Staying in a water bungalow is probably on everyone’s bucket list. While finding cheap water villas with private pools in the Maldives may seem like an impossible task, I can assure you that it isn’t. Of course, it will never be as accessible as a hostel in South-East Asia, but it’s not impossible to find a more affordable solution either.
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Tips on finding affordable water villas with private pools in the Maldives
Of course, none of the options below will help you find what you are looking for unless you are willing to put in some work as well. I have searched for the most affordable overwater bungalows for you, but saving more will be a task for you as well. So check out the following tips if you want to spend less and enjoy more.
For a trip as expensive as this one, using a cashback app like WayAway Plus is a great option. You will probably make some money back right from the flights, and there’s quite a big chance that you’re going to get more than it costs very quickly.
I made a rough simulation with a return flight from San Francisco to Male and 7 nights at one of the cheapest resorts on the list, and you get the following cashback: about $150 for the accommodation and around $30 for the flights. This already covers the cost of WayAway Plus for a year, and I’m sure you can use it for other trips as well.
For the best chance to find the best water villas with a pool in the Maldives on a budget, compare prices before you book. In my experience, Agoda always has better prices for destinations in Asia, but Booking can be worth it if you are already a member with a good Genius status. Also, you can integrate Booking with WayAwayPlus and get even more cashback this way.
Always compare meal plans when it comes to the Maldives. As each island is a resort, you cannot really go to a budget restaurant. You either buy their meal plans or eat a la carte, but this is rarely an affordable option. So prioritize offers that include at least breakfast and dinner, if you want a better deal.
Breakfast and dinner are quite enough if you’re not a foodie. You can have a later breakfast and an early dinner and you won’t feel the need for lunch, especially if you’re more eager to go on activities than to just eat. If you drink alcohol daily though, look into an all-inclusive package as it will be the best value for you.
For each of these options, I have added the transfer price from Male as well. This can be quite an amount, especially if you’re going to fly a water plane. On the other side, the further you go from the main airport, the better the environment will be.
As the best season to visit the Maldives is between November and March, try to avoid the entire month of December and Valentine’s Day as well. The prices around these dates can increase exponentially and there’s a slim chance you’ll find what you wish.
If you want to save even further, you can even visit the Maldives off-season or during the shoulder season. One of the locals has told me that a good off-season month to visit is July, but make this decision with the full understanding that you might get rainy days on your trip as well.
If you only want to check the water villa with a private pool for an Instagram post or you really have limited resources, you can choose a standard room for most of your trip and stay in the budget overwater bungalow for one or two nights only. In the end, the sea is the same, no matter where you sleep at night.
It’s not exactly the same experience, but local islands are a great idea to incorporate into your trip. You can find some that are not very crowded, and the coral and water will be less damaged due to the lack of over-tourism (but please keep them this way as well). You won’t find any overwater villas on these islands, but you can get a great experience nonetheless.
And last, but not least, you can check out the rest of my tips on traveling on a budget. This short and sweet eBook will tell you everything you need to know to spend less while traveling, allowing you to go on multiple trips without increasing your budget.
Want to travel more without increasing your budget? Check out my eBook on ways to travel on a low budget and make it happen!
So, without further ado, let’s see the most affordable Maldives overwater bungalows with a private pool!
Budget options
Before we dive in (see what I did there?), I want to specify that the prices I based my calculations on are for one night, 2 persons, on the 16-17th of November 2022 or 1-2nd of February 2023, using Booking as the main search engine. You will have to use the provided buttons to get real prices for your estimated time.
My top pick from this category? I would say the Amaya Kuda Rah, as it offers you both meals at a very decent price, and you get a great water villa with a private pool and a spa bath, plus a discount for spa services. It rarely gets better than this in the Maldives, I can assure you.
