With around 100 different water-villa resorts in the Maldives to choose from, you'll find that the overwater villas here are spread out throughout the entire island nation. You'll also note that most of the oldest resorts opened up near the main international airport. On the other hand, most of the newer resorts are a long way away, making it so that you'll need to take a sea-plane flight that can be both time consuming and a bit expensive.

Fortunately, there are many water-villa resorts within a short and reasonable distance from the airport, including a surprising number of the top-rated resorts. These private-island hotels are all roughly a 15 and 55-minute speedboat ride from the dock at the airport, making it so that guests can literally be swimming in the lagoon below their water villa within an hour or so after their flight lands, while many are still waiting for their sea-plane flight to leave.

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Lower cost and more flexibility

When planning a vacation to the Maldives, there are many people who don’t know that you have to pay for your transport to and from the resort chosen. A speedboat ride can range between US$50 and US$450 per person to and from, and the sea-plane flights range from US$350 to US$600 per person to and from.

 

Another reason to choose a resort near the airport is that you can come or go with more flexibility that you would be granted if you had to travel future to your resort. It’s true that most flights arrive and depart from the Maldives in the morning, however, not all of them operate on that schedule, and for those that don’t, you will have to stay the night near the airport. Many of the resorts listed below can pick you up or drop you back at any hour of the day, while the sea-plane flights can only go during sunlight.

Perfect for a short stay in the Maldives

While most people agree that the sea-plane flights are a big highlight during their trip, they can (and will) take up a large part of both your arrival and your departure days. Many people are still at the airport many hours after their long-haul flight landed because they are stuck waiting for their sea-plane flight. In addition, you’ll note that all the resorts insist on guests leaving very early in the morning to get back to the airport.

 

With a resort close to the airport you can often travel to the airport even with only a couple hours to go until your flight. If you are staying a week or more this isn’t a big problem, but for those staying only 2 or 3 nights you don’t want to lose many hours both coming and going.


Maldives Water-Villa Resorts Near the Malé International Airport

Below are 15 water-villa resorts listed from the closest to the furthest out, which range from 15 minutes to 55 minutes by speedboat directly from the airport.


Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

  • Water villas: 64
  • Total rooms/suites: 140

 

15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

A stunning resort that offers a  large amount of rooms to select from, the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is a solid choice for those who are looking for a luxury vacation but don’t have deep pockets. In fact, this resort holds a nice 4-star ranking and deals a lot with half-board options. This means that though it doesn’t operate on a fully all-inclusive basis, there are some added perks with each stay.

 

In each of the rooms, you’ll find a good Wi-Fi connection, an entertainment center with a TV, room service, a furnished terrace with wooden steps that lead directly into the ocean, ceiling fans, a mini bar, and a coffee and tea making area that’s perfect for those lazy mornings inside. In addition, guests will also find a lovely spa that grants guests access to nine different massage and treatment rooms, a large swimming pool, a fitness center, water sports coupled with a water sports center, and a nice little island boutique for some fun shopping.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$630 per night
  • High season online specials from US$760 per night
>More information about the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives >Check rates

Adaaran Prestige Vadoo – Maldives

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

 

15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

The Adaaran Prestige Vadoo consists solely of 40 water villas, each that plays hosts with its own personal butler. However small the resort is, each water villa is large and very well appointed, and the butlers have a reputation for smoothing out the fine details of a holiday, including putting meal orders in early and automatically, among other things.

 

Each villa also comes with a glass floor section that allows for sea life viewing directly below, as well as a large Jacuzzi tub with a view in the bathroom. The snorkeling and diving are excellent in the house reef within the lagoon, making it a very popular option with water lovers. Though there is only one restaurant and a cigar bar, the restaurant is also located over the water and serves food of very high standards, so this is an ideal smaller resort for romantic couples in particular.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$878 per night
  • High season online specials from US$990 per night
>More information about the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo – Maldives >Check rates

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

  • Water villas: 56
  • Total rooms/suites: 176

 

15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa part of a larger international chain and is a pretty large resort that houses a total of 176 rooms, 56 of which reside completely over the water. The overwater villas here feature Wi-Fi, an entertainment system, 24 hour room service, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a wine fridge, a refrigerator, and a fully stocked mini bar. In addition, guests will find free daily mineral water, plush bathrobes, bath slippers, and beach towels which help to make each stay a little extra special.

 

Outside of the rooms, the resort’s Shine Spa impresses many with a wide assortment of massages, treatments and select therapies. If you’re looking for one or more fun activities to partake in during your stay here, you’ll want to look into the scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing, and knee boarding activities that are available right on-site. When you’re done having fun on the water, make sure to enjoy a new favorite dish at one of the resort’s several dining options.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$595 per night
  • High season online specials from US$815 per night
>More information about the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa >Check rates

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Maldives

  • Water villas: 55
  • Total rooms/suites: 64

 

15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

Found on a small private island that’s not far south of the capital, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a 5-star property that is operated by the famous Taj Resorts group of India. Here you’ll find 55 water villas that range in several classes from large to enormous, making this another small resort that impresses with over the top rooms. The least-expensive class offers great value considering this small island is first-class all the way.

