How to Choose the Perfect Water Bungalow

As the country that put overwater villas on the map, the Maldives is one of the few destinations where staying at an ordinary hotel suite feels less than ideal. Home to some of the world’s most spectacular overwater villas, the Maldives requires every traveller to splurge on this once-in-a-lifetime indulgence, even if the cost might be beyond the reach of most visitors. From on-site amenities to location and layout, here’s how to find the best overwater bungalow for your stay.

Villa Categories 101

Those who are heading to the Maldives for a beach holiday must first understand the types of overwater accommodation options accessible in the archipelago, as it is crucial to determining what type of villa is suitable for one’s needs. Although all overwater villas look similarly captivating on hotel websites, each villa category affords a distinct set of amenities and facilities. Sunset and sunrise villas, for example, are not just about the view, as night owls might not appreciate being stationed in a villa that’s penetrated by the first rays of sunshine every dawn. Deciding on whether you want to reserve an overwater villa with a pool or without a pool or Jacuzzi is also important, as those who do not opt for a pool villa must use the swimming pool in the main hotel property. Overwater villas that are identified as “lagoon villas” are also popular for the easy access they provide to the resort island’s house reef and lagoon.

A Scenic Location

The location of your water bungalow can directly influence the quality of your overall holiday. This is why it’s crucial to consider the location of your villa and how it fits into your vacation needs. Whether you select a sunset lagoon villa at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu or any other popular resort base, the ideal over water villa in Maldives should afford some measure of privacy and seclusion if you’re heading to the islands on your honeymoon. Group travellers and families, however, might prefer a water villa that’s closer to shore so as to have easy access to the main property’s on-site restaurants, kids club, or spa facilities, etc. The exact location of your overwater villa on the piers that extend from the shoreline can give tourists a better idea of the amount of privacy they can expect as well as the distance to key amenities on the mainland.

Size, Scale, and Layout

Not all overwater villas are created equal, especially in terms of size, as some can be as small as 85 square metres while others can occupy an area as vast as 600 square metres. Most overwater villas will also feature a sundeck, while some resorts offer guests a choice between outdoor rain showers or en-suite showers. Villas that incorporate separate living areas, for instance, are a great choice for those who are travelling with friends or family, while the number of bedrooms and the overall layout of the space must also be taken into account before settling on a water villa.

Aesthetics

Holidaymakers with an eye for aesthetics and architectural design may also want to explore the overall visual appeal of the overwater villas they have short-listed. Certain resorts will be renowned for their minimalistic style and sparingly furnished interiors, while others will feature more lavish decorative accents, floor-to-ceiling glass panels, wood finishes, or a thatched roof.

Do Your Homework

Vacationers who are reserving accommodation in the Maldives for the first time would also be wise to consult online reviews of the overwater villa and the resort base of their choice and see what other guests have to say about their experience. Doing ample research into the accessibility, cleanliness, and common complaints lodged by fellow travellers on online booking platforms can also help visitors make a more informed decision.