There’s a specific kind of quiet that only happens over water. No road noise, no footsteps above, just the sound of the lagoon shifting beneath the floorboards.
This, paired with luxuries like ocean-view bathtubs, butler service, private pools with slides and in-room massage tables, makes each of these next-level villas worth the journey alone.
One of the most secluded properties here is Bawah Reserve, reachable only by seaplane via Batam, across six private islands in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago. For honeymooners, Patina Maldives pairs overwater pool villas with a working artist residency, while Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers a quieter, wellness-led stay accessible only by speedboat. Fiji’s only natural-reef overwater option is Likuliku Lagoon Resort, an adults-only property on Malolo Island.
1. Park Hyatt Maldives: private island luxury with chef & butler
At 895sqm, the Kiaali Residence sits at the far end of Hadahaa’s pier over the most vibrant part of the house reef. It’s the resort‘s only three-bedroom option, sleeping up to six, and the scale of it changes what a stay here feels like: a 16-metre freshwater infinity pool runs the length of the terrace, sunken loungers sit at water level, and separate decks adjoin both the master and the king bedrooms. A private butler and a resident spa therapist come with the villa – so the only genuine reason to leave is to get into the reef, which you can do directly from the deck. Work out in the in-villa gym, soak in the whirlpool and indulge in private movie nights.
We have been to Maldives several times & always loved our stays, thought it was finally time to step out of comfort zone & try somewhere new. Park Hyatt was amazing, the service from arrival Male to departure was exceptional, all staff went out of their way to make our stay truely special the food (& cocktails – thanks James & team) were fantastic. The Blue Journeys team were amazing, good quality equipment, lovely dive boat, friendly helpful crew. Special thanks to our local dive guide, Janet, her professionalism, kindness & great sense of humour made our days. If your coming to Maldives for the diving we would not hesitate to recommend this resort 5 star plus! (PS loved it so much have booked again.)
10.0
Gregory C.AU · 4 escapes · 1 review
The location, the food and staff are fantastic, this is the second time we have visited the Hadahaa and it exceeded our expectation.
10.0
Charlene B.AU · 22 escapes · 3 reviews
Our stay at Park Hyatt Maldives was absolutely incredible. The house reef is one of the best we've ever experienced, with amazing snorkeling right off the villa. The staff were exceptional throughout our stay, and our host, Eid, was so attentive and ensured every detail was taken care of. The food was outstanding, with every meal exceeding our expectations. This resort truly delivered an unforgettable experience, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommended!
10.0
Jocelyn R.AU · 19 escapes · 8 reviews
Excellent All inclusive stay at the serene and remote Gaafu Alifu atoll. You are treated like royalty from the moment you arrive at the airport to the time when you leave.
Exceptional villas, first class amenities, superb a la carte meals at the Dining Room, impeccable gourmet meals at the Island Grill.
Excellent snorkelling excursions. If you are going to this part of the Maldives do not miss the chance to snorkel or dive in these excellent waters !
Brilliant staff all round – from the hosts, wait staff, room attendants. Everyone strove to excel!
10.0
Luke H.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
This resort is absolute paradise. It is completely isolated from all of the other resorts and the marine life is amazing, right on your doorstep. We saw sharks and turtles every day, often without having to even get in the water. The staff are excellent, the service is exquisite and the food is wonderful. Complete relaxation and pampering. Will definitely be going back!
2. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji: Fiji’s first overwater villas
The adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort is one of the few resorts in Fiji to offer overwater accommodation, and the only one over a natural reef lagoon. It’s surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary on Malolo Island, which makes the snorkelling directly below the deck rewarding. The Tatadra Spa takes its inspiration from Fijian wellness traditions, and Fijiana Restaurant’s ocean-to-table menu is built around what’s locally available. The detail worth knowing: Likuliku runs an active conservation program for the Fijian-crested iguana – a species rarely seen outside the Mamanuca Islands – including habitat protection across the property.
The view from our beachfront view is spectacular. The meals are delicious and the staff are lovely and gracious.
10.0
AnonymousGB
Everything about Likuliku was exceptional. From the moment they greet you on arrival, the detailed orientation and the beautiful bures. The staff are genuinely the most friendly, attentive team I have ever come across. The food is exceptional – quality and selection.
It is certainly worth every penny and you do get value for money with the quality.
Go – you will not regret it
10.0
AnonymousMY
The whole team at likuliku has made our stay super pleasant
10.0
AnonymousAU
Likuliku is just the best resort I've ever been to. Staff are very attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is quiet and romantic. We've seen plenty of baby reef sharks and colourful fish. Great food. I can't recommend this place enough.
10.0
AnonymousCA
We stayed for six days. It was the best experience we have ever had in the 40 years of traveling the world.
Highly recommend the resort. The staff made our experience unforgettable. It is the staff that made the resort an unforgettable experience.
Vinaka!!
3. Bawah Reserve, Riau Islands, Indonesia: copper bathtubs & tropical seclusion
Bawah Reserve is in the Anambas Archipelago, which sits in Indonesian waters close to Singapore. The resort operates across six islands and 13 beaches within a protected marine area. The overwater bungalows are positioned to make the most of the thriving coral and marine life. Bawah is all-inclusive, which matters at a resort this remote: four restaurants, yoga, kayaking, and non-motorised water sports are all available. Jules Verne Bar – named for the author – does the sundowner shift well. The spa uses the surrounding wilderness as its reference point rather than a generic wellness menu. Getting here requires a flight to Singapore or Batam, followed by a seaplane flight, which is itself part of the experience.
Our stay at Bawah Reserve was truly exceptional.
What impressed us most was the warmth and professionalism of the entire team. Every staff member was friendly, cheerful, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our stay memorable. From the moment we arrived until our departure, we felt welcomed and cared for.
The food was outstanding. The quality was excellent, and the variety was simply remarkable. Every meal offered something new and delicious, with a wonderful selection of international and local flavors. The culinary experience alone is worth the journey.
The natural beauty of Bawah is breathtaking. The islands feel untouched, offering a rare sense of tranquility and connection with nature. A particular highlight was the coral reef, which is truly unique. The underwater world is vibrant, healthy, and full of marine life, making every snorkeling excursion an unforgettable experience.
Bawah Reserve perfectly combines luxury, sustainability, outstanding hospitality, and spectacular nature. It was one of the most memorable travel experiences we have ever had, and we are already looking forward to returning.
Highly recommended – a true paradise and a well-deserved 5-star experience.
10.0
Dibfam4
My husband and I spent seven days at Bawah, staying in an overwater bungalow at the far end of the boardwalk (the Boathouse end).
The resort is stunning—on sunny days, the clear water and white sand are genuinely picture-perfect. We made the most of the water activities, as well as the food and spa treatments throughout our stay.
Snorkelling around the resort was a highlight. We were fortunate to see a small school of bumphead parrotfish, marine flatworms, nudibranchs, blacktip sharks, a turtle, and a wide variety of reef fish. Each snorkel was different—some more rewarding than others—but overall the area around the jetty was particularly productive.
10.0
Lily M.
Had the best time with my husband for our honeymoon here. The weather was perfect, the island and scenery were so beautiful. Every single one of their staff was super nice, friendly and welcoming. Food was fantastic from breakfast all the way to dinner, we genuinely enjoyed every single meal and given we are both big foodie and quite picky with food this is very rare! Can’t say even good things about this place, we will definitely go back!
Activity wise we really enjoyed the night paddle boarding, it’s surprisingly very peaceful and romantic, the lights mixed with all the stars in the sky made the experience very special.
10.0
Calvin A.
The moment we stepped on the island, we were warmly welcomed with cheerful smiles, friendly greetings, a refreshing drink and a cool towel.
The staffs delivered exceptional service, consistently attentive to our needs. They even remembered our names and preferences, which made the experience feel personal. Everyone was approachable, supportive, and genuinely helpful.
The villa is spectacular, the way it was designed makes us feel cozy and at ease. Looking out of the villa, we were greeted with an amazing view of the ocean, the clear water, corals and fishes. It was really quiet, which made the whole experience feel like a nice break from our busy everyday lives.
