Top 10 Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives

When I have thought of overwater bungalows, Bora Bora and French Polynesia always come to mind. I eventually learned that the Maldives has the most overwater bungalows in the world. Ever since overwater bungalows were imagined they have blown up in popularity and the calmness of the Maldives waters make them a perfect destination for the iconic overwater accommodations.

There are so many options to choose from when planning a trip to the Maldives so to help you narrow down your options, here are our top recommended resorts in the Maldives with overwater bungalows.

Our Process for Determining the Best Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives

In order to create this list, we reviewed a list of all the resorts with overwater bungalows in the Maldives and selected the best ones based on our own experience visiting them, and recommendations from our team of travel agents, and then reviewed our list with other reviews online to finalize the rankings.

Six Senses Laamu

Just a 35-minute domestic flight from Male International Airport, Six Senses Laamu is surrounded by clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It features 97 spacious waterfront and beachfront villas, designed and crafted to harmonize with the island’s natural beauty using local and sustainable materials.

With direct access to the ocean, you can swim and snorkel or relax in the netted hammock over the water after diving into your personal pool. Soak up the sun and the beautiful colors of the Indian Ocean while waiting for sunset on the sun loungers or at the glass-bottomed table on the outdoor deck for picturesque photos.

You can also enjoy the unique panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and seascape while pampering yourself in the Six Senses Ocean Water Villas’ glass overwater bathtub and outdoor rain shower.

Ayurvedic therapies and relaxing body massages are also available in the Six Senses Spa’s stylish private treatment rooms. In addition, the resort offers a modern fitness room, a yoga pavilion, and an on-site diving center for those who wish to see and experience the beauty of the underwater world.

Rating:

Booking.com : 9.7

Google Rating: 4.8

Como Maalifushi

COMO Maalifushi s located in the southern part of the archipelago. At the resort you will find overwater bungalows build with ocal materials while maintaining elegance to reflect the calming environment of the island.

Each spacious overwater bungalow offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and the famous Maldivian sunrise. The bedroom has a separate dressing area and living area. A wide, floor-to-ceiling French door opens to a terrace leading to the plunge pool and turquoise lagoon, as well as direct access to your private sunken marble bathtub, large enough for two, marble floors and stone walls. Or enjoy your shower outdoors, surrounded by wood paneling for added privacy.

Guests will enjoy not only the elegantly appointed overwater bungalows, but also the soothing spa treatments, whale shark excursions, and all-day delicious cuisine at Madi Restaurant.

Rating:

Booking.com : 8.9

Google Rating: 4.9

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is a 5-star deluxe all-inclusive resort in the Maldives with overwater bungalows located on the island of Fasmendhoo, in the southern part of the Raa Atoll. The Maldives is the perfect choice for those who want to spend an unforgettable stay and experience luxurious accommodations and facilities. The resort consists of 20 acres of pristine land and 100 acres of beautiful crystal blue lagoon, beautiful pristine white beaches, a clear blue ocean, and tropical nature.

Each of the 120 villas is designed in a contemporary style of tropical architecture and first-class interior design, blending harmoniously with the local environment. Carefully considered landscaping and perfect natural materials such as bamboo, natural stone, and native foliage. Every guest can enjoy an elegant, cozy and relaxed ambiance with a modern and comfortable style.

All villas, including the water bungalow, have two flat-screen satellite TVs, a king-size bed or a connecting room for families or large groups, a walk-in shower and an outdoor shower “under the stars”, and a spacious bathtub for two, a spacious dressing room with walk-in closet, room-controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans for a soothing and restful night’s sleep, a desk, and high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the resort if you still want to stay connected.

Rating:

Booking.com : 9.6

Google Map Rating: 4.8

 Baros Maldives

Baros Maldives offers a natural paradise with a lush island experience. With only 25 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport, Baros Maldives welcomes you with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and towering palm trees

Look forward to your private over the water bungalow, featuring rich teak floors, comfortable furniture, and luxurious linens, with thoughtful touches of pampering everywhere you look. Enjoy your own personal retreat as you soak in the lagoon that lies behind your covered daybed. Or take a dip in your turquoise pool, which takes on the color of the lagoon. There you’ll find stairs leading down to crystal clear waters and a house reef waiting for you to explore. You can also enjoy the endless view of the ocean while sipping your favorite beverage on a wide wooden deck. Enjoy the beauty of spectacular sunsets and watch the sky turn into a spectacle of light with constellations.

What a fantastic tropical overwater oasis that offers you the perfect balance of privacy and access in a pure, uncomplicated way.

Rating:

Booking.com : 9.6

Google: 4.8

Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island provides an all-inclusive luxury island vacation. Located in the beautiful Noomu Atoll and about 200 kilometers north of Male International Airport, this destination was designed to embody the best that this unique island chain has to offer. Here, the Indian Ocean takes center stage.

This hotel was designed and created with privacy and comfort in mind, bringing together the best of the Maldives on a single island. With a combination of Maldivian structure and modern architecture, it is the realization of a dream to create an exclusive, luxury island boutique retreat.

