With nearly 80 Maldives resorts that feature overwater villas, it's not easy to find the one that suits you the best. Just because a hotel has a high rate doesn't automatically mean that it's one of the best out there, so we've gone through all of them to create a list of the absolute best of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives to help you find the best for you.

The majority of the overwater bungalow resorts in the Maldives are 4-star or 5-star, so expectations tend to be pretty high with any of them. However, there are some that deliver on the super-luxury promise a little better (and sometimes far better) than others. We keep a list of all of the most luxurious Maldives resorts for those who have the time to spend the time researching a great number of them.

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The best resorts have amazing service and an exclusive feel

All of the private-island resorts listed below feature very large overwater bungalows with that specialize in luxury amenities, but at the best resorts it’s the service that make them stand out from the pack. Each water villa has a private host assigned to them upon arrival who will accommodate you however possible, including arranging restaurant reservations and activities.

On top of all of this the finest luxury resorts also offer a sense of something special that you can’t get at the crowded resorts and their buffet restaurants. All of the hotels listed below get among the very best guest reviews in the Maldives, so they offer excellent value on top of everything else listed.


Best super-luxury resorts in the Maldives

Baros Resort – Maldives

  • Water villas: 30
  • Total rooms/suites: 75

 

Arguably the most famous overwater villa resort in the Maldives, Baros Island invented the 5-star style in this particular region. Here you’ll find 30 water villas that are beautifully set in a semi-circle in the lagoon for maximum privacy, in addition to 45 island rooms and suites. Each water villa is quite large and filled to the brim with high-end amenities. A short list of them would include a private in-villa wine chiller and bar, an espresso machine, and a bathtub that offers a stunning view of the sea.

 

The excellent diving and snorkeling here is also well loved, along with the resort’s convenient location, but it’s really all about the service. The Baros Resort receives amazing reviews and a constant stream of repeat guests.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,540 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,826 per night
>More information about the Baros Resort – Maldives >Check rates

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort

  • Water villas: 45
  • Total rooms/suites: 45

 

A different kind of luxury, the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives (formerly known as Soneva Gili by Six Senses) resort is designed for comfort and privacy. In fact, you’ll likely see guests walking around barefoot for most or all of their vacation here. If you’re looking for an extremely large water villa, you’ll be happy to know that the largest in the world resides here. This particularly massive villa comes in at 1400 sure meter. There are 7 others along with that one that are only accessible by boat. These are some reasons many celebrities choose this resort when in the Maldives.

 

Even the smaller classes of overwater villas are enormous with multiple levels, but it’s important to note that they are built with many outdoor areas so guests can relax in the warm tropical breezes instead of only in an air conditioned bedroom area. The summer low-season online specials at this resort make it one of the best luxury bargains in the Maldives, if not the entire world.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,262 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,956 per night
>More information about the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort >Check rates

One & Only Reethi Rah – Maldives

  • Water villas: 32
  • Total rooms/suites: 150

 

A uniquely stunning island, the One & Only Maldives offers a total of 32 water villas that are postioned in small clusters set off at angles that allow for maximum privacy. There are 118 island rooms as well, each with its very own strip of beach. The One & Only resort chain is also known for super-luxury properties and the finest service.

 

All the water villas here are very large and each come with a personal villa host to attend to your every need. The largest two are much larger than the other villas and impress with a private pool out on the private terrace. However, no matter the size, all of the suites feature air conditioning, a private bar, and a split level deck to enjoy. Guest reviews here are overwhelmingly positive, which is a great sign.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$2,710 per night
  • High season online specials from US$3,720 per night
>More information about the One & Only Reethi Rah – Maldives >Check rates

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives

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

 

With a very remote location, the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort is a newer 5-star property with 60 huge ovewater villas in addition to nearly 90 island rooms and suites. The diving and snorkeling here are noted as among the best in The Maldives. In addition guests constantly rave about the absolute beauty of the island itself.

 

With 5 restaurants and bars as well as a long list of activities of all types, this resort is great for families. With that said, it’s also very popular with the honeymoon crowd, making it a multifaceted resort. Among its best features is the close proximity to a small airport where private planes can land. Because of this it’s very popular for those with access to their own aircraft.

