10 Stunning Overwater Huts in the Maldives for 2022

Maldives huts on the water are the first thing that comes into our minds when we hear things about this secluded but breathtaking destination from Earth.

As can be seen, the islands of Maldives are usually thought of as being very luxurious and expensive.

But in the last few years, there are now more moderate priced hotels that allow people from all different countries to come and enjoy the beauty of this place.

Maldives resorts on water are extremely popular and it is a real pity to come to Maldives and not stay at least one night in one of these Maldives bungalows.

The experience of staying over water is unique and something you should try at least once in your lifetime.

If you have the opportunity, take it during your trip to Maldives so that you can see for yourself what it’s like.

Some people love taking pictures at this event, while others think it is just for great Instagram photos.

It is time to find out which kind of person you are.

There are some good things about private island resorts. Most of them have overwater villas.

But not all of them look as nice as the ones on this list.

We carefully handpicked the best Maldives resorts in the water based on their location, abundance of marine creatures from the nearby lagoon, facilities and services offered, and of course the design and size of the room.

The Maldives water bungalows are some of the best ones out there.

You should definitely consider visiting them, even if you can only afford to stay for a few days.

Private pools, outdoor bathrooms with rain showers, and bathtubs are just some of the facilities of these bungalows from Maldives.

Book your next accommodation in one of these parts of paradise for the complete list of facilities and amenities that come with these Maldives resorts.

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Maldives huts on the water

1.Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi is an excellent Maldives hotel on water. You will find it hard to describe in words how good it is.

The resort is located on a small coral island near Male, 20 minutes from Male.

It is the perfect destination for your Maldivian experience.

All the overwater villas from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives are impressive in size and design and offer a lot of space to the guests that want to enjoy some spectacular moments in paradise.

The 46 massive villas have a simple design and are located on three jetties, overlooking the spectacular Indian Ocean.

All of the bungalows in Maldives have an outdoor living room, a dining area on the roof, a path to the ocean, and a sundeck with comfortable chairs.

They also have high-end things like Bose sound systems and fancy drinks in the mini-bar.

Overwater villas

There are two types of overwater villas at Gili Lankanfushi: some can be accessed by foot, while other by boat.

The ones that you can only get to by boat are called Crusoe Residences.

These villas from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives are accessible only by pontoon boat and come with personal boats, hammocks on the sundeck, direct ocean access off the shower, a semi-open bathroom, comfy catamaran nets, and a large master bedroom.

The units have a central living area that is open with a garden by the sea.

There is also a private swimming pool with a water slide, natural coral pool, and sun decks.

Of course, there is also an open-air bathroom.

After a short ride on the boat, you can play tennis, eat at a restaurant, drink a cocktail, or relax at the spa.

If the idea of staying in such a remote location is not what you imagine when talking about Maldives, then you can stay in the overwater villas that are connected to the island.

You can use the resort facilities right away, including the restaurants and bars, spa, water sports center, diving center, and playground.

Don’t forget to visit The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave.

They have premium wine and gourmet chocolate there.

What guests say

Milla A from UK
From the moment we unlaced our shoes on the Gili speedboat transfer, to the moment we planted our feet on the shores of Gili, we were in absolute awe of the service. Beyond the pristine beauty of the island, the next best part was the entire staff, especially our Mr. Friday – Alif Mohamed, who instantly became a part of our family. Not only was he kindhearted, but he was genuinely caring. Our autistic 3-year-old was instantly drawn to him, something that is a rarity. This spoke volumes. We have traveled world-over, and all hospitality, collectively, pale in comparison to what Alif provided for our family of 4. Thank you for being gracious, Alif. Thank you for waking us up to not miss the complimentary breakfast, amidst the jet-lag and 12 hour time-difference. Thank you for bonding with the kids as if they were your relatives. Thank you for making every request possible, and going the extra mile. You are a gem, Alif. We will forever hold gratitude in our hearts for making our stay memorable! Thank you to the staff as a whole, for being accommodating.
Gili exceeded its reputation of being THE BEST Beach Hotel in the Maldives! Truly an exceptional experience! We will be back, by God’s grace♥️

