The Maldives is world-renowned for its extravagant overwater bungalows. Add to that the perfect blues of the Indian Ocean and lush palm tree-laden islands, and you have a bonafide paradise. But with so many luxury resorts offering overwater suites with pools, water slides, butlers, and more, it’s easy to assume the Maldives can’t be done on a budget. And while “budget” is fairly relative, there are plenty of alternatives to my favorite overwater bungalows (which cost an arm and a leg). The following are the 15 best cheap water villas in the Maldives, from boutique resorts to iconic all-inclusives.
My personal favorites are Reethi Beach Resort for its eco-friendliness and The Westin Maldives for its manta rays.
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15 Best Cheap Water Villas in the Maldives
I’ve listed the 15 best cheap water villas in the Maldives below. Firstly, I’ve included a table with links to each resort with current rates. Secondly, I’ve written a section with detailed reviews of each property. The list starts with the 10 cheapest water villas in the Maldives and finishes with 5 that are a bit more expensive, but well worth the upgrade.
The rates in the table below are per night, for the standard overwater room at each property. Owing to the fact that water villas are an upgraded room category, they’re priced as such. Hence these rates will be a fair bit higher than what you’d see advertised on booking sites. All of these rates include at least breakfast, and some include dinner or are all-inclusive. Generally, you should assume transfers from Male aren’t included and plan accordingly.
If these numbers still seem a bit high, try my Best Cheap Resorts in the Maldives guide. And if you’re traveling as a pair, read my Best Resorts in the Maldives for Couples article. Either way, I hope you find what you’re looking for! Here are my 15 best cheap Maldives water villas, listed by price.
Best Cheap Water Villas in The Maldives
Of all the reasons to holiday in the Maldives, overwater villas are the most obvious. Although an import from Tahiti, water villas have become synonymous with the Maldives. And while many tropical destinations offer white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, few come with the glamour of the Maldives’ overwater suites.
Obviously, these luxury trappings come at a cost, but there are affordable options (relatively speaking). In this guide, I’ve listed the 10 cheapest water villas in the Maldives, followed by 5 more villas well worth the mention. All things considered, these are the 15 best cheap water villas in the Maldives.
Reethi Beach Resort
Reethi Beach Resort is an all-inclusive resort in the Baa Atoll. This eco-friendly resort tops the list for having the cheapest water villa in the Maldives. It’s a 35-minute seaplane journey followed by a 15-minute boat ride though, so expect some of your savings to go to the transfer.
Guests at Reethi Beach Resort will find rustic overwater villas featuring a sun terrace and loungers. There are 2 healthy house reefs, as well as proximity to Hanifaru Bay. With colorful marine life and whale sharks and manta rays nearby, Reethi is particularly popular with snorkelers and divers.
Meanwhile, resort facilities include a sports complex, spa & wellness center, and the above-mentioned water activities. There are a collection of bars and restaurants offering something for every taste, in addition to the recommended all-inclusive package. All in all, despite being the Maldives cheapest water villa, Reethi is offers the perfect castaway holiday.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Reethi Beach Resort
Gangehi Island Resort & Spa
Gangehi Island Resort & Spa is a far-flung escape in the North Ari Atoll. It’s reachable via a 25-minute seaplane transfer from Male, which again will take a solid chunk out of your budget. However, it is the second cheapest water villa in the Maldives.
The overwater suites here take advantage of the perfect turquoise lagoon and feature dark wood interiors. The villas are clean and spacious, and the staff is gracious as well. Guests often comment on the picture-perfect sandbar and rich marine life. In fact, dolphins and reef sharks are occasional visitors, and one of the best dive sites in the Maldives is only 15 minutes away.
Without a doubt, there are also excellent facilities. Guests can relax with Ayurvedic treatments at the spa, or spend an afternoon perusing the library. Additionally, there’s a diving center, beach volleyball court, and marine biologist on call. Together with international dining options and a panoramic beach bar, Gangehi provides a great cheap water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Gangehi Island Resort & Spa
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma
The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma is a short 40-minute speedboat ride from Male, in the South Male Atoll. The resort features white-washed timber and a clean aesthetic. Being that their standard overwater rooms are the third cheapest water villas in the Maldives, they’ve scored a high spot on this list!
The Holiday Inn villas feature a private sundeck, a partially submerged hammock, and an outdoor shower. A large soaking tub offers stunning views of the lagoon, and stairs offer direct access to the water. Active guests can work out at the fitness center, as well as run along the jogging track. Coupled with the Kandooma Spa and 6 dining options, guests have plenty of options to relax and unwind.
With its clean and well-appointed rooms, the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma is an excellent cheap Maldives water villa.
