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The most stunning over water villas in the Maldives in 2022

Over water villas in the Maldives are the quintessence of luxury and comfort and definitely attract a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Let’s face it! You chose Maldives for its beautiful scenery, and incredible services but also for the world-famous Maldives overwater villas with amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

The beautiful and secluded islands of Maldives are associated with luxury and top-notch services in general and the overwater resorts in Maldives are on top of clients’ preferences.

We’ve been to these islands several times and we stayed on beach villas and also overwater villa in Maldives, and I must confess that the overwater bungalows come with something special, something subtle that makes you want to return to them once you get back to the Maldives.

These water villas are a symbol of the Maldivian experience and most of the hotels offer their guests villas located on the island and overwater villas overlooking a lagoon or the ocean.

It is quite hard to pick the most incredible overwater villas Maldives has but we did the hard work for you and made a top based on our own experience and other guests’ experience that has visited Maldives recently.

Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives
Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives

All these Maldives water bungalows are the best in the area, all of them being extremely spacious, with private pools, outdoor showers, and comfy relaxing outdoor areas.

What I can tell you for sure is that Maldives is an extremely popular destination especially now and these hotels in the Maldives on the water are the best and they are likely to sell out soon.

These are definitely not the cheapest facilities available in the Maldivian archipelago but for sure each of these resorts in the Maldives comes with something new and unique.

Let’s discover together which are the 10 best Maldives overwater huts and I let you decide on your own which of these resorts is the one perfect for your next holiday.

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Over water villas in the Maldives

1.Gili Lankanfushi

If you want to stay in a water bungalow in Maldives, go to Gili Lankanfushi. It is one of the best resorts in the world.

What you will certainly find at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is fairly tough to define in words so it is not a shock for anybody that right here you will certainly find the best Maldives overwater villas.

Gili Lankanfushi over water villa Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi over water villa Maldives

The resort is a short 20-minute seaplane ride from Male on a small coral reef island. This makes it the perfect spot for your Maldivian vacation experience.

All of the overwater huts are large and have cool designs. They offer a lot of space to visitors who want to have fun in this beautiful paradise.

The 46 enormous Maldives water huts are all the same on the inside.

They are located on three jetties, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Gili Lankanfushi Room
Gili Lankanfushi Room

All of the bungalows in Maldives have an outdoor living room, a rooftop dining deck, and direct access to the ocean.

They also have a sundeck with comfortable chairs for lounging in the sun.

In addition, they come with premium features like Bose sound systems and expensive drinks in the minibar.

Overwater villas

There are two sorts of overwater villas available at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: the ones easily accessible by foot as well as the remote ones, that can be accessed just by boat, which are known as Crusoe Residences.

The Maldivian villas are only accessible by pontoon boats.

They come with individual boats, hammocks, direct sea access from the shower, a semi-open bathroom, comfortable catamaran nets, and a huge bedroom.

Gili Lankanfushi Room Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Room Maldives

The units have a central open plan with a living area and private pool.

The pool has a water slide, natural coral reefs, and sun decks.

There is also a cozy dining location and an amazing open-air bathroom.

After taking a short boat ride to the island resort, you can play tennis, eat at the restaurant, drink at the bar, or relax at the spa.

If you don’t want to stay in a remote place, you can stay in the overwater huts connected to the island.

Gili Lankanfushi Beach
Gili Lankanfushi Beach

You can go to the restaurants and bars, the day spa, the water sports center, and the diving center at the hotel.

You can also go to the play area offered by the resort.

The Wine Cellar has a corner for exquisite wine and premium delicious chocolate.

There is also an Underground Chocolate cave.

What guests say

Brien C from Maryland, US
We’ve stayed in a lot of great resorts around the world, but Gili stands above all the rest as our new favorite. After reading through tons of reviews before our trip, I was worried that Gili might not be able to live up to the expectations I had built in my head. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The resort was amazing, and the staff was second to none. Even after reading through so many reviews, I had a few questions that I didn’t see addressed, so I’ll try to cover those areas.
We scheduled several days of spa treatments, which ended up being various types of massages with different things added on (body scrub, scalp massage, herb poultice rub).
The marine life around the resort is amazing. The water is so clear that you don’t even need to snorkel to see colorful fish, sharks (harmless), rays, and even a turtle. Just looking out from our villa deck, we saw tons of beautiful fish swimming everywhere. But when we did decide to snorkel, we saw even more impressive sights.
The food was uniformly excellent. We couldn’t believe how good everything we ate was. Every meal started off with a cool towel and a shot glass of fruit juice, which is a small touch that makes everything relaxing. Breakfast has a ton of options at the buffet plus an a la carte menu (all included in the half or full board rates).

