5 Best Maldives Overwater Villas You Need To Check Out

Are you feeling spoilt for choice? With so many different islands in Maldives, it can be really tough to choose the best overwater villas. After all, we all want to make the best decision when it comes to something as expensive as a Maldives resort vacation right?

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Since we were planning for our honeymoon, we looked all over the Internet for the best Maldives resorts. While we couldn’t bring ourselves to pay for truly aspirational overwater villas like Soneva Jani or Waldorf Astoria Maldives, we were determined to shortlist those that offered the best value for money.

Finally, we managed to shortlist the top 5 Maldives overwater villas and we’ll be sharing them in this article, including the type of traveller each villa would be best for. Read till the end too for the frequently asked questions regarding Maldives overwater villas.

Which are the best Maldives Overwater Villas?

• Best for overall value for money: Pullman Maldives
• Best for fun-loving atmosphere: Siyam World Maldives
• Best for classic Maldives honeymoon experience: Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
• Best for unique villa concept: Angsana Velavaru In-Ocean Villas
• Best for surfing: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

How to choose the best Maldives overwater villas?

In the case of overwater villas in Maldives, here are the the things that can make your stay extra special:

• Room size 
• See-through glass floor panel – to see fish from your room
• Bath tub – perhaps some wine to go with your bubble bath 
• Privacy and distance to neighbouring villas 
• Direct access to the sea – go swimming any time 
• Resort facilities – number of pools, restaurants, gym availability, buggy and butler service, etc 
• Novelty – some are two-storey, while some even have a water slide leading to the sea
• All-inclusive offering – are there good reviews on the resort’s food, drinks, and service? 
• Mid-range pricing

I have also written a separate article about how to plan the perfect Maldives honeymoon, including key features to look out for when choosing your ideal resort.

1. Pullman Maldives

Best for overall value for money

Pullman Maldives is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a good balance of affordability and luxury. In terms of room features, the overwater villas make you feel like you’re floating and you can access the water directly from the sundeck. Another one of the fun features in this room is the glass panel that lets you spy on marine life – including reef sharks and rays.

In addition, Pullman Maldives has an amazing variety of restaurants and bars, and you will need a few days to try them all. For example, we had buffet style Surf and Turf on the first day. We were so excited and helped ourselves to grilled lobsters and all kinds of seafood and steak. The all-inclusive benefit also extends to alcoholic beverages, and the mini-bar in your room gets restocked twice daily!

Among all the overwater villas we shortlisted, this one ticked all the boxes in terms of our budget, food reviews, luxury amenities and service quality. After staying here for 4 nights, I’m happy to say that we were very satisfied with the experience. Hence, Pullman Maldives is our top pick for the best value-for-money overwater villa in Maldives!

2. Siyam World Maldives

Best for fun-loving atmosphere

Overwater villas in Siyam World Maldives are best for those who desire an exclusive getaway, yet want a fun and vibrant atmosphere. That’s because they’ve got everything you can dream of, from cool slides and free access to Siyam Water World to awesome entertainment with fire dances and circus acts. In addition, you can chill in a bathtub, your own private pool, and watch beautiful sunsets from your overwater villa. If you’re up for some adventures, you can also try taking a Seabreacher or even ride an underwater jet pack. And when you’re hungry, don’t miss the snacks offered through Gaadiyaas, which are local food carts.

3. Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Best for classic Maldives honeymoon experience

Indulge in the epitome of luxury at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, in these amazing overwater villas with stunning ocean views. Since they’re located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this resort offers a spectacular setting, with spacious rooms featuring huge private pools and glass floor panels. Not to mention, the nearby Hanifaru Bay is the perfect place to snorkel and see Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The Westin is the perfect choice for the classic Maldives honeymoon experience that is both romantic and luxurious, look no further!

4. Angsana Velavaru

Best for unique villa concept

Experience a true slice of paradise with Maldives overwater villas at Angsana Velavaru, where it’s all about a different kind of in-villa experience. Not only do the spacious two-story villas have an impressive private infinity pool, a rooftop dining setup, they are even located in an exclusive in-ocean setting separate from the mainland island. You can even indulge in a floating breakfast while enjoying the view of the ocean no matter which side you’re facing. It’s definitely a unique overwater villa concept in addition to the all-inclusive benefits!

5. Anantara Dhigu

Best for surfing

Catch the perfect wave while staying in the overwater villas at Anantara Dhigu Maldives resort. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beach lover, this resort offers a surf school to ride the waves, and the chance to see nurse sharks. You also have access to facilities and restaurants of their sister resort, Anantara Veli, located just across the lagoon. Lastly, if you’re looking for a resort near Male International Airport, Anantara Dhigu will just be a short 30-minute speedboat ride away.

Frequently asked questions about Maldives Overwater Villas

Why should you stay in an overwater villa in Maldives

Staying in an overwater villa in Maldives is a unique and luxurious experience that might be once-in-a-lifetime. You often get direct access to the crystal clear water, stunning views, and a sense of privacy that is unrivalled. It provides a romantic ambience that is perfect for a honeymoon, and the chance to relax and immerse yourself in the beautiful environment.

Are there any safety concerns when staying in an overwater villa in Maldives

Generally, overwater villas in the Maldives are designed with safety in mind. They have sturdy construction and are usually in shallower parts of the lagoon. However, those with young children might not be too comfortable letting them run around the outdoor deck.

There’s not much to worry about in terms of marine life near your villa. Although you may see some rays and reef sharks swimming around near the villas, they are super shy and avoid humans most of the time. We noticed that the reef sharks that usually hung out around our villa all disappeared when we went into the water. It was only after we went back to the deck that the reef sharks and marine life started coming back again. You may want to wear some water shoes if you’re worried about rough sand though.

You can also expect the resort to provide tide warnings, including advisory about the times where you should avoid swimming in the sea. For example, they may tell you to avoid going too far to one side where the channel currents are stronger. There should also be a lifeguard keeping a lookout in the distance.

Are Maldives overwater villas private?

Yes, Maldives overwater villas are well known for their privacy. They are often standalone units, ensuring you have your own space and direct access to the ocean. For example, some villas come with additional privacy features like high walls, secluded decks, and curtains. Nonetheless, if you start drifting too close to your neighbor’s villa, you may want to avert your gaze and move away.

What is the price of overwater villas in Maldives?

The price of overwater villas in the Maldives can vary significantly based on the resort, the villa’s size and amenities, the time of year, and any special packages or promotions. Generally, they can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per night.

Overwater villas tend to come with a higher price tag compared to beach villas, mostly because they’re a must-try experience in the Maldives. For example, many of the renowned resort chains that offer all-inclusive packages can easily reach rates of up to US$1,400.

For those seeking the epitome of luxury, there are 5 to 6-star resorts where prices can even go above US$5,000 per night. That’s because you’re paying for the assurance of a high quality experience and impeccable service. In addition, this includes perks like unlimited mini-bar replenishments and on-call personal butlers. However, you can be confident that these resorts should have world-class accommodations and pools that are often featured on magazine covers.

When is the best time for a Maldives overwater villa stay?

November to April are the best times for an overwater villa stay and this also happens to be the peak period for Maldives travel. This is because it is outside of the rainy monsoon season, and offers a tropical escape during the cold months in some countries. It is also ideal because the weather is typically dry and sunny, with calm seas suitable for water activities and enjoying the clear waters. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, and availability can be limited, so I recommend booking well in advance.