Hotel name: South Palm Resort Maldives Room: Villa with private pool Guest review: "The beach villa location is great, with the beach right on your doorstep. The staff are friendly, the food is good. Daily activities to keep guests entertained" Stars: 4* Rating: 8.1 Transfer from Male: $380 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Room: Lagoon villa Guest review: "The island is a true heaven with perfect balance between jungle and lagoon and reef. We felt like we were only 2 during the whole week. Just incredible, from the 1rst minute to the last one. Thanks again to make this dream possible." Stars: 4* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $448 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Sun Siyam Olhuveli Room: Grand water villa with pool Guest review: "I loved the water villa that we had, the breathtaking view, the white beach, the Cristal turquoise water. the staff was very kind trying their best to make us happy. The villa was very clean (they do the house keeping twice a day). The breakfast was delicious with varied options." Stars: 4* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $240 roundtrip per person, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Coco Bodu Hithi Room: Water villa with private pool Guest review: "Location, lagoons, layout of resort were all great. Water sport team was excellent, they were very caring and took extra effort to make sure we had fun." Stars: 5* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $220 roundtrip per person, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: The Residence Maldives Room: One bedroom water villa Guest review: "I had an in-villa relaxing 90 mins massage! in front of the ocean where i could hear the sound of wind and tide while having the super relaxing massage .. it was a fantastic experience!" Stars: 5* Rating: 8.9 Transfer from Male: $450 roundtrip per person, by domestic flight and speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Amaya Kuda Rah Room: Water villa with private pool Guest review: "Most fabulous holiday, from start to finish! Blown away by the welcoming staff, the beautiful water villa, the variety in food daily and of course the most stunning location. We could not have picked a better location and we cannot wait to come back!" Stars: 5* Rating: 8.2 Transfer from Male: $375 roundtrip per person, by seaplane and speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Mid-range budget
Yes, prices are already starting to increase. It might not look like it, but these are actually good prices for overwater bungalows with pools in the Maldives, and most of the offers include other services as well like whirlpool bathtubs, private butlers, or spa offers.
My top pick from this category? Definitely, You & Me Maldives, as it has great perks for a very good price. You get to enjoy an underwater restaurant, exactly like you have seen on Instagram. You also have two meals included in this price, which is great as you get to spend so much less on food. The only downside is the bigger price for the transfer, but this is mainly because of the location further from the main airport.
Hotel name: You & Me Maldives Room: Dolphin villa with pool Guest review: "Special recommendation for underwater restaurant, spa, all restaurants with different cuisines, and for many of those programs and excursions honeymoon couples are getting significant discounts, giving you the opportunity to try them all." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.1 Transfer from Male: $420-470 roundtrip per person, by seaplane / $420-470 roundtrip per person, by domestic flight and speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives Room: Lagoon overwater villa with private pool Guest review: "Everything was amazing! Everyone was so helpful ,kind and hospitable. We went all inclusive which included a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner which was amazing with limited but a great alcohol selection. Dancing above a stingray on the glass disco dance floor is just one of many amazing highlights!" Stars: 5* Rating: 9.1 Transfer from Male: $600 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Kandima Maldives Room: Ocean pool villa Guest review: "Beautiful, luxurious resort with great diving, wonderful kids club and accomodating, happy staff. I loved this resort! " Stars: 5* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $370 roundtrip per person, by domestic flight and speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives Room: Overwater pool villa Guest review: "Breakfast was outstanding far beyond expectation. Fresh food for all cultures around the world. The staff provided extraordinary hospitality, specifically each Villa had an assigned butler." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.1 Transfer from Male: $625 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Riu Palace Maldivas Room: Overwater suite with private pool Guest review: "We stayed in the overwater suite with pool and it was amazing. I can’t say enough about how great the staff was. They really make sure your stay is unforgettable. The food was one of the best ones I’ve had in resorts. It’s great to have access to both islands. Loved how private it is, it'a definitely our favorite place so far." Stars: 5* Rating: 8.9 Transfer from Male: $395 roundtrip per person, by domestic flight Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
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Higher-end water villas
Finding a Maldives water villa with a pool on a budget is not an easy task, but I can assure you that paying up to $1000 a night for one is not at the luxury end of the price. Particularly in this situation, I would suggest you apply the tip of staying in the overwater villa with a pool for just one or two nights while spending the rest of them in a standard room.
My top pick? Hard to tell, but I would suggest taking a closer look at Kuramathi Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Both have great reviews, offer a complete meal plan, and have decent transfer costs for the location.