Gabrielle R from Boston, US
I wish I could give a 6th star – Gili was a dream! We went for our honeymoon and stayed 7 nights, it couldn’t have been more magical. What sets Gili apart from any other 5 star hotel are the people. From the moment you’re picked up from the airport in Male to the moment you leave, you’re surrounded by staff who are genuinely invested in your stay. I have to give a special shoutout to our Mr. Friday, Alif, who pulled out all the stops for us. Not only was he accommodating, but also took the initiative to surprise us with special experiences – and oh did he nail it! The staff at Gili, especially your Mr. Friday, have a way of anticipating and providing assistance and expertise without you ever having to ask. The number of times I turned to my husband and said, how did they know we would want that/were just talking about that?! They just know. The food is just the icing on the cake. Breakfast has unlimited options with many different exotic fruits, lunch we often opted to take privately in our villa, and dinners were all varieties of cuisine. Our favorites were the Asian Market, Mediterranean, and Indian nights though all dinners were impressively presented and delicious. We also had two dinners at the Japanese restaurant on the island, By The Sea, that were outstanding. I’d be remiss not to mention the sommelier, who added such a special experience to the week. We had not planned on doing a wine tasting, but once we got to know him and realized how knowledgable – and delightful! – he was, we quickly arranged for one and I’m so glad we did. The wine selection is perfection. The spa was another highlight, which we visited several times and they never disappointed. Who doesn’t want a massage while watching fish swim by below you? The last thing I’ll say is the island itself is stunningly manicured but in a very rustic and natural way. More often than not, we felt we were the only ones on the island. Such a beautiful trip in every way. Couldn’t recommend it enough and we will definitely be back

Sokleak from US
Everything was so beautiful and perfect. The water was so turquoise blue. Mr. Friday was such a great help. The residence was huge for the price. I can’t wait to come back

2. Soneva Jani

Located about 40 minutes seaplane ride from Male International airport, Soneva Jani has one of the most popular Maldives huts on water.

The resort is the sister resort of Soneva Fushi, but with higher services, better facilities, and incredible villas.

Soneva Jani Maldives exceeds its sister in terms of design and services being more modern, intimate, and with top-notch services.

The overwater villas are so beautiful and luxurious, you will find it hard to leave!

They are also very cozy, so you will feel right at home.

Overwater villas

You can stay in an overwater bungalow by the ocean.

You can choose to stay in a one, two, three, or four-bedroom bungalow. They all come with an incredible view of the ocean and amazing design.

The best part of these villas is the retractable roof slide.

You can open it by pushing a button to see the sky, stars, and moon at night.

Catamaran nets spread all over the property are the perfect place to relax and dangle over the water.

All the villas have an outdoor bathroom, a freshwater pool, and a waterslide that goes straight into the lagoon.

In 2021, a new sector of the overwater villas had been added to Soneva Jani Maldives called simply “Chapter Two” and it is located in the western part of the island.

There are 27 bungalows and each Maldives water bungalow is more spacious and more modern than the previous ones.

Facilities

There are many restaurants on the island where you can enjoy your meals.

You can also spend your free time diving, snorkeling, or exploring the area around the island.

You can buy trips for these activities from the water sports center.

Book some time for a spa treatment at the local spa as they have the best therapists from the area, very well trained and friendly.

Soneva Jani is a place where you can find the first Maldivian overwater observatory.

This is a cool place to visit if you are going to Maldives, so make sure to put it on your list of places to see!

There are three rooms with food that people usually feel guilty about eating.

The cheese room has a lot of different cheeses. The ice cream room has a lot of different ice cream flavors.

The chocolate room has a lot of different kinds of chocolate.

What guests say

Aurel178 from New York, US
Our stay at Soneva Jani was everything we dreamed about !!! The transparency of the Maldives water, the welcoming staff, the room, and the service was simply BEYOND! We were assigned a fantastic butler, Saeed, who took care of all our wishes and needs. He was wonderful and available 24/7. The activities are great and the attention to detail is spectacular. We hope to be back very soon with our sons next time!

AlivorTravels from Los Angeles, US
One of the best hospitality experiences we have ever had. Soneva Jani is so romantic and every moment was memorable. Their staff goes above and beyond for the guests. The Cinema Paradiso was a must experience!

Nancy M from San Francisco, US
Our family just returned from a week at Soneva Jani. Hands down it was the best experience we have ever had. Apart from the stunning beauty of the island and the resort itself, there were so many interesting and fun things to do. You have the option of just relaxing in a quiet, serene environment or you can enjoy lots of amazing activities such as mind-blowing diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, water sports (such as kite surfing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, flyboarding, etc.), wine tastings, cooking classes, astronomy sessions, etc. The staff is extremely helpful but also very respectful of your privacy. The food was fantastic–super fresh with lots of options. You can also plan private activities such as a picnic or dinner on the beach, in-villa yoga sessions, etc. We have traveled a lot and had the good fortune of staying at some amazing resorts but nothing compares to our experience at Soneva Jani. I wish I could have stayed much longer. We tend not to repeat our vacation travels because we like to experience new places, but this is one place we are seriously thinking of a return trip (and I’ll get my wish of staying longer!).

3. One& Only Reethi Rah

The One& Only Reethi Rah resort is a beautiful place on an island with the same name.

It is an oasis with some of the most incredible Maldives huts on the water.

