Did you know that worldwide there are about 5,000 Overwater Bungalows? The vast majority of these bungalows are in the Maldives. Tahiti might have invented the overwater villas, but the Maldives perfected the concept. The villas are larger, more luxurious, and more romantic. The Maldives is hands down the top honeymoon destination in the world!
It has taken me forever to get this blog written; I couldn't narrow the list down. At one point, the whole blog was going to be a list of every hotel in the nation. Their resorts are just that unbelievable! But after months of arguing with myself, I present (in no particular order) the sexiest honeymoon resorts in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani nestles on Medhufaru island, which is part of an unsettled five-island batch in the Noonu Atoll. Pristine beaches fringe the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives. Luxuriant torrid greenery envelopes Soneva Jani, and a lagoon of crystal clear waters provide panoramic 360° views of the Indian Ocean. It is the most exclusive and luxurious resort in the Maldives!
Baros Resort
The Baros is one of the best-reviewed resorts in the world, not just the Maldives. With only 75 villas, you would think that the Baros would be limited in amenities. But it offers four restaurants, two bars, 24-hour room service, and a luxury spa. You get the amenities from a large resort with the intimacy of a boutique resort. Truly the best of both worlds.
Gili Lankanfushi
Do you want to feel like a movie star on your honeymoon? Then the Gili is for you. This resort is where the beautiful people go to get away from everything. It is also home to the largest Over Water Bungalows in the world. The bungalows range from huge to enormous. Looking for alone time? Several of Gili's villas are so remote you must take a ferry. Talk about privacy!
One & Only Reethi Rah
With only 32 water villas and 128 rooms total, the Reethi Rah maximizes the privacy and the luxury. Each villa comes with a private pool and a private beach! Joy and romance live at Reethi Rah. That's why it is a favorite among royals and A-list Hollywood celebrities alike.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
I LOVE LOVE this resort! Its underwater restaurant allowed me to fulfill my life long desire to become Ariel from "The Little Mermaid." Sing it with me, "Under the Sea, Under the Sea." Conrad is one of the hippest resorts in the world. Did I forget to mention the Muraka? It's a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. (Picture number 3 if you are interested.) I didn't stay there, but I wish I had!
JOALI Maldives
JOALI lives on the picture-perfect Muravandhoo island in the Raa Atoll. One of the broadest and deepest atolls in the world. The atoll is home to a myriad of sea life, ensuring the diving is superb. Expect vibrant blue waters and immaculate white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms.
Velaa Private Island
Velaa is my favorite resort in the world! This 45 room resort is beyond luxury, and it is an exclusive, boutique hideaway. Intimate and pristine and perfect, there is nothing that can be improved. Velaa is so unique that snowfalls in the Maldives. Well, it falls in their snow room. Even their spa is overwater. Climb into one of their cloud pods for blissful relaxation.
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with it's 61 spacious beachfront and overwater villas. Their villas range in size from one to nine bedrooms. Hidden among leafy foliage and located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We loved watching classic movies at the outdoor Cinema Paradiso. Choose from nine different dining options and the sumptuous wine menu. Spend your nights stargazing at the Observatory, and your days exploring the coral reef. I know that the Maldives is all about the overwater bungalows, but I think the Carusoe villa is simply perfection.
Six Senses Laamu
For those who prefer their paradise secreted away, Six Senses Laamu provides the ideal escape. If sustainability and great surfing are vital to you, this hideaway is the haven you deserve. Home to the Yin Yang, the archipelago's most famous wave, that breaks just offshore. Not able to hang ten? Don't worry! Calmer waters exist along the pristine reef, which is home to dolphins and exotic marine life. There are 97 rustically stylish villas, scattered about the beach and over the lagoon. You will appreciate the lovely vistas from your rooftop deck.
Como Maalifushi
Como Maalifushi offers sustainability, luxury, and romance, along with a private island, Lavadhoo Island. Pretend you are shipwrecked and experience complete privacy. COMO has three restaurants. A standout dining experience is their overwater sushi bar. Embrace the range of holistic Asian therapies available at the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, which also offers yoga, a fully-equipped gym, and a variety of holistic wellness therapies.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Located on the Noonu Atoll, Cheval Blanc Randheli Resort is an ultraluxe resort. Housed on tiny islands protected from the ocean by a large coral reef, the hotel is home to a brilliant rainbow of fish, rays, and sea turtles. Villas face the horizon for the utmost privacy. Admire the views from your infinity pool, while your butler answers your every desire. My favorite part was the alchemist that customized the experiences and Guerlain-designed treatments.
St Regis Maldives Vommuli
Tucked away and surrounded by dreamy landscapes lies St Regis. Thick tropical vegetation, a beautiful white-sand beach, and a gleaming lagoon complete this idyllic utopia. Savor epicurean delights from around the world in the six restaurants and bars and restore their well-being at the over-water Iridium Spa. As I said, narrowing down this list was downright impossible, and I know I have left off some stunning and deserving resorts. I have about 30 iterations of this blog. After working on this blog for weeks and continually changing my mind, I finally just wrote it. Do you agree with my choices? Which resort would you remove or add?
If you want to read about more about the Maldives read our 21 Maldives Tips You Need to Know Before You Go. And for tips for picking the best overwater bungalow, read our Essential Tips for Picking Your Overwater Bungalow.