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You’ve seen the blindingly beautiful Instagram posts of the best overwater bungalows at destination resorts across the globe, their aquamarine lagoons lapping at private step-down ladders that beckon towards what seems to be heaven on earth. From Fiji in the South Pacific to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to more unusual locales like Doha and Swedish Lapland, the popularity of these water villas has grown with such fervor that virtually every luxury hotel brand who is not yet in the game is in the midst of planning their entrance. Of note, Montage Cay and Banyan Tree Bimini Resort and Residences are breaking ground in the Bahamas; the Over Water Resort is in progress in Abu Dhabi; and both Aman and Bvlgari have recently announced their first forays in the Maldives.
Of course, the Maldives has long been regarded as ground zero for the most visually arresting waterscapes and over-the-top luxury accommodations. To wit, the tiny country boasts over 180 resorts alone, most of which reside on their own private islands, and checks the “10/10, truly exceptional” box in every consequential category—accommodations, amenities, hospitality, and a singular sense of place. Here, a look at the best overwater bungalows in the Maldives to add to your dream vacation list.
Joali
Have art, will travel! Joali’s founder Esin Güral Argat has masterfully carved out her own niche in the ultra-luxury Maldives landscape by weaving together art, gastronomy, and wellness through an immersive “joy of living” philosophy. The resort’s 73 villas—49 of which are one- to three-bedroom overwater bungalows—were constructed and designed by acclaimed Turkish firms Atolye4N and Autoban and lighting director Kerim Akarli, resulting in high-design spaces that feel both grand and intimately residential. Each water villa is a study in architectural precision: towering timber ceilings, hand-carved wooden panels, and curated artwork from the likes of John-Paul Philippe and Robert Montgomery create sophisticated interiors that would fit seamlessly into the pages of Architectural Digest.
Joali’s unique selling point, however, is its prominence as the Maldives’ first (and currently) only immersive art resort—its entire island serves as a living gallery, with interactive installations from international artists scattered throughout. You might stumble upon Porky Hefer’s manta ray-shaped treehouse-cum-meditation pod suspended over the water, or Misha Kahn s recycled-material underwater sculpture garden while snorkeling through the house reef. The resort’s commitment to artistry extends to its culinary program, where four venues—including one of the best restaurant restaurants in all of the Maldives, Saoke, which specializes in Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes and was designed by renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Studio Glitt—unite dining with performance art through novel presentations. The massages in the spa’s overwater treatment pavilions are top-notch—and should definitely be followed with a class at the yoga sanctuary at sunrise or sunset.
Room recommendations: The most coveted overwater villas are the Sunset Luxury Water Villas with Pools, or #58, #60, and #62, thanks to their immediate adjacency to a sandbank to which you can wade directly from your villa.
Insider tips: Have your jadugar (personal butler) book you a sunrise yoga session or private BBQ on the sand spit.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Cheval Blanc, LVMH’s ultra-luxe boutique hotel group, serves the hautest of the haut monde at its six locales worldwide: Paris, St. Tropez, St. Barth, Courchevel, the Seychelles, and Randheli—the sensational Maldives maison uniquely spread across six adjacent islands in the Noonu Atoll. Of the country’s few elite resorts, Randheli is the most architecturally sleek and modern, designed from the white sand up by renowned Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy. It’s an all-villa property and all 30 overwater villas sit on their own island connected via footbridge to the central hub, which is home to the resort’s gym (outfitted with Technogym equipment), a PADI 5-star certified dive center, teens’ club, kids’ club, watersports center and primary bars and restaurants, including the swanky, tasting-menu only Michelin-star Restaurant Le 1947, a wine “museum” and cigar lounge.
In other words, the resort feels like the world’s smallest, most posh private beach community of pied-à-terres, largely due to the deeply thoughtful design touches and high-touch service culture. Each villa is overseen by a majordome (French for butler), who coordinates your entire itinerary—including making restaurant reservations, spa appointments, or renting jet-skis—who is always just a Whatsapp text away. Plus, every water villa was built with a flexible open-space room layout that allows its various chambers—a formal living room, substantial bedroom, and oversized bathroom with separate powder room and dressing room—to be individually closed off for privacy with a quick swivel of pivot panels, or left wide open to maintain the vibe of a soaring loft.
