14 Incredibly Affordable Luxury Water Villas in the Maldives

A trip to the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, and upgrading your accommodation to a water villa is one of the best decisions you can make. After all, the dreamy concept of the Maldives is based on staying in one of these unique overwater villas. 

Even if you choose the Maldives as a regular holiday destination, finding the best in terms of value for money should be a top priority to get the most out of your trip.

Here are 14 of our favorite affordable luxury water villas in the Maldives that won’t break the bank!

6 Tips When Searching For Affordable Water Villas in the Maldives

1. Take Advantage of the Low Season

The weather systems in the Maldives are no longer as reliable as they used to be. Therefore, booking your trip out of high season may be a great way to save hundreds (if not thousands) on a cheap water villa in the Maldives.

2. Use Low Ratings to your Advantage

When looking through reviews such as Tripadvisor, bear in mind that most people will have stayed in land-based rooms. The experience is likely to be far better in a water villa, so use 4-star reviews to your advantage to make a decision based on facilities that are relevant to you.

3. All-Inclusive is (generally) Better Value

Without a doubt (unless you eat or drink very little) this option will save you a small fortune. Bottled water in the Maldives is eye-wateringly expensive, and this alone will add a fair amount to your bill. So although the all-inclusive price may look like a very expensive option, it will most certainly be the better one when looking for an affordable water villa in the Maldives.

4. Don’t Book Flights and Hotels Separately

Ordinarily, booking accommodation and flights to most other destinations separately works out more cost-effective. However, the Maldives is an exception. Package holidays work out far cheaper and often include the seaplane or speedboat transfer.

5. Check for Special Offers via an Agent

If booking through an agent, check to see whether there are any special offers. Some resorts will offer a free night stay for every 7 nights or include some great additional treats.

6. Book Well in Advance!

The most important – book as far in advance as possible! Booking a year ahead not only means that you’ll get the best possible prices but the level of availability gives you a wider range of affordable water villas in the Maldives to choose from.

READ: No.1 Best Island in the World!

14 Affordable Luxury Water Villas in the Maldives

Maldives is well-known for its luxury resorts and overwater villas, which often come with a hefty price tag. However, there are a number of cheaper options that offer similar levels of luxury and relaxation. And when we talk about luxury, we’re not talking about pretentious prices.

Here are our top 14 picks of the best affordable water villas in the Maldives that won’t leave you high and dry!

1. Reethi Faru 

Following the success of Reethi Beach, Reethi Faru (meaning ‘beautiful reef’) is a brand new resort that includes miles more luxury than its older sister, with a focus on sustainability. 

With spotless facilities, extremely friendly staff, and a gorgeous house reef, there is something here for everyone.

These affordable water villas are incredibly spacious with modern designs and a sleek feel.

At a glance:

From $1780pp for 7 nights

2. Oblu Select at Sangeli

Oblu Select at Sangeli opened its doors in 2018 with a simple concept. Premium all-inclusive affordable luxury at its finest, with water villas priced the same as their beach villas, there is no great divide between classes.

With perfect ratings on Agoda, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor, – Oblu Select at Sangeli has a solid reputation for delivering a high-quality service to every guest.

Built on a fantastic reef, the underwater world here is teeming with incredible sea life!

At a glance:

From $2260pp for 7 nights

3. Kuredu Island Resort and Spa

Kuredu Island Resort and Spa has one of the best views of the sunset and there’s no better spot in the resort to see it than in one of their 50 Sangu Water Villas. 

This is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. There are plenty of things to do and options for a change of scenery with a huge selection of bars and restaurants, making this a great value resort for your next affordable water villa in the Maldives.

At a glance:

From $1935pp for 7 nights

4. Velassaru Maldives 

Velassaru is a gem and is one of the most accessible resorts from the airport. It has a beautiful beach and infinity pool overlooking the Indian ocean.

Each of the affordable 24 water villas is incredibly spacious and has been fitted with everything you need for a comfortable stay. 

