With nearly 80 Maldives resorts that feature overwater villas, it's rarely easy to find the one that suits you best. Just because a hotel has a high rack rate doesn't 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 high at any of them, but some deliver on the super-luxury promise far better than others, and those are listed below. 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 water bungalows with luxury amenities, but at the best resorts it’s the service that make them stand out from the pack. In many of these 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 area. They have 30 water villas 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 with high-end amenities, some of which are a private in-villa wine chiller and bar, an espresso machine and a bathtub with a view of the sea beyond.

 

The excellent diving and snorkeling here as well as its convenient location only 20 minutes by speedboat from the main airport add to its charms, but it’s really all about the service. The Baros Resort gets amazing reviews and a constant stream of repeat guests, so considering they are among the more expensive options, you know they are doing something right here.

 

  • 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, where most guests happily go barefoot for days at a time. Among the 45 water villas here is by far the largest in the world at 1400 square meters, and 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 rather than 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 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 stunning and unique island, the One & Only Maldives offers 32 water villas in small clusters set off at angles for maximum privacy. There are 118 island rooms as well, each with its own strip of beach, and everything is 5-star plus throughout. The One & Only resort chain is known for super-luxury properties and the finest service, for those who can afford it.

 

All the water villas are huge and each comes with a personal villa host to attend to your every need. The largest two are much larger and come with a private pool out on the terrace. All of the suites feature air conditioning, a private bar and a split level deck to enjoy. Guest reviews here are overwhelmingly positive, which isn’t always the case in this price category, so it’s obvious that One & Only are very serious about their goal of creating the best experiences for all guests.

 

  • 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 that is billed as the Maldives first and only resort south of the Equator, 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 are among the best in the Maldives, and guests 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 though also very popular with the honeymoon crowd, making it a multifaceted resort. Among its best features is its close proximity to a small airport where private planes can land, so it’s very popular for those with access to their own aircraft.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$825 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,065 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 huge water villas at the Kanuhura Resort comes with its own private villa host, so amazing service is virtually guaranteed. There are 75 island rooms and suites, and everything on the property is a serious 5-star in quality, including the unique Kandu restaurant on its own private islet in the lagoon.

 

You can count on excellent diving and snorkeling plus 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 an actual nightclub, the Kanuhara Island Resort offers fantastic variety for fewer than 100 guest rooms.

 

  • 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

 

Actually set on two private islands that are connected by a long elevated walking path, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort offers a rare adults-only area on one island for those who’d prefer a kids-free environment. There are 71 water villas and 79 additional 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.

 

The water villas here come in a variety of sizes and configurations, with many including their own outdoor spa tub or a plunge pool. Among the other luxurious novelties here are the world’s only all-glass undersea restaurant and an overwater restaurant and an overwater spa.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$568 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,492 per night
>More information about the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island >Check rates
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4 thoughts on "Maldives overwater villas for 4 guests in one room"

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    1. Roger,

      I would think so, but I don’t have a list of the wheelchair-friendly places. All of the Maldives islands are flat and the overwater bungalows are all on flat docks. I’d think that nearly all resorts are wheelchair friendly so I’d say choose a resort and then just make sure once you’ve decided. Best of luck! -Roger

      Reply

  2. I have a question and a comment.

    Question – Is there a place to find discount codes or pay for 2 days get 3 days discounts?

    Comment – Any chance you could consider adding a category “Best Resorts with sand (only) surrounding the villa’s (no rocks so you can easily walk around). And maybe water level that is not over your head. For Reference I stayed in Bora Bora at the Pearl resort and LOVED it because the sand around the villa’s was wonderful and easy to walk on without rocks and coral and the water was only chest high. Just curious.

    Reply

    1. David,

      I’m not aware of any discounts like that. In fact, since some resorts have remained closed since the pandemic, many of the others have raised prices quite a bit. So finding one that are only charging their rates from two years ago is difficult.

      That is an interesting suggestion for an article. I think it would be tough to research though. The resorts I’ve been to in different parts of the world all have different high tide and low tide levels that can make swimming much better or impossible. At least the conditions are nice for big parts of the day in most cases. I’ll look more into this. -Roger

      Reply