Anna from US
This was my first time in the Maldives and I absolutely loved it – one of the best hotel/vacation experiences ever!! The small picturesque island with its white beaches and turquoise water is only a short boat ride away from Malé, which is super convenient, especially after a long flight. The resort blends in beautifully with nature and leaves nearly no wish unfulfilled.
Especially the exquisite food and outstanding service made the whole trip a unique experience. Special thanks go to Fiyaz, our Mr. Friday, and our waiters Ziyan and Hadif as well as Renata at the spa.
Thank you all so much, and hope to see you soon!

Debbie T from Michigan, US
This was our first trip to The Maldives. We usually go to Bora Bora and French Polynesia but wanted to try a different part of the world. We are so glad we did! We spent the first 10 days of our trip at another resort, and ended with 8 days at Gili after recommendations from fellow travelers on Trip Advisor. We LOVED our first resort and we were nervous that Gili wouldn’t measure up! It totally did!
We fell in love with Gili! The first day or so I was skeptical as I was comparing it to other resorts, but I soon realized you can not compare apples and oranges and the full spell of Gili took me over! The colors of the lagoon, the villas, the island, and the staff all combine to make Gili so dang special. I know people question the noise of planes due to the proximity to Male, but it really didn’t bother us. Yes, sea planes go over fairly regularly and there are some other planes coming and going as well but we did not mind at all. It all added to the experience of Gili! If you are looking for the best snorkeling or house reef, Gili probably isn’t the resort for you. If you are looking for a resort that is unique, close to Male, is utterly relaxing, has a fabulous spa, is on crystal clear water with a million variations of the color of blue, wants to spoil you, and has some incredible staff…the Gili is perfect for you! I honestly miss it so much❤️

2. W Maldives

Since W Maldives was created in 1998, this hotel in Maldives over water is synonymous with elegance, trendiness, and style.

This Maldives resort is very impressive. It looks great in the landscape and has amazing facilities and services.

W Maldives over water villa
W Maldives over water villa

At W Maldives there are alleys made from wood on the island that goes from the overwater cottages bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean full of fish and also aquatic creatures to the common areas.

You will love this island from the moment you arrive. You will want to come back year after year.

I was impressed by the modern and futuristic overwater suites.

I was also impressed by the wellness center. It has stunning exteriors and indoor areas.

They offer a lot of therapies and massages here.

W Maldives pit fire on the beach
W Maldives pit fire on the beach

The villa that stands out from all is the Seaside Getaway which is among the best water resorts in Maldives.

The outside deck as well as the massive curtained gazebo houses are unique in the Maldivian archipelago.

All the overwater huts from W Maldives come with an exclusive infinity swimming pool and offer private and direct access to the neighboring lagoon, packed with marine creatures.

W Maldives bathroom
W Maldives bathroom

The reefs are close to the shore, so you can rent some snorkeling gear and explore the lagoon.

You might see some beautiful fish, octopuses, and other sea creatures.

Facilities

The island also has a library and recreation room, as well as a diving facility and water sports center.

There are also many excursions and activities available.

W Maldives restaurant
W Maldives restaurant

You can dine in one of the restaurants on the island: Kitchen restaurant that serves international dishes, Fire that serves bbq food, and also Fish restaurant with seafood that lies above the sea.

What guests say

57wine from Washington, US
We enjoyed everything about the W. Staff were friendly and cheerfully accommodated every request, even switching us mid-stay from an overwater to a beach villa – as we wanted to try both. (We actually liked the beach villa better even though it was downgraded from our lagoon overwater villa). Snorkeling was excellent and the folks at both Wave and the dive shop were great. We really enjoyed Fish and Sip and the chef prepared us a great Sri Lankan feast at Kada. We’d go back in a heartbeat.

Ravens31 from Las Vegas, US
The “wow factor” at the W Maldives is alive and well. I don’t know where to begin exactly with a review because everything was amazing at this property. While The Maldives and Fesdu Island are both gems, it was the staff at the resort who made the biggest difference. From the restaurant staff, housekeeping, reception, up to management, each member was engaging and made the vacation special.
We really enjoyed the restaurant offerings – there was something for everyone regardless of your tastes. The breakfast buffet offered an array of foods from many cultures and features champagne mimosas, a very nice touch. Many dinner options from land and sea to pizza and burgers. And while food prices are high here, it is to be expected in an isolated place in the world (and frankly budgeted for in advance).
Last but not least, the signature of this resort is it’s reef. Tons of aquatic life at your fingertips just swimming feet away. Sharks, tropical fish, rays, turtles, were common each day at the resort. If you like snorkeling, it felt very safe and easy to enter the water from the private villa. Scuba diving and many water recreational activities are available.
Thank you W Maldives for making a bucket-list trip memorable. If you’re looking for that wow factor, it’s here.