You’ll likely spend a fair amount of time lounging in your 41-meter infinity pool and snoozing on the spacious sun deck but whenever you choose to go snorkeling, another unexpectedly delightful amenity will appear: A lifeguard accompanies you via jetski to ensure consummate safety, while maintaining a comfortable distance to preserve your privacy. The spa and padel and tennis courts occupy their own private islands nearby, and staff is always at the ready to give you a quick ride over via dhoni, the traditional wooden boat in the Maldives. If you want to professionally document any of your experiences—above or below water—in-house photographers are on hand to capture your boisterous sessions on the surf simulator, eFoil, jetsurfing, flyboarding, or racing jet skis around the lagoon.
Room recommendations: The overwater bungalows are delineated by four category types: Water Villas, Lagoon Villas, Garden Water Villas, and Lagoon Garden Villas. Because the views in the overwater villas on the eastern side of the islands are marred by a seawall, we recommend booking the overwater villas that face westward toward the lagoon for ideal seascapes: #18, #20, #22, #24, #26, #30, #32, #34, #36, #38, #40, #42, #43 and #46. (See map here.) We’re equally fans of the Island Villas thanks to their private beaches—we suggest splitting your time between a Water Villa and an Island Villa to experience the best of both worlds.
Insider tips: With a bevy of activities geared toward all ages, the resort is great for couples and families alike. This is the fanciest of all the islands and many “dress to impress,” especially when dining at Le 1947 which has an “island chic” dress code. While you can snorkel from your overwater bungalow, the best marine life action is at the two reefs around the spa island. A boat will pick you up from the main jetty and it’s a quick, two-minute ride to the spa island’s main pier, where you can easily (and safely) access the reefs. When you’re done, grab a fresh coconut and relax on the spa island’s pristine beach.
Kudadoo
“It’s the most insane ultra-all-inclusive,” says Fede Carnevale of Maldives Postcards, a Maldives travel specialist who has visited 35 resorts in the country over the last ten years. If your calling is a superlative all-inclusive, luxury resort in the Maldives, Kudadoo is unrivaled. Their motto is “anything, anytime, anywhere”—and they cheerfully deliver on the promise. Want your breakfast set up on the island’s private beach overlooking the lagoon one morning, served in bed the following day, and delivered on a floating tray in your villa’s infinity pool the next? Done.
Though you’ll find dozens of resorts in the Maldives that operate on an all-inclusive basis, the quality and service here is superlative. A private butler is assigned to every villa and happily organizes your agenda every day. In addition to unlimited food, beverages, and an exhaustive list of over 30 spa treatments (which can be arranged in-room by request), all water sports excursions are not only free but completely private. For example, if you go diving, it will just be you, the boat crew and instructor—with no time limit, which is not the case at most resorts. Here’s an abbreviated list of don’t-miss activities: A jet-ski excursion to a private sandbank to while away the afternoon with champagne, charcuterie, and a leisurely swim; a sunset dolphin cruise; blue light snorkeling at night; parasailing; kiteboarding; meditation classes; handline fishing on a dhoni; snorkeling around the island with sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and manta rays; sunrise paddleboarding. The 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio ensures that you’re constantly looked after and the resort itself feels very intimate and exclusive, given the mere 15 overwater bungalows—all of which were designed with spare, modern interiors by New York-based architectural firm Yuji Yamazaki Architecture PLLC and fanned out over a sandy lagoon.
Room recommendations: There are no bad rooms, per se, but our favorite is Ocean Residence #8 for its perfectly centered sightline views of the ocean. Residences on the western side have the best sunset views.
Insider tips: Ideal for active couples who plan to take advantage of the myriad activities on offer. If you’re a bird lover, consider visiting in autumn when various species—including the Ruddy Turnstone, Lesser Sand Plover, Temminck’s Stint, Common Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, and Bar-tailed Godwit—frequently stopover in Kudadoo (and surrounding islands) on their migratory journey south for the winter.
Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll
Smaller resorts bewitch with hyper-personalized service and semi-seclusion, but nothing trumps the singular sensation of commanding your very own five-acre private island—especially when it comes outfitted with a sublime overwater villa, house reef for snorkeling, 62-foot yacht with crew at the ready, private chef to whip up multiple spreads of your dreams, an overwater spa and every amenity under the sun for you and 21 of your nearest and dearest. Essentially, Voavah is a miniature five-star resort.
The main gathering spot is a 10,000 square feet, two-story clubhouse directly on the sand in the middle of the island with a dining room, library, gym, kitchen, extensive pool deck, and mezzanine loft-lounge with pool table. Nearby, a nearly 6,000 square feet, two-bedroom Water Villa with outdoor entertaining deck and 56-foot-long infinity pool is perched above the glistening lagoon at the end of its own pier. A sprawling 11,600 square feet, three-bedroom Beach Villa and two pools (one kid-friendly) are positioned on the other side of the clubhouse, and two Mezzanine Suites in the clubhouse offer additional sleeping quarters. On the backside of the island, you’ll find the overwater The Oceans of Consciousness Spa which offers custom body and face treatments utilizing UK-based organic skincare line, Ila. Take everyone snorkeling to see manta rays, hop aboard the Horizon E62 house yacht at sunset to go dolphin watching, and throw a monumental dinner party on your private beach. (You might be surprised to know that if all 22 guests chip in, the tab comes out to $2,273 per person per night, as the island costs $50,000/night with no nightly minimum—quite reasonable as far as luxury Maldives resort pricing goes.) As an added bonus, an additional ten friends can stay at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru resort (a 20-minute speedboat ride away) and hang out at Voavah until day’s end.
Soneva Secret 2024
The Maldives would not be on everyone’s bucket list today if not for Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva Malmström Shivdasani, the prescient hoteliers who opened the country’s very first luxury resort—Soneva Fushi, still going strong!—in 1995. Their “no news, no shoes” motto (symbolically underscored by welcoming guests with a personalized bag to slip their shoes into) and “barefoot luxury” concept catalyzed the enormous growth the country has experienced over the past thirty years.
Their latest gem, Soneva Secret 2024, is the most exclusive to date: a private island micro-resort with only eight overwater villas and six beach villas that’s completely off-the-beaten path—even by Maldives standards. Chosen specifically for its remote location, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, at the Northwesternmost point of the Maldives, there is no other landmass until Africa. “It took quite a while to find this location because our lagoon is isolated—the environment truly untouched and the marine life completely unspoiled—which is what makes it so special,” explains general manager Josje Van Engelen. “It gives the authentic Maldives experience as it was many, many years ago, before tourism really expanded,” she continues, noting that—unlike many resorts in the Maldives today—there is neither light pollution nor noise pollution because the few seaplanes and boats that arrive and depart are strictly for them. “The idea of Soneva Secret is to give our guests that authentic Maldivian experience where they really feel in the middle of nowhere, enjoying the best of life.”
The “best of life” is all but guaranteed here. For starters, these are the only lavish overwater villas we’ve ever encountered that are specifically designed as 360-degree open-air, zero-walled retreats that enable you to wake up every morning, completely at one with Mother Nature’s surroundings. (During inclement weather or simply per a guest’s request, the villas can be appropriately enclosed.) Hospitality here is fit for royalty: one butler, known as a “barefoot guardian,” along with one “barefoot assistant,” are designated to look after each villa, 24/7. Not only do they organize a bespoke itinerary for your entire stay and attend to your every last need, but they’ll also join in on any excursion you take (such as diving or snorkeling) simply to ensure that you’re well-tended to—in a natural, unobtrusive way.
