From white sandy beaches to crystal clear water, there’s no better beach getaway than the Maldives. What better way to experience the incredible beauty of the Indian Ocean than from a luxurious overwater bungalow? Luckily, there’s no shortage of on-the-water accommodation options in this region of the world!
Keep reading to discover the 15 best overwater bungalows in the Maldives.
1. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Situated on a private island in Raa Atoll in the Indian Ocean, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is accessible only by speedboat or seaplane. This upscale, all-inclusive resort offers over-the-water villas with WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and private outdoor spaces. Choose between standard water villas, water villas with jacuzzis or pools, superior water villas with pool, or the presidential water villa at the end of the pier. Each villa boasts a sun deck, outdoor showers, sofa beds, and direct lagoon access.
Emerald Maldives Resort is home to six restaurants, serving everything from Brazilian cuisine to an international buffet with Chinese, Mediterranean, Italian, and vegetarian options. The onsite spa provides Thai and Balinese body treatments from the comfort of ten air-conditioned bungalows, a jacuzzi, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and an Indonesian-style pool. This resort also includes a kids club, fitness centre, diving centre, and water sports centre.
Read Also: All About Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
2. Siyam World Maldives
Siyam World Maldives is located on 54 acres in Noonu Atoll, only accessible via seaplane or speed boat. This resort offers a variety of all-inclusive holiday packages, along with 21 different accommodation categories, ranging from one- to six-bedroom villas to beach house residences up to 3,000 square metres. Each villa and beach house includes a private swimming pool, direct beach access, and luxurious amenities.
The overwater bungalows at Siyam World Maldives come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate between 3 to 9 adults or 2 adults with 1 child to 6 adults and 6 children. All over-the-water options come with a private pool and slide, a king-sized bed, and direct access to either the lagoon or the Snow White reef.
Siyam World Maldives is an island resort, so guests can enjoy four kilometres of white sandy beach and six kilometres of a private coral reef. There are nine restaurants and six bars at Siyam World, offering Spanish fare, international buffets, beachside dining, live cooking stations, fresh seafood, Indian fine dining, and more. Guests can also enjoy a variety of excursions and water sports, including scuba diving courses with SSI-certified instructors. The onsite spa provides several different body treatments and massage therapy options in a tranquil environment with hydro facilities and relaxation areas.
Read Also: Siyam World Maldives Review
3. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi boasts pristine beaches, lush tropical gardens, and high-end amenities. Located in Noonu Atoll, this resort has a range of elegant villas with beach or garden views. Guests can upgrade to over-the-water villas, which include jacuzzis, stylish interiors, and private decks. Each space at this resort offers WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. Check out this Sun Siyam Iru Fushi review of the resort to learn more.
The overwater bungalows at this resort include the standard Water Villa, the Horizon Water Villa, the Infinity Water Villa, the Sunset Horizon Water villa, and the Horizon Villa with Pool. Each villa boasts either a private sun deck, an outdoor jacuzzi or pool, or even your very own infinity pool at the Infinity Water Villa.
Sun Siyam is home to eight restaurants and four bars, where you’ll find Japanese dishes, wine tastings, freshly-pressed juices, French cuisine, signature cocktails, and more. Guests can enjoy the two swimming pools, kids’ club, and onsite tennis courts. The resort spa has hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and various therapeutic treatments. Visitors can even book private yoga sessions and guided meditations.
4. Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Situated on the private island of Olhuveli, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Maldivian-themed suites to modern and sleek villas. All rooms and villas are either over the water or on the beach, and include outdoor spaces, WiFi, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Upgrades include hot tubs, living rooms, private pools, and butler service.
There are 6 overwater bungalow types to choose from: Water Villa, Grand Water Villa, Deluxe Water Villa, Grand Water Villa with Pool, Prestige Jacuzzi Water Villa, and the Presidential Water Suite. Private sun decks, outdoor jet tubs and jacuzzis, and direct lagoon access are only a few of the benefits these bungalows have to offer.
This resort has eight restaurants and four bars. Dining options include everything from pizza and burgers to fresh seafood and sushi. Guests can enjoy the two infinity pools, onsite spa, tennis courts, fitness centre, and kids’ club. Watersports, including kayaking and waterskiing, are also available.
Read Also: Know All About Sun Siyam Olhuveli
5. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Located on the edge of the largest 22 natural atolls in the Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon features six hectares of stunning tropical landscapes. This resort’s beach bungalows and rooms include WiFi, king beds, LED TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and outdoor seating. Each thoughtfully-designed bungalow is situated either on the beach or over the water. The charismatic water bungalows sit over the lagoon and offer unlimited sea views.
Ellaidhoo Maldives offers a variety of spa treatments and outdoor excursions, like dolphin safaris and sunset fishing. The resort has three bars and two restaurants featuring all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Diving instructors are available at this resort, offering lessons for both beginners and experts.
6. Adaaran Club Rannalhi
Adaaran Club Rannalhi is situated on a private island in the South Male Atoll, showcasing lush gardens and white sand beaches. This upscale, all-inclusive resort has rooms with garden or ocean views, outdoor spaces, tea and coffee-making facilities, WiFi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Overwater bungalow-style rooms, set over the water, feature private sun decks, nautical colours, and plush bathrobes. The Water Bungalows boast wooden ladders that lead directly into the ocean for easier access.
