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The World’s Most Opulent Overwater Villas
Written by Emily Jacobs
When it comes to one-of-a-kind luxury, there’s nothing better than the opulence of an overwater villa.
Escape to these patches of paradise, where lapping waves whisper from crystal-clear lagoons straight into your bedroom, jaw-dropping sunsets are a nightly occurrence and time seems to stand still. Disconnect from the world to reconnect with your loved ones as you enjoy the serenity of these jaw-dropping properties, each perfectly perched over water you’ll have to see to believe.
Hideaway Resort & Spa, Maldives
The overwater pool villas at Hideaway Resort & Spa Maldives are seriously sizeable at 290sqm each. As one of the larger and more remote island resorts in the Maldives, the villas are more generously spaced out in the lagoon than at many other resorts, offering an added element of privacy. And the luxuries? Think a bubbling spa tub with ocean views, direct lagoon access, a private pool with an inset bench for watching the sunset and butler service on-hand. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia
Castaway in eco-luxe style at Song Saa Private Island, a five-star island idyll in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago. Stretching across two rainforest-covered isles within a marine reserve, this pristine paradise offers multiple types of overwater experiences, perfect for spending your days jumping from sundeck to shimmering ocean and back again. For the ultimate indulgence, opt for the Royal Villa, nestled away in one of the island’s most discreet locations. Two bedrooms, a private pool and spacious kitchen, living and dining areas mean leaving your beautiful bolthole is completely optional. But if you do, the spoils await: snorkel around the islands, practice your warriors within private yoga classes or sink into spellbinding bliss with spa rituals at the spa sanctuary.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Perched across the bay from Nha Trang and only accessible by speedboat, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is a masterclass in indulgent escapism, combining water-edge villas with five-star facilities and world-class hospitality. Arrive to your luxe Water Pool Villa, overlooking Ninh Van Bay’s coral formation, to enjoy a private plunge pool, handcrafted wooden bathtub and in-villa wine cellar, along with the promise of undisturbed serenity – thanks to prime positioning, you won’t see another soul during your stay. Use your included golf buggy to zip between yoga classes, treatments at the spa or the stunning infinity pool. Watch the sunset with cocktail in hand before wining and dining your way across the five incredible restaurants, or simply dial up the romance with a private dinner for two.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel
When it comes to overwater villas in the Pacific, there’s nowhere more iconic than Bora Bora. Claiming prime real estate on Motu Piti Aau, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa delivers opulence in spades, with jaw-dropping panoramas from all-overwater villas, eight restaurants, bars and lounges, two swimming pools and a rejuvenating spa. Walk along the private beach, float over the aquamarine lagoon on stand-up paddleboards or stay horizontal on your sun-drenched private terrace, dipping in and out of the impossibly clear water below.
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
There are overwater villas, and then there’s the Grand Water Villas at One&Only Reethi Rah, an extraordinary private island escape just a 45-minute boat transfer from Male. Featuring a wraparound terrace, large indoor-outdoor living spaces, a 20-metre infinity pool and jacuzzi, these spectacular properties are designed to both take your breath away and give you breathing space from the rest of the world. Days spent in the above-water hammocks can be interspersed with visits to the eight incredible restaurants, bars and lounges; exploration of underworld worlds via the dive centre and walks along the 12 secluded beaches dotted around the island’s coastline.
LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Leave it all behind with an escape to the postcard-perfect LUX* South Ari Atoll, where a collection of glittering Romantic Pool Water Villas sit just a 25-minute seaplane ride from Male. It’s impossible not to feel the love in these light-filled overwater villas, where you can dip your toes in your private plunge pool or directly into the sparkling ocean; laze on a hanging’s bird nest with a good book in hand, or watch your favourite rom-com from the drop-down projector over the bed. Emerge from your private oasis to discover the resort’s wider facilities – there are eight eateries and five bars to choose from, plus a happening beach club, an outdoor cinema and five-star PADI dive centre.
Bawah Reserve, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Descend in 100 hectares of wilderness in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago to discover the epitome of barefoot luxury at Bawah Reserve. Scattered across six secluded islands and 13 beaches, this eco-conscious paradise paints a postcard-perfect picture using nature’s very best colours: turquoise waters, green tropical rainforests and vibrant multi-coloured coral reefs for as far as the eye can see. Dive from the sundeck of your overwater bungalow into the waters below or spend your days gazing out from your private terrace – with no-one to disturb you, serenity is closer than you think. Should you wish to leave your romantic bungalow bubble, a wealth of treats await: dine as you please across four eateries, sip on refreshing cocktails at Jules Verne Bar or rejuvenate with holistic wellness treatments at the extraordinary spa.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
Home to Fiji’s only overwater bures, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is an adults-only paradise that effortlessly combines romance, luxury and true Fijian hospitality. Slip straight from bed to ocean with an Overwater Bure, where a private bathing pavilion and sun-drenched deck come standard. Perched on the edge of a protected marine sanctuary, the award-winning resort puts sustainability at its core, with a planting program for native trees and protective measures for the rare Fijian-crested iguana. Should you be able to pull yourself away from the serenity of the Overwater Bure, you’ll find daily tasting menus at Fijiana Restaurant and tranquil treatments courtesy of Tatadra Spa.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Disconnect to reconnect at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, a five-star, all-villa paradise hidden away in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll. This hedonistic haven puts pleasure front and centre, with a collection of overwater villas that cater for your every whim. Choose the Grand Lagoon Villa with Pool to enjoy a private rooftop terrace, a private pool with sunken outdoor lounge and of course, direct access to the lagoon below. Elsewhere at the resort, the legendary Jumeirah luxury shines through: dine at the beachfront Glow restaurant, sip on cocktails at the poolside Shimmer Beach Club or bliss out at the overwater Talise Spa.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The Maldives’ Best All-Inclusive Resorts.
