Where in the world can you live in a bungalow built over the water?

The concept actually originated in French Polynesia over fifty years ago. But the Maldives took up the art form, fine-tuned it, and perfected it into a form of serene bliss unknown elsewhere on the planet. These days, overwater bungalows in the Indian Ocean far outnumber those built in the territory of France. So save your “Mercis” and "Excusez-mois”. The Maldives – actually a former British colony – is where you want to go!

The overwater bungalows in the Maldives – floating on the clearest, most serene ocean that you’ve ever seen – are nothing trivial or small. More than resorts, one could call these complexes overwater villas! Ranging from 1,200 to more than 5,000 square feet, they’re as large as many American homes, and far more comfortable and relaxing.

No stay in the Maldives is complete without a night in one of these marvels – and, ideally, a week or more. Let’s take a gander of some of the tiny nation’s best overwater homes:

• ●  The Park Sunset Ocean Pool Villa at Park Hyatt Maldives, Hadahaa is a perfect place to get out on the water to snorkel or dive. It’s easy when you’re already right over the ocean! From your villa, you’ll get no city view, and not even palm trees. Just the perfect blue ocean and perfect blue sky. The villas – at just over 1200 square feet – have a stunning glass-walled bathroom and an infinity pool.

• ●  Or, if you’re looking for a place to bring the kids, try the Water Retreat at Soneva Jani. Because here there’s a water slide. Dumping straight out into the ocean that’s right beneath you. And the living spaces are huge (from one bedroom suites at 4,477 square feet, to four bedrooms at a gargantuan 13,196 square feet). It’s an ideal spot for a family break!

• ●  At the Muraka, at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the bungalows aren’t just over-the-water. This unique residence contains – in addition to the usual – an underwater living space, encased by a curved acrylic dome. Sixteen feet beneath the surface of the ocean, it’s not for the timid, but it’s an experience that will flutter any thrill-seeker’s heart.

• ●  If you’re looking for a lot of space, try the Overwater Pool Villa at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. At over 2,800 square feet, these villas are designed for you to be able to spread out and relax. Soak in an infinity pool or a glass-bottomed bathtub, or take trips out to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that surrounds the resort. And spend some time looking down, with a snorkel, or up, with binoculars at night, from the only overwater observatory in the Maldives.

• ●  Lastly, if the words “all-inclusive” get your heart racing, you have to check out the Over-the-Water Villa Sunrise at Club Med Finolhu Villas. All meals, drinks and most activities are included. And these fun diversions range from sailing lessons and trapeze school to yoga and beach volley. In this villa, you can’t go wrong!
  
  
  

  
  
  

Get down to Addu Atoll, Right on the Equator

Addu Atoll, previously known as Seenu Atoll, is the southernmost – i.e., the most tropical – atoll in the Maldives. In fact, it almost sits right on the equator – and it’s actually in the southern hemisphere, so watch your toilets flush in the opposite direction! (Not really :P) Addu Atoll includes five inhabited islands, the westernmost of which are connected by a 16-kilometre road that passes right over the water and provides a formidable breakwater to the changing tides; water levels can vary by half a metre. More excitingly, it’s home to the country’s second-largest wetlands: the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands, and the protected Koattey area on Hithadhoo Island.

The Addu Atoll – and Addu Nature Park – are definitely worth a visit. Cycle through the dense and vibrant green vegetation of the beautiful wetlands. Canoe or kayak through land so low to the water that the ocean is always a force to be felt, as “inland” as you might get! Go birding and see the migratory birds, and even bats, who stop over in this tropical paradise. And spend some time scuba-diving or snorkeling to see the fantastic marine life! 

Let’s cover some of the main islands in this equatorial heaven:

• ●  Hulhumeedhoo, or Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo, is an absolute must-see. It’s the fifth-largest island in the Maldives, but still – despite this – barely the land area of New York's Central Park. And it’s one of the country’s oldest settled islands, first inhabited between 500 and 1000 years before the birth of Christ. Rich in history, and with a beautiful Indian Ocean culture, visiting here is a must.

• ●  Hithadhoo is the second-largest island in the Maldives, and contains the administrative centre of the Atoll, and of the capital city – Addu city – that stretches across it. With a rich history, and structures like the ruins of an old fort at Koattey, the origins of which are still unclear, even to experts. In addition, the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands are here, an essential part of the Addu Nature Park. You can see wild flora and fauna galore, both above and beneath the sparkling water’s surface. It’s definitely a must-see stop on a Maldives tour.

• ●  On the island of Gan, stay right at the equator in a resort complete with all the amenities. From here, you can easily take a boat ride to switch into the other hemisphere, and then switch back – and back again if you have a mind to! Other good news is that there’s an international airport, with flights to Sri Lanka, if you want to start or end your trip here rather than Malé.

• ●  Maradhoo, located in the middle of the road that links the atoll, is an island with a fair amount of historical significance during WWII, used by the British (who then owned the Maldives) as a staging area for naval warfare. Furthermore, due to its designation as a “non-typical” Maldivian tourist place, the sorts of experiences that you’ll have here can be quite different than at the resorts of Malé.

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1,192 Islands! Start with Five

The Maldives is an incredible country, comprising over one thousand islands, two hundred of which are inhabited. It’s a destination that – despite its rich offerings – is actually new on the global tourism scene. But it’s not to be overlooked!

Now, maybe you don’t have time to visit 1,192 islands! But let’s start with five:

Malé Island

The location of the capital city – and the main international airport – this island is a must. But don’t just land here and then run off to your next destination. Spend some time soaking in the history here – in the Grand Friday Mosque, built in 1658 out of coral stone, and hearkening back to the age of the sultanate. Soak in the sights and sounds (and maybe the smells too!) of the Malé Fish Market – an essential hub for the locals, many of whom get their sustenance from the ever-present ocean that surrounds them. Lounge at the luxurious beaches, in a glamour that’s not to be surpassed.

Biyadhoo Island

Biyadhoo Island is a scuba-diver’s paradise. This densely vegetated, city-less island is where nature thrives – particularly in the water, as the island is quite close to many of the country’s best diving spots. And not only does it boast world-class scuba, but there are a range of other water sports, and countless opportunities for thrills. Or, if you prefer to relax, most of this island is made up of the splendid Biyadhoo Resort – a delightful spot to relax and soak in the tropical sun!

Alimatha Island

No visit to the Maldives is complete without a stop at Alimatha island, a treasure trove of wonderful resorts and spas. Come here and truly unwind by getting an ayurvedic massage, at one of the expert-run massage centres. Or relax at a lovely beach bungalow, or an over-the-water property where you can stare down beneath your floor and see the tropical fish drift lazily past. And then, of course, for the thrill seekers you can find excellent scuba, windsurfing, canoeing, and cat sailing!

Como Cocoa Island

The entire, tiny Como Cocoa Island is a blissful resort – but not just your everyday luxury stay. All of the suites here aren’t built on land, but over the water – where you can not only see, but live in, the beautiful turquoise lagoon off the edge of the island. Get out of the city, and away from civilization, and spend some moments of truly blissful – and truly quiet – contemplation. A visit to this island isn’t something that you’ll ever forget – so make memories that will last for your lifetime.

Vihamanafushi Island

Don’t worry about trying to pronounce “Vihamanafushi” – just let a local guide take you there! This fabulous island is home to Kurumba Beach, where you can find the Kurumba Maldives Resort. Which is an excellent destination for honeymooners, or anyone who just wants to chill at the beach, with a wide range of activities and entertainment. Best of all? It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the international airport!