Yes – Maldives has one of the best beach villas globally, but who can resist the allure of staying in overwater bungalows in Maldives? Barefoot hip atmosphere, BOSE surround sound system, glass-bottom tub that lets guests see the lagoon under the feet, soothing spa treatments, direct ladder access to lagoons. But, of course, this is just a little exaggeration of how a vacation in Maldives overwater villas feels like. Guests will have easy access to pure white sands that rise up out of the Indian Ocean like a mirage. It goes without saying that this archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean scores the world’s best overwater bungalows under its belts.
What’s Special About Overwater Bungalows in Maldives?
In a nutshell, the overwater bungalows in Maldives are positioned atop some of the world’s most bright blue waters on the planet. The Maldives has around 80 private island resorts tucked on their own private atolls. Everything about water villas in Maldives is spellbinding. From lofty wood beam ceilings to bubbling whirlpools, from the infinity pool to spa set above lagoons and dining under the stars, nowhere does overwater bungalows better than Maldives. Travelers can expect unfettered access to the crystalline clear warm Indian Ocean where multicolored corals and flawless marine life thrives.
13 Best Overwater Bungalows in Maldives to Enjoy The Unparalleled Views of the Indian Ocean
1. One&Only Reethi Rah
Fringed with 6 kilometers of private coastline, hugging 12 beaches under its belts, One & Only Reethi Rah is one of the best overwater bungalows in Maldives. It is located in North Male atoll and has the distinction of the most famous overwater villas in Maldives. It has 24+ water villas that offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Whether you are a couple or a family traveler, your stay at One & Only Reethi Rah will be a centennial experience. You will find One & Only Reethi Rah in the North Male atoll, which is easily accessible from Male. The resort features lofty wooden beam ceilings, a separate jacuzzi, king-size beds, wooden beam ceilings. And yes, the access to shimmering lagoons, talcum white sands, and watersports is the added USP.
Facilities: Currency Exchange, BoduBeru dance, separate space for lounging and dining, spilled level wooden deck,
Distance from Male: 45 minutes speedboat ride from Male airport.
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2. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
With 45 water villas in 10 different room categories, Gili Lankafushi, earlier known as Soneva Gili, is home to one of the most popular overwater bungalows in Maldives with 5-star luxury. Leisure travelers across Dubai, United States flock to Gili Lankafushi because the overwater accommodation here is huge, spacious, and yeah – there is no shoe policy, and hence, barefoot luxury is the USP of Gili Lankafushi Maldives.
Gili Lankafushi also boasts the largest overwater villa in Maldives (the Private Reserve), where celebrities flock for vacations. With a ladder straight into the lagoon and roof terrace for dining under the stars, Gili Lankafushi is one of the best overwater villas in Maldives for couples.
Facilities: Electric buggies for disabled travelers, spa, dive center,
Distance from Male: 25 minutes speedboat ride from Male airport
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3. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The architecture is eye-popping when a Maldives resort design is inspired by the Maldivian lagoons’ life. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort in Southern Dhaalu Atoll is no exception. It is a far-flung tropical private island resort surrounded by purple reefs. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has a total of 44 overwater villas.
The sunset overwater bedroom villas are positioned on the jade blue waters and give the best views of the sunset. The overwater villas have a pool, king-size bed, wooden gazebo, controlled curtain gadgets, etc. Couples love The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort since the resort provides a private butler to quench your every whim.
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4. COMO Cocoa Island
Ideal for couples and families, the COMO Cocoa Island is stylish heaven because it’s a private island resort. There are a total of 34 overwater villas or bungalows. For instance, stay at the Dhoni Water Villa cabins that are designed to keep the traditional Maldivian boat shape equipped with private pools.
For a romantic sandbank dining experience, COMO Cocoa Island overwater villas are christened by Singapore’s Lekker Architect, and highlights include freestanding bathtubs. The laid-back Ufaa – the sole restaurant that serves Indian, Mediterranean dishes.
Facilities: Wheelchair accessible rooms, two house reefs, spa.
Distance from Male: 30 minutes speedboat ride from Male airport
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5. Angsana Ihuru
There is no need to leave the white shoreline when you are holidaying at Angsana Maldives, one of the best overwater bungalows in Maldives. This 5-star Maldives resort follows enhanced safety standards for guests. It’s a stylish heaven in the North Male atoll and its overwater villas come with thatched roofs. On a guided snorkeling excursion into the bright blue waters, expect to be amazed by the parrotfish underwater coral garden.
Facilities: Watersports center, signature spa treatments, beach games
Distance from Male: 20 minutes speedboat ride from Male airport
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6. Vivanta By Taj Coral Reef
This boutique private island resort has 34 overwater villas that are a destination in themselves. Also, the hip accommodation has an outdoor rain shower as the highlight. You will love climbing the private ladder onto your deck after taking a dip in the house reef.
This Maldives overwater resort has two gourmet restaurants and one bar for foodies. Speedboat runs to and from Male International Airport. And no doubt, the Jiva Spa treatment will rejuvenate your mind, body, soul.
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7. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Some resorts in Maldives have the distinction of sprinkling the seclusion, tranquility, romance altogether. And Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in Kihavah Atoll in Baa Atoll is no exception. Taste luxury like never before at the over wave pool villas of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
They come with a soothing blue infinity pool, and some of them feature a glass-bottomed tub also. Guess what? At this overwater resort in Maldives, guests get a villa host for 24 hours. If you are a couple, the room has fascinating interiors to enjoy the entire space on your own. For instance, the cathedral ceilings and espresso machine direct lagoon access are some highlights. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is also the port of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and hence, snorkeling, diving are must-do activities.
Facilities: House reefs, private bicycle, round the clock private butler, spa, underwater dining
Distance from Male: 35 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport
8. Six Senses Laamu
A five-star private island resort in Laamu Atoll in the south Maldives, Six Senses Laamu is surrounded by gorgeous blue lagoons. Six Senses Laamu has overwater villas in 11 different categories to choose from. There are even six distinctive restaurants, glamorous spas. There are 97 total rooms to choose from, out of which 73 are overwater villas with glass bathtubs, an upper dining deck, and a 5-star spa featuring distinct wellness therapies. You can also dive underwater from the sandbank to spot colorful fishes and corals.
Facilities: Open-air shower, private water garden, aquarium dining deck, hammock with comfortable cushions, onsite currency exchange
Distance from Male: 20 minutes speedboat ride from Male airport
9. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Staying in a ritzy 5-star private island resort during Maldives’ honeymoon is the fantasy of honeymooners. If you are amongst one of them, bookmark Conrad Maldives Rangali Island that has airy plush villas, lage roman bath, teak floors, and water villas with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is encompassed on two private islands that are connected by a 500-meter footbridge. Therefore, cycling on the same bridge counts as the best thing to do during your stay. Indeed, the Ocean Pavilion with pool, Bedroom Grand Water Villa, all have sunken ocean view tub epitomizing luxury at its best.
Facilities: 2 luxe spa, infinity plunge pool, personal butler, onsite currency exchange
Distance from Male: 40 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport.
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10. Soneva Jani
For an all-inclusive experience, the 25 luxurious overwater villas of Soneva Jani personify Robinson Crusoe-style vacation. The overwater bungalows/villas are sliced into seven distinct categories. For instance, a one-bedroom water retreat is best for couples.
The enticing 5.6 kilometers private lagoon, grandiose four-bedroom villa, retractable roof, three-bedroom water reserve, and two-bedroom water retreats with slides are some reasons to holiday at this 5-star private island resort property Noonu Atoll. Couples bow over the spa treatment as most of them have reported that cutting-edge treatment and ancient rituals helped them elevate their happy hormones.
Facilities: Wheelchair accessible premises, open-air cinema, four-room spa, yoga pavilion.
Distance from Male: 45 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport
11. LUX* North Male Atoll
This 5-star private island resort breaks the traditional Maldivian mold because of its ultra-modern resort in Maldives with overwater bungalows. The 67 two-level villas on the Indian Ocean water signify pure Maldivian standards. The interior of the rooms is bright and has nautical decor with spacious sofas.
Guests will get access to the private sun terrace to witness the sunset. Don’t forget to stargaze at the rooftop deck and ask your private butler to arrange a romantic movie under the stars. Obviously, the white strip of sand is fascinating, and the resort features a glass-enclosed overwater spa. Lastly, the LUX* North Male Atoll water villas are inspired by superyacht design.
Facilities: Currency exchange onsite, private beach access, roll-in showers, baby monitoring service
Distance from Male: 15 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport
12. Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
A stay at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives overwater bungalows/villas is like transporting yourself into a whole new world. This 5-star luxury private island resort in noonu atoll is owned by the owner of Louis Vuitton and hence, expect the purest expression of exclusive privacy.
There is a private sandbank at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives, but the 45 overwater villas positioned on the balmy waters have a cathedral-like roof. Additionally, the Vincent Beaurin artwork and infinity pool, Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives, is home to one of the top overwater bungalows in Maldives.
Facilities: Lagoon side pontoons, Guerlain spa treatments, bicycles with the overwater villa, over bathtubs with ‘his and hers’ basin area
Distance from Male: 45 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport
13. Joali Maldives
How about stepping into an open-air modern tropical art gallery on your Maldives honeymoon?
Stay in Joali Maldives in Muravandhoo Island in Raa Atoll if that sounds exciting. You will enjoy your stay at this 5-star private island resort backed by lush green vegetation. Choose from 73 spacious rooms, out of which a few of them are overwater villas.
You will love indulging in midnight dips with your significant other at your private infinity pool. Even the private butler will be at your disposal throughout your stay at Joali Maldives. Did we mention guests won’t mind stargazing at the Joali Maldives from the private deck? The luxury water villa with a pool comes with a curated library.
Facilities: State of the art home and lightning system, overwater restaurant, wellness experiences
Distance from Male: 45 minutes seaplane ride from Male airport
Wrapping Up the Overwater Bungalows in Maldives
Most of the private island resorts in Maldives take care of their guests from the moment they land at Velana International Airport. Their expert team is on hand to plan your transfer to the overwater bungalows in Maldives by seaplane or speedboat. Almost every private island resort with overwater accommodation provides bicycles to traverse on the mainland via long plan walkways.
If you want to feel like you are staying in an overwater estate, check out the best-selling Maldives tour packages at Tourism of India.