Is a $1300 PER NIGHT Overwater Villa in the Maldives Worth the Hype?

When I visited the Maldives, I knew it would not be a trip there unless I decided to check out what the overwater villa hype was all about. I swiped my credit card and tried to forget that I had just dropped what costs about the same price as rent for a month on just a few nights in the Maldives. 

Most resorts in the Maldives will require you to use their transportation services. On top of the price for the villa, I also paid $250 round trip for a speedboat transfer from the main island of Male (which is where you fly into) to the resort. If you’re planning on staying in the Maldives at a fancy resort, just be aware there will be additional charges, such as the speedboat and tax upon booking. 

Note: There are many fancy resorts you can visit in the Maldives that only require speedboat transfer (no seaplane flight). If you are not wanting to pay $500 for a flight to a resort, choose one that you can visit via speedboat from the island of Male. See my recommendations at the end of the blog post! 

Need help planning your dream trip to the Maldives? I can help you stay within your budget, but still have the best time here in paradise! 

Tour and Features of an Overwater Villa in the Maldives

Yes, these villas cost a large load of cash, so expect a top-notch luxury feel as you enter. Most villas will come with a private butler, golf cart access around the resort (if it’s a large resort), room service, complimentary water, tea and coffee, and more. 

The interior decor within over-water villas in the Maldives is gorgeous. The bathroom even has custom tile along the walls! 

All villas come with AC units, plenty of chargers for electronics, a desk, a large comfy king-sized bed, a private porch, closets, and more. Everything you need in your house that you use on a daily basis is most likely going to be here. If you need something, the resort will always be willing to help out! 

Overwater villas have private access right into the lagoon, a private pool, a creatively designed porch, an outdoor table, and comfortable lounge chairs. You don’t need to even leave your villa if you don’t want to because, of course, you can order room service. 

Lastly, there are options to call your butler so they can cater to your needs whenever you need it.

Resort Features 

During your stay in the Maldives in an overwater villa, as much as you won’t want to leave, it’s a must that you still check out the entire resort. The resorts in the Maldives are something from a movie. With infinity pools, thick vegetation, delicious dining, and crystal clear blue lagoons lined with palm trees, you’ll never want to come home! Check out these photos of Reethi Beach and Sun Siyam Resort. Yes, they are as magical as they look on Instagram! 

So is it Worth it to Spend Thousands of Dollars to Stay at an Overwater Villa in the Maldives? - My Honest Opinion 

Personally, as someone who travels both budget and luxury, my stay here was nothing but amazing. I will have to say, though, unless its a special occasion trip that you’re willing to put a lot of money into, such as a honeymoon, graduation, etc., and you are planning on spending a week in the Maldives (minus travel days), I suggest you spend 2-3 nights at a local island first. During your time on the local island, you can go on excursions (snorkeling, sandbank, etc.), and then for your last 3-4 nights, splurge on a luxury resort. A 3-4 night splurge here is enough to relax, get pampered and enjoy the luxury of what a 5-star resort in the Maldives has to offer without completely breaking the bank (if you have a budget for this trip). If you are on an unlimited budget and willing to spend a lot, of course, it's going to be 100% worth it. In that case, though, I suggest spending the extra money on a seaplane transfer and visiting one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives, such as the Soneva Jani, the Ritz Carlton, or Six Senses. From the views to the design of the villas and top-notch service, your luxury Maldives trip to one of these bucket-list resorts will be nothing short but amazing, just expect to pay for it! If you need help planning or budgeting for your Maldives trip, feel free to reach out to me! 

Below is a list of fancy resorts in the Maldives for less than $800/night (including tax, excluding speedboat transfer). TIP: You can use Booking.com to find cheap killer deals on some of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives! 

Sun Siyam Resort

Adaaran Prestige 

Hard Rock

Centara Ras 

Holiday Inn