The Maldives is known for its Best Overwater Bungalow Resorts, which were built on an Indian ocean with an amazing paradise view and crystal-clear water. If you are planning a trip to the Maldives as a couple or with family to stay at the Maldives best overwater villa, then you have to stay at least one day in an overwater bungalow, which is generally seen on every island in the Maldives.
There are many water villas or overwater bungalows that are different on different islands at every resort or hotel, which makes you confused while selecting the best overwater bungalow. To remove these confusions, here is the list of the 15 best overwater bungalow resorts in the Maldives, which will help you find the best resorts for overwater bungalows.
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What are overwater villas or bungalows?
Overwater villas or bungalows are individual structures that were built over the water, typically on stilts, offering unique and luxurious accommodation for visitors. They are also known as water villas or overwater suites and are popular in destinations like the Maldives and French Polynesia. These bungalows provide seclusion, stunning ocean views, and direct access to the water, often featuring private decks, glass floors for underwater views, and modern amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, and luxurious furnishings.
The concept of overwater bungalows firstly started in the 1960s and was inspired by the traditional stilt houses of South Asia and the Pacific. Today, they are a symbol of relaxation and luxury, offering guests the opportunity to wake up to the sounds of gentle lapping water and enjoy a unique connection with the surrounding natural environment.
In the Maldives, overwater bungalows are available in various resorts, each offering different features such as private pools, outdoor showers, and other luxurious details. These accommodations provide an exclusive and idyllic setting for a truly immersive island experience.
What are the benefits of staying in an overwater bungalow?
Staying in an overwater bungalow offers several benefits, including a unique and luxurious experience, stunning ocean views, and a direct connection to the natural environment. Some specific benefits highlighted in the search results include:
- Seclusion and Romance: Overwater bungalows provide a secluded and idyllic setting, making them a popular choice for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
- Luxurious Amenities: These accommodations offer modern amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, and private decks, providing a 5-star hotel experience in a unique location.
- Direct Access to the Water: Guests can wake up to the sounds of gentle lapping water and often have the opportunity to jump directly into the water from their private deck for activities like snorkeling or kayaking.
- Unbeatable Views: Overwater bungalows provide unparalleled ocean views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the seascape without actually being at sea.
- Unique Experience: This overwater bungalow gives you the unique experience of staying on the ocean in a luxury villa.
While overwater bungalows offer a luxurious and unique experience, it’s important to consider factors such as price, limited dining options in some locations, and the potential for seeing other guests in the vicinity.
15 Best Overwater Bungalow Resorts in the Maldives with Price
1. Lily Beach Resort and Spa
Lily Beach Resort and Spa is a popular 5-star, all-inclusive resort in the Maldives. These resorts offer a range of overwater villas and other accommodations. The resort features a total of 119 villas, including 40 overwater villas and 16 more partially overhanging the lagoon, providing a luxurious and unique experience for guests.
The overwater villas come in different categories, such as Deluxe Water Villas and Sunset Water Villas, each offering various amenities such as private outdoor decks, jacuzzi plunge pools, and glass floor sections for underwater views. The resort is also known for its amazing all-inclusive plan, which includes a wide array of quality services, free water sports activities, and excursions.
Additionally, this resort offers six restaurants, a private island setting, and a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular choice for a romantic getaway or a fun family holiday. The villas at Lily Beach Resort and Spa are designed to provide a modern and stylish experience with a focus on luxury and comfort, allowing visitors to enjoy the gorgeous view of their environment and the endless blue of the Indian Ocean.
- Price: Starting ~$970/night
2. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is also one of the luxury resorts located on a private island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers a wide range of overwater villas and beach villas, each with private pools and direct access to the ocean. The villas are designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience, with amenities such as glass-bottomed bathtubs, outdoor showers, and private decks.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is an award-winning underwater dining venue and the Maldives’ only overwater observatory. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and stargazing. The resort is known for its romantic setting, making it a popular choice for honeymooners and couples seeking a luxurious and customised getaway.
- Price: Starting ~$2765/night
3. Robinson Crusoe Villas at Gili Lankanfushi
Robinson Crusoe Villas at Gili Lankanfushi is a luxury overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives that offers a range of exclusive and luxurious apartments. The resort features a variety of villa types, each with private pools that allow direct access to the ocean. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at Gili Lankanfushi include:
- Crusoe Residence: This exclusive hardwood-furnished rustic 2-story villa has a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a semi-open-air bathroom with bathroom amenities, a bathtub, and a shower, a dining area with a kitchen, a living area with sofas and a satellite TV, and an overwater sundeck with sun loungers.
