungalows are individually placed and have their own little spot in the sea. As a result, they are perfect for couples wanting to enjoy a resort vacation yet be away from the liveliness of the common areas.

Closer to water

Yes, the sea is only a few steps away from you, no matter where you are on a Maldivian island. Still, the excitement of actually living over it with the possibility to jump in at any time is thrilling, to say the least.        

The best part about booking a holiday in the Maldives is that you can easily divide your stay between a beach and an overwater villa.

It’s also pertinent to note that staying in an overwater villa does not mean giving up on space or luxuries. As we’ll soon see, the seven best overwater villas in the Maldives offer unimaginable possibilities. From water slides and private pools to butler service and glass-bottom bathtubs, overwater bungalows are extravagant accommodations that make residential dreams come true.

Note

Due to safety reasons, most resorts in the Maldives have a minimum age limit (usually 12 to 14 years) for overwater villas. When traveling with family, a beachside bungalow is an equally great option, one with abundant space for kids to play around.

Chapter One and Chapter Two – Soneva Jani

Both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are trendsetting island resorts in the Maldives. While Soneva Fushi set the benchmark for luxury living, Soneva Jani has been equally enticing, offering never-before-experienced adventures to their elite clientele.

Soneva Jani presently has 51 accommodations, each one among the best overwater villas in the Maldives. Chapter One consists of 24 classic bungalows with conveniences such as retractable roofs over the bedroom, swimming pools, and waterslides leading into a stunning lagoon.

Chapter Two is the newest addition to the resort. These 27 water villas have all the features of the classic accommodations and then some. Ranging between 5974 and 15296 sq ft, they are among the biggest overwater villas in the Maldives.

Whether opting for Chapter One or Two, guests have access to fascinating services such as a chocolate room, barefoot butler, catamaran nets, wine fridge, dining sala, and in-room sunken seating.

If that wasn’t enough, the one to four-bedroom Chapter Two villas seduce visitors with freshwater pools, swings, outdoor baths, TV lounge, steam rooms, gym, and more. 

Muraka – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives is a much-revered private island resort, famous for its design, service, and idyllic location.

The hideaway offers plenty of living options for its discerning guests. Among the choices available at the Conrad Maldives are a range of water bungalows to suit both couples and large families.

The sunset and sunrise water villas have glass panel flooring, lounge decks, ocean-view bathtubs, and infinity plunge pools.

The two-bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion, on the other hand, has a thatched roof, infinity pool, outdoor jacuzzi, al fresco dining, and comes with a private chef.

However, while these are among the best overwater villas in the Maldives, Conrad is also home to the Muraka. This one-of-a-kind villa overshadows everything else in the archipelago.

Muraka takes up space in a secluded part of the island and is accessible only via a separate jetty. The three-bedroom overwater villa might at first seem standard in its disposition but amazes its guests the moment they step in.

The highlight of a stay at the Muraka is its primary bedroom, situated 16 feet below water. It features a 180-degree curved dome and exclusive viewing space with unmatched sights of aquatic life.

Above the water, Muraka is no less an experience in pampering. The villa comes with a 24-hour butler, a private chef and features a refreshing infinity pool.

Sunset Overwater Pool Villa – Anantara Kihavah

Home to SEA, one of the few underwater restaurants in the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah is a beautiful resort, perfect for couples and families.

The resort’s location in the famous Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, furthers its individuality, making it an outstanding choice for your first trip to the Maldives.

When booking a room at Anantara Kihavah, you can pick from a variety of beach and overwater bungalows. However, their Sunset Overwater Pool Villa is the perfect choice for a small family of two adults and a child.

As the name suggests, the Sunset Villa faces the west, blessing its residents with the opportunity to admire magical Maldivian sunsets every day. Moreover, the one-bedroom dwelling overlooks the turquoise sea and provides guests with direct access to it.

Connected to the mainland via a wooden plank, every guest has a bicycle for transport. Else, they can call their 24-hour host for a pick-up at any time.

Covering an area of 2873 sq ft, the villa has sufficient outdoor and indoor living spaces. The attached wooden deck not only has a private pool but also overwater hammocks, parasols, and loungers.

Other amenities converting the bungalow into one of the best overwater villas in the Maldives are a wine fridge, pillow and soap menus, and a cool glass-bottom whirlpool bathtub.

Private Reserve Villa – Gili Lankanfushi

Considered among the most exclusive eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi is a dreamland with 45 thatched overwater villas.