 

  • 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

Kanuhura Resort – Maldives

  • Water villas: 20
  • Total rooms/suites: 95

 

Each of the 20 large water villas at the Kanuhura Resort comes with its own private villa host, which is a cherished part of one’s stay here. There are 75 island rooms and suites, and everything on the property is 5-star in quality, including the unique Kandu restaurant which happens to be situated on its own private islet in the lagoon.

 

You can also look forward to excellent diving and snorkeling in addition to a large variety of other water sports options, and even an attended Kids Club, making this one of the better luxury choices for families. With a total of 9 different restaurants and bars plus a nightclub, the Kanuhara Island Resort offers lots of great variety.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,320 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,611 per night
>More information about the Kanuhura Resort – Maldives >Check rates

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

  • Water villas: 71
  • Total rooms/suites: 150

 

Set on two private islands that are connected to each other via a long elevated walking path, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort offers a rare adults-only area on one island. This is a great thing for those who’d prefer a kids-free environment, such as a honeymooning couple. There are 71 water villas and 79 additional land based rooms in total, each appointed as you’d expect for this luxurious wing of the Hilton Hotels chain with Wi-Fi, an entertainment system, room service, ocean view baths, and more.

 

Here, you’ll find that the water villas come in a variety of sizes and layout configurations, with many including their own outdoor spa tub or a small, yet very nice, plunge pool. Among the other luxurious novelties here are the world’s only all-glass undersea restaurant, an overwater restaurant, and an overwater spa.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,059 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,737 per night
>More information about the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island >Check rates
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14 thoughts on "Editor’s Choice: 6 Best Maldives water-villa resorts with private pools"

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  1. Hi There

    My partner and I are looking for a water bungalow in the Maldives for 5 nights for a honey moon, can you recommend any that has surfing close by

    Shane

    Reply

  2. Hi Roger, my fiance and I are looking to book an water villa for our honeymoon in August. There is such a huge choice. We are tossing up between Baros and Huvafen Fushi. We would like something ultra romantic and luxurious as we will be only going for 5 nights. Can you give your recommendation on the two above or suggest another resort that we might enjoy honeymooning at? Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    1. R&R,

      Unfortunately I’ve yet to make it to either of those resorts (there are about 90 Maldives resorts with water villas), but I do know from studying the market for all of these years that those are two of the best in general, and the best for honeymoons. Baros is one of the original water villa resorts and it’s a bit closer to the airport than Huvafen Fushi, but both have been updated fairly recently. I’m sure either one would be amazing, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help. -Roger

      Reply

  3. hello

    could you advise about a luxurious 5* resort that offers overwater or beach villas with pools villas with pools that are completely private/secluded (not seen by anyone from outside). if all inclusive would be better thanks!

    Reply

  5. Hi, I can’t see the name of W Resort & Spa. How do you rate this hotel as this property shows overwater villas with private pool

    Reply

  6. Hi Roger

    Could you please suggest an over water villa resort in the month of November with open bathrooms, private jaccuzzi for the perfect honeymoon and which is not very expensive.

    Reply

  7. Hi Roger

    Could you please suggest an over water villa resort/ hotel in the month of April (last week) with standard size rooms, open bathrooms, private jaccuzzi etc which leads to a super romantic getaway and which is not very expensive.

    Reply

    1. Neha,

      Sorry I saw this late. These were the best Maldives deals for April, including a couple of really nice ones at appealing rates. Hopefully you can still get in on one of those. -Roger

      Reply

  8. halo. i am doing research for my annual holiday. May i know if there is a list of water-villa resorts with private pools which offer all-inclusive package? (inclusive of 3 meals and alcoholic drinks all day). I understand that lily beach resort offer that, may i know which are the ones offering too?

    Reply

    1. Dan,

      I am not sure of the specific resorts with private pools that also do all inclusive, but I’m sure there are quite a few. You might check out the main article on Maldives all inclusive resorts and find ones you like. I’m sure at least a few of them have private pool villas as well. Good luck. -Roger

      Reply