- Island View Crusoe Residence: Stand-alone villas feature rustic wood accents, glass floor panels for viewing aquatic life, and walls-as-windows looking out to turquoise waters and a neighbouring local island. These villas come with a master bedroom, an air-conditioned living room that can be converted into a second bedroom, a spacious semi-open bathroom, and a private rooftop for sweeping views of the surroundings.
- Sunset Crusoe Residence: These stand-alone villas offer a large living space and romantic sunset views of the Maldives. The villas feature a master bedroom, an air-conditioned living room that can be converted into a second bedroom, a spacious, semi-open bathroom, and a private rooftop terrace for spotting manta rays and other aquatic life.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including private motorised boats or resort floating docks, bamboo bicycles for guests, and overwater sundecks with catamaran nets, sun loungers, daybeds, and direct ocean access.
- Price: Starting ~$1000/night
4. Dhoni Water Villa at Como Cocoa Island
The Dhoni Water Villa at Como Cocoa Island is a unique overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. The villa is designed to resemble a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, with a split-level layout and a private terrace that leads directly into the lagoon’s warm waters. The villa features a large living room, a master bedroom on the mezzanine level, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the ocean. The villa also has an outdoor deck, a private staircase leading to the lagoon, and a 10-meter private swimming pool, making it an ideal choice for couples or families seeking a luxurious hotel with a unique experience in the Maldives.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness centre, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The resort also has several dining options, including a restaurant that serves fresh seafood and international cuisine.
- Price: Starting ~$588/night
5. Sunset Water Pool Villa at Velaa Private Island
The Sunset Water Pool Villa, which is located on Velaa Private Island, is a luxurious overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. The villa features a private pool, a large sun deck, and direct access to the ocean for visitors. This villa is specially designed to provide a modern and ancient experience, with amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, and luxurious furnishings.
The villa also features a glass floor section for underwater views in the hall, allowing guests to observe the marine life below. The resort offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and water sports, as well as a spa and several of the Maldives best local cuisine dining options. The Sunset Water Pool Villa at Velaa Private Island is one of the best luxury resorts for overwater bungalows.
- Price: Starting $3200/night
6. Soneva Fushi
The Sunset Water Pool Villa at Velaa Private Island is a luxurious overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. The villa features a private pool, a large sun deck, and direct access to the ocean. The villa is designed to provide a modern and chic experience, with amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, and luxurious furnishings.
The villa also features a glass floor section for underwater views, allowing guests to observe the marine life below. The resort offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and water sports, as well as a spa and several dining options. The Sunset Water Pool Villa at Velaa Private Island is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious and secluded getaway in the Maldives, with its unique design and stunning ocean views.
- Price: Starting ~$6362/night
7. JOALI Maldives
JOALI Maldives is a luxury resort located in the Raa Atoll, offering a distinctive luxury experience that blends art, nature, and sustainability. The resort features several overwater retreats, including luxury villas, sunset water villas, a 2-bedroom villa, and a 3-bedroom ocean residence. All overwater rooms include:
- Private infinity pool and furnished outdoor sundecks
- Indoor and outdoor rain showers and bathtubs
- Handpicked art pieces and books
- In-villa Jadugar (butler) service
- Interactive HDTV and sound system
- Mini-bar
The resort offers the best activities in the Maldives, such as a PADI dive center, water sports facilities, an art studio and gallery, a library, and a boutique. It also features a kid’s club with a dedicated children’s pool. The overwater villas at JOALI Maldives provide a luxurious and unique experience for guests, with stunning ocean views, private pools, and direct access to the lagoon.
- Price: Starting ~$3723/night
8. AYADA Maldives
AYADA Maldives is a luxurious overwater bungalow resort that is located on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives. The resort features a range of overwater villas, including the Ocean Villa, which is poised over the lagoon and allows for idyllic contemplation while lounging on the ocean hammocks with the gentle lapping of the waves. The Ocean Villa comes with a private outdoor terrace, ocean hammocks, a plunge pool, an uninterrupted view of the horizon, and direct lagoon access.
This villa also featured a large bedroom, a spacious semi-open bathroom, and a private rooftop for sweeping views of the surroundings. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The resort has many restaurants with a number of dining options, including a restaurant that serves fresh seafood and international cuisine. The overwater villas at AYADA Maldives provide a luxurious and unique experience for guests, with stunning ocean views, private pools, and direct access to the lagoon.
- Price: Starting ~$741/night
9. Angsana Velavaru
Angsana Velavaru is a luxury resort in the Maldives, featuring 33 overwater villas and 79 additional villas on the main island. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including beachfront villas and overwater villas with private pools and spacious living areas. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at Angsana Velavaru include:
- Two-Bedroom Pool Villa: A spacious villa with a private pool, offering a luxurious experience for couples or families. The villa features a king-size bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a spacious dining room.