Leonardo from Florence, Italy
We chose the resort for the very good reviews about the reef and the snorkeling, together with the high level of the restaurants and the room comfort. We have not been disappointed at all. Reef Is amazing, with plenty of marine life and a big variety of species. Also corals here give strong signs of recovery. You can easily encounter turtles , sharks , Dori”s and Nemo’s just swimming from your very room. The Island Is small but nice. The accommodation overall is great, rooms are really big, well arranged and extremely well kept. Each overwater room has its own pool with Jacuzzi, a nice and wide terrace sea front with sunbeds, a really wide bathroom, with a big shower and bathtub. The level of cleaning is really high, all-day room clerks are coming to reset the room twice. The food and drink offer is overall good and various, with 5 restaurants available and 2 bars. Buy the very added value here Is the personnel. Everyone is very kind, really attentive, they call you by your name and their scope is to let you enjoy your stay fully, taking care of all the small things that can distract you from the relaxation and beauty. The resort driving concept Is fantastic, you enjoy it and we take care of all the rest. I have been traveling around the world for 30+ years and visited many countries and all sorts of accomodations, frankly speaking this Is probably overall the best. Is worth every cent spent. We are looking forward to have another stay in W Maldives soon, a place where your holidays dreams become true

3. Soneva Jani

One of the most famous over water villas in the Maldives are definitely the ones from Soneva Jani.

Situated about 40 mins seaplane trip from Male International flight terminal, Soneva Jani Maldives has among one of the most wanted Maldives overwater bungalow resorts.

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

Soneva Jani Villas Maldives
Soneva Jani Villas Maldives

Soneva Jani is better than its sister hotel because it has more modern design and services.

The services are also more intimate and top-notch.

The overwater villas with air conditioning are very impressive, luxurious, and relaxing.

You will find it very hard to leave.

You can choose to stay in a one, two, three, or four-room overwater bungalow.

These bungalows have amazing views of the sea and great design.

This Maldives hut has a special roof that can be opened with a button.

When it is opened, you can see the sky, the stars, and even the moon at night.

Soneva Jani Wine Room over water villas in the Maldives
Soneva Jani Wine Room over water villas in the Maldives

Catamaran nets spread throughout the villas are the perfect place to unwind as well as dangle over the water.

All the villas  from Soneva Jani Maldives include an outdoor bathroom, a freshwater swimming pool, and the famous waterslide that goes directly into the ocean and makes your heart pump harder each time you utilize it.

Phase Two villas

In 2021, a new part of the resort was added.

It is called “Phase Two” and is located in the western part of the island.

There are 27 cottages and each Maldives water bungalow is extra roomy and a lot more modern than the previous ones.

Soneva Jani Restaurant over Water
Soneva Jani Restaurant over Water

There are lots of places to eat on the island. You can also go diving, snorkeling, or explore the area around you.

You can buy trips from the water sports center to do these things.

Make some time to go to the spa. They have a lot of different massages and therapies.

The people who work there are very happy and friendly.

Soneva Jani is the resort where you can discover the very first Maldivian overwater observatory.

So make sure you don’t skip this island resort, one of the best-rated Maldives overwater bungalows resorts.

Soneva Jani four bedroom suite Maldives overwater villa
Soneva Jani four bedroom suite Maldives

And for some guilty satisfaction, go to the cheese area, ice cream area and chocolate space.

They have a lot of delicious chocolates.

What guests say

Karen & Rob Chiasson from Canada
This place will surpass all of your expectations. Beyond a fantasy, this luxurious resort magically transports you to a different place. The peacefulness and tranquility of the resort immediately fills you with a sense of relaxation. There is nothing that they haven’t thought of.
We took the all inclusive and were very satisfied. Mid day trips to the spa trying out numerous different treatments. Very knowledgeable with their techniques! All of the staff at the resort greet you by name and remember the details (such as any allergies likes or dislikes).
The villa – is the most beautiful serene space. Very spacious and lots of lounging areas. From the outdoor shower & tub to the beautiful bed facing the ocean and the fully stocked kitchen. The villa was always spotless! The way they have designed the villas also has you very distant from your neighbours. There are keys in every door but we didn’t even lock the front door when we left the room.
No shoes is definitely the way to run a beach resort. Felt very free and loved dining dressed up a bit with no foot wear.
Experiences were all amazing and would recommend – sunrise fishing trip, sunrise beach picnic, sunset dolphin boat trip, So Starstruck, champagne tasting (even served us caviar with it), visiting chef dinner…

Olivia from Cardiff, UK
We had the most fantastic honeymoon at Soneva Jani. It has a lovely atmosphere and we feel very lucky to have stayed here. Great restaurants and activities with friendly staff. A special thank you our host Shyma! Highly recommend!

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 must experience!

4. Huvafen Fushi

Huvafen Fushi is a beautiful resort built to show off the amazing scenery in Maldives.

It is located on the edge of a lagoon with bright blue waters and lovely sandy beaches.

Nestled between palm trees or situated over the water, these Maldives bungalows with the thatched roofs as well as the pavilions from Huvafen Fushi Maldives are the ideal location to kick back and treat yourself.

Huvafen Fushi Maldives aerial view
Huvafen Fushi Maldives aerial view

The island has a lagoon that is bordered by clear waters. This is a good place to see the different types of fish from the Maldives.

