Comprising 1,192 islands (only 200 of the islands are inhabited) in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a bucket list travel destination, thanks to its myriad of marine life, soft white-sand beaches, and stunning resorts. And for those looking for a true tropical escape, sleeping in an overwater villa over the calm and crystal clear waters is the pinnacle of vacation goals. Perched serenely over the Indian Ocean, with some only accessible by boat, these expansive and expensive villas are some of the most lavish, postcard-perfect accommodations in the Maldives. If you’re ready to book that true out-of-office, make your co-workers (and friends) jealous beach vacation, these six villas in the Maldives will leave a lasting memory.
Milaidhoo Ocean Residence at Milaidhoo
Situated at the very end of the lagoon jetty, Milaidhoo Ocean Residence at Milaidhoo overwater residence features a separate living room and two bedrooms along with a personal chef and a butler to arrange everything the guests wish for is available. The 6,071 sq ft thatched-roof Residence has a secret gym space under the roof and an expansive sundeck around the private freshwater infinity pool with steps leading down into the lagoon. High ceilings create a sense of space and light, creating a memorable setting for a relaxing bath after a day of diving or snorkeling. With a maximum occupancy of six guests, guests can enjoy one bespoke three-hour cruise on a luxury boat along with a private dinner at the beach. As an adults-only resort, activities include over-water spa treatments, sunrise yoga classes, and snorkeling excursions to view the incredible house reef. Prices for the residence start at $9,215 per night.
The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The Muraka is the world’s first undersea residence, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. As part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll, above water, this accommodation features two bedrooms and an outdoor deck with an infinity pool. Down a spiral staircase, guests are literally submerged in their private underwater aquarium with a master bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in closet, and a dedicated tunnel viewing theater. Rates start at $9,999 per night.
Romantic Pool Residence at Velaa Private Island
Accessible only by boat, the Velaa Private Island romantic residence is suspended above a lagoon with uninterrupted views of the ocean. Along with its own personal gym and spa room, fully-equipped kitchen, personal butler, and optional private chef, each room opens onto the terraces with a Jacuzzi, pool sundeck, and sunken bath. Its interior measures at 2121 sq ft while decks add another 3014 sq ft and the escape beckons guests to enjoy the outside dining gazebo on a floating jetty and catch the sunsets from daybeds on a sprawling terrace. Rates start at $7,000 per night in the low season.
Four Bedroom Private Wellbeing Ocean Residence at JOALI BEING
With the ability to sleep up to 10 guests, the four-bedroom Private Wellbeing Ocean Residence at Joali Being allows guests to lounge in style overwater. While its interior area measures 5,285 sq ft, the outdoor spaces create a total of 11,302 sq ft for guests to enjoy. As the largest accommodation at JOALI BEING in Bodufushi, Maldives, the residence comes with a 118 sqm infinity pool, a well-being room, a private movement zone, a kitchenette, a dedicated butler known as “jadugars” (the Maldivian word for “magician”) and more. Built according to biophilic principles and designed to evoke harmony and balance, the villa offers guests meditative musical instruments, well-being games, and snorkeling equipment to explore the marine life that occupies the brilliant blue waters of the ocean beneath. Prices for the residence start at $21,206 per night.
Three Bedroom Ocean Residence with Two Pools at JOALI Maldives
With an interior area of 4,306 sq ft and a total area of 10,665 sq ft, the three-bedroom Ocean Residence offers not one, but two pools overlooking the ocean. Ideal for up to six guests, this residence evokes the same joie de vivre or “Joy of Living” philosophy found at JOALI, the first and only art-immersive hotel in the Maldives. Located on the Muravandhoo island in northern Maldives, in the Raa Atoll, this residence presents a scenic outdoor terrace and private balcony, an art collection, a hot tub, on-call Dhoni (boat), a dedicated butler “jadugars” and more. Luxurious touches can be seen throughout, with nightly rates beginning at $15,300.
Stella Maris Ocean Villa with Pool at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria Maldives standalone Stella Maris Ocean Villa with a Pool, a 5,767 sq ft villa in the Malé, Maldives is exclusively accessed by boat, separate from the main property. The duplex can accommodate up to three adults and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a stunning bathroom with a deep soaking bath overlooking the ocean, an infinity pool, a hot tub, and overwater hammocks. Lay back and watch the stars over the clear sky or lounge on the top deck and have a private chef take them on a culinary journey using locally sourced produce. Prices for the villa start at $6,000 per night.
This story originally appeared on Upscalelivingmag
