A sensational heaven on earth experience awaits in the magical Maldives – but should you opt to stay in a beach villa or an overwater villa during your holiday in paradise?

We’ve decided to turn the spotlight on each type of accommodation to help you make your decision – but rest assured, both offer the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in the wonder of this spellbinding Indian Ocean destination. Whether you choose a beach villa or overwater villa, you’ll still be seduced by the many delights the Maldives have to offer. You’ll discover everything from silky soft sands, swaying palms and crystal-clear waters to amazing marine life, water sports galore and beguiling sunsets. A beach villa offers a safe setting for fun on the sands and thrilling outdoor activities, while an overwater villa is ideal for anyone seeking tranquillity and romantic hours atop the glistening ocean waters. Here’s our guide to these luxurious living spaces.

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Beach Villas

A Maldives beach villa is a fabulous choice where you’ll awake to radiant sunshine, shimmering warm waters and step directly on to pristine sands. Your luxury beachfront accommodation, which will often feature a charming traditional thatched roof, will provide the perfect setting for games on the sands, delicious evening barbecues, water sports action and the chance to soak up the invigorating sunshine in a comfy lounger. Beach villas are a big hit with families, with traditional sandcastle building sessions, snorkelling, canoeing and glass-bottomed boat rides among the delights which await. You’ll be wowed by exquisite furnishings, elegant design and sublime comfort in these havens of relaxation where a multitude of fabulous amenities can include a private plunge pool, garden terrace, cabanas, BBQ area, jacuzzi, beach gazebo, fully-stocked mini bar, open-air shower and your own private butler.

Overwater Villas

An overwater villa or bungalow in the Maldives could be the right choice for you if you crave complete tranquillity, privacy and intimate surroundings. You’ll wake each morning to epic blue skies, golden sunshine and the clear waters of a lagoon or ocean just inches away. Many resorts will offer butler service to attend to your every need, including delicious breakfasts delivered to your villa. An incredible range of amenities featured in many lavish overwater villas can include spacious private decking, sparkling infinity plunge pools, relaxing hammocks, outdoor showers, water slides and steps down to the inviting ocean for swimming and snorkelling. Some also boast spectacular glass floors where you can gaze at tropical fish, turtles and other enchanting sea creatures swimming beneath you. An overwater villa is a popular choice with honeymoon couples who want to enjoy magical moments together in a truly awe-inspiring setting.

Right For You

The mesmerising Maldives, a breathtaking archipelago consisting of more than 1,200 idyllic islands, is a dream destination for an all-inclusive holiday of a lifetime, and choosing the type of accommodation that’s right for you is simply the icing on the cake. Whether you stay in a beach villa or overwater villa, you’ll be treated to 5-star luxury, complete comfort and impeccable hospitality. Both options will see you enjoying a plethora of outdoor experiences, staying in sumptuous accommodation, dining in style and taking advantage of superb sports and leisure amenities. An overwater villa is the way to go if you want easy access to your own aquatic wonderland, with the Indian Ocean all around you. Alternatively, a beach villa is a better option if you are holidaying with children and want to keep them entertained safely, with kids clubs, swimming pools and activities close at hand.

The Best of Both Worlds

There’s a simple solution if you’re struggling to choose between a beach villa or overwater villa – go for both! You could opt to book a getaway where you spend the first half of your Maldivian adventure in a beautiful beach villa and the second half in a laid-back overwater villa. This really will give you the best of both worlds and will let you enjoy the benefits of each type of accommodation, from fun-filled days next to the sands, to an aquatic time amidst a magnificent world of water. Many resorts offer this option, so it’s definitely worth considering if deciding which type of accommodation to go for is proving a challenge. Another idea is to book a multicentre holiday, where you can spend time in an overwater villa in the Maldives, before jetting off to another sun-kissed destination, such as Dubai, Malaysia or Thailand, where you can enjoy exciting days in a luxurious beach villa.

Go Overwater Elsewhere

The Maldives is a great choice for an unforgettable holiday adventure in an overwater villa – but there are plenty of other destinations where you can enjoy an authentic experience above the sea. Dazzling Dubai doesn’t disappoint if you want to spend relaxing days in beautiful accommodation above the Arabian Gulf, with the sensational Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort boasting some truly luxurious overwater villas. Abu Dhabi is another wonderful emirate which is home to exceptional overwater villas, with the havens at Zaya Nurai Island Resort being particularly impressive. Sandals Royal Caribbean is an amazing Caribbean resort in Jamaica, where the stunning overwater villas really have the wow factor, while the overwater bungalows at Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, in Antigua, are out of this world. Another luxurious retreat which is renowned for its sea villas on stilts above the water is Pangkor Laut Resort, in Pangkor Laut, Malaysia.

Best Time To Visit

The type of getaway you desire is a key factor in deciding the best time for a holiday in the Maldives. If you simply want to spend relaxing days in incredible sunny tropical weather, then November to February is a great time to visit, before the end of the dry season and start of the wet season. This is also a great time for a range of water sports activities, including jet skiing, flyboarding, paddleboarding and parasailing. December to May is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts, when water conditions and temperatures are perfect at an array of exceptional dive sites. The Maldives enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine each day, with the temperature of the ocean rarely dropping below 25°C. The wet season, which is known as the South West Monsoon, runs from May to November, when the Maldives experience strong winds, making conditions ideal for surfing. This is also a good time of year to secure a cheap holiday deal.

“You’ll certainly live a life of luxury during a fabulous holiday in the Maldives, whether you opt to stay in a beach villa or an overwater villa.

“Both types of accommodation will provide a paradise setting for a holiday to remember, surrounded by powdery sands, sapphire waters and a range of phenomenal outdoor activities.

“This jaw-dropping Indian Ocean destination also boasts year-round sunshine, breathtaking scenery, abundant flora and fauna, fantastic food and plenty of water sports thrills.

“Whether you are a family seeking hours of fun, a couple yearning for romantic hours together or a group of friends wanting exciting experiences and adventures in the great outdoors, then the magical Maldives is the place for you.”

Siyam World

Noonu Atoll

This luxurious getaway hits the bullseye when it comes to sensational accommodation, which includes grandiose lagoon villas featuring your very own slide into the ocean. This splashtastic resort also boasts the first-ever floating water park in the Maldives, while guests will be wowed by 4km of silky soft sand, water sports action and delicious fare in a myriad of gourmet restaurants. Other superb amenities include an amazing house reef, a sumptuous spa, a beauty salon, a kids club and movies under the stars.

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NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi

Vaavu Atoll

Experience the ultimate in island living at this magnificent 5-star retreat where you’ll create magical memories, surrounded by swaying palms, pristine sands and inviting ocean waters. Snorkel in the enchanting house reef, succumb to head to toe pampering in the plush spa or sip refreshing cocktails beside the glistening infinity pool. Lavish and spacious Grand Atlantis Overwater Villas are among the accommodation options at this paradise haven in the sun, while a choice of wonderful dining venues will satisfy the most discerning palate.

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Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

North Malé Atoll

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Maldives at this fabulous adults-only playground for relaxation, indulgence and rejuvenation. Enjoy romantic hours in your intimate beachfront or overwater villa, marvel at breathtaking sunsets on the horizon and stroll hand in hand along virgin white sands. A well-equipped gym, a heavenly spa, a PADI-certified dive centre, an entertainment area, an island boutique and sparkling swimming pools are among the superb amenities at this charming oasis of tranquillity in the sun-soaked Indian Ocean.

Check out the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa