Best Cheapest Water Villas in the Maldives

Top Budget Over-Water Accommodation in Maldives


Book Your All Inclusive Vacation and save 25% in Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Maldives
Book Your All Inclusive Vacation and save 25% in Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Maldives

Updated July, 2024

When you dream of an overwater villa - the Maldives is simply a must go destination for any travelers, offering some of the most high-class accommodations. With luxury amenities and spacious design, the water villas exude privacy and will be ideally located for swimming and snorkelling on the house reef. Relax on sundeck under the blue skies, or as it turns gold with the sun setting. Indulge and rejuvenate, unwind and reconnect with nature. Located across the idyllic, aquamarine lagoon it’s hard to beat any other room that outranks an overwater bungalow.

A water villa is usually a couples' choice, but it can cost $1,000 or more per night. The whole holiday experience including flight can be fairly expensive and that kind of price tag can be a honeymooner's nightmare. While it may never be cheap to visit thу Maldives, fortunately there are still some chic and relatively affordable overwater villas you can stay.

We rounded up overwater villas around the Maldives, nearly all of which range from $300 to $500 per night. Although they lack in luxury and privacy all provide ultimate natural beauty, a great service, and both an elegant retreat and a unique experience at an attainable price point.

1 Avani+ Fares Maldives

Avani + Fares Maldives
Booking.com

With opening 1st April 2023 Avani’s new debut is brought relaxed contemporary charm to one of the world’s dreamiest island destinations. Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Avani’s first property in the Maldives has opened in a natural playground of soft white sandy beach and every colour of blue imaginable. Located on Fares Island in the Baa Atoll, the 5* star resort is comprised of 176 guest rooms, including standard accommodation and a selection of villas with pools. Every attention is placed to wellbeing, with décor blending genuine pleasures and modernity. Nearby dive site Ahivahfushi Beyru is an Eden for snorkellers and scuba enthusiasts thanks to a plethora of sea life from Hawksbill turtles to reef sharks and manta rays. READ FULL REVIEW

• 176 studios, beach villas and over water villas
• Wining, dining and partying on the beach
• House reef just steps from the beach
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve snorkelling and diving
• 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé

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2 OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

Best Experience for: Couples, Groups, Families, All Inclusive, Diving, Activities

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is a brand new all-inclusive resort in Maldives near Male airport. You won't lack for variety here: OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, opened on 2th June 2022, is all about immersing in a free-spirited Maldivian vibe. As laidback 4-Star All-Inclusive Resort showcases 268 accommodation options in 4 categories on an All Inclusive basis. XPERIENCE Ailafushi's ultimate Fushi PlanTM creates a free-spirited Maldivian holiday experience for the modern traveller – be it families, couples or friends. Enjoy all-day dining at the Element X Restaurant, poolside indulgence at X360 Bar, and chilled-out dinners at The Copper Pot Truck. Add a touch of the spectacular to your stay with an additional reservation at the Only Blu Underwater Restaurant. READ FULL REVIEW

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3 Reethi Beach Resort

Reethi Beach Resort
Booking.com

Best Experience:   Honeymoon, Beaches, Diving, Value

A lovely, all-round resort, Reethi Beach is a lush island with an unspoilt setting and follows the relaxed Maldivian way of life. In each of its aspects, you will find a piece of all the best that makes this resort so special. On the water, choose from catamaran sailing, canoeing, kitesurfing and waterskiing. Under water, there's superb snorkelling on the house reef, with the chance to spot many species of fish, turtles and octopus – even dolphins have been known to come this close. Diving is another highlight, with house reef dives and multiple trips further afield on offer every day. Reethi Beach Resort has been named one of the World’s Best Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations by Australia’s leading international travel agency Flight Network in 2017.

Water Villas are built over the lagoon on stilts and feature patios with steps leading into the lagoon, soaking tubs, bathrobes, DVD players, bottled water, tea, teakettles, and sun loungers. All rooms have one king-size bed. Two twin beds are also available in Reethi Villas. Design-wise, villas have parquet floors, white walls with watercolor paintings of flowers or rural life, simple wooden furniture, and colorful throw pillows and curtains. Wi-Fi packages can be purchased for a fee. READ FULL REVIEW

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4 Kandima Maldives

Jumeirah Vittaveli
Booking.com

Best Experience for:   Couples, Families, Activities, Solo, Nightlife, Value

Kandima is a "new look" of the Maldives combining wild parties in the beach club, extensive dining options and even a chance to see the dolphin from the bathroom. It's about genuine hospitality with a human face and clever solutions that use the latest innovations, not to mention the playful spirit of a private island. Kandima was a late-comer to the Maldivian tourist market and is markedly different to the classic honeymooner resorts. It's aimed at sports-loving, party-going groups as well as couples and active families, and has a range of accommodation options, from affordable studios to luxury pool villas.

