The Maldives is one of those places that looks even better in real life than it does online. The sand is softer than you can possibly imagine, the tropical trees are thicker than you can believe, and the sea is a more vibrant shade of blue than you’ve ever seen in your life. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating your honeymoon, or just want somewhere to get away from it all, the Maldives is a place you’ll fall in love with as soon as you touch down.

You’ll find the popular holiday destination in the middle of the Indian Ocean, miles away from any other county. The secluded paradise is made up of a staggering 1,192 individual islands and 26 coral atolls that are almost too alluring to be real. Whether you’re into underwater exploration, gourmet seafood, pampering spa treatments, or just taking it easy and enjoying the sunshine, the Maldives is a place you’ll never forget.

What makes staying in the Maldives extra special is the presence of overwater bungalows or water villas. These unique accommodations jut out into the water and allow you to dive straight into the ocean from your private terrace. There’s nothing like lounging on a low hammock just inches above the aquamarine ocean while watching the dazzling golden sun gently dip into the horizon!

Where to stay in the Maldives

Although many people have heard of Malé (the capital of the Maldives), it’s not a great place to stay for a vacation. It’s densely populated and doesn’t have any of the charm that you expect from the Maldives. It’s worth noting that alcohol is illegal throughout the island, too. We suggest you only use Malé as a stopping point to catch your seaplane or speedboat before heading to one of the following destinations.

If you’re traveling to the Maldives as a family, we suggest staying at Dhaalu Atoll. This isle is located in the southwest of the country and is home to loads of beautiful, modern resorts. It has only really opened up to tourism in the past 10 years, giving it a clean, contemporary, and stylish vibe. Here you’ll find plenty of snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching, watersports suitable for all ages, and some of the best water villas in the Maldives.

For the ultimate romantic getaway, make plans to stay at North Ari Atoll. Here you’ll find some of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the Maldives that go out of their way to make sure you and your partner have an amazing vacation. Here you can spend your time watching dazzling sunsets at the beach, indulging in couples’ spa treatments, and taking a dip directly from your overwater bungalow.

12 Best Hotels in the Maldives with Water Villas

1. OBLU Xperience Ailafushi

Get your vacation started as early as possible by staying at the OBLU Xperience Ailafushi. This ultra-modern resort is just a 15-minute boat ride away from Malé International Airport, and the hotel organizes free transfers for all guests. 

While all the rooms are gorgeous and boast laid-back tropical vibes, we suggest booking one of the Water Villas. These exclusive accommodations are accessed by a cute wooden jetty that gently curves above the Indian Ocean. 

Each villa has been cleverly designed to imitate a traditional Maldivian boat – with all the latest mod-cons, of course. Here you can take advantage of your private semi-open-air bathroom with a rainwater shower, cooling air conditioning, a king-size bed, and some of the most staggering views you’ve ever seen. 

If you’re strong enough to tear yourself away from your villa, you’ll discover that the resort is teeming with things to see and do. There are loads of bars and restaurants that are covered by the all-inclusive plan, plus a handful of exclusive paid restaurants if you fancy something a little special. You’ll also find one of the biggest kids’ clubs in the Maldives, free watersports, live music, DJ sets, an overwater fitness center, and group classes – all included as standard. 

2. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Break away from your old routine by staying at the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, which boasts some of the best water villas in the Maldives. This opulent resort is located on a private island in the Raa Atoll and is an excellent place to stay if you need to relax and unwind. 

The hotel’s all-inclusive program covers four spectacular restaurants that serve every type of international cuisine you can imagine. To help you get into vacation mood, there’s also the Sunrise Cafe and Sunset Pool Cafe, serving up an excellent selection of early-morning coffees and late-night cocktails. 

If being surrounded by over 600 acres of dazzling blue water isn’t enough to relax you, make an appointment for the spa. Here you can choose from a decadent menu of Balinese and Thai treatments and massages. Alternatively, you can relax in the beautiful swimming pool or enjoy your own private spa experience in one of the hot tubs. 

There’s a fantastic selection of water villas to choose from here, some of which even have hot tubs or swimming pools. If you’re traveling as a group, there’s also a Presidential Water Villa that features two bedrooms with walk-in closets, a lounge with a kitchen and a bar, and a dreamy pool deck with an indoor/outdoor pool.

3. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

An excellent choice for a romantic honeymoon, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef boasts an idyllic location, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Maldives. Grab some snorkeling gear and dip below the water’s surface for the chance to discover a whole new underwater world teeming with colorful fish and sensational coral.

Not a fan of snorkeling? You don’t have to get wet to enjoy the scenery. On dry land, you can walk over powder-soft beaches under the shade of coconut palm trees while spotting white herons fishing and tiny crabs scuttering about. 