The villas have a modern design. They are simple and have features like Bose Noise Solutions and private swimming pools.

They also have great exterior areas.

The ocean bungalow with pool is 160 square meters.

Each bungalow has a butler, direct lagoon access, personal deck with lounges, luxury bath facilities, 2 TVs, a private bar and an espresso machine.

Huvafen Fushi ocean bungalow Maldives
Huvafen Fushi ocean bungalow Maldives

The best part of all the villas is the 2 bedroom pavilion. It comes with a big swimming pool that has an indoor and outdoor area.

The outdoor area extends from the living room to the personal deck.

An outside jet bathtub on the deck is a good place to relax and also enjoy the Maldivian fresh air.

This spacious and stunning villa from Huvafen Fushi Maldives comes with a personal butler, freshwater pool, effervescence bathroom with chromotherapy lights.

There are also 3 TVs, Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth audio speaker, private bar, and certainly an espresso device.

What I like most at these overwater cottages is the glass flooring to ensure that you can spot marine creatures from your comfortable chair.

Huvafen Fushi Maldives bathroom
Huvafen Fushi Maldives bathroom

At the Vinum, you have several options for food. My favorite is the Maldivian underground wine cellar.

They have a large collection of white and red wines from around the world.

Body treatments and some medical spa therapies are available at the Pearl, the neighborhood spa.

These services are provided in underwater treatment rooms.

What guests say

Matt D from Chicago, US
Visiting the Maldives has been a major bucket list travel experience for my wife and I for many years. Finally for our 40th birthdays as well as our 15 year wedding anniversary we decided it was time to make it happen. Over a year ago we started compiling a list that reached over 80 resorts, then over the course of that year began thinning it out based on our personal criteria; Aesthetics of the villas, food, service & spa reviews, health of the house reef for snorkeling, possible excursions, etc. We finally settled on Huvafen Fushi in November of 2021. I don’t see how we possibly could have done better. Every detail of our trip was handled with exceptional care by the staff of Huvafen Fushi. Our thakuru (butler) Vicky was perhaps our most valuable asset in helping to provide us with a flawless, perfectly orchestrated trip. He always went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing stay. We are definitely food lovers so this was an important aspect of our resort selection. It’s amazing that for how much some of these resorts cost bad food reviews seem to be kind of common place. The kitchens of Huvafen Fushi however did not disappoint. The breakfast spread at Celsius was one our favorite things. We always looked forward to a meal there. You couldn’t go wrong with dinner at either Salt for the sushi or Celsius for the more international menu items. The Mas Bazaar and Lobster and Champagne special dinners at Celsius are definitely not to be missed. The sunset cocktail hour at Raw was always spectacular even when there wasn’t much of a sunset because of cloud coverage. We also did a sandbank lunch destination dining experience that was out of this world and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Huvafen Fushi.

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

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.

5. One & Only Reethi Rah

Located on an island with an extremely suggestive name” Reethi Rah” suggesting “beautiful island”, the One & Only Reethi Rah Hotel is a real sanctuary with one of the most unbelievable over water villas in the Maldives.

One Only Reethi Rah Maldives has a simple yet gorgeous style influenced by Maldivian culture, with aspects from Balinese as well as Chinese styles.

One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives Resort
One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives Resor

The hotel has some great beach houses with their own private coastline. But the best part are the overwater suites.

They have infinity pools and a big bed for two people in the cabana.

The Grand Sundown Residence is a great choice for those who want to be spoiled. It is very convenient and intimate.

This vacation home in Maldives comes with its own private beach, an outdoor movie theater, and multiple swimming pools.

Over the years, famous people like the Beckhams, Gordon Ramsay, and Tom Cruise have all stayed here.

One and Only Reethi Rah Room Suite
One and Only Reethi Rah Room Suite

There are many places to eat and drink on the island, but our favorite is Botanica.

It’s a hidden spot under the trees that has a new concept of “from garden to fork” recipes.

Other restaurants have food from different parts of the world, like Oriental food, French food, and Italian food.

They all have good views of the sea. The Japanese tapas-style restaurant has reef sharks swimming under your feet while you eat.

The spa offers a lot of different massages, therapies, and has a 5-day wellness program.

One and Only Reethi Rah Room
One and Only Reethi Rah Room

Amongst the facilities of One Only Reethi Rah Maldives, I would like to mention the FIFA accredited football pitch, 12 beaches, stores, art as well as cooking courses, rock climbing and also the diving facility.

Around the island, you can use golf buggies to move as well as each guest has designated a bicycle.

What guests say

Seyla B from US
It was our first visit to Maldives.
We spent 6 days in this amazing resort. The island is very beautiful and very well maintained.
Everything in the resort was outstanding ,from the villas to the food , from the beautiful beaches to the crystal sea.
We would like to send our special thanks to your dedicated and friendly staff who makes our stay unforgettable and memorable .
We were very lucky to have Roberto as our personal assistant. He is bright, clever, polite, very friendly, and respectful, he was always at our service and makes our journey enjoyable.
Hope to return back.