- Ocean Splashes Villa: A beachfront villa with private gardens and an infinity pool, offering a unique blend of luxury and nature. The villa features a king-size bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a spacious dining room.
- Overwater Honeymoon Pool Villa: A luxurious villa with a private pool, offering a romantic and secluded experience for honeymooners. The villa features a king-size bedroom and a twin bedroom, with direct access to the ocean.
- Lagoon Watch Villa: A two-bedroom pool villa over the ocean, offering stunning views of the lagoon and the sunset. The villa features a king-size bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a spacious dining room.
This resort offers a range of facilities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The resort also has several dining options, including Kaani Restaurant, Azzurro Restaurant & Bar, Kuredhi Pool Bar, and Funa Restaurant. If you are seeking to experience a luxurious and expensive stay, then you can prefer these Most Expensive Resorts in the Maldives.
- Price: Starting ~$795/night
10. Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences is an expensive resort located in the Baa Atoll, offering a range of accommodations, including beachfront villas and overwater villas with private plunge pools and spacious living areas. The resort features a variety of villa types, including the Sunset Water Pool Villa, which offers a private pool, a large sun deck, and direct access to the ocean.
The villa is a combination of modern and Maldivian culture to experience the Maldives closely, with amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, and luxurious furnishings. with also including a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
The resort also has several dining options, including a restaurant that serves a variety of fresh seafood and many international cuisines. The overwater villas at Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences provide a luxurious and unique experience for guests, with stunning ocean views, private pools, and direct access to the lagoon from the overwater bungalow.
- Price: Starting ~$1875/night
11. COMO Maalifushi
COMO Maalifushi is a luxury overwater bungalow resort located in the Maldives, offering a range of accommodations, including spacious rooms and villas designed by renowned architect Koichiro Ikebuchi. The resort features a variety of overwater villas, each with private pools and direct access to the ocean. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at COMO Maalifushi include:
- 2-Bedroom Water Villa: One of the most spectacular overwater villas at COMO Maalifushi, this oversized, light-filled bungalow sits on its own secluded jetty and features a spacious design with modern amenities. The villa offers a private pool, a large sun deck, and stunning ocean views.
- COMO Shambhala Retreat: This overwater complex features eight treatment rooms, steam rooms, a pool, and an open-air yoga pavilion near the most beautiful island with white sandy beaches and bluish green water.
- Overwater Suites and Villas: COMO Maalifushi offers 65 suites and villas that reflect the calm of the island with clean, spacious design. Some of these accommodations sit over water with private swim-up terraces, while others are nestled amidst tropical greenery with gardens designed for play and relaxation.
This resort also features a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. There are many restaurants on this island that have several dining options and also serve the best traditional local cuisine. The overwater bungalows at COMO Maalifushi provide an amazing and best experience for guests, with stunning views of the island, private pools, and direct access to the lagoon.
- Price: Starting ~$1880/night
12. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is on a list of expensive or luxury resorts that are located in the Maldives, offering a range of overwater villas for guests to enjoy. This resort has 45 sumptuous overwater villas, including Crusoe Residences and The Private Reserve, which are reached only by boat. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at Gili Lankanfushi include:
- Crusoe Residence: These exclusive hardwood-furnished rustic 2-story villas have a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a semi-open-air bathroom with bathroom amenities, a bathtub, and a shower; a dining area with a kitchen; a living area with sofas and a satellite TV; and an overwater sundeck with sun loungers.
- Island View Crusoe Residence: Stand-alone villas feature rustic wood accents, glass floor panels for viewing aquatic life, and walls-as-windows looking out to turquoise waters and a neighboring local island. These villas come with a master bedroom, an air-conditioned living room that can be converted into a second bedroom, a spacious semi-open bathroom, and a private rooftop for raking views of the surroundings.
- Sunset Crusoe Residence: These stand-alone villas offer a large living space and romantic sunset views of the Maldives. The villas feature a master bedroom, an air-conditioned living room that can be converted into a second bedroom, a spacious semi-open bathroom, a private rooftop terrace for spotting manta rays, and many other aquatic features.
- Villa Suite with Pool: These expansive overwater villas offer a private infinity pool, an extended sundeck area parallel to the villa with sun loungers, two daybeds, and catamaran nets overlooking the sparkling turquoise lagoon, and a spacious master bedroom with a king-sized bed and daybed.
- Villa Suite with Rooftop: These 18 one-bedroom hideaways are perfect for couples, spread across two floors, each boasting an open-air living room, a spacious bathroom, and a private rooftop terrace. With direct ocean access, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling around the coral reef gardens at the base of their sundeck.
The resort has a wide range of options for visitors, like private motorized boats or resort pontoons, bamboo bicycles for guests, overwater sundecks with catamaran nets, sun loungers, daybeds, and direct ocean access. If your budget allows, then you may prefer these luxury resorts, which provide the best overwater bungalows.
