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A holiday in the Maldives is all about extraordinary experiences. Observing manta rays go on a feeding frenzy at Hanifaru Bay or a thrilling seaplane ride that guarantees a breathtakingly beautiful bird’s eye view of the archipelago, there’s much to see and do during your island vacation.
However, even with activities galore, a significant period of your Maldivian holiday will be spent at your resort accommodation. Luckily, there are plenty of living options available on the islands.
You can relax in a lavish beachside villa or escape into a pocket-friendly garden room, but for something truly remarkable, nothing beats staying in an overwater bungalow.
Home to 2/3rd of the world’s water villas, Maldives’ private island resorts are packed with fascinating ocean abodes that are indisputably some of the most exotic “hotel rooms” in the world.
It’s good to know that these accommodations are for all budgets, from small one-room cheaper alternatives to larger villas with lap pools, slides, and retractable roofs. Considering the endless possibilities when it comes to bungalow facilities, choosing a water villa in the Maldives can get a little confusing.
Worry not. Below, we discuss some essential factors you need to review before reserving a water bungalow. These tips will help you decide if a water villa is the right decision or not. And if it is, what to look for when booking this unique Maldivian accommodation.
Water bungalows for couples or families
Overwater villas have a picture-perfect quality that makes them one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Maldives. But there is more substance to these accommodations than just their dreamy façade.
If planning to book an overwater bungalow, it is good to know that they typically suit couples over families. That is not to say that honeymooners have exclusivity over the villas. Still, tourists traveling with little children need to take special precautions to ensure the water bungalow is safe for them.
Tips for couples
Couples should select an overwater bungalow that is furthest away from the beach. This will give you much more privacy and uninterrupted ocean views. Moreover, you are not disturbed by people walking the wooden planks outside your villa or any noisy activities on the mainland.
Water bungalows come in various shapes and sizes and with different amenities. It’s good for a couple to book one with a small plunge pool or a jacuzzi on the deck. These little features initiate romance and intimacy, creating the perfect ambiance for an exceptional holiday.
Tips for families
Booking an overwater bungalow for a family is a bit tricky. Resorts typically have an age limit for their water abodes, which means children below 12 are seldom allowed.
There are exceptions, and some retreats do have proper safety measures in place. These include well-lit pathways, railings on steps, non-slippery ladders, gate locks, and a larger lounge area. Parents still need to sign a waiver if bringing along small children.
When traveling with kids and wanting a water bungalow, make sure it has plenty of open spaces. It’s convenient to have day beds, a wooden deck, and possibly a shaded lounge, so the children are not in the sun at all times.
It is also recommended that you pick a water villa near the beach. Children can get restless, wanting to go to the mainland frequently. Staying near the beach means you don’t have to walk the long plank every time or wait for pickup.
Another option for families wanting the overwater experience is choosing a beach and water villa. A few family resorts in the Maldives have options where the villa is built partly on the beach with a section over the water, giving the guests the best of both worlds.
Access to the water
The most exciting part of staying in a water bungalow is the opportunity of having direct access to the ocean. Villas typically have ladders from the deck that lead you to the lagoon, so you can go for a swim whenever you desire.
Nevertheless, at the time of booking your accommodation, remember to ask the resort these following questions;
Does the bungalow have direct water access?
Wondering why you got a great deal on your water bungalow? Well, don’t presume that you will have direct water access just because you booked an overwater villa. There are times when cabins are built over or near coral gardens. In these cases, to protect the environment, you will not be able to jump into the ocean from your residence.
Is the water around the bungalow swimmable?
You need not worry about the water’s cleanliness because it will be crystal clear and refreshing. The issue is that sometimes during low tide, the water recedes back, leaving you with more of a shallow wetland rather than a swim-worthy ocean. This is more common in bungalows near the beach. The ideal water bungalow will have waist-high water around it all the time.
Can you swim barefoot?
Ideally, the ladder from your water bungalow should lead you to a clean, sandy surface where you can stand barefoot and then snorkel around exploring the lagoon. Sometimes the underwater land is not barefoot-friendly, or you have too many corals nearby, making it harder to swim carefree. Depending on how much you plan to be in the water, ask the resort about your bungalow’s surroundings.
Is it possible to observe marine life from the bungalow?
Travelers are often unaware that some of the resort islands in the Maldives are not natural. While being “artificial” doesn’t mean they are any less spectacular, there is a chance that the area around it is not as abundant in marine life as a natural island. Swimming with fish is half the charm of being in a water bungalow. So, go through guest reviews and see if you’ll be able to do that.
Choosing the right direction
The direction of your water bungalow can make a huge difference, especially if you are particular about what you want from your holiday. Resorts usually plan their islands so that the rooms, be it beach villas or water bungalows, fall under two main categories, sunset and sunrise.
Mostly, you don’t have to worry about the direction of your accommodation since resorts advertise rooms as either a “sunset villa” or a “sunrise villa.” If not, ask them about the direction and keep the following in mind;
- Sunrise – If you want to bask in the morning sun, pick a water bungalow facing the east.
- Sunset – For memorable romantic sunsets that light up the skies, a bungalow facing the west is the best.
- Sunbathers – If looking to get a tan in the Maldives, book a south-facing water villa because you’ll be blessed with the sun for most of the day.
- Loungers – Bungalows in the north are ideal for being out in the open, away from the afternoon heat. They are also great for lively photography sessions.
Remember to not just focus on the direction but also the views. You don’t want a water bungalow that faces a nearby island. Choose a residence that has endless panoramic seascapes, instead.
Picking the best water bungalow amenities
You’re on top of the water and loving it, but is that all? There is a lot more to choosing the perfect water bungalow than the novelty factor of being over the ocean.
Depending on your budget, research the different types of amenities available, as they can sometimes make or break your holiday.
In-room amenities
Is your water bungalow big enough for a couple or a family? Do they have queen or king-sized beds? Are the bathrooms simple or exotic with open showers and gorgeous views? Does the room come with a coffee machine, toiletries, and fridge? Amenities we take for granted may or may not be there, so confirm before booking.
Room services
Breakfast in bed, spa treatments on your private deck, 24-hour pick up and drop facilities, or personal cycles to explore the island might seem like superficial add-ons. In reality, they are elements that complement your overwater bungalow escapade.
Open spaces
A small overwater villa might be cheap, but it can get claustrophobic if you don’t have any open space to walk around and enjoy the views. It’s possible to forgo indoor living space as long as your residence has a nice big deck. That’s not all. See if it comes with deck chairs, loungers, and hopefully a jacuzzi or a plunge pool.
The deck area should also have both covered and open sections. This means you have the option to be in the open but away from the sun or rain during the day.
Access to the water is equally essential, and you want to stay at a place where they have well-built steps into the ocean. Avoid water bungalows with metallic slippery ones and go with wooden steps, particularly if traveling with children.
Selecting the best island
Lastly, spend some time selecting the resort. If you prefer a private retreat that is enormous with lots of activities, a water bungalow can be an idyllic escape from the otherwise busy life on the mainland.
On the other hand, Maldives has several smaller islands that only have water bungalows. Not only do they give a desert island feel, but they are excellent for honeymooners.
Budget constraints can make it difficult for some to stay in an overwater villa. A way around this is to divide your holiday. Spend most of your time in a beach villa with one or two nights in a water bungalow.
After all, staying in a Maldivian overwater villa is a bucket list adventure you want do not want to miss.