MAF from New Zealand
It was our first visit to Maldives.
We spent 6 days in this amazing resort. The island is very beautiful and very well maintained.
Everything in the resort was outstanding ,from the villas to the food , from the beautiful beaches to the crystal sea.
We would like to send our special thanks to your dedicated and friendly staff who makes our stay unforgettable and memorable one .
We were very lucky to have Roberto as our personal assistant . He is bright , clever, polite very friendly and respectful , he was always at our service and makes our journey enjoyable.
Hope to return back.

Paolo B from Spain
My wife and I visited this property with our 3 younger children (5-7) for the third time in the last 4 years. Possibly this has been the best experience ever: the island is incredibly beautiful and large enough to ride, play tennis, volleyball and have a good 6 km run. The reef is great: we swam in the middle of 10 sharks, saw several turtles and beautiful fish just 5’ from the resort. The food, accommodations and the full resort are managed perfectly: roads and beaches are cleaned and settled daily. The gym is really top. On top of all this, the General Manager and the full staff have possibly brought to an even higher level the customer service and personalization: it seems impossible the full staff knew my room numbers and names of my family and children, their food preferences and they made their very best to make the vacation perfect – while the environment remains pleasantly informal. Obviously, it does not come cheap …. but damn we live once

6. Constance Moofushi

Constance Moofushi is the perfect place to stay if you want a mix of luxury and simplicity.

It is located on a private island, about 30 minutes away from the Velana International Airport by seaplane.

The food is delicious and the accommodation is excellent.

More than 30 important diving sites are located within half an hour far from the over water villas in the Maldives from Constance Moofushi so a snorkeling journey or a diving experience is a must-do activity while on the island.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Bungalows
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Bungalows

The resort is designed with pastel colors and nature-friendly products to give a chic and relaxing vibe.

The hotel has two overwater bungalows: the regular overwater cottage and senior water villas.

There are two types of Maldives huts on the water. They can both hold two adults and one or two children.

All of the villas offer great views of the Indian Ocean.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Romantic Dinner
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Romantic Dinner

The Maldives overwater huts from Constance Moofushi have a simple layout, effectively integrated into the landscape, with ropes, sea themes, and also wood included.

A big outdoor patio with sunlight loungers, color, and chairs is the best place to relax.

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

What I like most at these villas are the wooden stairs that lead directly into the sea.

The senior overwater villas have more room, more privacy, a private bathtub on the terrace, and direct accessibility to the lagoon.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive OVerwater Deck
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive OVerwater Deck

You can pick the buffet restaurant MANTA or the a la carte grill menu from the gorgeous beachside Alizee.

What guests say

Christine B from Scotland
My husband and I have just returned from 2 weeks in Constance Moofushi, our first time in the Maldives although we have been to the Indian Ocean previously, several times to Mauritius and once to the Seychelles. Much as we loved those holidays, Constance Moofushi is by far our favourite resort now. It truly is luxurious, barefoot chic in a stunning location with 5 star food and service but relaxed and friendly too. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff in helping you to enjoy your holiday, from the moment you arrive at the airport to when you get to security at departure time.

Marto_Polo from UK
This is my first TA review ever, but also the first time I’ve booked holidays at the same hotel second year in a row.
What makes Moofushi so special is its atmosphere, rustic chic, respect to the nature and most importantly – its people. We are looking forward to meet Binju again, whose beautiful smile greeted us at the restaurant. We also can’t wait to try some more wines recommended by Joseph and Priyantha’s amazing ice cream.
It’s not only food though that we are missing. We absolutely loved our water villa (thank you to the team for keeping it meticulous), pristine beaches and colourful reefs. Massage in a spa overlooking the ocean is a must do for sure. So is snorkeling with Blue Tribe team that we didn’t do enough of!
To summarize, there is no point for us to look for another hotel in Maldives, because Moofushi has it all!

Pam H from Nebraska, US
This is my first TA review ever, but also the first time I’ve booked holidays at the same hotel second year in a row.
What makes Moofushi so special is its atmosphere, rustic chic, respect to the nature and most importantly – its people. We are looking forward to meet Binju again, whose beautiful smile greeted us at the restaurant. We also can’t wait to try some more wines recommended by Joseph and Priyantha’s amazing ice cream.
It’s not only food though that we are missing. We absolutely loved our water villa (thank you to the team for keeping it meticulous), pristine beaches and colourful reefs. Massage in a spa overlooking the ocean is a must do for sure. So is snorkeling with Blue Tribe team that we didn’t do enough of!
To summarize, there is no point for us to look for another hotel in Maldives, because Moofushi has it all!

7. Soneva Fushi

You will love this location as soon as you step on the island. It is the most beautiful and charming place in the Maldives.

The Maldives has amazing over water villas that you will love.