There are numerous activities on the island, from Kayaking, Standup Paddleboard, Snorkeling, Hiking and etc. It was my first time snorkeling and the experience was incredible, we managed to get a close up view of sea turtles and all kinds of marine life.
At night, the sky fills with dazzling stars, the view was breathtaking. Combined with the serenity of the place, it felt peaceful and we truly enjoyed it.
We love the food and drinks—they’re incredible and full of surprises. They serve special drinks you won’t find elsewhere, like Bawah Cola, Bawah Tonic and many others!
The spa offers a wide range of treatments, letting you choose the areas you want to focus on. Before the session, the therapist checks in about what you’d like to avoid and where you’d like extra attention, making it feel very personalized. It begins with calming scents, while soothing music fills the room. Combined with the therapeutic massages, the whole experience is deeply relaxing.
Prior to the trip, I had planned a proposal in Bawah, and the team’s email coordination was remarkably proactive and responsive. They arranged the venue beautifully and handled the preparation according to my requirements. I’m happy to say the proposal was a success! My fiancée was really delighted with the arrangement and already misses Bawah and everyone there.
Bawah Reserve turned out to be an unforgettable and extraordinary trip, and we’d absolutely recommend it!
Side note: They even let you take the name board home!
4. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: a newcomer to the Maldives
One of the Maldives’ most exciting recent openings, this all-villa retreat pairs Thai-inspired hospitality with barefoot Indian Ocean luxury, set on its own island in the pristine North Malé Atoll. The overwater villas are the main event: spacious, contemporary in design, each with direct lagoon access and a private jacuzzi or pool. What sets Centara Grand apart is its position within The Atollia – a dual-island destination shared with the family-oriented Centara Mirage Lagoon – meaning guests enjoy the serenity of an adults-focused retreat while having the option to venture next door for a wider dining and activity programme.
5. Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia: unsung paradise
Cambodia doesn’t show up on many overwater villa lists, which is exactly why Song Saa is worth knowing about. The resort sits across two small rainforest-covered islands in the Koh Rong archipelago – a marine reserve, which means the water around you is protected. The overwater villas range from intimate to expansive, but The Royal Villa is the one to know: two bedrooms, a private pool and living spaces large enough that leaving is an active decision rather than a default. Yoga classes are offered with a group or privately. The spa is built into the hillside rather than dropped onto the beach. Song Saa also runs its own conservation program including a coral nursery and sustainable fishing training for locals – if you’re going somewhere this remote, it’s worth going somewhere that’s looking after it.
This was an adventure from start to finish. The only part I hate is having to rely on coordination from other guests, like if I got on the boat to leave at the requested time why do I have to wait for another guest who wants to finish her cocktail by the pool? Anyway, the indoor bathtub was glass walled so it’s like you’re bathing in the forest. The alcohol was topped up generously (it was all you can drink when I went), a complimentary massage, options to go on excursions and my own mini infinity pool looking over the ocean. I was thoroughly relaxed.
10.0
A K.
Starting with the pick up at the private lounge at the ferry terminal, Song Saa is the most wonderful experience. The island is beautiful and the grounds are really well maintained. Our villa was spacious, well appointed and had the best plunge pool and outdoor lounge area. The meals were delicious and served in different venues throughout the stay. Having a treatment at the outdoor spa over the ocean was sublime and I would highly recommend it. Loved the friendly staff too. I would happily return.
10.0
Bumi P.
Fantastic staff, very professional and friendly.
Villas are super nice. Food is good.
Unique experience where you can relax but also learn about Corals restauration, plastic recycling and the community.
10.0
Hansheinrich H.
Our first impression was that the resort was showing its age. Certain areas no longer meet the standards one would expect in this price range, both visually and in terms of quality. I am aware that the resort is located in one of the poorest countries in the world and in a nature reserve, but this was not my first stay at a 5-star-plus resort in Cambodia.
