Maldives

A chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean where the overwater villa is the defining accommodation type. Reaching a resort means a domestic flight or seaplane from Malé — and the trade for that extra leg is a water-forward stay no other destination quite matches.

5 resorts

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Maldives · Lhaviyani Atoll · Adults-only · Luxury

Overwater Bungalows

Adults-only resort on a private coral island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, home to the world's largest all-glass underwater restaurant. 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé.

Jet's Pick Editor's Exception

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

Maldives · Indian Ocean · Luxury

Overwater & Private-Pool

Family-friendly — but reef-edge overwater villas and one of the Maldives' most generous all-inclusive programs earn it a Jet's Pick.

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Maldives · South Malé Atoll · Adults-only · Luxury

Overwater Bungalows

Adults-only private island resort with 67 overwater villas, 35 minutes by speedboat from Malé. One of the Maldives' most consistently praised romantic escapes.

You & Me Maldives

Maldives · Raa Atoll · Adults-only · Luxury

Overwater & Private-Pool

An adults-only overwater-first resort on Uthurumaafaru in Raa Atoll, with private-pool Aqua Suites and H2O — an underwater restaurant six meters below the surface — at the end of a 45-minute seaplane from Malé.

Kagi Maldives

Maldives · North Malé Atoll · Adults-only · Luxury

Overwater & Private-Pool

A 50-villa adults-only island in North Malé Atoll, 15 minutes by seaplane from Velana — every villa has a private pool, both overwater categories included. Adults-only from age 12.