Soneva Fushi over water bungalows Maldives
Soneva Fushi over water bungalows Maldives

The checklist of the celebrities that spend their honeymoon right here is very long and this is not a surprise considering the degree of services and the impressive views from the island.

Soneva Fushi Maldives features 8 overwater bungalows with massive windows overlooking the ocean, personal plunge pools, and also enchanting patios.

You will have a catamaran net over the water to enjoy the Maldivian sunlight all day. You can also shower outside, which is one of my favorite places in the whole villa.

Soneva Fushi ocean villa
Soneva Fushi ocean villa

Some of the Maldivian bungalows feature a waterslide that goes directly into the ocean, a fantastic place to have fun and also to break the monotony after some hrs in the sun.

All overwater villas in Maldives come with an exclusive butler, bikes, an outside seating location, and impressive views, no wonder why these suites are thought to be the best Maldives water bungalows.

The dining establishments from Soneva Fushi Maldives offer fresh, healthy, and balanced food and provide an intimate experience to the guests.

Treat on your own with some good treats from the chocolate shop, cheese store or ice cream local free shop.

Soneva Fushi romantic dinner
Soneva Fushi romantic dinner

As for the little visitors, there is a high-class club, The Den, with 2 swimming pools, a pirate ship, a cinema as well as an excellent variety of entertaining programs as well as programs.

What guests say

Findcate from New York, US
We just returned from a week at Soneva Fushi and it was far beyond all our expectations—both luxurious and truly relaxing, a stunning and special place conceived with thoughtfulness.
The staff throughout the resort were professional, sharing warm smiles and laughter, and made us feel welcome during our stay. They look for ways to be of assistance while still maintaining a relaxed feeling. I think in part there is such well-organized teamwork, things fall into place.
The villas are a work of art—gorgeous spaces frame the views, detailed with natural materials in patterns that reflect the surroundings. It feels like the design of the villas was a mix both of functionality and just asking how the guest could enjoy the space the most. There are large loungey sofas built thoughtfully into shady niches, swings, beautiful pools and stunning outdoor baths that are like spas.
The food was fabulous with so many options. The breakfast was remarkable—a vast fresh fruit and nuts bar, various yogurts & mueslis, pancakes etc, vegetable and non-vegetable dosas, omelettes & eggs to order, quesadillas, a huge veggie and salad room with fabulous greens & live herbs snipped to order, fabulous pastries, focaccia, ayurvedic tonics, and even special shots of special health-focused juices combinations brought to the table. I literally can’t imagine getting tired of this breakfast.

Marianne L from London, UK
A gentle tug on my flipper and I turned to see my fellow snorkeler Marianne, pointing to a turtle: ) we were less than 50m from our villa..
Essential then, that everything here is done with the utmost care. Care for life, both wildlife and guest.
Our ace barefoot butler “BB” was an education in the Maldivian islands, flora, fauna and culture – and seamlessly organised perfect experiences from a global pallette.
Chef Sanaka delighted us, successfully guaranteeing that every meal was perfect –
The food at “Out of the Blue” was flawless, authentic Asian food. Just delicious. As soon as we arrived we were shown to a beautiful buffet, crafted so carefully by chefs, some of whom have worked there for 2 decades!
The three main things here are the lovely people, the beautiful place, and the utter luxury of enjoying it without burdening the planet excessively.

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.
If you’re looking at different room types, my personal recommendation is to go with the water villa if you can. The beach rooms that are renovated on the sunrise side that face away from the local island will also be nice, but our absolute favorite experience is the water villa. The rooms are very rustic, but do have touches like TVs that are hidden away that come with Apple TV and nice amenities, but don’t expect a master switch by your bedside that turns off all the lights ;).

8. Como Cocoa Island

The 5 star COMO Cocoa Island redefines the significance of comfort and also style with its extravagant villas and suites, the ideal area to relax and chill and also reconnect with nature.

This very little island hotel (the island had just 350 meters) is packed with a wide variety of options for spending your free time.

Como Cocoa Island Maldives
Como Cocoa Island Maldives

At Como Cocoa Island Maldives you have a wellness center with a hydrotherapy swimming pool, a yoga exercise structure, a gym as well as a spa and a diving center, and also a water sporting activities facility.

The over water villas in the Maldives are excellent for honeymooners and couples as they include an enchanting ambiance as well as a lot of exterior and interior areas for relaxation and fun.

You will certainly have a beautiful and large room, a living room area, along with a private pool as well as an outdoor deck plus the outdoor shower.

Como Cocoa Island Water Villa Maldives
Como Cocoa Island Water Villa Maldives

If you think to pay a visit to COMO Cacao Island with your family members then you should think about booking the bigger overwater villa with a total surface area of 215 square meters.

The largest villa from the water is the 3 Bed Room Como Sundown Rental property with a total area of 590 square meters it includes 3 bedrooms, a huge pool, an exclusive butler, and also outstanding views.

