Overwater Bungalow Experience
The last untouched paradise on earth — overwater villas on turquoise lagoons and white sandbanks, luxury and solitude at their most extreme.
Overview
The Maldives is famous for its luxury overwater villas, where clear water, white beaches and rich marine life form a picture-perfect tropical paradise.
History
The Maldives comprises about 1,200 coral islands and converted to Islam in the 12th century under Arab trading influence. From the 15th century it endured Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial rule before gaining independence in 1965. The overwater bungalow, invented in Hawaii in 1968, was introduced to the Maldives in 1977 on Rangali Island, creating a new model for high-end global tourism. Today the Maldives faces an existential threat from rising sea levels.
Highlights
- •Tropical fish gliding beneath the glass floor of your villa
- •A private dinner for two on a secluded sandbank
- •Snorkelling with reef sharks in the clear lagoon
- •An infinity pool merging with the ocean horizon
- •Absolute stillness under the stars from your overwater deck
Practical tips
- •Choose a full-board package
- •Bring or rent your own snorkelling gear
Practical information
- Best time
- November to April
- Tickets
- Luxury resorts are usually all-inclusive, roughly USD 500 to 5,000 per night
- Opening hours
- Resorts offer round-the-clock service
- Local food
- Tuna dishes, coconut curry and tropical fruit
- Getting around
- Reached by speedboat or seaplane; resort islands are covered on foot and by buggy
- Visa
- Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, with return tickets, hotel bookings and proof of sufficient funds required.
Traveller reviews
…