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Maldives Honeymoon: Overwater Villa or Beach Villa?

The picture-perfect overwater villa is not always the right choice. Here is how to decide between water and beach for your Maldives honeymoon.

By Ananya Rao1 min read
Aerial view of overwater villas in the Maldives

Every Maldives honeymoon starts with the same question: do we splurge on an overwater villa? After sending hundreds of couples to the atolls, our answer is — it depends on how you like to spend your days.

Overwater villas stretching into a Maldives lagoon
Overwater villas stretching into a Maldives lagoon

Choose an overwater villa if…

  • You want to step straight from your deck into the lagoon.
  • Privacy matters more than beach access — there are no passers-by.
  • You love sunsets; west-facing water villas have unbeatable views.

Choose a beach villa if…

  • You prefer shade, gardens and your feet in the sand.
  • You are travelling in the rainy season, when water villas can feel exposed to the wind.
  • You want more space for the money — beach villas are often 30–40% cheaper.

Our favourite compromise

Split your stay: two nights on the beach followed by two nights over the water. Most resorts allow a room change at no extra cost, and you finish the trip on a high.

Tip: ask for a villa at the end of the jetty. It costs the same as the others and feels far more private.

Don’t forget

  1. Seaplanes only fly in daylight — choose flights landing before 3pm.
  2. All-inclusive plans pay off quickly; a resort dinner can cost ₹12,000 for two.
  3. Tell the resort you are on honeymoon for complimentary cake and a sunset cruise.