Looking for paradise? You’ll find it in the Maldives, a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. There’s no place more beautiful to stay than over water Maldives resorts.
With white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters, these are the places that don’t even look real. But they are, and we’ve got seven of the best.
Best over-water Maldives resorts
How do these rankings work?
1. Soneva Jani – Medhufaru
You might not have heard of this resort’s name, but there is a good chance you’ve seen this famous “Maldives Slide Hotel” somewhere across social media recently.
It’s a hotel complex that features 24 villas that are so much fun – they’ll evoke your inner child as you slip and slide into the crystal clear Maldives water. The villas even come with an outdoor cinema for relaxing in the evening and all villas come with glass bottom areas to admire the reefs from indoors.
2. Conrad Maldives – Rangali Island
The world’s first underwater hotel recently opened in the Maldives, and it’s an absolute beauty. Wake up to tropical fish swimming above your bed in a two-story villa that’s set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean.
THE MURAKA at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is in a class of its own. The unique three bedroom villa is split over two levels – one above water, and one below. The hotel also has other over-water suites and a spa with a glass bottom floor.
3. Velaa Private Island – Noonu Atoll
Hidden away within a collection of islands known as the Noonu Atoll, you’ll find The Romantic Pool Residence at Velaa Private Island – one of the most private over water Maldives resorts.
Accessible only by boat, it floats above a lagoon with uninterrupted views of the ocean. This villa comes with its own private chef and butler, as well as a Jacuzzi, pool sundeck and sunken bath.
4. Veligandu Island Resort & Spa – Veligandu Island
Veligandu Island Resort has a beautiful lagoon, coral reef and long stretches of white, sandy beach. It’s also the only resort on the island of Veligandu. With a “no shoes, no news” promise, you can utterly relax here – try the over-water spa.
Jacuzzi Water Villas come with a private walled-in outdoor area featuring a Jacuzzi for two under the stars.
5. Kandolhu Maldives – North Ari Atoll
Kandolhu Maldives is a true heaven of tranquility and serenity located in North Ari Atoll, Maldives.
The resort has just 30 beach and over-water villas, four great restaurants, a spa and beautiful coral reef to explore. Villas here have private decks, with a plunge pool and infinite views of the Indian Ocean.
6. Hurawalhi Island Resort – Lhaviyani Atoll
Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, Hurawalhi Island Resort is an adults-only luxury resort that’s home to the world’s largest, all-glass undersea restaurant, ‘5.8’.
You can stay in one of 90 stylish villas at this five-star resort, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas. Rooms have sumptuous linens on king size beds and private terraces with panoramic views.
7. Vakkaru Maldives – Baa Atoll
This is one of the newest hotels in the Maldives. Vakkaru Maldives has 125 beach and over water villas and suites. Villas have outdoor shows and direct beach access. So you can wake up and go straight to that bright blue ocean… Some villas also have private plunge pools with lagoon views.
There’s also a stunning four-bedroom over water private villa for up to eight adults.