The overwater bungalows offer unobstructed views of the ocean with private pools, so you can choose to watch the sunrise or the sunset. The bungalows have a truly dreamlike design with overhanging umbrellas in the outdoor dining area, a huge bathroom with round tub, and a bedroom that leads to a terrace and stairs leading directly to the sea.

Catch the morning sun on your sun deck and admire the beauty of the sunset in the gazebo while lounging in a huge daybed full of pillows. Inside the house, you’ll find a comfortable living room with a large window and a bed that strategically faces the ocean. Make yourself comfortable in the large, comfortable living room while taking a sip of your favorite wine from your private wine fridge. Or in a swing chair reflecting the water all around the villa.

Indulge your palate in one of the 5 upscale restaurants with local delicacies and gourmet dishes prepared by the world-class chef.

Rating:

Google Map: 4.8

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is located just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport (MLE), and is a resort where you can expect world-class service and amenities on a private island.

Each of the 77 spacious villas and suites, 44 of which are overwater bungalows, have been designed to be eco-friendly and offer unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s lush tropical gardens from your private terrace. Rooms feature a private pool, IPAD room controls, and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a walk-in closet.

Refresh in your marble bathroom, equipped with a freestanding bathtub, rainforest shower, and high-end amenities, after dipping into your private, sparkling pool. Snuggle up in your bed and recharge your batteries for a night of deep, restful sleep. In addition, a butler is always at your disposal to make your stay even more comfortable, pleasant, and memorable.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort provides a top-class island experience.

Rating:

Booking.com : 9.1

Google Map: 4.8

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi is a luxury island paradise in the Maldives is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The 63 eco-friendly, luxury beachfront villas and eight overwater vilas are exceptionally spacious and set amidst the turquoise sea. Indulge in signature bathrooms set in a large private area with outdoor showers and private bathtubs while enjoying your own private beach access.

Take advantage of the many activites like sunset dolphin cruises, eco-friendly surfing, glass blowing classes, castaway picnics, tree pod dining, or a once in a lifetime experience in world-class gastronomy with the thrill and excitement of zip lining while enjoying the magnificent views of the lush jungle and sparkling ocean.

Let your imagination run wild with beachfront and over-the-water bungalows that offer a unique and rare experience that you truly deserve.

Booking.com: 9.1

Google Map: 4.8

Meeru

This tropical paradise of white, long sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, is just 55 minutes from Velana International Airport and the only resort on Meerufenfushi Island in North Male Atoll. Known for its colorful reefs and abundant marine life, Meeru Resort is truly an unspoiled natural paradise.

Meeru is not only a multi-award-winning resort in the Maldives but also the best all-inclusive resort that prides itself on its family-friendly facilities, personalized service, and the comfort of a second home.

The resort include 284 guest rooms, 77 of which are overwater bungalows. Enjoy sitting on your private porch while you wait for your coffee to brew from the kettle you’ll find in your room. Make your stay extra special in the partially open bathroom with a rain shower and other signature amenities.

Your dining experience will be outstanding with an eat all you can dining experience serving only delicious and fresh dishes, and do not forget the theme nights for more delicious culinary experiences.

Simplicity and tranquility at their best.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.3

Google Map: 4.8

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Anantara Kihavah is a luxury resort located in the UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa Atoll.

Allow yourself to walk barefooted through the pure white sand while mesmerized by the beauty of the turquoise lagoon that turns sapphire blue. Enjoy the luxury of an air-conditioned bungalow over the crystal clear waters, furnished with fine wooden furniture and upholstered in high-quality cotton bedding.

An absolute luxury dream vacation, each villa and overwater bungalow offer absolute privacy, a private infinity pool, beach, and ocean access, a personal iPad concierge service, and your dedicated villa host available 24 hours a day to help you complete your dream vacation with all its finest details.

Currently, there is an Ultimate Luxury Escape Package available which includes a luxury overwater pool villa, half board, and a 4-course lunch at SEA underwater restaurant.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.3

Google Map: 4.9

Vakkaru Maldives

Vakkaru Maldives is located in a stunning enclave in Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives offers nothing but luxury and sophistication. After a 30-minute round trip seaplane flight from Male International Airport, an unforgettable paradise awaits to soothe your soul, calm your mind, and indulge your senses.

Vakkaru is a new standard in luxury hospitality while maintaining the rustic charm of Maldivian culture. The concept of caring is at the heart of Vakkaru Maldives.

They offer their guests an excellent selection of villas for their perfect island stay. Perched above the turquoise waters, the overwater bungalows are modernly decorated and blend with natural elements while preserving the Maldivian culture.

Soak up the sun on the spacious deck with a daybed, sun loungers, and a private infinity pool. The master bedroom offers exceptional comfort with a king-size bed with ocean views and a daybed connected to a separate relaxation area and walk-in closet. Indulge in your dream bathroom with an elegant bathtub overlooking the lagoon and direct and private access to the outdoor shower.