Upon arrival, we were disappointed to find that there was no jetty with direct access to the sea, but only a small section of beach where it was possible to enter the water without encountering sea urchins – and this on an island that is advertised as a snorkelling paradise. In our opinion, more transparent information on the website would be desirable.
Compared to previous stays in 5-star plus resorts, it is noticeable that there are apparent cutbacks in staffing, which has an impact on care, maintenance and details. The price-performance ratio therefore does not seem to be right.
On a very positive note, the exceptional friendliness and warmth of the entire staff outshines many of the points mentioned above and leaves a lasting impression on guests. Those who can ignore the financial aspect will have no cause for complaint overall.
6. Patina Maldives: romantic outdoor bathtubs & floor-to-ceiling windows
Patina, which opened in 2021 on the Fari Islands – a 50-minute speedboat ride from Malé – was built around a different premise: that a certain kind of traveller wants culture as much as they want ocean. The overwater One Bedroom Water Pool Villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open on three sides and a 6.2-metre private pool on the deck. The design throughout is by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, which gives the property a distinctly editorial quality – more Wallpaper* than standard Maldives resort. Adding to its design-led appeal is a working artist residency through the Fari Art Atelier, with painters, photographers and sculptors hosted on the island and their process open to guests. The centrepiece is Skyspace Amarta, an installation by American artist James Turrell that’s open to the sky and designed to alter your perception of light and space. The Fari Marina Village, shared with the neighbouring Ritz-Carlton, adds an extra social dimension.
7. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam: luxury only accessible by speedboat
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits across the water from Nha Trang, accessible only by speedboat. The Water Pool Villas are built on stilts in the bay overlooking coral formations, each with a private plunge pool and handcrafted wooden bathtub. Six Senses properties tend to lead with wellness, and this one is no exception – the spa program is extensive and the yoga pavilion is positioned to catch the morning light over the water. What makes Ninh Van Bay distinct within the brand is its setting: granite boulders rise behind the villas, the bay is sheltered, and the surrounding hills mean the horizon here looks nothing like the flat atolls most overwater villas trade on. Enjoy six restaurants and bars, a golf buggy for getting between them, and the kind of quiet that arrives when a boat is the only way in or out.
Hands down, the best resort we have ever been to. Its on another level. We changed villas mid stay because I wanted to see the difference between the Hilltop Pool Villa and Beach Villa. Where the Hilltop beach villa is more luxurious, the beachtop was just more fun for us as a family. Both are absolutely incredible. First time I almost cried when leaving a place. I want to go back already
10.0
AnonymousCN
Excellent hotel A real resort that you can relaxed
10.0
AnonymousUS
High recommended, a very nice resort with excellent services. Will come back and visit again.
10.0
AnonymousUS
Very impressive place to have vacation with loved one, romantic with unique scenes. Will go back again
10.0
AnonymousUS
We had the most AMAZING time. No words to described! The service is phenomenal. EVERYONE is smiling, kind, and offers to assist in everything and every need. Don’t think twice, it’s worth it and a MUST if you are in Nha Trang. We will definitely return and also try other Six Senses. The breakfast and food delicious and the VIEWS WOW! We loved everything about SixSenses Ninh Van Bay and the staffs elevated it even so much more. Please take care of your staffs well, they made our stay special experience . Shout out to chef came by to say hi to us and to Son, the GEM. Son was so friendly and quick at helping us with all the needs. Thank you so much to the guys carrying our suitcases up and down the steps. We want to thank you each and all of you. We will let our friends know to stay at Six Senses NVB.
8. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel: the spiritual home of the overwater villa
Bora Bora invented the overwater bungalow concept, which means it’s also the most replicated. The InterContinental sits on Motu Piti Aau – one of the small islets ringing the main island – and all villas are positioned directly over the lagoon, with Mount Otemanu visible from some terraces. The Deep Ocean Spa is the thing that separates this property from its neighbours: it has glass-bottomed treatment rooms so you can admire the marine life as you enjoy a coconut body wrap or massage. The lagoon here is genuinely, absurdly turquoise, best admired atop a paddle board. The resort is currently closed for a major upgrade: watch this space as it returns better than ever.