The main resort restaurant has a diverse daily menu, including fresh seafood and international fare. Other dining options include in-room dining or private candlelight dinners on the beach. The onsite spa has a variety of body treatments set in a tranquil environment. Guests can enjoy beach games, water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, and other beach activities.
7. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Surrounded by some of the best Maldivian coral reefs, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef boasts lush flora and fauna, coconut palms, and white sand beaches. This luxurious resort is home to thatched-roof, over-the-water villas and beach bungalows, which include WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges. Upgrades include expansive private decks, hot tubs, outdoor pools, kitchenettes, and separate living areas. Choose from Reef and Sunset Reef Villas, Aqua Villas, Aqua Suites, and Grand Reef Suites.
Five restaurants and two bars serve a variety of food and drink, including Italian cuisine, Western fare, fresh fish, speciality wines, and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can book a body treatment at the onsite spa, soak in the hydrotherapy area, splash in the outdoor pool, and enjoy plenty of watersports on the beach.
8. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
Located on a remote island, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is reachable only by seaplane. This upscale resort is home to overwater bungalows boasting ocean views, satellite TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and minibars. Some upgrades include private plunge pools, jacuzzis, and outdoor showers. The Water Villas have glass bottom sun decks and private 24-hour access to the surrounding ocean.
A complimentary breakfast buffet is included with the purchase of your room, served in a casual international restaurant that also serves lunch and dinner. The resort spa has a sauna, steam room, and several pampering treatments. Guests can also swim in the outdoor pool, use the fitness centre, play tennis, and enjoy water sports on the beach.
9. Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is surrounded by an incredible house reef, making this resort a paradise for divers. Room options include garden-view suites, beach villas, and large over-the-water bungalows. Upgraded rooms include hot tubs and more expansive outdoor terraces. Each suite and villa includes WiFi, minibars, and private outdoor spaces. The Jacuzzi Water Villas have stairs that lead directly into the sea.
This resort has two buffet restaurants, an Asian restaurant, and a restaurant in which the food is prepared on hot, volcanic rocks. The award-winning spa offers traditional and modern body therapies, emphasising Asian and African healing traditions. Guests can enjoy several water activities, live entertainment, tennis, volleyball, putt-putt, and more.
10. Hotel Riu Atoll
This chic, all-inclusive resort is located on a private island on Dhaalu Atoll. Accessible only by boat, Hotel Riu Atoll offers bright and airy rooms with WiFi, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and sitting areas. Over-the-water bungalows also include outdoor terraces, ocean views, and direct access to the beach. The two types of overwater villas, Junior Suite and Superior Junior Suite, come with views of the Dhaalu Atoll and ultimate privacy.
Hotel Riu Atoll has an outdoor swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a children’s swimming pool, a fitness centre, a steam bath, and a wellness centre with spa treatments. Culinary experiences include a buffet with live cooking stations, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a 24-hour sports bar.
11. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
This high-end island resort is surrounded by the Vaavu Atoll, showcasing five hectares of lovely beaches and lush gardens. This resort has several room options, including lofts, bungalows, and suites. Each space is equipped with king beds, WiFi, LED TVs, tea and coffee makers, and ocean views. Upgrade to a suite to get a separate living area and a private plunge pool. The Water Bungalow, the Sunset Water Bungalow with Jacuzzi, and the Water Suite with Pool are the three overwater options set in the shallows of the lagoon.
This resort has an open-air restaurant featuring waterfront views, in addition to a beachfront and poolside bar. Guests can enjoy the resort spa, outdoor pool, and scuba diving centre. With a variety of marine life, clear water, and unspoiled nature areas, this is a great spot for diving.
12. OBLU Xperience Ailafushi
Only a 15-minute boat ride from Male International Airport, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is located on a private island. This relaxed resort has 268 rooms, including ocean-view rooms, beach villas, family rooms, and water villas. Each space offers incredible water views, outdoor spaces, and WiFi. Overwater bungalows, 50 square metres each, are accessible via a wooden jetty. The Water Villas are shaped like a traditional Maldivian Boat for an intimate getaway environment.
Dining options include an all-day international buffet, a pool bar with live entertainment, and a surf and turf food truck. Guests can lounge in the 1,000 square metre swimming pool, dance to the nightly DJ performances, book a spa treatment, or drop the kids off at the multilevel kids’ club.
13. Cinnamon Dhonveli
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives provides bright rooms, airy suites, and spacious bungalows in an upscale environment. Every space has ocean views, king beds, indoor or outdoor showers, an outdoor sitting area, and LED TVs.
Dining experiences include three buffet restaurants and four bars, offering international cuisine, beachside dining, and fun drinks. While this resort has plenty of scuba diving opportunities and water sports, the beach is fantastic for those who love to surf – these waves are some of the best in the Maldives!
14. Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is a 5-star resort located on Medhufaru Island. This resort has some of the best overwater villas in the Maldives offering unparalleled comfort and luxuries to all its guests. The overwater villas of this resort are well-appointed with the best-in-class amenities and services to offer. Its stunning design and spacious interiors with private pool options also become a major attraction for visitors.
15. Anantara Veli
Anantara Veli is a luxury adult and couple 5-star resort in the Maldives. Amidst the turquoise lagoon is the range of luxurious overwater bungalows that offer a romantic getaway to all the guests. Their adult-only private island is ideal for honeymooners and couples who wish to enjoy some private time with each other. The sunset cruise and spa treatments are also something you will surely enjoy while here.
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