 

The higher classes of water villas each come with their own private plunge pool that rests on the back terrance, along with many other luxury amenities. You’ll even find that the resort has a Presidential Villa Suite, which is one of the largest and most luxurious water villas currently in the entire world.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,182 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,376 per night
>More information about the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Maldives >Check rates

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

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

 

20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

Situated among the best value resorts in the Maldives, the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives Resort is also only a 20 minute speedboat ride from the airport, so it’s an ideal choice for a water villa holiday on the tightest of budgets.

 

This resort happens to offer half-board (breakfast and dinner) packages as well, so guests shouldn’t have to worry about what can sometimes be considered extraordinary  in terms of the cost of food in the Maldives. There’s also a surfing beach here, which isn’t very common for the Maldives, though you will want to note that it does come at a slightly higher price. If you are looking for an inexpensive water villa (or island room) for a short stay, this should be one of the first places you consider.

 

  • 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

Paradise Island Resort – Maldives

  • Water villas: 62
  • Total rooms/suites: 282

 

20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

With 282 rooms and villas in total, the Paradise Island Resort is one of the largest such resorts in the Maldives. The location of this resort is only 20 minutes from the Male Airport via a speedboat so the transfer price of around US$200 per person is cheaper than the more remote resorts that are currently only accessible by sea plane.

 

What you will find about this resort however, is that it is more of an old-school resort, though it has been updated and renovated on a regular basis for quite a while. The water villas here are often booked pretty far in advance, so it can be challenging to find availability if you’re looking to book right before you start your vacation. If you are okay with an island bungalow then this one offers some very good rates that are ideal for shorter stays.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$558 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,079 per night
>More information about the Paradise Island Resort – Maldives >Check rates

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort

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

 

20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

While it’s not the most expensive in all of the Maldives, the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort (formerly known as Soneva Gili by Six Senses), might just be the finest overwater villa resort on this planet. Each of the 56 water villas here is enormous and come equipped with an extremely long and detail list of features and luxury amenities. Even the least expensive water villa here includes a large open-air living room featuring daybeds and a dining area, while the others get even more decadent.

 

The two restaurants and two bars here are also considered among the best in the Maldives, as is the on-site spa. Guests who are interested in gaining extreme privacy during their stay might like to choose one of the 7 Crusoe Residences, which are very large and only accessible by a small private ferry that runs whenever a guest seeks it to. Better yet, the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort resort features what they refer to as their Private Reserve, which is located even farther out into the lagoon, and at over 1,400 square meters, it’s by far the largest water villa in 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

Baros Resort – Maldives

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

 

25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

The Baros Resort Maldives is an extremely popular resort that some like to consider as having one of the most beautiful settings in the region. What should also be noted is that this particular resort is very popular with both the honeymooning crowd and the family crowd. The 30 water villas that you’ll find here are all on the large side, and pleasantly configured in a semi-circle so guests don’t have direct neighbors like they do at most other nearby resorts. You may have figured out by now, by reading through this list, that the Maldives is known for having overwater rooms that are larger than normal sized resort rooms, which is one of the reasons people flock to this region.

 

There are four restaurants, two bars, and a full-service spa, all of which are on-site, which is just very impressive for a resort that only has 75 rooms. The diving and snorkeling here are truly great, and there are many other activities and excursions available to paying guests. Many guests who visit once, return year after year, which certainly indicates Baros Island is doing something right.

 

  • 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

Velassaru Maldives Resort

  • Water villas: 45
  • Total rooms/suites: 129

 

25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

Armed with a convenient location on a small island that’s only a short speedboat ride away from the airport, the Velassaru Maldives resort has 45 water villas that range in size from large to very large. The room sizes make is so that the resort offers good value for those who put a premium on private space. Amenities such as a wine chiller, an espresso machine, and a home theater system in each room make this a well-appointed 4-star property.

 

You’ll want to take not that this is mostly a couples resort, and while families are welcome, the Velassaru Maldives is better suited to honeymooners and romantic getaways. There are four restaurants and all the usual water activities that are commonly found in the Maldives.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$962 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,022 per night
>More information about the Velassaru Maldives Resort >Check rates

Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives

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

 

30-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

The Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas Resort is in the solid 4-star category, but with some 5-star features such as a personal butler for each villa. In addition to the normal selection of water sports to enjoy and partake in, this resort also houses a proper surf beach along with rentals and lessons, making it very popular with the surfing crowd.

