While the Maldives is certainly known as a honeymoon and sunshine filled holiday destination, the country also impresses with very good surf spots at a variety of locations throughout the entire archipelago. If you decide to focus your entire trip on surfing in the Maldives then you might want to contact a tour operator that specializes in those types of trips, but if you're looking to surf for a few days as part of your trip then you've come to the right place.

Most of the water villa resorts on private islands in the Maldives offer wind-surfing alongside diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing, but only a limited number have, what most people would consider proper, surf beaches on their islands or very nearby. The water villa resorts that offer surfing are listed below, and fortunately for us, they come in all sorts of price ranges. The best surf is said to be at the Chaaya Island Dhonveli, which is the cheapest on the list as well. Others are in the moderate or luxury price categories, so there's a great choice for every budget.

Contents [Show]

Surf seasons in the Maldives

The Maldives islands are spread out over thousands of kilometers, with some that are actually located below the equator, and you’ll find that the surf season peaks at different times in different places. For the most part, you’ll find that the peak season in the North Malé Atoll, which is where most of the region’s resorts are located, is April through October.

 

In the Outer Atolls, the peak season usually goes from February through April as well as September through November.

 

The surf is notably dead during the months of December and January, so if you are coming during those months (which tend to be the busiest as well as the most expensive) then you might not be getting conditions good enough to make it worthwhile.


Maldives water villa resorts with surfing

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

  • Water villas: 60
  • Total rooms/suites: 115

 

With 60 water villas (in two different classes) that go alongside 55 island rooms and suites, the Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort offers popular all-inclusive meal plans that offer an excellent value. The surfing beach here is supposed to be among the best in the region, and certainly one of the very best of those attached to private-island resorts. In fact, this particular resort is world famous for its surfing, making it a hot spot for those chasing waves.

 

This is also one of the few resorts that has reliable nightlife in addition to a Maldivian culture show. The modest prices help seal the deal for the right crowd, so it should be a top choice for surfers and those who aren’t coming to the Maldives to simply read a novel on a deck chair.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,226 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,226 per night
>More information about the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives >Check rates

Sun Island Resort & Spa – Maldives

  • Water villas: 68
  • Total rooms/suites: 426

 

This is the largest private-island resort in the Maldives, with 68 water villas among the 426 total rooms. A resort of this size has some real advantages, and in this case one of the advantages is a surfing beach. What’s really special about this is that most resorts in the area (at the smallest ones) barely have room for a beach at all.

 

The water villas here are on the small side, however, with that said, they are still quite roomy compared to a city hotel, and the modest price is one of the better values in the Maldives. Most guests who stay here opt for the all-inclusive plan, but there are other plans that are an even better value for people who don’t drink or who prefer to sick dining on rich buffet food around the clock. Those who come here to surf will find that surfing spots are very easy to reach. In addition, there are special surfing trips that can be arranged any time during your stay.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$356 per night
  • High season online specials from US$446 per night
>More information about the Sun Island Resort & Spa – Maldives >Check rates

Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives

  • Water villas: 40
  • Total rooms/suites: 40

 

For visitors who really like the idea of having their own personal butler included in the room rate, the Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas Resort is a perfect choice. The surfing beach here offers both rentals and lessons in addition to a perfect left venturing down the entire side of the island, but that’s only one aspect of this luxurious hotel with 40 lovely water villas.

 

The whole place was remodeled in 2009, so it feels much more modern than many others do in its price category. Each water villa is quite large, and they offer a long list of daytime activities and water sports in addition to the surfing, so this is a great choice for active travelers.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,300 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,403 per night
>More information about the Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives >Check rates

Robinson Club Maldives

  • Water villas: 25
  • Total rooms/suites: 101

 

Primarily an all-inclusive hotel, the Robinson Club Maldives is a great 4-star resort that plays host to 25 huge water villas. What makes these water villas even more impressive is the fact that they each come with their own Jacuzzi. The resort is German-run, and therefore extremely popular with Germans, which could be good or bad news depending on your own preferences.

 

In addition the the water villas, there are 76 beach bungalows, making it  so that the Robinson Club is large enough to offer many other activities, including fantastic scuba diving. The lagoon villas here are notably on the larger side, but for families there is also a Lagoon Suite on the end that comes with 2 bedrooms and a private pool on the sundeck. If you’re interested in surfing, but have yet to try the sport you’ll also have access to surfing lessons in addition to surfing itself.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$450 per night
  • High season online specials from US$620 per night
>More information about the Robinson Club Maldives >Check rates

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives

  • Water villas: 60
  • Total rooms/suites: 142

 

In the case of the Shangri-La Villingili Resort,  the on-site surfing beach is only one small part of the charms of this place. The 60 water villas here are each as big as the house you grew up in, assuming you grew up in a pretty big house. If you’re interested, you can also book surfing vacation packages here that offer 2 hours of surfing everyday, making it a paradise for many.

