The Overwater Villas I'd Actually Book in the Maldives
Let me be honest: the Maldives is expensive. Comically expensive. The kind of place where a bottle of water costs more than your morning coffee back home, and "budget-friendly" still means several hundred dollars a night.
But here's the thing — if you're going to do it, do it right. Because there's a massive difference between a basic overwater bungalow and the villas that actually justify their price tags. I've stayed at enough of them to know which ones are worth the splurge and which ones are just pretty pictures.
This isn't every resort in the Maldives. This is where I'd actually spend my money.
The Icon: Soneva Jani
Let's start with the one everyone's seen on Instagram — the villa with the water slide that drops straight into the lagoon. That's Soneva Jani, and yes, it's as ridiculous and wonderful as it looks.
But the water slide isn't even the best part.
What makes Soneva Jani special is how they've taken luxury and made it feel... playful. The villas have retractable roofs over the bedrooms so you can sleep under the stars. There's a 24-hour ice cream and chocolate room (yes, really). The kids' club is built like a pirate ship. And the whole place has this barefoot luxury vibe that somehow makes you feel like a very spoiled castaway.
I stayed in a three-bedroom water reserve, which is absurd for one person but it meant I had space to actually live in the villa rather than just sleep there. The overwater net for sunbathing. The infinity pool overlooking the lagoon. The outdoor bathroom where you shower while watching the sunset.
The details:
- Book: The Water Retreats with slides if you want the full experience. The island villas are beautiful but you lose that overwater magic.
- Why it's special: The retractable roof. Falling asleep watching stars over the Indian Ocean is genuinely unforgettable.
- Don't miss: Dinner at the overwater observatory. You eat while the sun sets, then they pull back the floor panels so you can watch manta rays swim below.
- The reality: It's huge. Getting around requires a buggy or bicycle. This isn't intimate; it's a full resort experience.
Worth it? If you want the most "Maldives" version of the Maldives — the water slides, the stars, the playful luxury — absolutely.
The Sustainable Luxury: Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses is the resort I recommend when people want luxury with a conscience. They were doing sustainability before it became a marketing buzzword, and you feel it everywhere — the organic gardens, the water bottled on-site, the coral regeneration projects you can actually participate in.
But what I love about Six Senses Laamu is that it doesn't compromise on the experience. The overwater villas are stunning, each with a private pool and direct lagoon access. The spa is world-class (they do a sunrise yoga session on the deck that's worth waking up for). And the food is genuinely excellent, which isn't always a given at Maldives resorts.
The marine biologist on staff takes you on snorkeling trips to see mantas and turtles. The sunset dolphin cruise is magic. And if you're into diving, this is one of the best locations in the Maldives for it.
The details:
- Book: A Laamu Water Villa with Pool. The views are spectacular and you're far enough from the main area to feel private.
- Why it's special: You can feel good about staying here. The sustainability isn't performative — it's genuine.
- Don't miss: The ice cream parlor (they make everything fresh daily) and the cinema under the stars.
- The vibe: Relaxed, barefoot luxury. No pretense, just quality.
Worth it? If sustainability matters to you and you don't want to compromise on luxury, this is the one.
The Romantic Hideaway: Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is Jani's older, more intimate sibling. Where Jani is playful and showy, Fushi is private and understated. This is the original "no news, no shoes" resort, and it's still one of the best for couples who actually want to disconnect.
The overwater villas here are spectacular — massive spaces with direct water access, outdoor bathrooms, and that same retractable roof that makes Soneva special. But what sets Fushi apart is the scale. It's smaller, quieter, and feels more like a private island than a resort.
I spent a week here doing absolutely nothing and it was perfect. Reading by the pool, long dinners at the overwater restaurant, spa treatments that lasted half a day. This is where you come when you need to fully reset.
The details:
- Book: A Water Retreat with slide if you can. The experience is worth the upgrade.
- Why it's special: The privacy. You can go days without seeing other guests if you want.
- Don't miss: Cinema Paradiso — an outdoor movie theater where they show films on the beach. It's absurdly romantic.
- The difference from Jani: Smaller, more intimate, better for couples who want privacy over amenities.
Worth it? For honeymoons or serious couple time, absolutely. This is peak romance.
The Show-Stopper: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
St. Regis knows how to make an entrance. The overwater villas here are jaw-dropping — especially the John Jacob Astor Estate, which is the resort's most extravagant option and basically your own private island estate on stilts.
But even the standard overwater villas are special. Each has a private pool, an overwater hammock, and these massive windows that make you feel like you're floating in the middle of the ocean. The design is sleek and modern in a way that feels different from other Maldives resorts.
What I love about St. Regis is the service. The champagne sabering ceremony at sunset (every evening, without fail). The butler service that's actually useful rather than awkward. The attention to detail that makes you feel genuinely taken care of.
The Iridium Spa is incredible — treatments are done in overwater pavilions with glass floors so you can watch fish swim below while you get a massage. And Cargo, their wine cellar and private dining concept, is one of the best food experiences I've had in the Maldives.
The details:
- Book: The Overwater Villas with Pool are spectacular. The John Jacob Astor Estate if money is truly no object.
- Why it's special: The glamour. This is polished, sophisticated luxury.
- Don't miss: Dinner at Cargo. The wine cellar is serious, and the sommelier knows what they're doing.
- The vibe: Elegant, refined, a bit more formal than Soneva but in a way that feels special.