Without a doubt, there are also excellent facilities. Guests can relax with Ayurvedic treatments at the spa, or spend an afternoon perusing the library. Additionally, there’s a diving center, beach volleyball court, and marine biologist on call. Together with international dining options and a panoramic beach bar, Gangehi provides a great cheap water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma
The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives
The Standard is located a 35-minute seaplane flight from Male and is a standout amongst the Maldives’ cheap water villas. For example, all of their rooms come standard with a private sundeck and plunge pool. Rooms also feature glass floors, activity wall with snorkeling gear, and espresso machines.
The resort also has a host of great amenities. In detail, The Standard Spa comes complete with a hammam, aroma steam room, and yoga classes. Snorkeling in the protected house reef, boating, and diving are all available.
All-inclusive is always an option, with several restaurants to make the most of. Finally, the Standard is also home to a glass-floored nightclub with events like movie nights, mixology classes, and karaoke. All things considered, The Standard provides an excellent cheap water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Standard
Sun Island Resort & Spa
Sun Island Resort is a 20-minute seaplane flight from Male, followed by a 10-minute speedboat. It’s one of the most affordable five-star resorts in the region and consequently tops most affordable Maldives resort lists. The overwater villas here are simple and spacious and offer a private sun terrace with direct ocean access.
For amenities, there is of course a spa and fitness center. Scuba diving is available on hire, and a children’s playground provides fun for the whole family. Besides being affordable, Sun Island also as exceptional service. The staff goes out of their way to ensure you leave with nothing but the best memories. Along the way,
Given these reasons, Sun Island provides a great cheap water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Sun Island Resort
Brennia Kottefaru Maldives
Brennia Kottefaru is a stylish resort located in the Raa Atoll. It’s reachable via a 40-minute direct seaplane flight, or a 20-minute domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride. It’s another affordable five-star resort and provides great value.
The water villas here come standard with a large private sundeck with direct ocean access. Understated elegance and simple touches throughout make for an unforgettable stay. Further, the resort comes handy with all the usual perks, a fitness center, spa, nightclub, water sports, and childcare available on property.
Coupled with its easy luxury, (and great upgraded pool villas) Brennia Kottefaru has some of the best cheap water villas in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Brennia Kottefaru
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a beautiful escape at the tip of the South Male Atoll. It’s a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male and offers complimentary transfers for children under 15. It’s long topped many lists as one of the best value resorts in the Maldives.
Once at the resort, guests can unwind in their breezy pool villas and enjoy the many island facilities on offer. For example, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis court, and a PADI-certified dive school. Likewise, dining options include 4 restaurants and 3 bars covering an international range of cuisine.
And of course, there’s always the turquoise lagoon and gorgeous white beach to enjoy. It’s not the cheapest water villa in the Maldives, but Olhuveli is certainly one of the best value finds and a classic for frugal travelers.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Ellaidhoo Maldives is a Cinnamon resort in the Alifu Alifu Atoll. It’s reachable via a 25-minute seaplane flight or a 90-minute speedboat ride from Male. Although the journey is long, the destination is well worth the wait.
The overwater rooms here are light and bright, with private sundecks and sparkling ocean views. Additionally, the semi-outdoor bathrooms use desalinated water as an eco-conscious effort. There are also a number of facilities on the island to make the most of your stay. Diving, in particular, is recommended, although the Chavana Spa is a close second.
In regards to dining, international buffet spreads and sunset cocktails are all par for the course. Guests can even enjoy feeding the local sharks and rays nightly. Not to mention, the island provides a relaxing getaway at an affordable price. As a result, Ellaidhoo Maldives’ cheap water villas are among the best.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Ellaidhoo Maldives
Embudu Village Resort
Embudu Village Resort is a diver’s paradise conveniently located a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male. A naturally beautiful island, it’s only a 5-minute walk from one end to another. Despite being the only 3-star resort on the list, Embudu is a great choice for a cheap water villa in the Maldives that still provides luxury comforts.
The water villas here are simple but feature a large glass floor to make the most of the rich marine life. Each villa also comes with a private sundeck and loungers, as well as a large 4-poster bed. Guests can choose to relax in the privacy of their villa, or at the Serena Spa.
But above all, the top activity at Embudu is diving. The resort is home to some of the most experienced dive instructors in the Maldives, and rays, sharks, and turtles all call the house reef home. What’s more, Scuba courses range from Discovery Dives to Divemaster training – a huge variety for a Maldives resort. To that end, Embudu Village Resort provides the best cheap water villas in the Maldives for divers.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Embudu Village Resort
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
The Sheraton Maldives is a 5-star resort at an amazing price and convenient location. Only 15 minutes from Male, the speedboat transfer is presently free of charge. Their standard water bungalow, while not the Maldives cheapest water villa, is of great value as well.
The rooms feature modern island decor with a gorgeous view. For instance, each bath enjoys 2 walls of glass overlooking the lagoon. Further, each water bungalow comes standard with a sundeck and direct ocean access.
