When dreaming of a luxe vacation in the Maldives, an overwater bungalow likely comes to mind immediately. After all, how much more secluded can you get than a private bungalow in the middle of the ocean on a small, remote island? However, we know from experience that some overwater bungalows aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. The Maldives isn’t cheap, and it would be a shame if your vacation were ruined because of below-par accommodations. Like we always say, you can’t return a bad vacation, so here is our list of the best overwater bungalows in the Maldives.
1. Gili Lankanfushi
Unsurprisingly, one of the Maldives’ best resorts boasts some of the top overwater bungalows in the archipelago. Gili Lankanfushi only has overwater villas — all massive with a rustic-luxe aesthetic. Most of the resort’s 46 overwater accommodations are Villa Suites, located off one of three jetties. Each sports an open-air living room, direct lagoon access, a rooftop dining deck, a terrace sundeck, and top-notch amenities like Bose sound systems and stocked minibars. Even better are the seven Crusoe Residences. These huge, stand-alone villas are only accessible by pontoon boat and feature noteworthy amenities like personal boats, direct ocean access off the shower, and hammocks just off the private sundeck. All villas are constructed from wood, feature upscale furniture and decor, and have an eco-friendly design that minimizes the need for air-conditioning and electric lights.
The Ocean Pool Villas at Kandolhu is not easy to forget. These residence-style overwater bungalows sport sleek and chic decor plus thoughtful, five-star features like well-stocked minibars, personal wine bars, soft towels, multi-country adapters, and in-room iPads. However, the highlight is the fully glassed-in bathrooms that offer an indoor/outdoor feeling and stunning overwater views. Private infinity plunge pools and a spacious wooden deck also sweeten the scene.
You’ll have a wide variety of culinary experiences to choose from. Enjoy a beverage at the overwater bar, get a tour of the on-site garden, and enjoy a garden-side tasting menu, eat at the on-site Japanese restaurant, delight in a cold treat poolside, or pick a bottle of fine wine in the wine cellar.
Sneak away from your bungalow and relax at the spa with a traditional spa treatment, or try the Meera Ayurveda Therapy, a “5,000-year-old alternative medicine system designed to correct imbalances in the mind and body and reawaken the consciousness.” The resort has daily morning yoga, a fitness center, and activities like snorkeling, diving, watersports, and off-site excursions.
2. Summer Island Maldives
The Water Villas at Summer Island Maldives are perfect for anyone who wants their semi-private slice of the resort’s gorgeous lagoon area and house reef. Located just off the main island via a boardwalk jetty, all villas feature a contemporary style, stocked minibars, floor cutouts in the sitting room (so you can steal a glimpse of the underwater world right from your couch), and a ladder with direct water access off the terrace. The villas face east or west, giving guests uninterrupted sunset or sunrise views. Bathrooms have walk-in rain showers, separate soaking tubs, and windows with some lagoon views.
Away from your bungalow, Summer Island has plenty to keep you occupied. Choose from four restaurants and bars when you’re peckish- including enjoying a beverage at the overwater bar. Have a picnic lunch on the beach, sail around the island on a sailboat, and enjoy live music. For the more adventurous, there is snorkeling, SCUBA diving, catamarans, and fun tubing. Just want to relax? Sit by the water, get a treatment at the on-site spa, or enjoy a yoga class.
3. W Maldives
The edgy and hip design of the W brand extends all the way to the Maldives, though there are a few touches that give the overwater villas at W Maldives their personality. In addition to standard in-room amenities like Bose sound systems, Bliss bathroom products, and overstocked minibars, some villas have features that help you take advantage of your position over the water. For example, the Spectacular Ocean Oasis and Fabulous Lagoon Oasis rooms have glass-bottom showers, while the Ocean Haven Suite sports a wraparound deck and two large panels of glass flooring.
Staying at W Maldives, you won’t go hungry, with three restaurants, pop-up dining throughout the week, two bars, and waterside service. With a pool, on-site spa, dive center, and snorkeling, you won’t get bored either. For a unique experience, book an excursion to Gaathafushi, a secluded, private island—perfect for a private party or a romantic night spent under the stars in complete privacy.