As far as amenities go, you likely won’t experience this elsewhere: There’s an observatory and resident astronomer as well as a team of 14 specialty chefs (Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Maldivian, Italian, Indonesian, Mediterranean, South American, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, Nordic and a patissier) who are on-call 24/7 to whip up anything your stomach desires in the privacy of your own bungalow, complete with stories of the origins of the different dishes and recipes often handed down from grandmothers, mothers, or aunties. (However, there are also three, fantastic restaurants on the island if you do decide to leave your abode; one has its own zipline.)
Room recommendations: Each villa also has its own individual gym and spa treatment room, but you can’t go wrong with any of the five water villas (known as ‘Overwater Hideaways’), which all clock in at 4,962 feet, boast a private water slide, saltwater pool and offer both sunrise and sunset views. The true stand-outs are the Crusoe Villa and 2-bedroom Crusoe Reserve, the only freestanding overwater bungalows completely detached from the main island and set alone in the lagoon for next-level intimacy and “private island” views. Be on the lookout for the debut of their singular ‘Castaway Villa,’ a first-of-its-kind floating residence that can be moved and moored anywhere in the lagoon so you can experience a different view every day!
Insider tips: Best for couples and those looking for complete remoteness and privacy with hyper-attentive service. It takes a good week to synchronize with the spirit of the island, so kick back and forego overplanning or island hopping. Try the Castaway Picnic experience on a private sandbank with lunch, snorkeling gear, sunbeds, and umbrellas to while away the afternoon.
Velaa Private Island
If James Bond were to design a private island resort, Velaa would be it. With 18 overwater villas, this 47-villa property is a true luxury playground for sports buffs and oenophiles alike, boasting the Maldives’ only covered tennis court, a golf academy designed by Spanish pro José María Olazábal (complete with nine tees, six greens, seven bunkers and a swing studio), and the country’s largest wine collection housed in an iconic white tower. The collection of water toys would make Q Branch envious: eFoil boards, multiple types of jet skis, and the popular JetLev Flyer, a jetpack powered by water. The 18 Sunrise Water Pool Villas and Ocean Pool Houses were conceptualized by Czech architect Petr Kolar, who drew inspiration from sea turtles (‘velaa’ means ‘turtle island’ in the local Dhivehi language) while integrating Maldivian, contemporary, and Polynesian elements. Each overwater residence features a retractable roof above each bed for stargazing, infinity pool, and sundeck engineered at precise angles to ensure complete privacy from neighboring villas.
The culinary program is equally impressive, with three restaurants including Aragu, where Michelin-starred chef Gaushan de Silva presents modern European cuisine with an Asian twist. Their signature restaurant, Tavaru, resides in the aforementioned ivory tower—the 37-foot-high wine cellar contains over 1,000 bins of rare vintages! Eveylaa Wellbeing Village, the island’s comprehensive spa and holistic retreat, specializes in Ayurvedic protocols, osteopathic treatments, and integrative medicine. Spend a few sessions with Ayurvedic expert Dr. Peeyush Kumar for profoundly enlightening lessons about your body’s individual rhythms and internal needs for restoration.
Room recommendations: Ocean Pool House #30 sits at the end of the jetty and offers the most secluded location and unobstructed sunset view. For the ultimate privacy, splurge on The Romantic Residence, complete with a personal gym and an infinity pool that spans the entire length of the deck. Accessible only by boat, a personal butler arrives via a separate service entrance so as not to disturb the peace.
Insider tips: Ideal for active couples and families who want top-tier amenities with absolute privacy. Ocean enthusiasts should book the submarine excursion, which takes you up to 200 meters deep to explore the Noonu Atoll s rich marine life.
Anantara Kihavah
“It’s picture-perfect all-around,” says Carnevale of Anantara Kihavah. “Most islands have one side that is suboptimal, such as facing a local island. It can be disappointing if you spend all this money, show up and your view is obstructed,” he explains. “It’s very hard to find an island that is 100% beautiful 360 degrees but I found that here. It’s beautiful in every single corner.” Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll, Kihavah stands out for its natural beauty, excellent house reef, and what is widely considered the most aesthetically spectacular restaurant in the Maldives, SEA. Built directly into the edge of a vibrant reef, this underwater venue offers the surreal experience of dining among schools of tropical fish, reef sharks, and the occasional sea turtle.