End the day in the hammock on the terrace over the water while admiring the magnificent sunset.

An unforgettable experience in an unforgettable paradise.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.2

Google Map: 4.8

Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives is a 25-minute seaplane ride away from the airport located 70 kilometers southwest of Male in the North Ari Atoll. It is surrounded by wide sandy beaches and is home to one of the most colorful and vibrant house reefs in the Maldives.

This rare Kandolhu is an exquisite resort with only 30 overwater villas that perfectly blend the natural elements of the Maldives, modern architecture, and comfort to create an experience you will remember forever.

Enjoy the sunset in their spacious overwater bungalow, which features an oversized bedroom with a king-size bed, daybed, and walk-in closet. The bathroom is open and airy and features a shower, dual sinks, and a bathtub for a relaxing bathing experience. Through a sliding door, you can access the large private outdoor terrace with sun loungers, an umbrella, and a plunge pool while enjoying the endless view of the Indian Ocean.

A rare island experience you will never forget.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.7

Google Map: 4.8

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas is a premier all-inclusive luxury resort located exclusively on Meedhupparu Island providing atruly intimate retreat right over the water. Each of these spacious and luxurious overwater bungalows features luxurious wooden interiors and a beautiful sundeck overlooking the crystal blue ocean directly in front of you. And a private Jacuzzi where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the horizon.

The air-conditioned water bungalows are built over the Indian Ocean and have a glass panel on the deck for more privacy. Complete your relaxation with flat-screen TVs, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, WiFi access, and a coffee maker.

Satisfy your cravings with international cuisine and a selection of wines and cigars to please or enjoy water sports activities, spa facilities, fitness center, and scuba diving activities.

With world-class facilities, your holiday at Adaaran Prestige will be a wonderful experience of a lifetime.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.5

Google Map: 4.8

Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah

Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah provides a lush jungle and a sparkling 3.2km lagoon will greet you as you land from your 30-minute seaplane from Male International Airport. It exudes effortless style and an undeniably welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy your 2-bedroom bungalow over the water, with a chic beachfront interior, a huge pool for sunbathing, an air-conditioned living room leading to an outdoor living deck with lounge chairs and hammocks, and stairs leading you down to the clearest water on the atoll.

Each bedroom has a private bathroom where you can take a relaxing bath while admiring the panoramic ocean views.

Follow your taste buds for any international cuisine you crave. Whether it’s in a restaurant, private dining, treetop dining, a romantic candlelit dinner on a boat, or dinner on a sandbar, let them surprise you and your loved ones with a world-class culinary experience.

Let it become a place where you can retreat, explore, connect and celebrate life.

A tropical getaway that is off-limits to everyone but you. This is not a dream. This is a paradise.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.5

Google Map: 4.8

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Just 46.7 km from Male International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands sits above azure waters and along beach coves, blending island life with modern architecture.

Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, overwater bungalows or villas offer a full water view, an infinity pool, and a sundeck where you can soak up the glorious sun while relaxing in a hammock over the water with access to the lagoon.

Recharge your batteries after a long day of exploring the island, curl up in your oversized king-size beds covered in Frette linens. Or start your day with a refreshing soak in the separate bathtub and rainforest shower, and pamper yourself with the luxurious Bamford bath amenities.

Create lasting memories as you explore the exclusive collection of culinary experiences. Satisfy your palate and take time to indulge in delicious dishes prepared by the world-class chef. Let our senses guide you to a wonderful global taste with Maldivian flair.

Experience the celebrity treatment with world-class service.

Rating:

Booking.com: 8.4

Google Map: 4.7

Soneva Jani

Just as beautiful as its sister (Soneva Fushi), Soneva Jani is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport. Located on Medhufaru Island, it offers both overwater and island villas.

The beautiful interiors that are made of sustainable materials were designed to maximize space, privacy, and unforgettable views.

Each water villa opens onto its own lagoon and features a private pool and retractable roof for stargazing from the master bedroom. Some of the villas have slides that lead from the top floor directly to the lagoon below. They also have a walk-in minibar with an espresso machine and a private wine cellar. An outdoor deck and sitting area with sun loungers and direct access to the lagoon are also provided.

In addition, this resort has recreational amenities such as an observatory, spa, gift store, water sports, a dive center, silent movie theater over water, tennis court, labyrinth garden, and more. There is truly no time to get bored on this island.

When you get tired from all the day’s activities, Soneva Jani prepares a treat for you. There are a number of dining options and cuisines for you to try. There is also a cheese room, a chocolate room, and an ice cream room waiting for you to enjoy.

Soneva Jani is a wonderful benchmark for luxury overwater, innovative dining concepts, and holistic well-being.

Your ultimately wellness island retreat.

Rating:

Booking.com: 9.4

Google Map: 4.5

How much is do overwater bungalows in the Maldives cost?

Prices for overwater bungalows in the Maldives vary greatly depending on the season and resort. Generally speaking, prices start at around $500 per night and can go as high as $3000+ per night.