At a glance:

From $1920pp for 7 nights

5. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Cinnamon Dhonveli is home to a well-known surf break – Pasta Point, where you can kick back and sip cocktails whilst watching some pro surfers go out to catch some waves!

Their first-rate affordable water bungalows are situated above a reef that is truly alive with plenty to do for non-surfers.

Maldives regulars rate this as their top choice amongst all of the resorts they have visited previously, with the level of customer service being quoted as second to none. This is one of the best affordable water villas in the Maldives.

At a glance:

From $1765pp for 7 nights

6. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu 

The Lagoon Villa at Coco Palm Dhuni is designed for privacy and is located on one of the Maldives’ most magical islands, surrounded by soft white sands and turquoise waters. 

A stand-out feature of this resort is that you can experience a private grill where your villa is turned into a restaurant for two! An expert grill chef and server can prepare, cook and serve your very own barbecue dinner, making it an incredibly romantic feast in your room.

One of the most affordable luxury water villas in the Maldives!

At a glance:

From $2260pp for 7 nights

7. Anantara Veli Maldives 

Anantara Veli is an adults-only resort, ensuring complete tranquillity and peaceful surroundings. 

With a sleek, modern yet simple design, the overwater bungalows serve as all-around retreats for every traveler. Each bungalow has private decks and direct lagoon access making it a perfect place if you love to explore the marine life flourishing right below your room.

The resort is also equipped with a high-end wellness spa, fitness center, outdoor tennis court, and upscale dining options. And at these prices, they truly are one of the best affordable water villas in the Maldives!

At a glance:

From $2030pp for 7 nights

8. Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa 

A firm favorite among returning guests, Vilamendhoo Island offers some of the best value in terms of price vs luxury experiences. 

The Jacuzzi Water Villas come with an adult-only restaurant and infinity swimming pool, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing time away.

With an unbeatable reputation for its service, incredible buffet food, and world-class house reef, Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa is top of the list for affordable luxury water villas in the Maldives!

At a glance:

From $2080pp for 7 nights

READ: Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa – 2 Weeks in Paradise

9. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Adaaran’s Select Meedhupparu’s Prestige Water Villas are all about giving you an unforgettable and luxurious experience. Each villa is designed with wooden accents and you can view the turquoise waters through a glass-bottom sundeck.

The resort has made great use of the space, providing superior comfort, and they come equipped with their own jacuzzi on the private sundeck.

At a glance:

From $2335pp for 7 nights

10. Ayada Maldives 

Ayada Maldives is an award-winning resort that truly embraces authentic Maldivan luxury.

These villas come with ample space both indoors and out, with an ocean hammock and private pool looking out to the horizon. 

Ayada also boasts of having one of the best reef breaks in the Maldives and is a top pick for serious surfers.

At a glance:

From $2250pp for 7 nights

11. Centara Ras Fushi Resort and Spa 

Convenience and affordability packed into one resort, that’s what Centara Ras Fushi Resort is. The all-inclusive package offers one of the best deals out there in terms of value for money.

Their Deluxe Water Villas are also pretty spectacular. They may not be as spacious in comparison to other resorts, but they are perched on the lagoon and you can admire the same beautifully pristine waters.

At a glance:

From $2090pp for 7 nights

READ: How to Plan an Amazingly Affordable Luxury Safari in Tanzania

12. Coco Bodu Hithi

Coco Bodu Hithi Water Villas have a chic sense of style that sticks to the earthy tones that blend well with the surrounding views of the Indian Ocean. 

The water villas come with an infinity pool as standard, which, for the price provides spectacular value!  

There is also a high-end entertainment system and an incredible sound system for you to play your favorite tunes to get into holiday vibes. This one is a firm favorite for most people seeking an affordable luxury water villa in the Maldives!

At a glance:

From $2250pp for 7 nights

13. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa 

The Sheraton brand is well-known for providing high-end accommodation for all kinds of travelers, and if you’ve ever wanted to experience one, then this is the perfect opportunity. 

Their affordable water bungalows are only a fraction higher than some of the others on this list, with the option to choose one with or without a private pool. The views across the lagoon are simply not to be missed.