 

The water villas at this location are all quite large and luxurious, which can’t be said of the beach villas at the sister resort on the island, so it’s probably best to pay for the better rooms here. There are four restaurants and bars in addition to 24-hour in-villa room service, so this could be a good honeymoon hotel, especially for those who like to surf.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,516 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,604 per night
>More information about the Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives >Check rates

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa – Maldives

  • Water villas: 38
  • Total rooms/suites: 110

 

35-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

Offering among the best values in the 5-star category, the Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa features only 36 water villas, but each is enormous and comes complete with an infinity-edge bathrub-for-two that extends luxury with a stunning view of the lagoon. Each water villa also features a large private deck complete with an outdoor shower, which is a common feature in the super-luxury resorts.

 

There are four restaurants at the Anantara Dhigu Resort, each offering high quality menus and interesting offerings, but guests here also have access to four more restaurants and plus activities at the Anantara Veli Resort, which is a short-and-free boat ride across the lagoon. This is a great choice for romantic couples in particular.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$674 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,545 per night
>More information about the Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa – Maldives >Check rates

COMO Cocoa Island Resort – Maldives

  • Water villas: 33
  • Total rooms/suites: 36

 

40-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

For an unforgettable boutique 5-star experience you’ll want to look deeply into the COMO Cocoa Island Resort, which just so happens to feature 33 water villas that are all shaped like Maldivian fishing boats, plus 3 beach side villas. As one of the smallest of the water villa resorts on this list and in the whole of the Maldives, this provides an intimate experience that is ideal for honeymooners, but probably not well suited to families or groups.

 

There’s only one restaurant and one bar at this location, but each offer top notch standard and offer a large variety of drinks and plates to enjoy. The diving and snorkeling in the area are excellent, which might help make up for the smaller number of other activities. Still, for romantic holidays, the style and simplicity of the resort might be perfect for you.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$1,243 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,835 per night
>More information about the COMO Cocoa Island Resort – Maldives >Check rates

Adaaran Club Rannalhi – Maldives

  • Water villas: 15
  • Total rooms/suites: 115

 

45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

It’s a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport to Adaaran Club Ranhali, making this resort a great choice for a shorter stay or a guest who doesn’t like flying by sea plane. This is one of the few all-inclusive resorts within close range of the airport, so it’s actually a much better value than you might otherwise realize.

 

They’ve only got 34 overwater bungalows to go along with the 96 island bungalows, so sometimes the water bungalows can get booked up well in advance. Since much of the room rate goes towards the food and alcohol packages, the differences in rates for the water rooms isn’t that much. In other words, they tend to be good value when they are available.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$889 per night
  • High season online specials from US$940 per night
>More information about the Adaaran Club Rannalhi – Maldives >Check rates

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort & Spa – Maldives

  • Water villas: 60
  • Total rooms/suites: 164

 

45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa is one of the larger private-island resorts within a speedboat ride of the Male International Airport, which helps to make it very popular. You’ll find a nice selection of water villas here, which are broken down into 60 water villas, 34 Jacuzzi Water Villas, and several posh water villa suites.

 

The round-trip speedboat transfer to Olhuveli tends to be around US$500 per person, which is one of the more expensive speedboat transfers in the Maldives. In fact, that’s about what you pay for a sea plane ride to resorts that are located in the more distant atolls. The one advantage with this one is that the speedboats can operate almost around the clock, while the sea planes can only depart between sunrise and about 3:30pm. When thinking about this, you might have to stay near the airport if you need a sea plane, while you can come straight to Olhuveli in the late afternoon or even into the evening.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$464 per night
  • High season online specials from US$650 per night
>More information about the Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort & Spa – Maldives >Check rates

Meeru Island Resort – Maldives

  • Water villas: 106
  • Total rooms/suites: 286

 

55-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport

 

An extremely large resort with nearly 300 different rooms on-site, the Meeru Island Resort is a nice solid choice for visitors looking for a well priced stay that resides in the 4-star range. Each of the rooms available, including the 106 overwater villas, come with a large amount of amenities that include Wi-Fi, a sitting area, air conditioning, tropical plants, a wooden sundeck complete with a private walled in outdoor area with a jacuzzi, and stairs that lead directly into the sea for quick swimming access.

 

Outside of the rooms and around the resort, guests will find several dining options as there are more than a dozen restaurants and bars on-site, which again, is an impressive feature. If you’re traveling with family, especially those that are younger, you’ll find lots to do and see including a wide variety of water activities including snorkeling and a children’s wading pool. If you’re more romantically inclined, don’t quickly count this resort out as there are 2 beautiful and large honeymoon suites that may serve as just the thing you’ve been looking for.

 

  • Low season online specials from US$518 per night
  • High season online specials from US$1,062 per night
>More information about the Meeru Island Resort – Maldives >Check rates
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