One Only Reethi Rah Maldives has a simple but beautiful design inspired by Maldivian culture, with elements from Balinese and Chinese architecture.

The resort has some great beachside villas that come with their own private beach.

But the best part of the resort are the overwater villas. These villas have infinity pools and a huge cabana bed for two people.

For those who want to feel indeed pampered we recommend the huge Grand Sunset Residence for maximum comfort and intimacy.

The villa has its own private beach, outdoor cinema, and multiple pools.

The villa has hosted celebrities like the Beckhams, Gordon Ramsay, and Tom Cruise.

There are lots of places to eat on the island, but our favorite is Botanica.

It’s a hidden spot under the trees with a new concept of “from garden to fork” dishes.

Other restaurants serve dishes from different cuisines like Asian, French, and Italian.

They all have amazing views of the ocean. The Japanese tapas-style restaurant is different because it has a tank with reef sharks that swim below your feet.

Facilities at One Only Reethi Rah

The extraordinary spa from One Only Reethi Rah Maldives offers a wide range of massages and treatments and has a very interesting 5-day wellness program for those interested.

The resort has a lot of activities that you can do.

For example, there is a FIFA certified football pitch, 12 beaches, boutique shopping, art and cooking classes, rock climbing, and the diving center.

Around the island, you can use golf buggies to move around and each guest has been assigned a bicycle.

What guests say

Khonold from San Diego, US
Incredible hotel, service, food. 10 out of 10 for us. Beautiful private island, very exclusive with amazing amenities and our butler Lisle was amazing and only helped our experience. You have many beaches that can accommodate what you are looking for.

Caroline M from London, UK
The most idyllic setting – gorgeous villas beautifully furnished and in an excellent position – at times the perfection of the scenery felt like a Hollywood film set.
ALL of the staff were exceptional – our butler Mahmoud simply could not do enough for us – we felt taken care of in every way. The spa staff were amazing in particular the hair stylist Tracy – such a warm and personable lady. We had the time of our lives and are already planning a return in 2023 with extended family.

Brunnerchris2021 from US
Can a resort be better – not for us! Reethi Rah is not striving for perfection, it is perfect! All staff members are so heartily dedicated to deliver excellent service, this makes the tremendous difference. As a result you will find excellent restaurants (Tapasake is our favorite japanese restaurant in the world), an awesome spa and many exciting activities. Not to forget the breathtaking nature with many white beaches (the island is one of the biggest in the Maldives) and crystal clear light-blue water. Reethi Rah is paradise on earth.

4. Soneva Fushi

You will fall in love with this place from the moment you step on the island as this is definitely home to one of the most spectacular and romantic Maldives huts on the water.

The list of the celebrities that spend their honeymoon at Soneva Fushi Maldives is very long and this is not a surprise taking into consideration the level of services and the amazing scenery on the island.

One of the best all inclusive resorts comes with 8 bungalows that are over the water.

The bungalows have huge windows that overlook the ocean.

Each bungalow also has its own private pool and romantic patio.

You will have an overwater catamaran net where you can lay in the sun all day.

There is also an outdoor shower, which is one of my favorite things.

Some of the houses come with a waterslide that goes straight into the ocean. It is a great place to have fun and to take a break from being in the sun for awhile.

All the villas come with a private butler, bicycles, an outdoor seating area, and amazing views, no wonder why these villas are considered the best Maldives water bungalow.

The restaurants from Soneva Fushi Maldives serve fresh and healthy food and offer an intimate experience to the guests.

Treat yourself to some good treats from the chocolate shop, cheese store, or ice cream area.

As for the little guests, there is a high-class club, The Den, with 2 pools, a pirate ship, a cinema, and an impressive number of entertaining programs and shows.

What guests say

Kolondon from London, UK
I had been dreaming of returning to Soneva Fushi ever since I first went there in 2012, and it was so special to return this time with our children and also our friends. The villas are spacious, the food & service was excellent, and there is a huge amount of tours and experiences on offer. We loved the manta ray snorkeling trip, dolphin watching, and the dive center is very well run too. We had fantastic meals at all the restaurants plus had dinner on the sandbank, amazing Japanese food at So Hands-On, and did the dining experience at Once Upon a Table too.
The kids absolutely loved The Den and all the activities on offer there. The staff were so attentive and gave them lots of attention that they didn’t want to leave.
We loved the rustic, laid-back feel of this island and resort and very much hope we can visit again someday.

