All the Best Overwater Villas Around the World

There’s no way to talk about overwater villas without first mentioning the unofficial overwater villa capital of the world: Maldives. Gili Lankanfushi is home to 45 of them, from the over-the-top Private Reserve which includes its own gym and spa to more intimate Villa Suites. They also have their own marine biology shack where you can learn more about the resort’s sustainability and conservation projects.

Within a 5.6-kilometer lagoon, the Water Retreats at Soneva Jani all come with private pools and most also boast waterslides and a retractable roof over the master bedroom for watching the stars at night. The options range from a 4,424-square-foot one bedroom up to 13,896-square-foot four bedroom. If that’s not quite enough space, the 2022 Best Sustainable Luxury winner also has a menu of slightly larger Water Reserves. The very definition of jaw-dropping.

Photo credit: Sarah Royall of @saltyluxe

Like your Maldivian resorts slightly more bijou? Eco-friendly Mirihi Island Resort is one of the archipelagic country’s smallest giving it a truly pared-back private island feel. Located above their house reef, the 30 Water Villas or singular Water Suite are ideal for snorkelers—hop out of bed, throw your gear on and head straight in.

Talk about elevated—the sea villas at Malaysia’s Pangkor Laut Resort sit high on stilts above the Strait of Malacca and are dressed in rich woods and luxurious textures. Set off the rocky coast of a lush private island, you’ll wake to waves lapping with monkey calls and birdsongs also in earshot.

You could argue that the Rock Pool Villa, Rock Retreat and Water Reserve at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay aren’t technically overwater villas but considering they are built atop shoreline rock formations and given the tides, we say they are—not to mention the most natural expression of them.

Staying in an overwater villa at Song Saa Private Island feels good—not just the getting to choose whether you swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand below you or the pool on your deck, but also that your stay supports the resort’s own foundation focused on championing its Cambodian community and preserving the natural environment.

Perched in a protected marine sanctuary, adult-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort boasts authentic overwater bures billed as Fiji’s first and only ones. While the ten bures feature traditional architecture and materials, they also include that all-important glass floor for gazing at the turquoise water beneath your feet.

Tucked into a private cove with a long stretch of white sand on Motu To’opua, Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers spectacular one- and two-storey overwater villas, many of which include their own infinity pools and overwater hammocks. When you’re ready to take a dip in the salty, aquamarine drink below, best take off any diamond earrings—this is the same spot where Kim Kardashian infamously almost lost hers.

On a small private island in laidback Belize, Cayo Espanto has seven villas but only one overwater one. With window panes that match the Caribbean Sea that surrounds it, the extra special Casa Ventanas sits at the end of a 150-foot dock with two verandah lounge chairs perfectly positioned for watching the sunset.

If you happen to fancy an overwater villa in Dubai, you’re in luck—Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort on the Eastern Crescent boasts the only ones in the UAE. The one-bedroom villas provide mesmerizing water views from every angle; take it in the blue from the king-sized bed, terrace, tub and even a glass floor panel in the bedroom.

Of the 89 suites and villas at Constance Prince Maurice, 11 are spectacularly stilted above the Barachois with views to the Indian Ocean beyond. The interesting twist on these bungalows is that there’s no ladder down to the surface for taking a swim, because these waters are a natural fish reserve meant to keep all the original aquatic residents happy.