Couples and families wishing to book a stay at Gili Lankanfushi can choose between 10 accommodation categories. However, when picking that perfect water villa, you have one significant option to consider. You can either go for a traditional bungalow connected to the mainland via a wooden jetty. Or else, pick one in the middle of the sea, reachable only by boat.

The Private Reserve Villa at the Gili Lankanfushi is their most privileged accommodation. At 18,298 sq ft, it also happens to be the largest overwater villa in the world.

The Private Reserve experience for guests begins as soon as they land in the Maldives. Transfer to the resort is via a luxury yacht, and a designated host, known as Mr or Ms. Friday, stays at your beck and call throughout your stay.

Situated 500 meters from the island, this mini-village comprises two en-suite master bedrooms and two guest rooms on the second floor. The rooftop terrace comes with day beds, whereas the waterslide drops you directly into the blue lagoon below.

As one of the best overwater villas in the Maldives, the Private Reserve doesn’t hold back in terms of amenities. Guests have access to private boat transfers to the island, where they can use personal bamboo cycles for touring around.

Within the villa, you can swim in an infinity pool with catamaran nets, make use of a fully-stocked kitchen, and enjoy a movie night in your private cinema.

Lastly, guests can even pick the wines they want in their wine fridge beforehand and relax in a personal steam and sauna room any time they like.

Vakkaru Overwater Residence – Vakkaru Maldives

Vakkaru is one of the larger private island resorts in the Maldives. It offers a total of 113 accommodations, of which 59 are water villas and residences.

The crème de la crème, though, of this spectacular collection of abodes is the Vakkaru Overwater Residence. Among the best overwater villas in the Maldives, the residence is an example of supreme beauty. Built using natural materials, it exudes a rustic charm embellished with contemporary luxuries to make every stay memorable.

Measuring at 10,225 sq ft, the Vakkaru Residence is one of the grander overwater villas in the Maldives. Spread over two floors, it can accommodate eight adults in four rooms with king-sized and twin beds.

Moreover, the indoor and outdoor living areas offer plentiful spaces to move around freely. They consist of a living room with a 65” flat TV, a spa terrace, a deck with loungers, and a separate dining area. 

Offering unadulterated sea views, the villa houses a 55m² infinity pool and a 12m² plunge pool. Residents of the bungalow also get to partake in several complimentary activities such as private movie screening, beach barbeque, and yoga class once during their stay. The villa also comes with a personal chef.

Sunset Overwater Residence with Pool – Raffles Maldives Maradhoo

Raffles epitomizes excellence in service at every one of their properties around the world. Their exquisite Maldivian resort in Gaafu Alifu atoll is no different.

For guests staying at Raffles Maldives Maradhoo, each day promises unlimited indulgences, from savoring gourmet food and signature cocktails to exploring nearby waters swarming with vibrant marine life.

Living arrangements, especially the Sunset Overwater Residence with Pool, at the Raffles further showcase the resort’s distinctiveness. As one of the best overwater villas in the Maldives, the Residence features a plethora of conveniences.

Firstly, due to its west-facing construction, guests are privy to spectacular sunsets every evening of their stay. Moreover, the 3229 sq ft abode includes two bedrooms with snug super king beds, 55” LED TVs, and walk-in closets.

Adding to the charm of the villas are private pools, large living areas, overwater hammocks, and standalone bathtubs with ocean vistas.

Superlative service, though, is a trademark of Raffles Maldives. Guests staying at the overwater villas can thus enjoy the famous Raffles butler service, pack/unpack service, and 24-hour in-villa dining.

Lagoon Garden Villa – Cheval Blanc Randheli

Located in Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc is a mesmerizing resort explicitly designed to provide guests with the pinnacle in luxury. Secluded and discreet, the resort is the ultimate honeymooner’s getaway. It boasts of the very best in service, culinary offerings, and accommodations.

If you really can’t decide between water and a beachside villa, booking a holiday at Cheval Blanc Randheli gives you the option to relish the best of both worlds.

The Lagoon Garden Villa at Cheval Blanc redefines living on the edge. The two-bedroom abode covers an area of 3770 sq ft which includes a private garden, beach access, and an overwater deck. The night quarters come with double dressing rooms. Whereas, the bathrooms have rain showers, bathtubs, and dual vanities.

If that wasn’t enough, on the one hand, chic interiors and grand living spaces entice you to stay indoors. At the same time, the outside deck with a 12.5m infinity pool will have you lounging under the glorious Maldivian sun throughout the day.

Cheval Blanc Randheli also has one-bedroom classic water villas measuring 2580 sq ft with similar elegant features and amenities.

N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.