For dining choices available at Como Cocoa Island Maldives , you can pick from the 3 main restaurants on the island or you can choose to book a private dining trip.

Como Cocoa Island Room
Como Cocoa Island Room

If you do not seem like going out, you can order room service which is available 24/7 so you do not need to go to any of the hotel’s restaurants.

What guests say

Luca from Switzerland
Cocoa island is a paradise on earth. Everything is taken care of and the staff of the island is meticulously cleaning the beach.
Our pool villa was amazing, but also the other villas and Dhoni are very comfortable and great.
During our stay, we were looked after by Muru. He was always very helpful and his services made our experience even better.
The spa zone is also great and April is doing a great job by making you feel relaxed.
You cannot get bored here and the only problem is that sooner or later you must leave.
I couldn’t have imagined a better experience!

RCollie from Iowa, US
We were on Cocoa Isand 1 week jan 11-18 in over water villa 1004. Our deck faced due east so we had a chance to see beautiful sunrises each morning.
This is small boutique hotel where service is exceptional.. our butler, Naseem, was amazing. From making tea, coffee and croissant appear in the morning to knowing our happy hr routine. Well done Nazeem. Be sure and ask for him.
From the dive staff, to the boat crew, housekeeping, bartender , food and a very accommodating manager- it was an excellent experience.
Would come back here in a heart beat but for the 27 hrs it took us to get from Chicago. Although Qatar airlines did a great job of getting us here.

Wayno11 from Washington, US
Absolutely outstanding; as always! This was our third trip to Cocoa Island and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Cocoa Island only has 34 villas on a small island so everyone receives personal attention. This is the perfect place to get away, disconnect from the world (if you choose), and immerse yourself in island life. The snorkeling is some of the best in the world and the island’s reef hosts amazing sea life that includes turtles, sharks, and fish of every color.
We stayed nine nights in a Loft Water Villa with a special of two excursions and half board (breakfast and either lunch/dinner) per person, per day. We arrived in Male and Cocoa Island was there to meet us, gather our luggage, and then take a boat (35 minutes) to Cocoa Island. Vincent (property manager) met us at the dock and we went straight to our villa. The Loft Water Villa is perfect. It has a nice living area, large outside balcony with ladder right into the ocean, spacious bathroom, inside/outside shower, and extremely nice upstairs bedroom w/bathroom. There are three air conditioners (one in main room, one in bedroom, and one in bathroom).
There are daily snacks, a stocked minibar (charge for alcohol), nice TV, and Bose system for your own music. The cleaning staff came twice per day and were meticulous in every detail.
The spa team is also incredible and we went back for second massage because they were so good.
The restaurant is truly outstanding from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although there is only one restaurant, it feels like something different each time you dine. There are theme nights several times per week (Indian, Indonesian, Thai, etc.) but you can also order off the menu.

9. Angsana Velavaru

Situated on an isolated island in the gorgeous South Nilandhe Atoll, just 40 mins seaplane from Male International airport, Angsana Velavaru has among one of the most private and luxurious over water villas in the Maldives.

The exclusive island hotel has beach villas and also overwater villas with wooden alleys surrounded by turquoise waters of the Indian Sea.

Angsana Velavaru room over water Maldives
Angsana Velavaru room over water Maldives

There are 2 kinds of water bungalows at Angsana Velavaru Maldives depending on what type of individual you are. If you are a morning individual then you certainly ought to select a sunset suite, while the night owls are motivated to choose the sunset one.

Each villa has an unbelievable layout, with lovely setups, and what I like most is that you can see the blue sky and also the blue-green waters straight from your bed.

Angsana Velavaru outdoor space over water
Angsana Velavaru outdoor space over water

During the daytime, you can kick back in the overwater hammocks located on the spacious outdoor terrace, right near your private infinity pool.

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

We strongly recommend you choose the all-inclusive option from Angsana Velavaru Maldives and enjoy your meals in one of the hotel’s dining establishments.

Angsana Velavaru bathroom over water villa Maldives
Angsana Velavaru bathroom over water villa Maldives

Spend your day hinging in the sun or on a snorkeling trip, book a health spa treatment or a catamaran excursion to fully delight in the charm of the area.

What guests say

Bhimmers from UK
Situated on an isolated shallows in the gorgeous South Nilandhe Atoll, concerning 40 mins seaplane from Male International airport, Angsana Velavaru has among one of the most private Maldives huts on the water.
The exclusive island hotel has beach and also overwater villas with wooden streets surrounded by turquoise waters of the Indian Sea.
There are 2 kinds of water bungalows offered depending on what type of individual you are. If you are a morning individual then you certainly ought to select a sunset suite, while the night owls are motivated to choose the sunset one.
Each villa has an unbelievable layout, with lovely setups, as well as you can see the blue sky and also the blue-green waters straight from your bed.
During daytime you can kick back in the overwater hammocks located on the massive outdoor terrace, right near the personal infinity pool.
You can delve into the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean directly from your exclusive deck to observe the abundance of marine life.
We strongly recommend you to choose for the all inclusive bundle as well as to enjoy your meals in one of the hotel’s dining establishments.
Invest your day hing on the sun or on a snorkeling journey, book a health spa treatment or a catamaran excursion to fully delight in the charm of the area.