Settie4444 from Denver, US
One of our family’s favorite places in the whole world. It’s our third visit and Soneva Fushi continues to amaze us. Each time we return there is something new and we feel right at home. We’ve had the same barefoot butler who knows our family and goes above and beyond to help us.
We’ve stayed at BOTH Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani multiple times. If you’re looking to choose between the two, here’s my two cents.. Soneva Fushi is super playful and with their current Children’s Den it’s a bit more family friendly. There’s great little beaches for the kids to play in, bunnies all around the island and fun jungle vibes. If you’re looking for that WOW factor (maybe a honeymoon or extra special trip) – Soneva Jani is out of this world.
Also, their COVID procedures are the absolute best and I wish more places could adapt a similar protocol.
We will definitely be back to both!

Maren Engh from San Francisco, US
Soneva Fushi is a fascinating place. When you first arrive, the rustic, laid-back energy draws you in and you immediately feel your blood pressure drop. By the time you leave, you find yourself wondering if there’s a way your barefoot butler could craft a diversion so you don’t have to get on the seaplane.
Upon arrival, all guests are tested in the comfort of their villa and have 24 hours to quarantine in their room. This forced relaxation was perfect for us after having been back to back island hopping for about a week. We ordered in room dining, drank wine and watched movies for the first time in a long time. The next morning, we got our message that we were free and clear and we set out to explore the property.
The F&B is excellent. The breakfast is certainly one of the highlights here – with many different rooms of delicious treats, you can find exactly what you’re looking for. The coffee selection is outstanding. The highlights in terms of restaurants would be the treetop In The Garden restaurant and Out in the Blue.

5. Lily Beach Resort &Spa

Opened in 2009, and home to one of the best Maldives huts on the water, Lily Beach Resort &Spa gives a new meaning to the concept of personalized services.

This island paradise offers sumptuous villas in a unique selection of Lagoon, water, and beach villas.

The design of the room from Lily Beach Resort Maldives is simple and modern, the villas being extremely spacious and beautifully furnished.

On the island, there are 16 lagoon villas, 36 deluxe water villas, and 4 stunning sunset water suites.

Both deluxe and sunset water villas come with a floor-to-ceiling wall that offers amazing views of the ocean, a private pool, a spacious patio with sun lounges, and a table with 2 chairs.

The sunset water suites come not just with amazing views and many amenities but also with a private butler that takes care of everything so that you have a wonderful holiday.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

When it comes to fine dining you can choose from a wide range of restaurants and bars spread all over the island.

You can go to the all-inclusive buffet or have a romantic experience at Tamarind Restaurant which serves Asian dishes.

The list of restaurants and bars from Lily Beach Resort Maldives continues with the one serving Japanese dishes, another one serving international products, and the bars that serve a long list of wines, beer, and cocktails.

On the island, there is a spa with a long list of treatments and massages, a water sports center and a diving center as well as a tennis court, common pool, and beach volleyball court.

What guests say

Synsiya from Toronto, Canada
This was a wonderful trip.
The resort, beach, and food were incredible. We were here for new years eve and they had the most amazing buffet, a bon voyage bonfire, countdown, fireworks, and after-party.
All the staff is very friendly and we really enjoyed our stay.
Tips:
Almost all walkways are made of sand so no need for heels or nice shoes.
The Balinese massage was incredible in a beautiful room with water views.
Around 930 pm where the boat brings you to the resort, you can see many marine life ex. Sharks, bright fish, etc.
The weather is sporadic and the weather report isn’t always right but book your excursions early in case they get canceled due to weather.

Arthur M from Massachusetts, US
My girlfriend and I traveled to the Maldives along with another couple for her 45th Birthday. We had never been to the Maldives before.
The vacation was an absolute dream!!! We stayed in one of the Deluxe Water Villas. The room was spectacular and the cleaning room service was spot on. We had a minibar that was refilled on a regular basis.
The resort has several amenities including a soccer field, tennis court, and gym which we used regularly. In addition, there are kayaks and paddleboards that can be used at any time and are included in the room fee. Special excursions and use of water jets is extra but readily available!
We ate mainly at the buffet which was diverse and delicious. We had lunch at Aqua a few times which was also pleasant.
Last but not least, the service was impeccable. The couple that we traveled with had a butler as part of their package. Since we all ate and did everything together, their butler also became our butler!! His name was Mussey. He was fantastic. He was there at our beckoning call. He brought us to our meals, excursions, and anywhere else we needed to go. He was also our waiter at every meal. We went on an excursion and he was there to serve as our guide. He was extremely pleasant, respectful, and always had an answer to every question. We have had butlers at other resorts, but Mussey is the best we ever had!!! He should be promoted!

Tim H from Norwich, UK
We returned a few weeks ago from our fantastic stay with Lily Beach Resort and Spa. Everything was fantastic, the food was amazing. All the staff were brilliant, we didn’t want to leave. We highly recommend staying here, and will be back. If you are considering staying at Lily Beach, just book it, you won’t regret it. Its great value for money. We genuinely couldn’t fault anything about it.