Located on a lush tropical island in Dhaalu Atoll is just a 30-minute flight from Velana International Airport, Kandima offers a choice of 266 stylishly designed studios and villas, with 11 different categories to choose from. The four-star plus resort has first class facilities, boasting the largest pool in the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, a marine biology school, a kids club, a game room, a library, a gym, a yoga studio and a spa. Read Full Review

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5 Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives
Booking.com

Best Experience:  for Couples, All Inclusive, swimming pool, activities, kitesurfing

Spanning across three paradise islands and, is just 45 minutes by speedboat, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers accommodations ranging from Maldivian-inspired suites to sleek contemporary villas. Designed to cater to your every whim, the all-inclusive resort has three pools to choose from, including an adults-only infinity pool that never fails to impress, and the lagoon that may entice you into adventure. With various activities, beautiful beaches, and above-average food, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a good value for money for the Maldives. 164 rooms range from a basic beach villa to high quality Water Villas, and an adjoining rooms for families.

There are 2 categories of Water Villas in the lagoon, and even more expensive rooms, the further they are from the bustling center of the island. Together with them there are 5 Honeymoon Water Villas. The rest of the oval-shaped quay is formed by 32 Water Villas with a Jacuzzi. In the shape of a petal, the second jetty of water bungalows grows from the middle of the island towards the sunrise, with a collection of 21 Deluxe Water Villas. Honeymoon Villas are almost apartments, with a 'cloakroom' entrance and a separate living room with gold and dark purple curtains. Their sun decks are very large and there is not only a jacuzzi, but also a sauna and a massage shower. READ FULL REVIEW

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6 Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa: aerial
Booking.com

Best Experience:    Couples, Family, Value, Diving

The most popopular with divers, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa situated on the north reef of Lhaviyani Atoll, an area known for its unrivalled beauty and tropical marine life. With established, laid-back vibe the resort offers guests the ultimate luxury island retreat and is one of the larger islands in the Maldives. Kuredu is accessible by a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives. The island boasts a dive and snorkel centre, a water sports centre, a spa, golf and tennis courses, a kids’ club, and an extensive choice of restaurants and bars. Kuredu guests can also dine in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at the neighbouring Hurawalhi Maldives resort.

In addition to the standart AIP for the variety of choices it allows, the All-Inclusive Gold package is a popular meal plan at Kuredu. Its inclusions extend far beyond the ‘unlimited drinks’ concept most commonly found at resorts. The benefits included in the enhanced package mostly relate to the ‘dine around Kuredu’ option. In addition to access to all four buffet restaurants and all bars, guests, regardless of the room category, can also go for a late breakfast to Franco’s, delight in an afternoon snack menu, revel in cuisine at the three a la carte restaurants (Franco’s, Beach Shack, The Far East) with a 50 percent discount – and even have lunch or dinner there once a day at no extra cost – and have unlimited pizzas, burgers and ice-cream during specified times. On the activities front, guests are invited to play a round of golf, sign up for an introduction dive, hop on a sunset cruise boat, attend a group windsurfing lesson, use snorkelling equipment and bikes at no extra cost, practise yoga and be active with some non-motorised water sports. Guests can also block 60 minutes of their time for one of the relaxing Duniye Spa treatments from the special menu too! READ FULL REVIEW

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7 Velassaru Maldives

Velassaru Maldives: aerial
Booking.com

Best Experience for:  Couples, Dining, activities, wellness

Owned and run by leading local hotel group Universal Resorts, Velassaru is in South Male Atoll within a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport. The 5 star resort offers luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views. A wide variety of international specialities are offered at Velassaru’ five restaurants, including fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options. In addition to excellent beaches guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments in overwater pavilions, or hop on a Male city tour. Other resort facilities include a water sports and dive center, fitness centre, tennis court and infinity pool with the view of the beach and the ocean. READ FULL REVIEW

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8 Furaveri Maldives

Furaveri Island Resort & Spa
Booking.com

Best Experience:   All Inclusive, Couples, Families, Value, House Reef Snorkeling, Beaches