4. Jumeirah Vittaveli
With overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access and private pools, this luxury resort offers the best of both worlds. The local palapa-style architecture blends with upscale decor to create a space that feels both relaxing and luxurious without being pretentious. The property is designed to take advantage of the overwater location, with picture windows, beds facing the private sundeck, and even a cutout in the sitting area where you can watch the waves roll by right under your feet. Air-conditioning, Nespresso machines, minibars, and spa-like bathrooms are great additions to the view.
The resort suggests you can either energize or relax – whatever is right for you. Choose from yoga, spa treatments, or decompressing in a sauna for relaxation, or energizing at the fitness center or with a fitness program. The resort also offers one-of-a-kind experiences like movies or dining on the beach, booking a trip on a semi-submarine, or taking a class in their Muraca Art Studio.
Dining experiences include floating breakfasts in the pool, beachside dining, private dining and more.
5. Constance Halaveli
The overwater villas at Constance Halaveli measure 1,076 square feet and have a great, secluded vibe. The palapa-style design gives the villas extra island vibes, though you can expect upscale decor, vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, and spacious bathrooms inside. Outdoor furnished terraces have chic infinity plunge pools and direct ladder access to the lagoon. The Water Villas can be a bit of a walk from the island’s main facilities, though they are equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, and other five-star conveniences.
Drop the kids off at the Kids Club and book an excursion or spa treatment. You can also go diving, paddleboarding, snorkeling, trying your hand at beach volleyball, and more. Constance Halaveli is not without dining options, either. Four restaurants offer à la carte and buffet options. There are also two bars, one poolside and one overwater, along the longest jetty in the Maldives.
6. Constance Moofushi
There are two types of overwater villas at Constance Moofushi, but both are loaded up with air-conditioning, stocked minibars, outdoor decks, free Wi-Fi, and Mac minis. All overwater bungalows are stilted above the turquoise lagoon and feature upscale island decor incorporating rope, wood, and ocean motifs. Large wooden terrace areas have sun loungers, chairs, and shade. Standard Water Villas have privacy walls, though their location leaves them open to interruptions from the occasional swimmer in the lagoon. Senior Water Villas have more privacy, are larger, and boast extras like private soaking tubs off the terrace and direct lagoon access.
The beach at Constance Moofushi is steps away from South Ari Atoll, a house reef housing stingrays, lionfish, and snappers. BlueTribe offers PADI certificate courses, snorkeling equipment, and boat excursions for guests who want to glimpse the stunning aquatic life. The resort has two restaurants and two bars, and all-inclusive options are available for booking. There is an on-site spa, and a fully equipped gym.
7. Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru’s overwater bungalows and villas have a chic look, including high vaulted ceilings, sexy dark wood, and contemporary furniture. These units also have awesome tropical touches, like polished coconut shell accents, palapa roofs, and folding glass panel doors that open onto the terrace. You’ll also find open-plan bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane products in the Water Villas and personal infinity pools out on the terrace of the Water Bungalows.
Between diving, snorkeling, and watersports, those who love water adventures have plenty to choose from. Eight restaurants and bars, an on-site spa, and private excursions are available to keep your days full of activities.
8. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has several different overwater room types. Leading the pack is the Water Suite, a two-bedroom presidential suite (nearly twice the size of a regular water villa) with a private infinity-edge plunge pool and a massive deck overlooking the ocean. Inside, you’ll find an upscale tropical style featuring wood vaulted ceilings, polished wood floors, and sophisticated furniture. Extra perks include access to the island clubhouse and its exclusive happy hours, mixers, an additional pool, and sweeping views. Bonus: It’s located a quick, 30-minute speedboat ride from the airport.
The resort does not disappoint in terms of dining options. It offers everything from in-villa dining to beachside dining, bars, and traditional restaurants. There is an on-site spa, freshwater pool, and kids club. If you want something a little more adventurous, book an experience with a marine biologist to explore the coral reef and learn about Marriott’s dedication to marine conservation.
9. Dusit Thani Maldives
All three overwater villa categories at Dusit Thani Maldives have their private plunge pool. They also feature thatched roofs, minimalist white decor with occasional pops of color, hardwood floors, and a fantastic island vacation vibe. Bathrooms are luxe with separate soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and Molton Brown bath products, while in-room amenities include Nespresso machines and minibars with wine chillers. Interiors are spacious, and the terraces are large, outfitted with sunbeds, cabanas, walkways with direct water access, and plenty of room to throw down a picnic or do some yoga — all with the views of the glittering lagoon.