6. Huvafen Fushi

Built to take full advantage of its location, Huvafen Fushi is located on the edge of a lagoon with turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches.

Hidden between palm trees or located over the water, the villas and pavilions from Huvafen Fushi are the perfect places to relax and pamper yourself.

This luxury resort has a private lagoon surrounded by crystal waters, the perfect place to observe the rich marine life from the Maldivian archipelago.

Firstly, the bungalows from Huvafen Fushi Maldives are modern and simple and come with the best amenities like Bose Sound Systems, private pools, and amazing outdoor spaces.

The ocean bungalow with pool has 160 square meters and comes with a personal butler, direct lagoon access, a private deck with lounges, luxury bath amenities, 2 TVs, a private bar, and also an espresso machine.

The masterpiece of all the villas is the two-bedroom sanctuary that comes with a huge pool. It also has an indoor and outdoor space that stretches from the living room to the private deck.

An outdoor jet tub on the deck is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Maldivian fresh air.

This huge pavilion comes with a personal butler, freshwater swimming pool, effervescence bath with chromotherapy lights, 3 TVs.

Other facilities are Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker, private bar, and of course an espresso machine.

What I like most about these overwater bungalows is the glass floor so that you can spot the marine life from your comfy chair.

Facilities at Huvafen Fushi Maldives

At Huvafen Fushi Maldives you have multiple choices when talking about dining but my favorite one is the Vinum, the first Maldivian underground wine cellar with a wide collection of wines from all over the world.

Body treatments and some spa therapies are offered in the underwater treatments rooms from the Pearl, the local spa.

What guests say

Mary Jo K from California, US
Just concluded a nine day visit to this exquisite boutique resort in the Maldives. From the spectacular over the water bungalow which faced the sunset to the beautifully presented, creative and delicious meals to the incredibly attentive and friendly staff our getaway in paradise met every one of our very high expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend this resort to anyone considering a visit to the Maldives. The snorkeling is world class in crystal clear, warm water. Don’t miss the underwater spa—what a dream! I would like to give a five star review of our outstanding Butler Didi and of two servers we particularly enjoyed, Zayaan and Nasii

Brian from Winchester, UK
Wonderful location and resort. After 2 years of being locked down we were really looking forward to getting away to The Maldives. Huvafen Fushi did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived in Male the service and attention to detail was outstanding. Wonderful breakfasts and romantic dinners over by the beach watching the small reef sharks swim by. Our room was perfectly located on the reef with a panoramic view of the setting sun. The infinity pool is just amazing. Our butler Didi and all the staff made us really welcome with a particular thanks to Migdad and Shampu fir their lovely personalities. Thank you so much.

Moements from Canada
This was our third island we visited on our trip and we are so happy was saved it for the last – it was the best!
We were blown away by the room – it was massive, stylishly decorated, extremely comfortable and the patio was something else. We always opted for a room with a pool and as it’s so lovely & warm it’s great to have the pool to relax in.
The bed was so comfortable and the bathroom was beautiful – the huge hot tub was a little awkward to use but it had a great view of the sunset!
The infinity pool area was stunning and we spent a lot of time there. They had so many wonderful little things like spray bottles to keep you cool. And the resident herons were fun to watch.
We felt that the Salt restaurant could have benefited from an age limit (or perhaps no young kids after 8pm) as there was a very noisy child and baby crying that really affected our visit. We ate and left as it was difficult to enjoy the fine dining experience with the disruption. We loved the sharks!

7. W Maldives

It is hard not to be impressed by W Maldives. W Maldives is one of the most beautiful Maldives huts on the water part of Marriott group.

The island has wooden walkways that lead to the overwater bungalows.

These bungalows are surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The waters are full of fish and other marine creatures.

Once you get at W Maldives you will fall in love with this place with its thatched roofs and beautiful hut and you will want to come back again next year.

I was impressed by the modern and futuristic overwater villas.

I was also impressed by the spa with its outdoor and indoor rooms. They have a long list of treatments and massages.

The ultimate luxury villa is the Seaside Escape which in reality, is simply stunning and amazing.

The outdoor deck and also the huge curtained gazebo houses are unique in the Maldivian archipelago.

All the overwater huts from W Maldives come with a private infinity pool and offer easy access to the nearby lagoon full of marine creatures.

The colorful coral reefs are close to the shore.

You can rent snorkeling equipment and explore the lagoon area for beautiful marine creatures.

A library and activity room are also available on the island, as well as a diving and water sports activity center.

You can dine in one of the restaurants from the island.

You have Kitchen that international dishes, Fire that serves barbeque food, and Fish with seafood.

Fish restaurant is located above the ocean.

What guests say

Zach L from Arkansas, US
We had a great stay at the W Maldives for our honeymoon. The island and house reef are both excellent and the island is a relatively short flight from Malé compared to some other resorts. We used points for a 5-night stay in one of the overwater villas and were simply blown away.
All of the employees were attentive and caring but special mention goes to Ayu, Affra, Arun, Areen, and Julie for making our stay extra special. Chunky, the W Insider for the resort, is extremely good at his job! Very outgoing and welcoming (and an excellent photographer).
The only small negatives are those that you’ll find with any Maldives resort (i.e. cost of food/drinks, Malé airport experience, etc). Overall these were minor inconveniences compared to the lifelong memories we made at the W. Thanks to all!

Moements from Canada
We chose this resort for New Years as the program looked great – it did not disappoint. There were so many options available and the food was delicious – we loved the pasta station with the sauce made right in a parmasean wheel – so tasty! The fireworks were amazing at the end. The music wasn’t to our taste – bit europop dance but hey ho! We had a great time!
Overall the food was amazing and we absolutely loved Fire! Amazing value for money and so tasty.
We went for an over the water villa with pool – absolute must – lagoon side. Aside from the constant music during the day – which did wear thin after a while – we like the lagoon side because there wasn’t a bunch of wind. The water was stunning and the pool & area were fantastic. We spent a lot of time on our private deck.
The room was huge and very well appointed. Funky decor and we loved the Bliss products, a well stocked mini bar & the free mixers were a nice touch! Shareef was our room attendant and he was so friendly and took great care of us.
Staff were friendly and excellent! Loved the breakfast with a mimosa bar, tables in the water and fabulous selection of food – the dosas were my fave!

Jascaliner from Los Angeles, US
Getting here requires a seaplane as the W is located on a Northern Ari Atoll of Fesdu Island. Regardless, it is a scenic and 30 minute ride on a clear day. Right from arrival with champagne or other cold beverage, the staff all introduce themselves and give you a buggy tour of the resort. I must say, the room is spectacular. It has a transparent glass layer on the base so one can view the water. It has a nice tub that can fit two. The bed is quite comfortable, not as good however as Anantara or Milhaidoo in that regard. Still, the view from the room is magnificent especially from the overwater hammock. The sunsets are not visible from all rooms, we had to snorkel out several meters to fully enjoy that aspect. Another downside was that not all restaurants are open at all times. It seemed like there was one breakfast option, one lunch option and two dinner options every night. The food was good, we enjoyed our selection at the Fire restaurant when it was available. There is also a kitchen restaurant open for all meals where there were some nice and varied options. The staff at the restaurant, Nour specifically, was impressive with the manner in which they serve. Very patient and friendly, yet knowledgeable. There were an array of motorized and non motorized water activities. The house reef here was comparable to Baros, beautiful, varied, diverse and spanned a large area so that it was possible to try exploring it on more than one day. A very good option for staying in the Maldives

8. Angsana Velavaru

Located on an isolated lagoon in the beautiful South Nilandhe Atoll, about 40 minutes seaplane from Male International airport, Angsana Velavaru has one of the most secluded Maldives huts on the water.

The private island resort has houses on the beach and also houses on top of the water.

There are wooden alleys surrounded by pretty blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

There are two types of water bungalows available depending on what type of person you are.

If you like to wake up early in the morning, then you should pick a sunset villa.

If you like to stay up late at night, then you should pick a sunset one.

Each villa from Angsana Velavaru Maldives has an incredible design, with beautiful settings, and you can see the blue sky and the turquoise waters directly from your bed.

During the daytime, you can relax in the overwater hammocks located on the huge outdoor terrace, right near the private infinity pool.

You can jump into the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean directly from your private deck to observe the abundance of marine life.

We strongly recommend you choose the all-inclusive package and enjoy your meals in one of the resort’s restaurants.

Spend your day lying in the sun or on a snorkeling trip, and book a spa treatment or a catamaran excursion to fully enjoy the beauty of the area.

What guests say

Britanny M from Denver, US
Upon arrival at Angsana, things were instantly incredible. The staff if extremely friendly in welcoming guests, and they hold themselves to the highest standard of service. They go out of your way to make you feel comfortable. Anything you ask for will be accommodated to the best of their abilities.
The ocean villas are incredible. If you are not a morning person I would suggest a sunset side as the sunrise side gets pretty bright and hot starting at 630 7am. We did not mind, as we could just jump in the pool and cool off. The in villa dining is very convenient and not super expensive. The housekeeping staff comes each morning and then does a turn down service at night. That made us feel very catered to and it was wonderful.
The bar on the island side is fantastic and the drinks come quickly with a smile. We enjoyed sitting in the pool taking in the views and talking with all of the lovely staff there.
The best place on the whole resort is the Azzuro Bar and restaurant. The service is impeccable and the food matches. We decided after the first couple days to take most of our meals at the Azzuro since the quality of food was top notch. SHIBIN the bar tender is the best thing at the resort. He went out of his way to make sure we had what we wanted for dinner, even if he had to request it from the island side. We always had full drinks, and he remembered what we ordered without us even asking. He took time to talk to us during our trip and made us feel most welcome. We will definitely miss him! Alex in the bar was also very wonderful and made sure we were taken care of.
The clinic where we took our PCR tests was great and we were in and out within a few minutes. She was very friendly also.
Overall, we are ruined now on beach vacations because of this place. The views, the service, being able to snorkel right off our room, everything was just above and beyond expectations. We will definitely tell everyone we know about the Angsana Velavaru! It is a must see!

