Popular with tourists for its clear blue beaches and vast coral reefs, the Maldives welcomes visitors back with a range of luxury resorts. Here are 12 of the most incredible overwater resorts in the Maldives.
1. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is the premier resort in the Maldives, considered 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 out over a sparkling lagoon, guests are encouraged to enjoy going barefoot by removing their shoes as soon as they board the boat that sails out to these homes.
Coming to Gili Lankanfushi, all stress will disappear when you admire the unique scenery and design here.
Known for serving some of the best vegan food in the Maldives, chef Harinath Govindaraj takes guests on a tour of the organic gardens and finishes with a prepared vegan feast.
2. Kudadoo Maldives
One of the smallest and most sustainable resorts in the Maldives, Kudadoo has just 15 overwater cottages powered entirely by solar panels.
Designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, it features a modern ryokan (traditional inn) aesthetic, most notably in the Japanese-inspired onsen (hot spring) bathing area.
One of the smallest and most sustainable resorts in the Maldives, Kudadoo's 15 overwater cottages are powered entirely by solar panels
The rooms are covered in a latticework of wood, the materials used being sourced from sustainably managed forests in New Zealand, Canada and Indonesia. Each residence has a plunge pool, with a glass-bottomed area where parrotfish can be peeked at.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
At this five-star island, the majority of the 100 villas are located overwater. Following the movement of the ocean, each room has a unique circular design and is equipped with individual, vertical wooden slats made from sustainable wood shipped from Austria and Germany.
Most of the resort’s villas have solar-paneled roofs, and management aims to have all 100 equipped by 2023. Guests can spend their days cooling off in the villa’s infinity pool, reading on plush chaise lounges, or snorkeling on the expansive outdoor deck.
Unique circular design and equipped with separate, vertical wooden slats made from sustainable wood shipped from Austria and Germany
If underwater activities are your thing, The Ritz is the first Asia Pacific resort to have the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. Additionally, skilled marine biologists show guests how they use drones to detect and cut fishing nets when they get tangled in coral reefs.
4. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The 44 overwater villas at the St. Regis are designed to resemble the rays you might see swimming. The style is modern and minimalist, with marble bathrooms and Scandi-style light wood in the bedrooms. Beaded room dividers and green seafoam decor add a tropical vibe to the sleek space.
The 44 overwater villas at this resort feature a modern and minimalist style.
This three-bedroom overwater villa is the largest on the island. It features a gym, cinema room, three swimming pools and private massage rooms for each bedroom.
Behind the glitz and glamour, the island has a fully automated bottling plant to keep plastic water bottles off the island, as well as an organic composting plant that feeds the island’s vegetable and herb garden, which supplies the resort with 100% mint and basil.
5. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort opened in 2019 with 24 striking overwater villas, featuring infinity plunge pools and serene views.
24 stunning overwater villas with infinity plunge pools and serene views
Each room is designed with grey concrete floors and white walls with pops of colour like yellow and orange furniture that are stylish yet sophisticated.
With a captive population of manta rays in the atoll's Maamunagau Lagoon, the resort partners with Manta Trust researchers to support education and conservation of the giant fish and their habitat.
6. Velaa Private Island
It’s hard to fault the 47 exquisite villas and residences on this pristine island. Velaa means turtle in the local Dhivehi language, so visitors can spot turtle motifs around the villas and the island.
47 exquisite custom-built villas and residences on this pristine island were built in 2013
Tilted mirrors cover the bathrooms, and strategic use of mirrors makes already spacious rooms feel even larger. You’ll find thoughtful aquatic touches like a fish-scale accent wall made from clam shells and mirrors lined with transparent puka shells.
In addition to leading one of the largest coral regeneration programs in the Maldives, Velaa's green awareness program also supports every local island in Noonu Atoll with sustainable tools and education on green waste management practices.
7. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
A 45-minute drive from the airport and a luxury yacht transfer, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is one of the larger 5-star resorts in the Maldives. There are 55 overwater villas and two standalone Stella Maris villas among the hotel's 118 accommodation options.
The water villas have more outdoor space than indoor, including a full-sized infinity pool, a chaise lounge, a cabana, and multiple overwater hammocks.
With 55 overwater villas and two Stella Maris villas, you'll want to spend all your time immersed in this piece of paradise.
Upon leaving your villa, join the resort's marine biologist in creating and planting a strand in the coral nursery. Guests who adopt a coral will receive photos and updates on its growth until it is planted in their home reef.
8. JOALI Maldives
JOALI Maldives has 49 overwater villas located on the longest jetties in the archipelago. Each room is decorated with sky-high ceilings, hand-carved rose gold doors and pretty pastels.
This art-filled, owner-run resort takes opportunities for Maldivian women very seriously. JOALI’s Women in Art program gives local female artists a platform to showcase their art and host workshops for guests. They also partner with local island schools to host art lessons for young girls.
Each room at JOALI Maldives is decorated with sky-high ceilings, hand-carved decorative doors
9. Nautilus
The resort's 26 villas and residences are made of completely curved walls that resemble waves crashing on the shore. The resort's motto is "time stands still." Guests at this Maldives hideaway can do or eat whatever they want, day or night.
11 water homes, mansions and retreats at Nautilus that epitomize boho-chic style
The 11 homes, mansions, and water retreats are the epitome of boho-chic, with braided rugs and brightly colored furnishings. The glass-bottomed living room is a nice touch, as are the custom-made wood-bead chandeliers and geometric floor patterns throughout.
Nautilus works with surrounding islands to source locally grown produce. It is also the resort with the largest concentration of Maldivian nationals.
10. Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Olhahali Island’s overwater villas are large and stylishly decorated. The options range from one to three bedrooms, each with a terrace for private BBQ dinners or outdoor movies. From the sunshades on the terrace to the tiles around the infinity pool, the resort’s youthful vibe is enhanced.
The island's overwater villas are large and stylishly decorated.
The resort's free coral planting initiative is a popular way for families, especially children, to get involved in marine education and hands-on coral propagation.