- Price: Starting ~$2083/night
13. Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Resort is a luxury all-villa resort located in the North Malé Atoll. The resort offers stunning overwater suites with private pools and direct access to the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
This resort has features like overwater suites that provide a luxurious and secluded experience, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking a high-end and private getaway. The resort also features a range of dining options and is known for its spectacular location, offering a serene and picturesque setting for guests to enjoy.
- Price: Starting ~$1662/night
14. W Maldives
W Maldives is an overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives, offering a luxurious and unique experience for guests. The resort features a range of overwater villas, each with private pools and direct access to the crystal-clear Indian ocean waters. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at W Maldives include:
- Spacious and luxurious villas: W Maldives offers a variety of overwater villas, each designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for guests. The villas feature private pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the ocean.
- Stunning ocean views: The overwater villas at W Maldives offer breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and the lagoon, providing guests with a picturesque and serene setting for their stay.
- Personal and attentive service: W Maldives is known for its exceptional service, ensuring that guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience during their stay. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
- All-inclusive package: W Maldives offers an all-inclusive package, which includes a range of services and activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious and hassle-free getaway in the Maldives.
While specific details about W Maldives are limited in the search results, it is clear that the resort offers a luxurious and different experience for guests, making it a popular choice for those seeking an overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives. For more, Visit Maldives.
- Price: Starting $850/night
15. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is the most expensive luxury overwater bungalow resort that is located in the Maldives, offering a range of accommodations, including 44 overwater villas and 33 located on the beach. The resort is known for its exceptional service, ecological friendliness, and luxurious accommodations. Some of the key features of the overwater bungalows at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort include:
- Overwater Villa with Pool: These state-of-the-art villas offer a private pool and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, providing guests with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the rich marine life of the house reef.
- One-Bedroom Overwater Suite: These suites feature a private terrace with a 16-square-meter private plunge pool, sun loungers, a plush daybed, and a wooden gazebo for a romantic sitting area. The suite also has four overwater hammocks for guests to enjoy.
- John Jacob Astor Estate: The pinnacle of luxury living at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this estate offers the largest accommodations on the island and personal St. Regis Butlers to ensure every request is fulfilled promptly and discreetly.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including the award-winning Iridium Spa, an outdoor infinity pool, and a private lagoon. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is recognized by TripAdvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award and has received the “Spa Award” and “Indian Ocean’s Best Resort Spa” from Sharecare for the fourth consecutive year. According to me, this is my favorite resort not only for its overwater stay but also for its many features. If you are looking for a luxurious overwater bungalow or villa, then you can go for it.
- Price: $2650/night
Pro Tips: Please enquire with the resorts or hotels before booking and taking packages to Maldives at any all-inclusive resort.
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Map of Overwater Bungalow Resorts in the Maldives
1-10 Resorts on Map
11-15 Resorts on Map
How to choose best Overwater Bungalow Resorts in the Maldives
To choose the best overwater bungalow resorts in the Maldives, consider the following factors:
- Location: Choose a resort that is located in a desirable area, such as the Raa Atoll, North Malé Atoll, or Baa Atoll, which offer a range of overwater bungalows and stunning ocean views.
- Accommodation types: Consider the type of overwater bungalow as per your preference, such as a luxury villa with a private pool, a water villa with a shared pool, or a budget-friendly option. Some resorts offer various categories of overwater bungalows, so explore the available options to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Amenities and activities: Look for resorts that offer a range of facilities and activities, such as spas, fitness centers, water sports, and dining options. Additionally, consider resorts that have a good variety of dining and activities, as not all resorts offer everything you want.
- Price: Compare the prices of overwater bungalows across different resorts to find one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season, the type of bungalow, and any included amenities or services.
- Guest reviews: Read guest reviews on websites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com to get a better understanding of the quality of the overwater bungalows and the overall guest experience at the resort.
- Sustainability: Choose a resort that prioritizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, as these resorts often offer a better experience for guests and contribute less to environmental damage in the Maldives.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the best overwater bungalow resort in the Maldives that meets your preferences and budget.
FAQ’s
- best overwater villas in the world
Some of the best overwater villas in the world include the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, the St. Regis Bora Bora, the Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji, the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica, and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in French Polynesia.
- best maldives overwater bungalow
The best overwater bungalows in the Maldives include the Robinson Crusoe Villas at Gili Lankanfushi, the Dhoni Water Villa at Como Cocoa Island, the Water Villa with Pool at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, and the Sunset Water Pool Villa at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands.
- the maldives resorts floating villas
Some Maldives resorts with floating villas consist of Soneva Jani, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, and Lily Beach Resort & Spa.