Tdh from Manchester, UK
We stayed for 14 nights but slit the stay up we did 7 in a beech villa and 7 in the ocean villa and this was a great mix. The rooms was good size on the beech but the ocean villa was very big and spacious. While over on the island we experienced a lot of good days/nights the food and drinks was very good and highly recommend the karudi bar for dinner as the staff in there looked after us so well, one in particular Fazeel! He has outstanding customer service and always smiling. We also eat in the buffet bar which has different meals every night and a great selection of foods to choose from. The funa restaurant is also a good one to. On our style package we got some credits per day which we could use against jet skis, spa treatments and also some trips which was great. The ocean villa is on another level tho as the views and quality of luxury just takes your breath away, the only criticism I would have is that if your over at the island one evening the last boat to take you back is 10:45 which I feel this should be extended. For example we came over to the island for a karaoke night with friends and had to leave early to catch the last boat back but all in all this was a great stay and would 100% recommend this resort

Ashok B from Boston, US
My fiancée and I stayed at the Angsana Velavuru resort for 5 nights – 1 night at the beach front villa and 4 nights at the in-ocean villa. Our overall experience was memorable:
– Food from both the Azurro a-la-carte and Kaani buffet restaurants was exceptional, with both Continental and Asian cuisine options available.
– Staff were incredible friendly, both at the reception/lobby and bar/lounge areas. A special shout out to Sandeep and Shibin for providing exceptional hospitality whenever we were at the Azurro and Kuredi bars.
– The villa rooms are luxurious and well maintained by the resort staff.
– The views from the beachfront and In-ocean resorts are absolutely mesmerizing, with every picture worth a postcard! Kayaking around the lagoon areas and Snorkeling by the edge of the reef have been some of my best experiences to date.
– Thoroughly enjoyed participating in love-bird feeding, Sting-ray feeding and observing all the beautiful marine life, including eagle rays, black-tipped reef sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, and the plethora of fish that comprise the biodiversity of the coral reefs.
Overall, one of my best holidays to date. I could not recommend the Angsana Velavuru resort high enough!

9. Constance Moofushi

Set in a secluded island about 30 minutes seaplane from Velana International Airport, Constance Moofushi is the perfect mix of simplicity and luxury, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking accommodation.

More than 30 important diving sites are found within 30 minutes away from the property so a snorkeling trip or a diving experience are must-do things while on the island.

The design of Constance Moofushi is simple with pastel colors and nature-friendly materials that give a chick and relaxing vibe.

The resort comes with two overwater types of villas: the normal overwater bungalow and the senior water villas.

Both types of Maldives huts on the water can accommodate 2 adults and 1 or 2 children and offers amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

The overwater villas from Constance Moofushi have a simple design, very well integrated into the landscape, with ropes, ocean motifs and wood incorporated.

A large patio with sun loungers, shade, and chairs is the perfect place to relax and spend your free time and a wooden stair leads directly into the ocean.

Senior overwater villas come with more space, more privacy, and a private bathtub on the terrace, not to mention direct access to the lagoon.

For dining, you can choose from the buffet restaurant MANTA or the a la carte grill menu from the beautiful beachside Alizee.

What guests say

Pam H from Nebraska, US
Beautiful, outstanding resort. Very private and relaxing. The staff is very professional and attentive. The food was excellent and had a lot of variety.
Dive operation is Blue Tribe. We have been diving for more than 25 years and have to say the staff is extremely capable and attentive to all guest needs. Special shout out to Miles, Sambe, Shaam and King who made our diving easy and enjoyable.

