5 of the Most Stunning Overwater Villas to Stay at in the Maldives

With direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and uninterrupted views of the horizon, nothing says paradise like an overwater villa in the Maldives.

Here, you might be forgiven for thinking you're living in a dream. Step out onto your private terrace and dip a toe into the lagoon below, or simply relax in your lounger with an iced cocktail and wait for one of the famed Maldivian sunsets to fall – we promise it’s real!

Want to find the best spots for your next holiday? Take a look at our expert's picks of five luxury resorts in the Maldives with the best overwater villas.

1. Baros, Maldives - North Malé Atoll

Transfer to Baros: 25 mins by speedboat.

Privacy, personal service and the majesty of nature make up this incredible island in the North Malé Atoll.

Whether you want a romantic retreat or you fancy diving into the azure waters with the vast array of marine life that lives there, your heart will lead you to Baros, Maldives.  

Each of the immaculate water villas here features a private terrace with inviting views of the ocean, perfect for outdoor dining or an evening sipping Champagne under the stars. You could also splash out, literally, in your own private infinity pool and soak up the amazing views towards the ocean - or, make the most of the direct lagoon access and take a swim in the warm waters below. 

Baros is a perfect location for a romantic getaway. Whilst you’re here, you could take an afternoon to explore the Indian Ocean and discover the sunken ships on the seabed together, or sail away for a few hours on the resort's ultra-luxurious Princess Yacht. 

It's not just your luxury villa that takes you overwater, either. Enjoy exceptional fine dining in the overwater Lighthouse Restaurant with ingredients from around the world, or relax in the Lighthouse Lounge with live music and beautiful ocean views. Life at Baros is all about tranquillity, so take the opportunity to slow down and breathe in the fresh air as it brushes past you. 

2. Milaidhoo - Baa Atoll

Transfer to Milaidhoo: 30 mins by seaplane.  

The atmosphere at Milaidhoo is laid-back luxury and serenity. The island itself is set in the incredible blue surroundings of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - a trip or two into the ocean will uncover the hidden jewels of the house reef and the brilliant tropical creatures that live there.

The water villas at Milaidhoo ooze effortless elegance, with a private staircase offering direct water access to the turquoise lagoon below. Or, if you prefer, you can relax in the resort's freshwater, starlit private infinity pool for magical ambience.

One of the most enticing things about the water villas at Milaidhoo are the incredible views, wherever you look. Even while you're relaxing in your bath, open your terrace doors and watch the waves as you unwind, or fall asleep in your suite to the sound of the gentle waves. 

Milaidhoo's overwater villas offer maximum privacy and are gorgeously decorated with traditional Maldivan elements that give the interior a sunny atmosphere. Choose a Water Pool Villa offer for your own private plunge pool and shaded day bed out on your wooden deck - a spot you're sure to spend most of your holiday enjoying!

When you do pull yourself away from the views, be sure to savour the cuisine. For more views over the lagoon, visit Ba’theli lounge & restaurant. Shaped like a boat hovering over the water, you'll get to taste the flavours from Indonesia, India and Arabia that make up Maldivian culture.

Inspiring Insight

The Maldives offers the perfect opportunity for a twin-centre holiday, allowing you to make the most of these stunning islands. We recommend staying in a beach villa for one part of your escape, before heading to a second resort to experience a water villa.

Many resorts will help transport you, either by boat or sea plane - plus, our Travel Specialists are here to help you with any arrangements.

3. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru - Baa Atoll

Transfer to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru: 30 mins by seaplane.

Boasting the largest natural lagoon in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru combines heartfelt service with an inspiring connection to nature.

Immersing families in the area’s marine treasures, the vast water overwater villas include steps that lead directly into the sea - perfect for playful water babies. With inspiring activities at the kids’ club and babysitting service available, parents can savour peaceful kid-free time too.

Savour a fresh juice or a cocktail while watching dawn and dusk displays from overwater hammocks in the aptly named Sunrise and Sunset Villas. Thanks to the Resort’s extensive reefscaping project, lagoon visitors to look out for include turtles and manta rays.

Start the day with a restorative yoga class on your expansive private deck, followed by a Landaa ‘floating breakfast’, served in your infinity pool. Or, kick back inside your luxurious villa, where the creative vision of Sri Lankan architect, Murad Ismail, combines with uninterrupted ocean views from every room.

