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The Maldives promotes itself as an exclusive, unhurried, picturesque destination where you can forget about life’s many predicaments and lose yourself amongst the natural beauty of the island’s surroundings.
Add to that the “no shoes, no news” philosophy followed at several resorts, and you are all set for a mindfully rejuvenating break. Simultaneously, the “one island one resort” policy leads to a leisurely vacation where the rush of travel is replaced by soulful harmony and quietude.
That is not to say the Maldives is without possibilities, be it in food, housing, or outworldly experiences you can have while staying in the archipelago. When planning a holiday in the Maldives, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is the resort island you wish to stay on. Once narrowed down, you then need to select the type of accommodation best suitable for your needs.
Choosing a room type in the Maldives can be puzzling, especially since there is so much on offer. Those hoping to live in a water bungalow can follow a few tips to pick the best overwater residence for themselves.
However, on-land villas are by far the most popular accommodations across the Maldives. And when the time comes to select the very best, stop for a moment, and ask yourself the following six questions.
What is the size of the villa?
Does size really matter? It’s a never-ending debate, but in the case of villas in the Maldives, bigger is always better.
If you are a couple honeymooning in the Maldives, the thought of a cozy nook in a secluded corner of the resort sounds dreamy. Nevertheless, remember that you will spend considerable time in your villa. Therefore, having unrestricted surroundings, oversized bathrooms, and extra living areas eventually add up, giving you the scope to move around and not just stay confined to your bed and a small patio.
The size of the villa becomes even more important when traveling with family. Children need larger spaces to run and play and preferably their own rooms so you too can have some privacy. Thus, opt for a villa with a living room that opens up into a private beach or garden.
Is the villa near the beach?
Island resorts will often have garden villas that they don’t necessarily promote. While they are comfortable and lavish, garden villas tend to be cheaper.
Still, a Maldivian holiday isn’t complete unless you live near the water, and that is why a beachside villa is one of the most preferred accommodation alternatives on island resorts.
Besides the obvious benefit of permanently enjoying stunning sea views, there are several advantages to booking a beach villa. For families, a seaside villa offers children an extra area to play under the watchful eyes of their parents. You can even compromise on the size of your bungalow if it has a large sandy stretch at its door.
Moreover, living next to the beach means you can be out sunbathing in an instant. And, if you ask the resort to assign an abode near a snorkeling point, it’s possible to start exploring the lagoon without having to go anywhere.
Lastly, the house reefs of resorts are often brimming with exotic fish and sharks. When you stay on the beach, you are automatically privy to observing Maldives’ fascinating marine life at all times.
Does the villa have a pool?
It might seem odd to ask if your villa has a swimming pool. You are, after all, on an island surrounded by water. Plus, in all likelihood, your resort will have an Instagram-worthy infinity pool on the premises.
Well, if not a lap pool, at least book a villa that comes with a plunge pool and possibly a jacuzzi. There are a few reasons for indulging in this extravagance.
Having your own pool attached to the villa makes it more romantic, especially since couples can enjoy an intimate moment in complete privacy. Then there is the possibility of savoring a floating breakfast, one of the must-have dreamy dining options in the Maldives.
A private pool also gives you the freedom to swim at any time of the day or night, unlike the resort’s main swimming pool with its limited operational hours.
More importantly, many guests prefer the opportunity to swim in freshwater compared to seawater due to health reasons or personal preferences. Not to forget, a pool in your villa is safer and convenient when traveling with smaller kids.
Is the villa private enough?
Single island resorts are already uncrowded and secluded, yet it is essential to ask about privacy when booking a villa in the Maldives. For starters, you do not want to end up next to a beach that is frequented by guests throughout the day. Constant foot traffic leads to prying eyes, possible noise pollution, and an overall lack of discretion. Thankfully, several resorts have special zones meant only for adults, and if you are a couple looking for a beach villa, request one that is far from all the resort activities.
It would help if you likewise spent time looking at the general setup of the island. Avoid villas that are cramped next to each other or don’t have any physical partition between them.
Additionally, check to see what kind of ocean views you get from the villa. Preferably opt for undisturbed sceneries in place of booking a villa that faces an inhabited island or one with constant boat traffic.
Is it a sunset or a sunrise villa?
You’re in luck! There is no need to conduct research when deciding between a sunrise or a sunset villa. Why? Because Maldivian resorts already promote their accommodations based on this popular criterion.
This villa selection eventually comes down to your personal choice. Early risers who prefer the sun’s warmth during the first half of the day should pick the sunrise villa. Whereas sunset admirers can choose a residence where they can sit out in the open, drink wine, and watch the skies light up in shades of tropical colors.
What amenities come with the villa?
We have so far been looking at some of the essential factors to note when choosing a resort villa. However, when we talk about amenities included in the residence, a lot depends on individual budget. In the Maldives, you’ll find beach villas that range from the ordinary to the unbelievably extravagant.
Since a Maldivian vacation is for many a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, splurging a little doesn’t harm. Still, even if on a budget, check to see if your villa has a few exotic conveniences that can push your stay to the next level.
Among the basic comforts, you should be looking for in a villa are large comfortable double beds, loungers on the patio, bottled water, coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge, en-suite bathroom with an open shower, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-room dining options.
Those wishing to spend more can expect private butler service, free snorkeling gear rentals, Nespresso machines, a pillow menu, bathrooms with tubs, and plush living spaces with sunken dining tables and see-through glass flooring.