At a glance:

From $2280pp for 7 nights

14. Amari Havodda

If you want that perfect instagrammable water villa, then Amari Havodda has you covered. Each villa has all the comforts for a fun stay and you’ll love the pops of color in each unit. 

The overwater villas have a netted lounging area where you can spend hours watching the underwater right beneath you. 

At a glance:

From $2390pp for 7 nights

READ: Best Bucket-List Beaches in the World!

Things To Know About Staying in Over Water Villas in the Maldives

Staying in a water villa in the Maldives can seem like an easy decision to make, but before you hit that ‘book now’ button, here are a few Pros and Cons you need to keep in mind:

Pros

• Water villas are far more romantic – This is subjective, but generally speaking, they will be!
  
• Front Row Seats – You are guaranteed to have uninterrupted views out to the Indian ocean.
  
• Direct access to the sea – At any time of day or night! Makes a huge difference for those who enjoy the comforts of their room coupled with easy access to the sea.
  
• Adults only – Almost all water villas in the Maldives require guests to be over 18 years old. 
  
• Incredible sunrise or sunset views – Most water villas are strategically placed to ensure you have a memorable dusk or dawn
  
• Private sundeck – For complete peace and serenity.
  
• No unwanted guests – Luckily those pesky mosquitoes and bugs do not venture too far out from land! Plus, most bathrooms in water villas are enclosed, meaning even less chance of these tropical critters ‘bugging’ you.

Cons

• Distance from the resort’s main facilities – Water villas are usually a little walk away, which turns into a very long slog during a downpour!
  
• Shaded sundeck – Not all water villas will get sunshine on the deck all day long.  
  
• Not family-friendly – For safety reasons, children are not allowed to stay in water villas.
  
• Seasickness – Can cause nausea in some people who are extremely sensitive to it.
  
• Expensive – Although they are totally worth the experience, expect to pay quite a bit more for the privilege! 

Why we will always use Simply Maldives

Without a doubt, award-winning Simply Maldives provides the best service and top value for package holidays to the Maldives. They have personally visited almost every resort out there, creating their own walk-around videos for each class of room. 

Their first-hand knowledge and fantastic rates are difficult to beat, which is why they are consistently given excellent feedback and reviews. No request is too much trouble. Their fab relationships with the resorts mean that if you want a particular room number, they’ll most definitely make that happen.

Oh, and their website is so lovely and clear to navigate, you will find it a total breeze getting quotes.

If you choose to book through Simply Maldives let them know where you heard about them for that extra special treatment! 

READ: This is the Best Place to Stay in Coron, Palawan!

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Maldives?

Absolutely. This is not because the Maldives poses any more risk than other destinations but because you want to limit the level of inconvenience or trauma should the unexpected happen.

Islands will generally have an on-call doctor and clinic with basic medical facilities, with Male being the nearest island with hospitals. Medical treatment can be hours away and emergency transportation is extremely expensive. 

Without a doubt, this is our favorite place to search for Travel Insurance. They have policies that can provide cover for COVID-19-related issues, just be sure to check out whether they have a 5-star rating.

COVID insurance cover is absolutely essential if you’re booking any travel over the next 12 months. Take a good look at the conditions to see what you’re willing to accept, making sure that you prioritize cover for medical treatments over holiday cancellation cover if cost is a consideration.

READ: 11 Top Tips on How to do Affordable Luxury Travel

Affordable Luxury Water Villas in the Maldives

Staying in a water villa in the Maldives may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can be a tough decision, especially if you are keen to get the most out of your trip.

What we can tell you, is that you will not regret it. One day you will forget about how much it cost you, but you will never forget the wonderful memories that come of them…

If you enjoyed reading about the best affordable luxury water villas in the Maldives, then take a look at a review of our absolute favorite resort in the Maldives here.

Further Reads:

• 13 Bucket List Hotels in the World!
• Vilamendhoo Island Maldives (Review)
• 12 Bucket List Beaches in the World