Kihavah is dedicated to marine experiences that capitalize on its position within the Biosphere Reserve. The house reef, accessible directly from the overwater villas, teems with such abundant marine life that the resort developed an app to help guests identify the various species they encounter. For those seeking deeper exploration, the resort offers a PADI-certified dive center and a trilogy of aquatic experiences they call Ocean Wanderlust —swimming with manta rays, diving with whale sharks, and cruising with dolphins.
Room recommendations: #200, #205 and #215. A sunset category room isn’t necessary because none of the overwater villas face the sunset directly; they are only partial sunset facing.
Insider tips: Great for couples and families alike. Book SEA restaurant for lunch rather than dinner—the natural sunlight provides better marine life visibility and makes for more impressive photos. During manta ray season (June to November), book the resort s Manta on Call service—they’ll alert you when mantas are spotted nearby and whisk you out to snorkel with them.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru has mastered the delicate balance between indulgent luxury and meaningful marine conservation. It also happens to have one of the most strikingly gorgeous lagoons in the Maldives. The resort’s 103 villas—inclusive of 40 water villas designed by Sri Lankan architect Murad Ismail—are spread across a 44-acre island that s home to one of the country’s most ambitious marine research and conservation centers. The Marine Discovery Centre, led by a team of marine biologists, spearheads vital coral reef restoration projects and operates a sea turtle rehabilitation facility where guests can "adopt" and track rescued turtles. Also of note is their Eastern-focused, holistic approach to wellness—the three-acre spa complex features an ayurvedic retreat that s more reminiscent of an Indian palace than a typical resort spa. Here, Ayurvedic physicians provide personalized consultations and create bespoke treatment programs that can span your entire stay.
Room Recommendations: We only recommend overwater villas #414–#420 at the end of the jetty on the sunset side, as the views on the sunrise side are marred by sea walls. We also recommend splitting your time between an overwater villa and beach villa (#221–#226), as the private beaches are also stellar.
Insider tips: Ideal for wellness enthusiasts and families seeking educational experiences alongside luxury. If you visit between June and October, make it a point to check out manta rays feeding in Hanifaru Bay (the resort s Manta-on-Call service will alert you when they’re spotted nearby). Request a session with one of the resort’s marine biologists to participate in their coral reef restoration program—you can transplant your own coral frame and track its growth online long after your departure.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Positioned at the remote southern edge of the Maldives in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Raffles is specifically our top recommendation for hardcore marine enthusiasts who want to dive and snorkel in what many consider the best atoll for encountering specialty seagrass meadows and sea life that include some 1,200 types of fish (including parrotfish and Napoleon), multiple types of hard and soft coral and most notably, whale sharks. Those who stay in one of the 16 water villas are in for a unique experience, as the resort is split across two islands: a main island—where you’ll find the dive center, beach villas, public pool, spa, gym, Thari and Faru restaurants and Long Bar—and an adjacent island exclusively for overwater villa guests that’s just a two-minute boat ride away. The house reef is particularly special—you’re practically guaranteed to spot sea turtles, reef sharks, and occasionally eagle rays directly from your villa s deck. In-house marine biologists lead guided snorkeling tours of the reef and can arrange encounters with the resident hawksbill and green sea turtles. Hilariously, the overwater fitness center features Technogym equipment positioned so you can watch parrotfish dart beneath you while you work out.
Room recommendations: Overwater Villas #25–27 on the sunrise side have a comfortable, sandy seafloor on which to step down, as opposed to other villas whose floors have some coral. Avoid those closest to the arrival jetty, as they’re not as private and you’ll consistently hear passenger boats coming and going. If you stay for at least a week, split your time between a water villa and ocean villa (ocean villa #1, specifically)!
Insider tips: This resort is way off the beaten path and specifically suited for marine enthusiasts who’ll appreciate the pristine house reef and are making the pilgrimage to get up close and personal with whale sharks. Time your visit between February and April when the sea is calmest and visibility is exceptional.