However you decide to spend your day, you’ll be able to retire to a charming thatched-roof overwater bungalow when you need a rest. Each of these special bungalows has an added extra. 

So depending on which one you choose, you could find yourself with a private sun deck, superb sunset views, a suspended hammock, a separate living area, or two huge bedrooms. All water bungalows come with a private infinity pool, private plunge pool, or outdoor jet tub as standard.

4. Siyam World Maldives

Worried you’ll get bored during your vacation in paradise? Then book a stay at Siyam World Maldives. One of the best resorts in the Maldives, this phenomenal hotel boasts Siyam Water World – the biggest floating waterpark in the Indian Ocean! It’s completely free for guests to access and is full of all sorts of stuff, from climbing walls and trampolines to floating rafts and slides.

That’s not the only fun thing the resort has to offer. Here you’ll find horseback riding along the beach, Pilates for adults, yoga for kids, wooden huts offering seasonal local delicacies, a sports pitch, sunset meditation, Seabreacher rides, Hydrofoil e-bikes, and padel tennis. 

Each of the guest rooms at Siyam World Maldives is incredible. But since you’ll probably only visit once, we recommend splashing out on one of the Ocean Villas With Pool + Slide. These luxury villas are built overwater and offer direct access to the Indian Ocean and the turquoise lagoon. 

Each also comes with a slide so you can slip straight into the sea and a private pool where you can start your day off in the best way possible with a special floating breakfast!

5. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

For a superior all-inclusive package, choose Adaaran Select Meedhupparu. This luxury resort boasts one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive services in the Maldives, with all the food and drinks you can handle available from four bars, three restaurants, and one cafe. A great choice if you’ve got a refined palate, you’ll find plenty of top-shelf spirits here, as well as a huge selection of wines and cocktails. 

This hotel offers only one type of overwater bungalow – the Prestige Water Villa. This exclusive accommodation option is perched on a wooden jetty over the Indian Ocean and comes with a large sun-drenched deck with plush beds and a private hot tub, indoor air conditioning, an espresso coffee machine, and free Wi-Fi access so you can show your friends and family exactly what they’re missing.

There’s a superb spa available with more treatments and massages than you could possibly think of, as well as countless watersports, boat trips, and diving excursions available in the surrounding aquamarine waters. If you’d rather stay on-site, you can make the most of a lagoon-style swimming pool, or check out the tropical fish swimming in the waters around your villa. 

6. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is the stuff dreams are made of. This outstanding 5-star resort boasts a staggering 15 bars and restaurants, an incredible award-winning spa, a world-class children’s club, a chilled-out adults-only pool, a fun-filled family pool, and loads more, all on 52 acres of tropical paradise. When it comes to the best resorts in the Maldives, this place is a top contender. 

Here you’ll find an impressive range of accommodations, including beach villas, pool villas, and exclusive retreats. But for that “wow” factor, you really can’t go wrong with one of the water villas. Depending on which one you choose, you could find yourself enjoying your own private sundeck, an outdoor hot tub, a private plunge pool, or even a private infinity pool.

Whichever villa you decide to go for, you’ll be treated to a luxurious king-size bed with top-quality linens, individual air conditioning, a huge TV with satellite, a Bose sound system, and a sophisticated bathroom with a rainwater shower, spa-style tub, fluffy bathrobe, and comfy slippers. Of course, you’ll also get direct access to the Indian Ocean from your terrace and spectacular views you’ll never get tired of.

7. Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the breathtaking Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is ideally located in the South Ari Atoll. It’s the only resort that occupies this island, so you’ll be 100% guaranteed tranquility, privacy, and exclusivity. 

The blissful haven covers around 55 acres of powder-soft sand and swaying palm trees. Embrace the surrounding tropical waters, and you’ll discover a remarkable coral reef just a short swim away.

Here you’ll find a small number of charming wooden villas perched on stilts over the aquamarine Indian Ocean. The perfect place to spend a romantic vacation, each water villa boasts a private sundeck with steps descending into the sea, a bubbling hot tub, an ultra-comfy king-size bed, and a nightly turndown service. Even though these accommodation options are remote enough for an intimate getaway, they’re still connected with high-speed Wi-Fi. 

Whatever you’re into, you’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do here. From snorkeling, scuba diving, watersports, and boat trips to nightly entertainment, a floating spa, four epicurean restaurants, and four lively bars, you’ll struggle to pack it all in – no matter how long you stay!