Beyond your private villa, uplift with an AntiGravity® Yoga class or uncover the island’s natural wonders via the Yoga Energy Trail. Help behind-the-scenes at the Marine Discovery Centre, hand-rearing injured sea turtles. Or join the Manta Trust experts to meet the world’s largest known population of manta rays.

Discover oceans of fun with the Maldives’ most extensive selection of watersports, including X-Jetblades and parasailing. Dive deep with expert PADI tuition, or ‘DeepFlight’, the world’s first three-person underwater flight experience – and cruise into the horizon aboard the three deck catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer.

For more ideas on where to travel with children, see our best resorts in the Maldives for families.

4. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa -  North Malé Atoll

Transfer to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa: 25 min speedboat from the airport.

Enjoy life in the slow lane at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. With its lagoon, surf and dive experts, private spa island, and conservation-focused Marine Discovery Centre, this secluded haven will put you in touch with the marine wonders all around.

This resort's spacious open-plan villas feature free-form plunge pools, outdoor terraces, stunning views over the sea, overwater hammocks, and more. From soaking up the rays on a daybed to stepping down into crystal clear waters for a spot of snorkelling, every moment invites luxurious laidback living.

With a thrilling range of activities – including shark snorkel safaris, dolphin cruises, caring for turtle hatchlings, sunset fishing, jet-ski tours, Robinson Crusoe island escapes, X-Jetblades, and stand-up paddle-boarding – the intergenerational fun never ends.

After the fun, relish fabulous feasting – enjoy award-winning Indian fare at Kerala-inspired Baraabaru; discover western and Asian favourites at Café Huraa and authentic Italian flavours at Reef Club; and head to Kandu Grill for mouth-wateringly fresh seafood and steak.

Find more inspiration for your holiday with our 10 best things to do in the Maldives!

5. Gili Lankanfushi - North Malé Atoll

Transfer to Crusoe Residences: 20 min speedboat ride from Male.

Being stranded in the ocean isn’t something that often conjures a luxurious holiday feeling -  but, the Cruseo Residences at Gili Lankanfushi do just that.

After arriving, you’ll take a private boat ride out into the water to one of seven overwater residences. Set over two floors, this gorgeous accommodation has plenty of space for you to enjoy, plus an outdoor deck with direct ocean access.  

Here, you can hang out in your overwater hammock reading a book, take a cooking class or take a dive into the deep blue with the diving team. Whatever takes your fancy, your time at the Crusoe Residence will leave you feeling renewed.  

Gili Lankanfushi is sensitive to its location and the biodiversity of flora and fauna that exist in the Atoll. With this in mind, the resort island does an annual check on the location to make sure that their sustainability initiatives keep the environment healthy. The water villas across the resort are created with sustainable or recycled materials, and they continue to minimise the amount of energy used.

One of the other draws of the gorgeous residences and the resort is the Meera Spa, this is the ideal location for you to get a spa treatments. Take part in yoga sessions that connect mind, body and spirit - you can even join in with a programme if the goal of your holiday is to de-stress.

6. Soneva Jani -Noonu Ato

Transfer to Soneva Jani: 45 min seaplane from Malé International Airport.

Revel in the beauty of the Maldives’ nature with a stay in the other-worldly Soneva Jani. Situated on a 5.6-kilometre private lagoon, you can soak up the rhythms of the five islands that make up this indulgent retreat.

Sovena Jani features spacious, private villas that welcome all from couples to multi-generational families and families with children. 55 villas are available, with some perched on top of the lagoon.

If you’re travelling with your little ones, the overwater villa is perfect for you. Boasting a slide, you can slip straight into the refreshing water of the Maldives from your villa. The overwater villas also feature its own private pool, where you can sit and look out at the crystal-clear waters with a drink in hand as the reflection of the moon dances off the waves. You can also enjoy slow mornings from your personal decking area and watch the sun rise with a morning brew.

Just steps from your villa, you and your loved ones can partake a range of outdoor activities on land. Be sure to use your complimentary bicycle or tricycle to explore the island.

If you'd like more ideas for your next luxury holiday to the Maldives, you can contact our Travel Specialists to hear more about the most stunning overwater villas.

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7 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Unlimited Luxury in the Maldives