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Beloved by many tourists for its crystal-clear beaches and expansive coral reefs, the Maldives welcomes visitors back with a range of luxurious resorts. Below are 12 of the most incredible overwater resorts in the Maldives.
1. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is a premier resort in the Maldives, often described as one of the best places on Earth. A 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport will take you to this island paradise.
With 45 overwater villas spread across a sparkling lagoon, guests are encouraged to enjoy going barefoot by removing their shoes as soon as they board the boats to paddle out to these homes.
At Gili Lankanfushi, all your stress will melt away as you admire the scenery and unique design of this place.
Known for serving some of the best vegan cuisine in the Maldives, chef Harinath Govindaraj takes guests on tours of the organic gardens and concludes with a prepared vegan feast.
2. Kudadoo Maldives
As one of the smallest and most sustainable resorts in the Maldives, Kudadoo has only 15 overwater bungalows powered entirely by solar panels.
Designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, this place boasts a modern ryokan (traditional inn) aesthetic, most notably in its Japanese-inspired onsen (hot spring) bathing area.
One of the smallest and most sustainable resorts in the Maldives, Kudadoo's 15 overwater bungalows are powered entirely by solar panels.
The rooms are covered in a lattice-like wood pattern, with materials sourced from sustainably managed forests in New Zealand, Canada, and Indonesia. Each residence features a plunge pool with a glass bottom, offering a glimpse of parrotfish.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
On this five-star island, the majority of the 100 villas are situated over the water. Following the ocean's flow, each room features a unique circular design and is fitted with individual, vertical wooden beams made from sustainably sourced timber shipped from Austria and Germany.
Most of the resort's villas have solar-powered roofs, and management aims to have all 100 villas equipped with this technology by 2023. Guests can spend their days cooling off in the villa's infinity pool, reading on luxurious lounge chairs, or snorkeling on the expansive outdoor patio.
The unique circular design is fitted with separate, vertical wooden slats made from sustainably sourced wood shipped from Austria and Germany.
If underwater activities are your thing, The Ritz is the first Asia Pacific resort to feature Jean-Michel Cousteau's Environmental Ambassador program. In addition, highly skilled marine biologists show guests how they use drones to detect and cut fishing nets entangled in coral reefs.
4. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The 44 overwater villas at St. Regis are designed to resemble stingrays that you can see swimming. The style here is modern and minimalist, with marble-tiled bathrooms and bedrooms lined with light-colored wood in a Scandi style. Beaded room dividers and green sponge accents add a tropical vibe to the sleek spaces.
The resort's 44 overwater villas feature a modern and minimalist style.
This three-bedroom overwater villa is the largest accommodation on the island. It features a gym, a movie theater, three swimming pools, and a private massage room for each bedroom.
Behind the glitz and glamour, the island boasts a fully automated bottling plant to eliminate plastic water bottles from the island. Alongside it is a recycling plant that produces organic compost used for the island's vegetable and herb gardens, supplying the resort with 100% mint and basil.
5. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau resort opened in 2019 with 24 stunning overwater villas, featuring infinity pools and breathtaking views.
24 stunning overwater villas feature plunge pools that create a sense of endlessness and offer incredibly serene views.
Each room is designed with grey concrete floors and white walls accented with creative splashes of color, such as yellow, and stylish yet subtle orange furniture.
With a thriving stingray population nurtured in the Maamunagau Lagoon of the coral atoll, the resort collaborates with Manta Trust researchers to support the education and conservation of these giant fish and their habitat.
6. Velaa Private Island
It's hard to find fault with the 47 exquisite villas and mansions on this pristine island. In the local Dhivehi language, Velaa means turtle, so visitors can spot turtle motifs all around the villas and the island.
47 exquisitely designed, bespoke villas and mansions were built on this pristine island in 2013.
Tilting mirrors blanket the bathrooms, and the strategic use of mirrors makes already spacious rooms feel even larger. You can find thoughtful aquatic touches such as a fish-scale accent wall made from seashells and mirrors lined with translucent puka shells.
In addition to leading one of the largest coral reef restoration programs in the Maldives, Velaa's green awareness program supports all local islands in Noonu Atoll with sustainability tools and education on green waste management practices.
7. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Located 45 minutes from the airport and a luxury cruise transfer, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is one of the largest 5-star resorts in the Maldives. The hotel offers 55 overwater villas and two independent Stella Maris villas among its 118 accommodation options.
Overwater villas offer more outdoor than indoor space, including a large infinity pool, a lounge chair, a gazebo, and multiple hammocks over the water.
With 55 overwater villas and two Stella Maris villas, you'll want to spend all your time immersing yourself in this paradise.
Upon leaving the villa, join the resort's marine biologist in creating and planting a coral string in the coral nursery. Guests who adopt the coral will receive photos and updates on its development until it is planted in the indoor reef.
8. Joali Maldives
JOALI Maldives boasts 49 overwater villas nestled within the archipelago's longest piers. Each room is adorned with sky-high ceilings, handcrafted rose gold-carved doors, and charming pastel hues.
The resort is steeped in art, as its owner places great importance on opportunities for Maldivian women. JOALI's Women in the Arts program provides local female artists with a platform to showcase their art and host workshops for guests. They also collaborate with local island schools to organize art classes for young girls.
Each room at JOALI Maldives is decorated with sky-high ceilings and handcrafted, intricately carved doors.
9. Nautilus
This place features 26 villas and mansions built with completely curved walls, resembling waves crashing on the shore. The resort's motto is "time stands still." Guests at this Maldivian retreat can make or eat whatever they want, day or night.
The 11 overwater homes, mansions, and vacation rentals at Nautilus are the epitome of boho-chic style.
The 11 houses, mansions, and resorts on the water are the epitome of boho-chic style, featuring woven rugs and brightly colored furnishings. The glass-bottomed living rooms are a striking feature, as are the custom-made wooden bead chandeliers and geometric floor patterns throughout.
Nautilus works with surrounding islands to source locally grown produce. It also has the highest concentration of Maldivian citizens as a resort town.
10. Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
The overwater villas on Olhahali Island are quite large and impressively decorated. Options range from one to three bedrooms, each with a terrace for private BBQ dinners or outdoor movie screenings. From sunshades on the terraces to tiles surrounding the infinity pool, everything adds to the resort's youthful charm.
The overwater villas on this island are spacious and decorated in an impressive style.
The resort's free coral planting initiative is a popular way for families, especially children, to engage in marine education and practice coral breeding.