With an excellent value-for-money and ideal for both couples and families alike, Furaveri Island Resort & Spa is a new luxury resort located in Raa atoll, one of the most developing and most remote atolls in the Maldives. The private Furaveri island is an independent brand that is run by the local business and conceptually linked to a long-standing desire to offer guests a culturally authentic, luxurious island experience in an environment that remains true to the natural beauty and spirit of the Maldives. The resort is accessible by a 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The 107 private villas have been specifically designed to meet guests’ individual preferences and are set amongst lush vegetation, in the first row on a sandy white beach or settled above a sparkling turquoise lagoon.The island also offers a great selection of F&B outlets combined with leisure activities. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless. Furaveri is blessed with an incredible house reef with turtles, sharks, rays, barracuda, napoleons, tuna and trevally as well as colourful corals. The resort’s PADI five-star certified dive centre offers a full range of PADI programmes, from Discover Suba Diving to PADI Divemaster along with daily dives and guided snorkelling trips. READ FULL REVIEW

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9 Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa aerial
Booking.com

Best Experience for:   Honeymoon, Value, All Inclusive, activities

Adults-only getaway, Ras Fushi is the second Centara resort in the Maldives. Designed for couples the resorti offers 140 rooms located along the coast and over the water, this resort is not the most beautiful island or the best house reef snorkelling, but the service here is exceptional and indeed a rarity in this price range. The buffet can boast a wide selection of European and Asian fare and three a la carte restaurants (Thai, Italian and Middle Eastern) and three bars - all together allow fun and pleasure to spend time on the island; Both half-board and all-inclusive plans are offered. Fortunately, there are many water activities including an outstanding dive center and PADI courses for first timers of scuba diving. Wi-Fi is free. READ FULL REVIEW

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10 Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa aerial
Booking.com

Best Experience:   for Couples, Family holiday, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Value, All Inclusive

With one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the great strengths of Vilamendhoo have always been snorkeling and diving, and affordable accommodation. After a major renovation it was re-opened as a luxury resort than ever. And it says a lot. With 184 rooms, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on a private island with a magnificent green and cozy landscape. The rooms are spacious and beautiful with furnishings from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that grow from the pier at the western end. The resort boasts several swimming pools, restaurants, as well as sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout the island which is divided into the family and "adults only" areas. With a magnificent house reef and All Inclusive offering - ​​it's a romantic, quiet choice for families and couples alike.

If the western half of Vilamendhoo is strictly "adults only", the eastern half is given to those who travel with children, which in general make up 5% of the total number of guests. The resourt has a family swimming pool with a bar and a playground for children. An additional plus, the hotel goes further offering a family package, which makes Vilamendhoo more affordable experience - kids receive huge discounts for living together with parents, full board meals or "all-inclusive plus", and even a seaplane transfer. READ FULL REVIEW

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11 Reethi Faru, Bio Luxury Resort

Responsive image
Booking.com

Best Experience:  Couples, House Reef Snorkeling, Activities, Beaches

With an amazing house reef, Reethi Faru is a new 5-star resort opened in November 2017 in Raa Atoll. Stunning beach, palm trees and natural tropical vegetation form this paradise island of Filaidhoo. Meaning in Dhivehi "Beautiful Reef", Reethi Faru fully justifies its name and boasts a vibrant house reef not far from the shore. With excellent accommodation, both on the beach and over the water, with five restaurants to choose from, a spa, a wide selection of water sports, including diving and snorkeling. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Reethi Faru Resort is the perfect holiday escape for couples or for families or friends traveling together with an excellent value for money.

The spacious Water Villas (78 m²) offer a luxurious and ethereal beach vacation. Tranquilly positioned over the clear blue lagoon on stilts to provide you with an authentic Indian Ocean experience, these villas are unique and beautifully designed to offer you the most spectacular views of the ocean. Let the sound of the waves gently lapping below whisk you away into a peaceful trance. READ FULL REVIEW

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12 Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu AERIAL
Booking.com

Best Experience:   for Couples, Beach, Diving, Value

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a quiet place in the UNESCO Biosphere reserve on Baa atoll in Maldives where you will find luxury, beauty and privacy at reasonable prices. Only 98 rooms, two restaurants, SPA and sports grounds and the removal of the island takes 30 minutes by seaplane from Male airport. Snorkeling and scuba diving is awesome and the resort offers a number of fun tours, but there is no pool on the island.

The unique wooden Lagoon Villas offer absolute indulgence for those who are looking for exclusivity and seclusion. Lagoon Villas also feature a comfortable rural style, but are noticeably ahead of the beach accomodation. This style is a kind of hideaway for a Maldivian gentleman. READ FULL REVIEW

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