8. Sun Siyam Olhuveli

If you love huge hotels that are jam-packed with things to see and do, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is the place for you. This is one of the best hotels in the Maldives, and it spans three islands where you’ll find so much going on that you’ll never want to sleep, no matter how comfy your king-size bed is! 

Whether you choose to spend your time on Main Island, Dream Island, or Romance Island, you’re sure to create memories you’ll be telling your friends about for years to come.

Just a 45-minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport, the resort provides guests with access to a giant protected lagoon ideal for watersports, a beautiful spa, a modern fitness center, a lively kids’ club, and two infinity pools, one of which is reserved exclusively for adults. You’ll also have eight restaurants serving all kinds of international dishes, plus four stunning bars to choose from.

Some of the best water villas in the Maldives are available throughout the different islands, some of which come with a private pool. But even if yours doesn’t, you can still take a dip in the ocean any time you like by slinking into the water from your terrace. 

9. Hotel Riu Atoll

Boasting the prestigious location of the private island of Maafushi on Dhaalu Atoll, Hotel Riu Atoll has everything you could possibly want for a tropical vacation in the sun. Whether you want to spend your time in one of the gorgeous beach rooms or treat yourself and splash out on one of the phenomenal overwater villas, you’ll be happy you took the plunge and settled on the Maldives.

The hotel provides guests with 24-hour all-inclusive service, so you’ll definitely never go hungry or thirsty. Here you’ll find a gorgeous swimming pool complete with a fun swim-up bar, as well as a smaller pool perfect for little ones. If you’d rather have a little more space, you can take advantage of the sprawling beach or dip your head under the water and go snorkeling. 

Throw into the mix a la carte and buffet restaurants, bars that never close, a spectacular spa, loads of watersports, a modern gym, an excellent kids’ club, and tons of live entertainment, and you’ve got all the ingredients for the perfect getaway. 

10. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is one of the most highly-reviewed and best resorts in the Maldives, and because of that, it’s received a number of prestigious awards. As soon as you set foot on the sandy shore that surrounds the island, you’ll instantly understand why.

This elegant resort is set on the very edge of the largest of the 22 natural atolls that make up the Maldives. It’s famous for being an excellent diving spot, thanks to its dazzling natural coral reef. Don’t worry if you’re not into snorkeling or scuba diving. You’ll find plenty of other things to keep you entertained here. 

Take a look around and you’ll discover a spa with private treatment rooms, remarkable buffets with international eats, gorgeous bars with tropical cocktails, and a dreamy pool with sea views.

The fabulous water bungalows are perched above the Indian Ocean on stilts and are decorated in a bright, contemporary design. Here you can lounge on your private sundeck with your favorite cocktail and watch some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen in your life.

11. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is one of the most astounding resorts we’ve ever seen in the Maldives. This 5-star utopia is located in the Vaavu Atoll and covers a whopping 12 acres of soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and towering palm trees. 

An excellent choice if you want to get up close to wildlife, the resort is well known for being home to groups of nurse sharks. They can grow up to 10 feet long and are completely harmless.

If swimming alongside sharks is a little too scary, there are plenty of more relaxing activities to enjoy throughout the resort. There’s a glorious spa with a fabulous range of treatments and massages, a staggering array of dining options, and loads of fun bars. For an extra-special experience, the hotel can even arrange a romantic dinner for two on the beach. 

Here you can choose from a wide range of accommodations. But you really can’t beat the Sunset Water Bungalows with Jacuzzi. As the name suggests, these bungalows are set above the water and perfectly positioned for the most incredible sunset views. Here you can relax in your private hot tub while listening to the sound of gentle waves and watching the sun dip into the horizon.

12. Adaaran Club Rannalhi

Nestled peacefully on the tip of the South Malé Atoll, the Adaaran Club Rannalhi is the place to stay if you want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. You’ll be spoiled for choice with Instagrammable beaches, exciting diving spots, shallow snorkeling routes, and some of the best overwater villas in the Maldives!

Here the water bungalows are connected by a wooden deck, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll over the water every time you return to your room. As well as direct access via a private sundeck, each water bungalow also comes with free Wi-Fi access, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a large TV with satellite. For an extra treat, you can also enjoy a tropical breakfast delivered straight to your bungalow.  

The hotel’s all-inclusive package is incredibly comprehensive and includes all meals at the main restaurant, a huge selection of drinks at three locations, a sunset photo cruise, loads of watersports, karaoke nights, bonfire parties, outdoor movie nights, regular DJ sets, and nightly live entertainment. Each all-inclusive guest also receives a generous spa credit that can be used toward any treatment or massage.

That completes our list of the 12 best resorts in the Maldives with overwater bungalows! Did we miss any cool Maldives hotels? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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