What's the difference between an overwater villa and a water bungalow?

They're generally the same thing, marketed under different names by different resorts — check each resort's own room types for specifics.

Do overwater villas have private pools?

Some do, some don't — this varies by resort and room category, see each resort's own listing.

Are overwater villas more expensive than beach villas?

Usually yes, though it varies by resort — compare room rates directly on each resort's own page.

Places to stay

Resorts with Overwater Villas in the Maldives

Overwater villas (also called water bungalows) are one of the Maldives' signature experiences — direct lagoon access, often with a private deck or plunge pool. Every resort below genuinely offers overwater villas on record, not just a beach villa marketed loosely as one.

5 resorts found. See all resorts

Baros Maldives
Baros5★Overwater villas
From $780 / night
Gili Lankanfushi
Lankanfushi5★Overwater villas
From $1,600 / night
Six Senses Laamu
OlhuveliOverwater villas
From $1,000 / night
Soneva Fushi
KunfunadhooAll-inclusiveOverwater villas
From $2,000 / night
Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru5★Overwater villas
From $800 / night

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an overwater villa and a water bungalow?: They're generally the same thing, marketed under different names by different resorts — check each resort's own room types for specifics.
Do overwater villas have private pools?: Some do, some don't — this varies by resort and room category, see each resort's own listing.
Are overwater villas more expensive than beach villas?: Usually yes, though it varies by resort — compare room rates directly on each resort's own page.

Browse by Atoll

Looking for resorts with overwater villas in the maldives in a specific atoll? Start with one of these real atoll guides: