Maldives to Implement 17% Tourism GST from 1 July 2025
When dreaming of a vacation to the Maldives, one of the first things to pop into mind is most likely an overwater villa. A private, luxurious bungalow in the middle of the ocean on a remote island resort — it’s truly the epitome of seclusion. But not all water villas are built the same! Depending on your budget, preference of style, and your reason for holidaying in the first place, you might want to check out your options before getting out your wallet.
When it comes to an extraordinary overwater villa experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice here on the sunny side of life. From traditional boat-shaped villas to gorgeous, contemporary huts on stilts, here’s our pick for the best 10 overwater villas you can experience in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is a luxury resort in the Maldives with a relaxing spa and once-in-a-lifetime activities. Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear water. Each water villa opens to its very own stretch of the lagoon and is complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom. Some of the villas have slides from the top floor directly into the lagoon below.
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi
Escape to the unforgettable surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Nestled among white sands and crystal blue waters, this elegant Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort is a 40-minute yacht journey from Male International Airport. Located in South Male Atoll, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi covers 2.2 mi length of greenery and beaches spanning across 3 islands encircling a lagoon. Luxurious villas act as vast private indoor-outdoor playgrounds here, offering direct access to the incredible azure waters.
Nakai Dhiggiri
Dhiggiri is an island of about three hectares located in the quiet and fascinating Vaavu atoll, which is 20 minutes by seaplane and 90 minutes by speed boat north of Male. In the 34 overwater villas of Dhiggiri, you will wake up to the sound of the sea and the look on a breathtaking horizon. The woods marry its elegant minimalism and will awaken in you that sensoriality that will accompany you towards a new day of relaxation and tranquility.
Hurawalhi
Set on an enchanting private island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, Hurawalhi Island Resort is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, an excellent house reef and long stretches of white, sandy beach. Affording direct access to the magnificent lagoon, Hurawalhi’s overwater villas are a perfect mix of comfort, elegance and luxury, and ideal for those seeking a romantic hideaway in an idyllic setting. A truly charming retreat for a one-of-a-kind Maldives’ experience.
Heritance Aarah
Wake up in paradise to the sound of the sea at Heritance Aarah, located in the pristine Raa atoll. The perfect hideaway to share romantic moments, these ocean villas stand above a shimmering lagoon and overlook an infinite horizon. These luxurious overwater villas come complete with private outdoor space where you can curl up together on a daybed or step down to the waters below.
Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is a short 20 minute boat ride from Male, the capital of the Maldives. It is a tiny coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villas. The 44 stilted villas plus the vast Private Reserve are crafted in a traditional style from natural materials and offer rooftop and over-water sundecks, featuring open-air bathrooms, sumptuous daybeds and a personal entertainment center.
Amilla Fushi
Amilla Fushi Maldives Resort, a true bliss spotted in the blue lagoons of the indian ocean. Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Fushi Resort in the Maldives is offering you a choice of island homes that hover over crystal clear waters, nestle amongst lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand. Featured with minimalist ‘homes’ are perched on stilts over the Indian Ocean, on the pristine white shore or 12 metres high amongst the treetops, each with a private lap pool. Bright white interiors feature abstract prints, sleek lines and natural wood furnishings while huge bathrooms come with double monsoon showers, egg-shaped bathtubs and indulgent Aesop toiletries.
JOALI
Located on Muravandhoo island on the Raa Atoll in the northern Maldives, JOALI features 73 private beach and water villas and residences. Each villa is inspired by individual stories and designed to evoke this sensibility throughout. The overwater villas feature a spacious sundeck, infinity pool, and state-of-the-art lighting and mood control system.
Furaveri
Surrounded by ever-changing turquoise hues, the view from Furaveri’s sleek and sophisticated water villas is never the same twice. Kick back and relax in an exquisitely designed space, and when the ocean calls out your name, mosey down a few steps and slip into the lagoon straight from your sundeck. A charming hideaway in a truly idyllic setting.
LUX* North Male’ Atoll
These exquisitely designed villas, residences and retreats, the vision of Singapore design house Miaja, are some of the best of the Maldives. You could say they are the textbook definition of modern luxury–sleek, playful and as chic as can be. Truly, they will change the way you holiday at this penthouse paradise retreat.