Jessica M from San Francisco, US
I cannot stress this enough: Constance Moofushi is the best place I’ve ever stayed at and the perfect way to spend our honeymoon!! I literally can’t stop thinking about it.
Everything about our stay was heavenly. The staff was incredibly attentive. The food was superb. The sommeliers were inspirational and so informative. I had zero cares in the world. There was so much space all around the resort. We felt completely safe the entire time. Every aspect of the resort is well thought out, intentional, romantic, and just utterly stunning.
Some people made it exceptionally special for us. Sam always made sure we were taken care of and made sure we had everything we needed. Dylan and everyone at the tiki bar was so lovely (and Dylan is such a good DJ!) Madu and Joseph introduced us to the wonderful world of wine. Anna, Dema, and Kinley were so amazing at the spa. I enrolled in 1:1 private yoga sessions with Jayantha…he helped me to do a headstand for the first time and expanded my understanding of yoga. And Manuj is a phenomenal reiki master and our session together was truly profound. I can’t recommend them enough.
I highly recommend the movie on the beach—it was the most romantic date! The snorkeling is superb, with so many schools of fish and sharks and turtles everywhere. Pure heaven.
We had such a lovely stay, we’re trying to come back again this June! Thank you so much to everyone at Constance. We had a dream honeymoon and we’re still floating!

Elaine C from Knutsford, UK
We have visited the Maldives before. Constance Moofushi is honestly a piece of paradise. From the island to the staff, the food and our stilted room, nothing could have been done better. It was the best holiday we have ever had. We chose here particularly to swim with the whale sharks, which we did. It was an unforgettable experience.

10. COMO Cocoa Island

The 5 star COMO Cocoa Island redefines the meaning of comfort and style with its extravagant villas and suites, the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

This extremely small island resort (the island had only 350 meters) is packed with a wide variety of options for spending your free time.

You have a wellness center at Como Cocoa Island Maldives with a hydrotherapy pool, a yoga pavilion, a gym, and a spa as well as a diving center and a water sports center.

The over-water pavilions are perfect for honeymooners and couples as they come with a romantic vibe and a ton of outdoor and indoor space.

You will have a beautiful and spacious bedroom, a living room area, as well as a private pool, and an outdoor deck plus an outdoor shower.

If you plan to visit COMO Cocoa Island with your family then you should consider booking the larger overwater pavilion with a total surface of 215 square meters.

The largest pavilion from the water is the Three Bedroom Como Sunset Villa with a total space of 590 square meters and comes with 3 bedrooms, a large pool, a private butler, and amazing views.

For dining options at Como Cocoa Island Maldives, you can choose from the three main restaurants on the island as you can book a private dining excursion.

If you don’t feel like going out, you can order room service which is available 24/7 so you don’t have to walk to any of the resort’s restaurants.

What guests say

Edward Larkin from San Francisco, US
The best honeymoon we could have asked for. Exquisite personalized service (everything we ever wanted or needed was done in 10 minutes), amazing food, great activities (diving, windsurfing, snorkeling), etc. Would recommend it highly!

Jinwen X from Austin, US
My husband and I are world travelers. We visited many places and had many great experience. We rarely write reviews, almost never did. However, this time, I am taking the time to write a review for the well-deserved Como Cocoa island. We stayed at 1st 5-star property for 7 days, and at Cocoa island for 8 days, from May to June.
The Room. Oscar kindly provided us an upgrade to water villa. The room is simply stunning. We spent the previous 7 days in another 5-star resort, which we thought was very nice and couldn’t expect any better. The room at Cocoa is contemporary, chic, and elegant. I thought i don’t like minimalist designs, but i guess i need to change my mind:-)
The service. The resort is extremely well managed. All staff are super friendly, which is not a surprise. All facilities we used are well maintained. During one night, my husband had an accident, and I called the nurse. In no time, in the dark, I saw the staff and nurse running with a light towards our villa. They quickly took care of the wound and put my mind at ease. We are very grateful.
The food. The restaurant has multiple rotating menus. Great variety and chef is truly talented. I have a pretty high standard for restaurant, and many hotels can’t make me happy with their food. Have to say i am pretty happy with the food at Ufaa. Supervisor and the waitors and waitresses are all very professional, friendly, helpful. It’s fun to chat with everyone.
To summarize, as world travelers, we have been to many places and had many good experience. But the Cocoa island experience is the one that is so outstanding that it truly worth a wonderful review. Thank you everyone at Como Cocoa!

Chad W from Kalispell, US
This is the second stay at Cocoa Island for my wife and I. It was even better than the first time, which I thought going there this time was impossible. This resort keeps getting better! The food is great, the messages are terrific and the people are the best hotel staff I have ever encountered. The truly care that your vacation is the very, very best it can be! If it wasn’t sooooo far away, I’d go every year for 10 days minimum.

Conclusion

All these Maldives huts on the water come with amazing views, top-notch services, and the best amenities from the Maldivian archipelago.

They are accessible after a short seaplane ride from Male International Airport and most of them can help you arrange a private jet for the transfer to the island.

These huts give a new meaning to luxury and you definitely have to explore them on your Maldivian adventure.

I know which is my favorite one, but which is yours? Leave a comment below and tell us more about your Maldives holiday.