Hotel name: Cocoon Maldives Room: Lagoon suite with private pool Guest review: "Cocoon Maldives is a small resort so it never feel crowded even when they are at full capacity. The staff is amazing, friendly and professional. We chosen the water villa and it was magical! A sea turtle was visiting us every morning." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.0 Transfer from Male: $420 roundtrip per person, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Kuramathi Maldives Room: Water villa with pool Guest review: "Thundi water villa was beautiful and extremely clean and well maintained. The waters around the villa was excellent for beginners to snorkel. Service was excellent and the staff was top notch in ensuring that we had a great experience the moment we stepped into the resort" Stars: 5* Rating: 9.2 Transfer from Male: $148 roundtrip per person, by speedboat / $353 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Room: Premium deluxe sunset/sunrise overwater villa with pool king Guest review: "The location is absolutely superb. The white sandy beach and the palm trees make it iconic. The food is excellent, whether the buffet or a la carte restaurants, meals are always great. The surrounding give it an extra value." Stars: 5* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $460 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Room: Aqua villa with private pool Guest review: "Waking up to one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. Staying in the reef villa and having the ocean right below was great." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.1 Transfer from Male: $512 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Nova Maldives Room: Water villa with pool Guest review: "The island was absolutely beautiful and having revamped and reopened earlier this year, everything had a touch of freshness. We split time between beach villa and water villa with pool; both rooms were lovely and offered a different experience. The resort staff were fantastic - probably one of the most hospitable bunch of folks we have ever come across. Snorkeling was good, specially from the water villa. Overall, would definitely recommend this resort to fellow travellers." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.3 Transfer from Male: $414 roundtrip per person, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Room: Deluxe water villa with private pool Guest review: "Serene peaceful quite island with all the facilities that are required for family, friends and couples. We travelled for our babymoon and they provided us a warm welcome with thoughtful decorations and welcome drink & cake. I chose the Water villa with the pool and it was super private for us. The view from the room and deck outside was mesmerizing." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.0 Transfer from Male: $490 roundtrip per person, by domestic flight and speedboat / $685 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Sun Siyam Iru Veli Room: Ocean suite with pool Guest review: " Absolute paradise. From the meet and greet at Male airport to the named ambassador who provided his WhatsApp number for easy contact, the service here is exceptional. The staff can not do enough for you and they are all so polite and attentive. The food was amazing. We will definitely be back!" Stars: 5* Rating: 8.8 Transfer from Male: $495 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Furaveri Maldives Room: Ocean pool villas Guest review: "The location itself is a Heaven on Earth, perfect blue water great for swimming and snorkelling, lush gardens around that are well kept, friendly, helpful and attentive staff, absolutely beautiful resort. Expectations were well exceeded, could not have had a better time there." Stars: 5* Rating: 8.9 Transfer from Male: $400 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: JA Manafaru Maldives Room: Sunrise water villa with infinity pool Guest review: "The entire property is amazing, the food is excellent, the staff is super friendly. Inti, our personal host took care of every detail and every request. We experienced both beach and pool villas, both types of accommodations are truly amazing, you simply can't go wrong with either one." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.2 Transfer from Male: $753 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives Room: Platinum overwater pool villa Guest review: "Everything was good for Hard Rock side of island . The staff was friendly and supportive. Location and room was perfect. Architecture of room is beautifully done. Breakfast at Hard rock restaurant was amazing. Food was good, Staff was friendly, location was beautiful. Reception and room service staff are always at their best." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.1 Transfer from Male: $144 roundtrip per person, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas Room: Romantic pool water villa Guest review: "The staff were fabulous (...) the watersports staff made sure that we had opportunities to see mantas, turtles and even a whale shark when we were snorkeling. For certified divers, the fluoro dive is a unique experience I highly recommend. You will see corals and other marine life light up at night." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.3 Transfer from Male: $390 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Dhigali Maldives Room: Lagoon villa with pool Guest review: "Everything about Dhigali was exceptional. The staff were so friendly nothing was too much they went above and beyond to help. All the restaurants were amazing offering large selection of cuisines and the food was delicious. The kids club was a godsend and my kids thoroughly enjoyed it and the staff were lovely and engaging." Stars: 5* Rating: 9.3 Transfer from Male: $480 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Diamonds Thudufushi Maldives Resort & Spa Room: One bedroom overwater villa Guest review: "Our most favourite Maldives hotel! We already stayed there twice and loved every minute of it both times! The food is wow wow! Staff is extremely good and attentive! Of course we are in love with the beach villa’s which’s ticks all the boxes of our little family of 3 stay! We will be back again for sure!" Stars: 5* Rating: 9.3 Transfer from Male: $504 roundtrip per person, by seaplane Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
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Hotel name: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Room: Pool water villa Guest review: "Best place on Earth. Villa was amazing, best service, excellent location. Dinner on the beach is something you have to try over there. So romantic and beautiful. Love the food. A lot of vegetarian options." Stars: 4* Rating: 8.9 Transfer from Male: $215 roundtrip per person, by speedboat, complimentary if staying for more than 7 nights (subject to change) Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Hotel name: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Room: Water bungalow Guest review: "Friendly staff, room for family was great, island cottage, was close to pool and main restaurants and on the other side the beach. Water sports were great especially with staff “Mango’. I loved the outdoor shower in the room . Food was very good." Stars: 5* Rating: 8.7 Transfer from Male: Complimentary, by speedboat Check availability on Booking here! Check prices on Agoda here!
Affordable water villas with pools in the Maldives – the takeaway
WOW, that was hard! Not only trying to find the best options for you but looking at all of those pictures without being able to visit the places right now was quite depressing. I hope you’ll have a great holiday in one of these cheap water villas with private pools in the Maldives. Send me pictures if you manage, I would be delighted to daydream and live vicariously through you.
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