 

Another thing you’ll want to note about this particular resort is the remote location which is actually south of the Equator and about 600 kilometers away from the main airport. The good news is that there is an airport that can handle private planes just an 8-minute speedboat ride away, so this is a popular option for those who lease or own their own planes.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$961 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,398 per night
>More information about the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives >Check rates

Ayada Maldives Resort

  • Water villas: 50
  • Total rooms/suites: 62

 

A relatively new resort, the Ayada Maldives Resort has gotten a lot of attention for its 50 ultra-luxurious and huge water villas, all of which are designed in a Turkish theme. There’s a nice surfing beach here as well as a traditional hammam (Turkish bath).

 

The location of this resort is quite remote so it does requires a charter flight and then a speedboat ride to reach the island, but that seclusion is a big plus for the high-end visitors who are booking at the Ayada Resort. Surfing wise, you’ll find that great breaks are only a short boat ride away. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s perfect for a select group.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,185 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,490 per night
>More information about the Ayada Maldives Resort >Check rates

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

  • Water villas: 42
  • Total rooms/suites: 96

 

With 42 water villas set over a beautiful and enticing lagoon, the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Maldives is one of the most famous and photogenic of the resorts in this region. The surfing beach isn’t as extensive as some others are on this list, but it is there and lessons and rentals are available to paying guests. In fact, guests will also find that there are surfing cruises available. If you’re really exciting about taking a surfing vacation, you’ll want to consider on of these cruises.

 

Those familiar with the Four Seasons name certainly know that this is a 5-star deluxe resort with all the trimmings, and with that, a price to match. The water villas here come in several different categories and you’ll find that the cheapest of them are relatively small for this price category, but people who prefer a chain like the Four Seasons will likely be satisfied knowing they’ll get the amazing service they are known for.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$2,218 per night
  • High season online specials from US$2,218 per night
>More information about the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa >Chec rates

Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

  • Water villas: 40
  • Total rooms/suites: 102

 

A small surfing beach might seem out of place for this sister resort to the one mentioned just above, but again, the people at Four Seasons enjoy offering the best of everything. The 40 water villas at the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Givaavaru are all quite large, and prices are a bit higher than the other resort, as you’d expect.

 

You’ve got 7 restaurants and bars to choose from, as well as a world-class spa that is located over the water itself. There’s also great scuba diving and snorkeling, in addition to 5-star service that’s presented from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,380 per night
  • High season online specials from US$2,893 per night
>More information about the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru >Chec rates
RELATED POSTS
16 Best Overwater Bungalows And Water Villa Resorts In The World
Meeru Island Resort: Pro Detailed Review With Videos & Photos
Honeymoon Resorts: Choose The Perfect Overwater Hotel
6 thoughts on "Honeymoon resorts: Choose the perfect overwater hotel"

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All Comments

  2. There are 4 of us that would like to depart Seattle and get to Sunshine in January. We were thinking Bora Bora but are wide open. I was wondering if there are any water bungalows that accommodate 4 people but are still affordable?

    Reply

    1. Theresa,

      Most of the Bora Bora resort hotels allow 3 guests per room, but I’ve only heard about a couple that allow 4, and those are the super expensive ones that go for close to US$2,000 per night.

      The option that might work are the so-called Brando overwater bungalows, which are privately run and not part of a resort. A couple of them have two bedrooms and they are actually more reasonably priced. Good luck! -Roger

      Reply

  3. Hi, there is 5 of us wanting to stay closest to Jacksonville Florida (Mom not doing well). That has the bungalows over the water, but HAS to be clear water? Can you help me? I am a disabled vet, and they wanted to do this for me. Thank you, Lisa🌞

    Reply

    1. Lisa,

      The closest real overwater bungalows to Florida are in Jamaica at two different Sandals resorts, but the water isn’t turquoise like it is in Bora Bora and the Maldives. Unfortunately Florida is pretty much half a world away from the ones with clear water. The closest are probably in Tahiti, but if you go there you might as well go to Moorea, which is right next door. -Roger

      Reply