Overwater bungalows and water villas are known for being expensive, but at least they are also known for being larger than a typical hotel room, especially when you include the private decks. There are over 110 resorts in the world offering these over-the-water rooms, and almost all of them are over 500 square feet, and usually around 1,000 square feet. This makes those about 2 to 3 times larger than a typical city hotel room.

At the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, (formerly known as Soneva Gili by Six Senses) they have 44 Villa Suites and Residences that range from 2,260 to 2,691 square feet, making them among the largest in the Maldives. But one – known as the Private Reserve – measures in at an astounding 15,069 square feet (1400 m²)!!! It's arguably the finest overwater resort in the Maldives, and the Private Reserve is BY FAR the largest overwater villa in the world.

Contents [Show]

Like a bit of privacy? You got it

The Private Reserve is the most remote of the 8 water villas that are only accessible by boat at the
Gili Lankanfushi Resort. You can get to the island in your own private motor boat, or you can have “Mr. Friday” (one of your two 24-hour private staff) pilot you back and forth.

 

This degree of privacy is one of the reasons that many celebrities prefer to stay at the
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives when they holiday in the Maldives.

Extreme luxury or not?

One interesting aspect of all the Six Senses resorts is that they don’t actually claim to be “luxury” properties, as they are more focused on comfort. By this they appear to mean that you won’t find a solid-gold minibar or a piano made of diamonds in the rooms. In fact, the decor is what they call “rustic chic” and it looks much more like Gilligan’s Island than it does the Burj al Arab Hotel.

 

They are just being modest. In reality, this is the highest-rated of all resorts in the Maldives by TripAdvisor and by nearly any other measure. The rooms range from huge to ridiculous, and the staff get universal raves from anyone who comes near the place.

Key features of the Private Reserve

  • Area: 15,069 sq ft (1,400 m²)
  • Resident Mr & Mrs Friday (Personal Butlers) on call 24 hours
  • Luxuriously appointed living space in the middle of a turquoise blue lagoon
  • Situated 500 metres from Gili Lankanfushi and 300 metres from the closest villa, accessible only by boat
  • Uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean
  • 5 separate buildings designed in rustic chic style
  • 2 master suites, each with ceiling to floor windows on 3 sides
  • Private indoor and outdoor relaxation areas and sundecks
  • A large central open plan living area with sea garden, natural
  • coral pool, surrounding viewing/sun decks, dining area, writing desk and daybeds
  • Unique open-air 100sqm private bathroom with separate glass walled shower enclosure
  • Each master suite has a relaxing horizon style plus a 2 person bathtub built over coral gardens
  • Private spa facility with sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor treatment pavilion and upstairs air-conditioned gymnasium
  • Entertainment/library suite with the latest in plasma and audiovisual technology
  • Individually controlled music throughout the villa, including the underwater coral pool
  • Fully equipped gourmet kitchen available for private dining, snacks, healthy drinks or coffee and tea
  • Residents will be invited to design their own cellar selection from our list of 300 wines
  • A deep water coral pool is situated next to the central living area
  • For the light hearted, a waterslide is installed from the top deck into the coral pool
  • Roof-top sun deck with daybed and two outdoor dining pavilions
  • Personal, easy to use motorised transfer boats exclusive to guests
  • Alternatively Mr Friday will captain and transport residents
  • A private 400hp, 36 foot speedboat with crew on call at all times

Price of the Private Reserve

US$8,750 per night for up to 6 guests during low season
US$15,000 per night in high season

 

The above rates are just for the “room” as it were. You can also get packages that include all meals (including soft drinks) and one massage per day for an extra fee.


RELATED POSTS
14 thoughts on "Editor’s Choice: 6 Best Maldives water-villa resorts with private pools"

Leave a Reply

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

All Comments
  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

  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.

    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

  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!

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

    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

  7. 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?

    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