David R from US
A dreamlike beautiful vacation in a place equal to paradise.
We were the first time in the Maldives and have enjoyed a breathtaking vacation on the island Angsana Velavaru. All the people of this island are incredibly nice and manage to read the wishes of the guests from the eyes. The attention to detail and the effort to generate a perfect vacation can be seen at everywhere.
The island is incredibly beautiful and the beach and the sea are breathtaking. The design of the island is fabulous. People, like our waiter Hatim, who does everything every day to make sure you want for nothing, complete the impressive scenery.
I can only warmly recommend everyone to experience a vacation on this island. Should we make it to the Maldives again, then only to Angsana Velavaru.

S S from US
Angsana is a beautiful resort and a great place to relax. The staff goes beyond to make you feel relaxed and pampered. Special shout out to the bartender Shibin who went an extra mile and suggested some great cocktails that elevated our experience and Ivaan another one of the courteous staff ! ???

10. Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Opened up in 2009, and home to one of the very best over water villas in the Maldives, Lily Beach Hotel & Spa offers a brand-new meaning to the principle of customized services.

This island heaven provides sumptuous villas in a distinct selection of lagoon, water, and also beach bungalows.

Lily Beach Resort over water Suite Maldives
Lily Beach Resort over water Suite Maldives

The style of Lily Beach Resort Maldives is simple and also modern, the suites being very sizable and perfectly furnished.

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

Both deluxe and also sunset huts feature a floor-to-ceiling window that offers amazing views of the sea, an exclusive swimming pool, and also a spacious patio with sun lounges and a table with 2 chairs.

The sunset water villas come not just with impressive views but also lots of amenities with an exclusive butler that cares for whatever to ensure that you have a remarkable holiday.

Lily Beach Resort patio Over water villa Maldives
Lily Beach Resort patio Over water villa Maldives

When it pertains to fine eating you can select from a vast array of dining establishments as well as bars spread throughout the island.

You can go to the all-inclusive buffet from Lily Beach Resort Maldives or have a romantic experience at Tamarind Restaurant which serves Eastern dishes.

The impressive list of restaurants and bars includes the one serving Japanese recipes, another one offering international products as well as the bars that serve a long listing of white and red wines, beer as well as cocktails.

Lily Beach Resort beach villa bathroom
Lily Beach Resort beach villa bathroom

On the island, there is a spa with an impressive list of treatments and massages, a water sports center, and a diving center in addition to a tennis court, a common pool, and also a beach volleyball court.

What guests say

JK from UK
This was my 3rd visit to Lily Beach. If you looking for holiday with children or even just couples, they have all. We stayed in the water villa with pool which was again amazing. The room attended has been the same from last visit, and always goes out of his way to ensure we have everything we need, nothing is a problem for him, and he goes above and beyond for us.
In regards to the food, they have the buffet restaurant which I love, and on each day we have been looked after by Hassan and Ali nothing is a problem, amazing food, and is worth the money. Lorenzo the Hotel manager is everywere and anytime availble he take really care of guest happiness as well the staff are really happy with him. Sara and Irina the recepcionist who are the most polite people we have ever met. We look forward to go for the 4 time and thank you to all team for the memorable holiday.

Melina C from US
the stay at lily beach resort was from the first to the last minute absolutely amazing ! we have never experienced anything like it! the staff was super friendly (especially saeed, jemal (aqva restaurant) and abdullah (main restaurant), the rooms perfectly clean and just stunning, the quality of the food at a very high level and do not let me start about the wine-list 🙂 the house reef was also very nice, which is (sadly) not normal anymore.
we were treated like royals and there was literally no wish that was not fulfilled!
we as a family will never forget the amazing time we got to spend in this paradise!

Kashif B from UK
My wife and i stayed for a week during Dec ‘20. We had a water villa. Ill keep it short and simple. Lily is absolutely stunning. Postcard beauty that you have to see to believe. The food was fantastic. Lots of watersports to do to keep yourself busy. The spa was sensational. And the hospitality was simply exceptional. We are already looking at when we can go back. And … although the resort was full … it always felt quiet and serene.

Conclusion

All these over water villas in the Maldives have something special that makes them different from other overwater huts from the archipelago.

These are located within a short seaplane ride or speedboat ride from the airport and the resort itself arranges the transportation for you as soon as you provide them information about your flight.

You know better which of these all inclusive resorts are perfect for you but I can guarantee you that all the resorts on this list offer high-end services, top-notch facilities, and amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

The resorts are very popular among tourists from all over the world so if you want to get the best price and the most beautiful villa, book your stay in advance.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.