Worth it? If you want to feel spoiled in the most glamorous way possible, yes.
The Design Statement: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria is the most architecturally interesting resort I've stayed at in the Maldives. The overwater villas are stunning — contemporary design with these incredible curved lines, private pools, and outdoor showers that make you feel like you're in a design magazine.
The resort itself is spread across three islands, connected by bridges and boat rides, which gives it this sense of exploration. There are 11 restaurants and bars, each with its own distinct personality. You could eat at a different place every night for over a week.
I particularly loved Terra, their overwater restaurant, and the spa, which is built around wellness and healing practices from around the world. The aquatic therapy pool, the salt inhalation room, the mindfulness garden — it's a full experience.
The details:
- Book: The Reef Overwater Villa with Pool. Modern, spacious, and those ocean views are unbeatable.
- Why it's special: The design. Every detail feels considered and beautiful.
- Don't miss: The sunset cruise on their luxury yacht. It's included with longer stays and genuinely special.
- The food: With 11 dining options, you won't get bored. Terra and Yasmeen are my favorites.
Worth it? If you appreciate design and want variety in your dining, absolutely.
The Classic: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives is famous for one thing: the underwater restaurant. Ithaa sits five meters below the Indian Ocean, and dining there is surreal — you're literally surrounded by marine life while you eat. It's expensive, it's touristy, but it's also genuinely incredible.
Beyond Ithaa, Conrad is solid luxury. The overwater villas are spacious and well-designed, with glass floor panels in the living rooms so you can watch fish swim below. The sunset water villas are positioned perfectly for golden hour. And the spa has an overwater treatment room that's worth booking.
What I appreciate about Conrad is consistency. It's not trying to be the most innovative or the most exclusive — it just does luxury well. The beaches are beautiful, the staff is excellent, the food is good, and everything works smoothly.
The details:
- Book: The Sunset Water Villa. The location is perfect for those evening views.
- Why it's special: Ithaa. Dining underwater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Don't miss: Obviously, Ithaa. Book the lunch sitting — it's slightly less expensive and the fish are more active.
- The vibe: Polished, professional, classic Maldivian luxury.
Worth it? If you want the underwater restaurant experience and reliable luxury, yes.
The Party Option: Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton on Fari Islands is for when you want luxury but also want a scene. This is the most social of the high-end Maldives resorts, with a beach club vibe, excellent restaurants, and a younger, more energetic crowd.
The overwater villas are beautiful — contemporary design, private infinity pools, and these massive decks for sunbathing. But what sets the Ritz apart is the energy. There's a proper beach club with DJs, multiple bars, and a vibe that feels more Mediterranean than typical Maldives.
The spa is exceptional (Ritz always gets spas right), and the Kids Ritz program is apparently one of the best in the Maldives if you're traveling with family. But where this resort really shines is in creating a social atmosphere that most Maldives resorts don't have.
The details:
- Book: The Overwater Villa with Pool. Modern, spacious, and perfect for enjoying the social scene.
- Why it's special: The energy. If you want luxury but don't want complete isolation, this is it.
- Don't miss: The beach club on weekends. It's the closest thing to a party scene you'll find in the Maldives.
- The food: Summer Pavilion (Cantonese) is excellent. Arabesque is good for Mediterranean.
Worth it? If you're younger, social, or traveling with a group, absolutely.
What to Know Before You Book
Transfers Are Expensive
Getting to these resorts isn't cheap. Seaplane transfers can cost $500+ per person each way. Some resorts require speedboats plus domestic flights. Factor this into your budget — it can add thousands to your trip cost.
All-Inclusive vs. Bed & Breakfast
Most Maldives resorts offer both. Here's what I've learned:
- All-inclusive makes sense if you plan to drink, do water sports, and eat every meal at the resort. It can actually save money.
- Bed & breakfast works if you're careful about extras and maybe skip a meal here and there. But it adds up fast — a beer can be $15, cocktails $20+.
I usually do all-inclusive at places like Six Senses and Soneva where the food is excellent and the activities are worth it.
The Weather Window
November to April is the dry season and the best time to go. May to October is rainy season, which means better deals but also the possibility of storms and cloudy days.
I've been during both. Dry season is safer. Rainy season can still be beautiful if you're willing to gamble a bit for the savings.
What Actually Costs Extra
Even at all-inclusive resorts, expect to pay for:
- Premium wines and spirits
- Spa treatments
- Excursions (diving, private cruises, dolphin trips)
- Private dining experiences
- Transfers to/from the resort
Read the fine print. "All-inclusive" means different things at different resorts.
The One I'd Book Right Now
If you're asking me where I'd go tomorrow? Soneva Fushi.
Jani gets all the Instagram attention, but Fushi has the intimacy, the romance, and that perfect balance of luxury and barefoot relaxation that makes the Maldives special. The overwater villas are spectacular, the service is impeccable, and it's still the best place I've found to completely disconnect.
But honestly? You can't go wrong with any of these. The Maldives does luxury better than almost anywhere else. You're sleeping over the ocean, swimming in water so clear it doesn't look real, and eating under the stars. Pick the vibe that suits you and just go.
The Maldives is one of those places you'll never regret spending money on. Trust me.
Planning a Maldives trip? I'm always happy to help. Find me on Instagram — I actually respond to DMs and love talking about these resorts.
— Teona x