The Maldives, a string of coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is synonymous with luxury and paradise. Among its most coveted accommodations are overwater bungalows that give unparalleled views and direct access to the crystal-clear waters below.
This guide explores 20 of the best resorts in the Maldives, featuring these iconic overwater retreats, perfect for honeymooners, luxury seekers, and anyone dreaming of a piece of heaven on Earth.
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi redefines luxury with its newly launched overwater retreats. These spacious villas feature retractable roofs for stargazing and waterslides for direct ocean access – talk about making a splash in style!
Gili Lankanfushi
Once voted the best hotel in the world, Gili Lankanfushi’s overwater villas are the epitome of rustic luxury. The resort’s ‘No News, No Shoes’ policy encourages guests to truly unwind and connect with nature.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Home to the world’s first underwater restaurant, Conrad Maldives doesn’t stop impressing with its overwater villas. Some suites even feature glass floors, providing a constant view of the marine life below – it’s like living in your aquarium!
One&Only Reethi Rah
Reethi Rah’s water villas are perched at the end of sweeping jetties, ensuring ultimate privacy. With personal hosts assigned to each villa, guests can expect service as crystal-clear as the surrounding waters.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Boasting some of the largest overwater bungalows in the world, Anantara Kihavah is a haven for space lovers. Don’t miss their underwater wine cellar.
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Six Senses Laamu
As the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses offers unparalleled seclusion. Their overwater villas feature glass bathtubs, allowing for a soak with a view that’s hard to beat.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
A relatively new addition to the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria’s overwater villas are architectural marvels. With 11 dining venues, including a treetop restaurant, guests might find it hard to leave their private paradise.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The overwater villas at St. Regis Vommuli are inspired by manta rays, seamlessly blending with the environment. Their Iridium Spa, perched over the water, takes relaxation to new heights.
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Jumeirah Vittaveli
Jumeirah Vittaveli’s overwater bungalows come with private pools because sometimes the ocean just isn’t enough. Their unique bicycle boats allow guests to pedal across the lagoon – a fun way to work off all that gourmet food!
Constance Halaveli
Shaped like a curved dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat), Constance Halaveli’s water villas offer stunning sunset views. With a wine cellar boasting over 20,000 bottles, wine lovers will find their version of paradise here.
Milaidhoo Island Maldives
Milaidhoo’s overwater villas are designed to mimic traditional Maldivian fishing huts – if fishing huts come with private pools and personal butler service, that is. Their Ba’theli restaurant, built in the shape of a boat, offers a dining experience like no other.
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Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Split across two islands playfully named ‘Chill’ and ‘Play,’ Niyama offers overwater studios with private pools. Don’t miss their underwater nightclub – because dancing with the fish is a thing here.
Baros Maldives
One of the first luxury resorts in the Maldives, Baros continues to impress with its overwater pool villas. Their house reef is teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
COMO Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island’s overwater suites are designed to resemble traditional dhoni boats. With an emphasis on wellness, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate body and soul – all while floating above turquoise waters.
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Cheval Blanc Randheli
Designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy, Cheval Blanc Randheli’s water villas are the height of sophistication. With a Guerlain spa and Leonor Greyl hair salon, looking glamorous in paradise has never been easier.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
The Waldorf Astoria brings its legendary service to the Maldives with stunning overwater villas featuring infinity pools. Its unique Stella Maris Ocean Villas, only accessible by boat, offers an exclusive ‘floating’ experience with 360-degree ocean views.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Part of the prestigious LVMH group, Cheval Blanc Randheli exudes elegance and refinement. Its overwater villas, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, feature cathedral-like ceilings and lavish furnishings, setting a new standard for luxury in the Maldives.
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Baros Maldives
One of the first luxury resorts in the Maldives, Baros continues to charm with its timeless elegance. The resort’s Baros Suites offer expansive overwater living with a private pool and dedicated butler service, all just a short speedboat ride from Malé.
The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus takes the concept of bespoke luxury to new heights with its ultra-personalized service. Its bohemian-style overwater residences come with private pools and dedicated butler service, offering a home-away-from-home feel in a tropical paradise.
Joali Maldives
Joali distinguishes itself with its focus on art and sustainability. The resort’s overwater villas feature works by international artists, and its unique Manta-Ray Tree House offers a whimsical dining experience above the turquoise waters.
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Visit Maldives for the Ultimate Luxury Travel
The Maldives continues to set the gold standard for luxury travel, with its overwater bungalows representing the pinnacle of tropical indulgence. From the innovative designs of Soneva Jani to the artistic flair of Joali, these 20 resorts showcase the diverse experiences available in this island nation.
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