The Sheraton also offers excellent amenities and excursions. In addition to 3 outdoor pools, there’s the award-winning Shine Spa to relax and unwind. Active pursuits are equally valued. Guests can embark on snorkeling safaris, dolphin cruises, parasailing, and sandbank picnics. Compared to many other 5-star resorts in the region, the Sheraton Maldives cheap water villas are a top-value pick.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Sheraton Maldives
Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives
Finolhu Baa Atoll is a resort with true castaway charm. Guests can arrive either by a 30-minute direct seaplane flight from Male or a 15-minute domestic flight, followed by a 25-minute speedboat ride. While Finolhu features an extravagant Rockstar Villa, its affordable standard lagoon villa is the draw for this guide.
Each overwater villa is decorated in a whimsical boho aesthetic. Light wood ceilings and aquamarine accents compliment the turquoise lagoon, while glass doors bring the outside in. Likewise, the private sun terrace comes equipped with loungers and sofas, and direct ocean access.
Meanwhile, the resort also features a full-service spa, as well as several dining options. Other amenities include a dive and watersports center, fitness center, and yoga pavilion. The aptly named Oceaneers Club is a wonderful way to keep the little ones entertained, leaving adults some much-needed privacy. Overall, it’s one of the best cheap Maldives water villas.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Finolhu Baa Atoll
Grand Park Kodhipparu
Also in my Glass Floor Water Villa guide, the Grand Park Kodhipparu is a great budget pick. Located in the North Male atoll, it’s a convenient 20-minute speedboat ride from Male. Each of its water villas features a glass floor looking down into the crystal clear lagoon as well as an overwater hammock. Surprisingly, upgrading to a pool water villa here is still quite affordable.
Even without the private pool, guests are welcome to lounge in the resort’s infinity pool. The Grand Park is a five-star property, and accordingly, has the facilities to match. There is, of course, a spa, dive center, and water sports. Similarly, a Kids Club is on hand to entertain the little ones. 3 restaurants and a bar round out the dining options, and the resort also offers a Lifestyle Host to help make the most of your stay.
In short, Grand Park Kodhipparu is a great choice for couples or families seeking a cheap water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Grand Park Kodhipparu
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
Drift Thelu Veliga comes in at around twice the price of the cheapest water villa in the Maldives, but it is well worth the splurge. To begin with, it’s located in the pristine waters of the South Ari Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane journey from Male. A gorgeous house reef is just the first of its many draws. Its barefoot luxury charm is a strong second.
In truth, its natural island aesthetic is my favorite of all the resorts on this list. Each water villa features an extra-large bed with a beautiful canopy. A spacious sun deck offers ample seating and direct ocean access. Together with a large soaking tub with a fabulous view, these water villas are simple luxury defined.
In addition, Drift presents a host of excursions and activities, such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and kayaking. Trips to Whale Shark point are often a highlight for lucky guests. Meanwhile, romantic experiences and private dining can also be arranged at an additional cost. Finally, the Intimate Spa provides some serious r&r, while the island dining and beach bar are excellent indulgences.
With this in mind, Drift Thelu Veliga provides some of the best cheap Maldives water villas.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Drift Thelu Veliga
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
The Westin Maldives is a sleek modern property in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll. It’s a 35-minute seaplane ride from Male, but well worth the journey.
The Westin makes the list because of its polished open floor plans with massive glass floors. Sliding glass doors provide plenty of indoor/outdoor space, with a wide sun deck and outdoor shower on hand. What’s more, the freestanding soaking tub has plenty of space for two, with a stunning view nonetheless.
Owing to its location in the Biosphere Reserve, The Westin is also an outstanding resort for divers. Hanifaru Bay and the Manta migration are a short boat ride away, and a PADI Dive center is onsite. Likewise, whale sharks are frequently spotted. Finally, the resort is highly recommended for its extraordinary dining, particularly its seafood.
All things considered, the Westin Miriandhoo is a great contender for the cheapest water villa in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Westin Maldives
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Located a 30-minute seaplane journey from Male, Coco Palm is the final property in this guide. Seeing as it’s about 3 times the price of the first resort mentioned, it’s by no means the Maldives cheapest water villa. Instead, it provides the best value.
To begin with, it’s only the second resort on the list to have private pools in all their water villas. Their lagoon villas are nothing less than enchanting. Each overwater room features a gorgeous 4-poster bed, plunge pool, and direct access to the sparkling lagoon. In essence, the aesthetic is decidedly Robinson Crusoe.
At any rate, the amenities are equally plush. Massages are available at the Coco Spa, while diving and canoeing are popular active pursuits. A fitness center nicely balances the 4 restaurants and 2 bars on the property, and a turtle sanctuary serves as the cherry on top.
In a word, it’s perfect. As a result, it’s an excellent upgrade for those shopping for the Maldives cheapest water villa.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
There you have it! The ultimate guide to the best cheap water villas in the Maldives, from boutique resorts to iconic all-inclusives. Hopefully, you’ve found exactly what you’re looking for. If you haven’t, take a look at my other Maldives hotel guides. In any case, thanks for reading, and enjoy your holiday in the Maldives!