10 affordable water villas in Maldives (with a base fare of around $1000/night for two or less)
Staying in an overwater bungalow with nothing but the ocean laying in front of you is very much part of the Maldives travel experience as the crystal clear water of the islands, but these types of accommodations can raise the cost of your trip by quite a lot.
So I decided to round up 10 affordable water villas in Maldives (in no particular order) to help you have the vacation of your dreams, without breaking the bank too much.
But because affordable can still be expensive when it comes to this beautiful and exotic destination, I tried selecting overwater bungalows with a base fare of around $1000/night for 2 persons or less.
However, as resorts in Maldives often offer discounts, you should be able to score a much better price for your stay.
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01. Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat ★★★★
Located on the pristine island of Thelu Veliga in the South Ari Atoll, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat offers a beautiful coral area. The property is a 35-minute seaplane ride away from Male airport.
The water villas are tastefully decorated and start at $943night (base fare) for two people, breakfast included. But you can get a discounted rate of $586/night depending on when you visit. Their strong point is definitely the bathtub with ocean views.
Guests can pamper themselves at the spa or enjoy various activities like snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and boat rides.
02. Kudafushi Resort & Spa ★★★★★
Kudafushi Resort & Spa is situated on Raa Atoll. The complex has a children’s club, a spa, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and a year-round outdoor pool.
The area around the resort is popular for snorkeling and windsurfing. The property has a 5-star PADI diving center and a water sports center.
Their water villas start as low as $717/night (non-refundable) for two people with three meals a day included.
Transfers to the hotel cost extra (prices change depending on the time period) and you can choose between a 45-minute seaplane flight and a 30-minute domestic flight + a 20-minute boat ride.
03. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa ★★★★★
Situated on a secluded island, this resort is accessible by either a 25-minute ride by seaplane or by a 15-minute domestic flight followed by a 15-minute boat ride. The transfer cost is the same for either option: $440/adult/round-trip.
The resort has a luxurious beach and water villas with spectacular ocean views, starting at $841/night for two (base fare). Discounted rates start as low as $572/night though. The selling point of the villas is the over-the-water net and the bathtub with ocean views.
In addition, the hotel features a swimming pool, water sports facilities, a kids ’club, a spa, and a yoga center. Daily excursions and activities, such as diving and snorkeling can be organized.
04. Kuredu Island Resort & Spa ★★★★
Located on Kuredu Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa offers a private beach, outdoor pool, water sports facilities, a spa, and a free fitness center.
Their water villas start at $1312/night for two (so over our $1000 limit) and this base rate includes three meals, which is definitely a plus, since food and drinks are also pretty expensive on the islands (read my post on 25 things to know before traveling to Maldives for more tips). However, the discounted fares start at $1182/night.
Each overwater bungalow has a sundeck with lounges as well as a balcony with a table and chairs where guests can take breakfast.
05. Meeru Island Resort & Spa ★★★★
Located on Meerufenfushi Island, Meeru Island Resort & Spa can be reached by a 45-minute boat ride (prices change depending on the time period).
Their water villas with outdoor jacuzzies start at $1062/night for two, while discounted rates are $905/night.
The resort offers a private beach area, 2 outdoor pools and a bicycle rental service. Guests can enjoy various activities like golf, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
06. Reethi Beach Resort ★★★★
Reethi Beach Resort is located on the lush island of Fonimagoodhoo and it can be reached by either a 35-minute seaplane flight or by a 20-minute domestic flight and a short 15-minute boat ride.
The hotel is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a white sandy beach. It has a fitness center, massage parlor, a spa, 5 restaurants, and 5 bars.
The water villas are pretty affordable, with the base fare starting at $998/night per couple, while the discounted rate is $677/night.
07. Sun Island Resort & Spa ★★★★★
Located in Maamigili, Sun Island Resort & Spa offers 5-star accommodation, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a garden. To reach the resort a 20-minute domestic flight is needed ($385/adult/round-trip).
The basic fare for the overwater bungalows at Sun Island Resort & Spa starts at $671/night for two, while the discounted rate starts at $539/night.
08. Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa ★★★★
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa offers an outdoor pool and a spa. The hotel is 25-minutes away by seaplane from Male International Airport ($370/adult/round-trip).
The modern decorated water villas have big outdoor jacuzzis and start at $1079/night per couple, all three meals included. Discounted rates start at $876/night.
09. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives ★★★★★
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is an adult-only property offering luxurious beach and waterfront accommodation in the exclusive northern part of Male Atoll.
The property has a beachfront spa, a PADI-certified diving center, and an outdoor pool. There are 6 on-site bars and restaurants serving Thai, Italian and international dishes.
Their modern water villas start at $841/night for couple, breakfast included. And the discounted rates start at $572/night.
The resort is a 20-minute boat ride away from Male airport ($150/adult/roud-trip).
10. South Palm Resort Maldives
South Palm Resort Maldives is located in Meedhoo, an inhabited island in Dhaalu Atoll. It offers a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and a garden.
The hotel can be reached by a 70-minute domestic flight. It costs $350/adult for a round-trip.
The overwater bungalows start at $703/night per couple (discounted rate: $426/night), but there’s no meal plan included. For this reason, I recommend getting the option with breakfast or breakfast + dinner instead.
The price difference is certainly worth it since just the breakfast costs $35.
So there you have it: 10 affordable water villas in the Maldives! And remember, the prices listed are the base fares in high season, but most of these resorts usually have discounts.
Happy travels~
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