Other features at the resort include an Ocean Dive Center, immersive experiences like a nature walk, a local island tour, guided meditations, motorized and non-motorized water equipment, and manta sanctuary snorkeling. Choose from eight dining options, including private on-beach dining, and a floating breakfast. Daily events, an on-site spa, fitness center, hot and cold jacuzzis, sauna, kids club and pools round out the activities for a truly special stay.
10. Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru
The Water Villas at Maafushivaru are the most popular places to stay, though many will argue that there’s no bad room on the island. Each Water Villa is perfectly placed with either an east- or west-facing position, making for remarkable sunrise or sunset views through the large picture windows or right out on the private terrace. You’ll also get a spacious, contemporary bedroom, separate changing area, and bathroom with a walk-in shower, VOYA bath products, and a separate soaking tub that overlooks the deck.
You’ll arrive by seaplane to this luxurious resort, and that is just the beginning of your adventure. Whether you enjoy informative on-beach activities with the resident marine biologist, sink into tranquility at the spa, or explore the ocean’s floor at the PADI diving center, your days will not be dull at Maafushivaru.
Dining options are abundant, with casual dining, buffets and upscale restaurants all available within the resort. The Moodhu Grill features over water dining platforms with open floors to the sea below, and stunning views of the stars above. Meal plans are available so you don’t have to think about anything during your stay.
11. Diamonds Thudufushi
The Water Villas at Diamonds Thudufushi boast a contemporary European feel, thanks to their all-white and minimalist decor. The Jacuzzi Water Villas take the resort’s standard Water Villas up a notch by adding — you guessed it — a personal whirlpool out on the lagoon-facing terrace. All Water Villas have gorgeous wood parquet floors, a four-poster bed, iMac computers loaded with music and movies, a small corner bar, and luxe bathrooms. A big perk here is the massive outdoor terrace with covered and open sections, a dining table, sunbeds, and steps with direct lagoon access.
This all-inclusive resort has everything you will need for your luxurious stay. From buffets to a starlit dinner in the tropical garden featuring traditional Maldivian dishes, you’ll fully immerse yourself in your dining experience. When not eating or hanging out in your villa, the resort has plenty of activities to keep you busy. Try your hand at windsurfing or snorkeling, check in at the diving center, or book a treatment at the on-site spa.
12. Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
There are four different types of overwater villas at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo — Sunrise, Sunset, Japanese, and Honeymoon — each one has its own draw. For example, the Honeymoon Villas have extra perks like dual-level decks and a more private location, though all overwater villas feature a bamboo fence for privacy. Each villa has an outdoor wooden deck offering direct water access, a cushy daybed, a pair of sun loungers, and an infinity plunge pool. A king-sized platform bed, an outdoor jetted tub that connects to the bathroom, a stocked minibar, and a free bottle of bubbly round out the offerings.
The resort’s five restaurants and bars include fine dining, Japanese cuisine, and a barefoot beach restaurant. Spa treatments include body treatments, massages, and facials. Resort activities range from the more adventurous, like whale submarine voyages or diving, parasailing, and SCUBA diving, to tamer snorkeling and stand-up paddleboards. Your all-inclusive stay includes a glass of sparkling wine or tea upon arrival, daily evening high tea, evening sundown cocktails, complimentary snorkeling equipment, one beach dinner per stay, and a complimentary dolphin excursion.
13. Coco Bodu Hithi
This luxury resort has 100 individual villas (44 on sand and 66 over water), and the overwater options are the most popular. We particularly love the Escape Water Villas for their flexible design. Each unit is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass panels that can be opened up or partitioned into sections as you see fit. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor terrace with a personal infinity plunge pool and a two-person, deep soaking tub overlooking the lagoon. Additional thoughtful touches include Nespresso machines, free sparkling wine and fruit on arrival, disposable cameras, and flip-flops. Plus, the house reef is right under your feet.
Steps away from your villa you’ll find an array of dining options – from fine dining, traditional Japanese, Meditteranean and fine wine, they offer everything you need to satisfy your palate. On-site activities include an award-winning spa, sunrise/sunset yoga, diving, tours with a marine biologist and on-beach movies.
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