Beach Villa vs. Overwater Villa in the Maldives: How to Choose

If you’re planning a holiday to the Maldives, then you’re likely already familiar with the allure of this idyllic destination in the Indian Ocean. This string of islands invites you to revel in a tropical paradise surrounded by sparkling blue waters, stunning sandy shorelines and swaying palm trees. 

Now, you just need to decide which kind of villa in the Maldives you’d like to book during your stay: a remarkable beach villa or a fabulous overwater villa. Ask yourself, would you prefer waking up to sandy shores or lounging above crystal-clear waters?

The beauty of staying in the Maldives is that either choice is excellent—it’s just a matter of preference. 

Need help deciding? Our guide covers everything you need to know about beach villas and overwater villas in the Maldives to help you choose the one that best suits your holiday style. 

Overview of Maldives Beach Villas and Overwater Villas

At our Sun Siyam Resorts, we invite you to book a stay in our beach villas or overwater villas, but what’s the difference between these two accommodations?

What is a Beach Villa in the Maldives?

A beach villa in the Maldives is set on the sand with beach access, offering your own private slice of paradise nestled between lush greenery and the ocean. This accommodation sits on land, surrounded by tropical gardens, showcasing stunning views of the magnificent turquoise waters.

For instance, when you reserve the Family Deluxe Beach Villa at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, you’re treated to a spacious and airy accommodation with a private courtyard, pool area and a canopy with swings—just steps from the beach. Or, you can go for the Grand Beach Villa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, which dazzles with its own beachfront terrace, complete with a daybed, sun loungers and a dining area to soak in the coastal views. 

Whether you’re picturing yourself reading a book with your toes in the sand just outside your room or splashing in your private pool with a front-row view of the lagoon, our Maldives beach villas are right up your alley. 

What is an Overwater Villa in the Maldives?

Maldives overwater villas are another intriguing option. These villas are perched over the water on stilts. You literally stay and play right above the lagoon! It’s like floating in a luxury cocoon above the water, as our overwater villas in the Maldives offer unique features, like iconic glass floors and ladders that lead into the water. As you can imagine, these overwater villas serve up unrivalled ocean views. 

Our Sun Siyam Resorts feature all kinds of overwater villas that are sure to dazzle. For example, our Water Villa at Siyam World Resort features a private sundeck and pool with a water slide that goes straight into the lagoon below. Meanwhile, our Sunset Reef Villa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef boasts a swim-up platform, sundeck and uncompromised views of the sunset, making it feel like you have the entire ocean to yourself.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Beach Villas and Overwater Villas

There are advantages to staying at both of these villas in the Maldives, so which one you choose really comes down to your personal preferences. 

Privacy and Seclusion

If privacy and seclusion are top priorities when selecting your accommodation, consider a beach villa. Our beach villas are a private oasis with lush vegetation that makes you feel like you’re on your own deserted island. These accommodations are designed to offer privacy, where you’ll enjoy a hidden retreat right on the sand without feeling like you’re on display.

However, our Maldives overwater villas also offer a private getaway floating right above the lagoon. You can enjoy the novelty of being isolated over the water, which is like a dream come true. These water villas create a truly remarkable, one-of-a-kind experience while providing you with the privacy and seclusion you deserve while on holiday.

Proximity to Nature and Marine Life

Both our overwater and beach villas in the Maldives offer unique access to nature and marine life. 

Our beach villas are right on the shoreline, so you’re just steps from taking a peaceful beach stroll or a dip in the lagoon. You can admire the coral and sea shells washed up in the sand and see all the fish and sea life just below the water’s surface. Moreover, you can view the local flora and fauna from your Pool Beach Villa at Sun Siyam as you search for birds and butterflies in your private garden. 

Overwater villas offer special access to the local marine life right at your doorstep, as you can jump right into the water below your accommodation and swim around the lagoon. Slap on your snorkel gear, and you’ll come face to face with some of the most colourful fish— you may see sea turtles and manta rays, too! When you book an overwater villa, you might even catch glimpses of wildlife, like dolphins swimming in the distance, from the comfort of your sundeck or private pool. 

Atmosphere and Views

Both villa options provide their own allure. Beach villas boast lush, tropical greenery, beach access and a peaceful ambiance that makes you feel blissfully disconnected from the rest of the world. Staying in a beach villa feels like living in a tropical paradise all to yourself. 

Now, compare that to the unique opportunity of staying on stilts above the shimmering water below. With our overwater villas in the Maldives, you’re floating on a serene lagoon where you can splash right into the water and soak up panoramic ocean views. And when you reserve a lagoon villa, you can shoot down your private water slide whenever you want!

Choosing Based on Your Travel Preferences

Still not sure which accommodation to select for your holiday in the Maldives? Your travel preferences and style might help you make the ideal choice. 

Ideal for Families

Those travelling to the Maldives with children often prefer beach villas over water villas. 

One of the reasons for this is that you and your family can sprawl out in your spacious compound, enjoying time in your private pool, building sand castles and taking strolls along the beach. Many families also appreciate that these villas are closer to the resort, providing easier access to resort amenities and activities. Furthermore, these accommodations are often considered safer because you don’t have to worry about your little ones venturing into the lagoon alone since they’re farther away from the water. 

Perfect for Honeymooners or Couples

As for couples and honeymooners, many of them prefer the Maldives overwater villa option because it’s a novel experience that exudes romance. Just imagine sipping a cocktail in your own private pool with an unobstructed view of the sunset or jumping into the lagoon together right outside your front door. These villas offer a sense of exclusivity that couples are pressed to find elsewhere.

Adventure or Relaxation?

How you plan to spend your getaway in the Maldives may also dictate which accommodation you ultimately choose. 

For example, if you enjoy more land-based activities, like activities at the resort or attractions around the island, our Maldives beach villa may be the ideal option for you. This kind of villa is also perfect for those who prefer to spend their holidays lounging around and relaxing.

If you prefer to spend most of your stay in your swimsuit, enjoying all the water adventures, you may gravitate more toward the overwater villas. After all, these accommodations sit right over the water, so you can easily access all the water-based activities, like snorkelling and kayaking, right from your deck. In fact, you can jump into the lagoon whenever you feel the urge because you’re only just a few steps away at all times!

Budget Considerations for Maldives Villas

Last but not least, you may want to compare the costs of these villas to help you determine which option is more within your price range. 

Price Comparison: Beach vs. Overwater Villas

While both accommodations promise a lovely stay on the island, Maldives overwater villas do tend to be more expensive than their beach villa counterparts. This is because these accommodations deliver one-of-a-kind experiences and unique features, like private swim decks, water slides and direct access to the lagoon. 

For instance, the Water Villa with an Infinity Pool at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi may cost around $1,429 for a one-night stay in mid-November. Meanwhile, a Pool Beach Villa at the same resort during the same month costs around $759 per night. While they both offer spacious spaces, private pools and luxury amenities, the overwater villa is nearly twice as expensive as the beach villa. 

That said, our Sun Siyam Resorts always feature special discounts, so be sure to check out our offers to score a deal on your stay. 

Your Maldives Villa Awaits

No matter which kind of villa you select, experience the holiday of a lifetime, as both of these options go above and beyond to ensure this is one getaway you’ll treasure forever. 

Are you ready to choose your perfect villa in the Maldives? Plan your dream holiday with Sun Siyam Resorts today!