If you're in the midst of planning your tropical honeymoon, then you've almost certainly looked into the Maldives already. This island nation is a great destination for pretty much anyone, but really wows the honeymooning crowd with stunning ocean views, private overwater suites, numerous romantic dining options, and spas that excel with different treatment and massage menus.

You'll also quickly notice that there are plenty of things to do and see at each resort, though the activities listed below are the best suited for the more romantically inclined. Though there are lots of great resort choices throughout the entire nation, if you're looking for the best of the best, you'll want to read through our Editor's Choice: 6 best honeymoon water villa resorts in the Maldives article, after reading through our list of things to do as a honeymooning (or simply romantic) couple visiting the Maldives.

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Snorkeling

When dreaming up a tropical escape, it’s hard not to imagine a snorkeling adventure or two, as well. This is because islands and snorkeling go hand in hand, with the island nation of the Maldives serving as no exception. Most overwater resorts sit on top of the island’s house reef, allowing guests the opportunity to start their snorkeling adventure right from the beach, or in most cases from your villa’s private steps into the ocean.

 

 

Generally speaking, you’ll be able to snorkel all year round here, with caution to a quick afternoon rainstorm. When snorkeling, you’ll find coral, tropical fish, and sometimes a sea turtle or two. Though you will have to bring your own swimsuit and swim trunks, your resort will have all of the snorkeling gear ready for you.

 

A little side note- if you don’t want to snorkel each and everyday of your stay, you’ll want to consider seeking out an overwater villa that features a glass floor cutout in the bedroom or sitting area. These cutouts allow you to view the ocean life right beneath your villa, allowing you to stay indoors and dry while enjoying an underwater view.


Scuba Diving

If you like the idea of snorkeling during your honeymoon, then you might also want to check out scuba diving. As a house reef does drop off into deeper water, you’ll find lots of good scuba diving to choose from, at many different resorts. If you’ll like to learn more about the best overwater resorts for scuba diving, then you’ll want to read our Editor’s choice writeup about the 6 best Maldives water villa resorts for scuba diving.

 

 

When looking into Maldives resorts and when trying to figure out which one is right for you, it should be noted that most all overwater resorts in this region offer some sort of PADI training and certification, alongside scuba diving equipment, so absolutely no need to bring your own gear. There are also a few resorts that not only offer scuba diving right on-site, but through a boat excursion as well, which give you more choices, and in turn more scuba diving adventures to share with one another.


A romantic massage or treatment

While there are plenty of great overwater resorts that offer guests luxury with a private Jacuzzi on a private back terrace, you might be hoping for a luxury spa experience as well. You’re in luck as most of the overwater resorts within the Maldives cater with not only a spa, but one that offers a nice sized menu of treatments and massage options. You’ll even find a few resorts that offer a couples’ massage or a couples’ treatment room, like those that are found at the Kandophu Island Resort.

 

 

Some treatments that you’ll find include facials, body scrubs, massages of various types and relaxation treatments. You’ll also want to take note that some resorts also include the use of a sauna, a pool, steam room, and daybeds as part of their selection. If you’re interested in a once in a lifetime treatment, then you’ll want to consider The Over-Water-Spa at Concord Maldives Rangali Island. As you can tell in the name, it’s a spa that sits directly over the water.


A private dining experience

As far as romance is concerned, there are few things that top a romantic dinner for two, on or off the beach. Luckily, there are several overwater resorts in the Maldives that agree and thus offer a romantic dinner for two as part of their dining options. What this means is that you can order your plates from the restaurant, and they’ll bring it to you as you’re seated in a romantic (and scheduled) spot on the beach.

 

 

If you don’t like the idea of eating on the beach, but don’t want to be seated at a restaurant, you can also order room service. Most of the resorts in this region include a butler of some sort with your overwater suite. A good example of this is the Ayada Maldives Resort, where you’ll find a 24- hour room service and dining experience.


Windsurfing or kayaking

It’s completely understandable if when you think of romance you gravitate to day dreaming of spas, private dinners, and the like. However, there is fun to be had and shared with your loved one by choosing to partake in a windsurfing, kayaking, or even a tender paddleboat session. Though you will be moving at a faster pace than a day at the spa, you’ll create memories that you’ll both be able to cherish for the rest of your life.

 

 

Luckily, there are lots of overwater resorts in the Maldives that offer water excursions as part of their appeal. Some good examples of resorts that offer fun in the sun are the Mirihi Island Resort and the Veligandu Island Resort.


A boating excursion

If you don’t get sea sick easily, then you’ll want to talk to your loved one about securing a boat excursion during your honeymoon. There are lots of options to choose from, all of which your resort can help you book and pay for. Some of these excursions are offered by your chosen resort, while others are brought to you by nearby companies. Though we mentioned the Ayada Maldives Resort up above, we feel it’s worth mentioning again as they’ll help you plan customized yacht excursions.

 

 

You’ll also be pleased to know that there are lots of different types of boating excursions, from those that take you island hopping to dolphin cruises, like the ones you can take while staying at the Holiday Inn Kandooma Resort.


Stay in an overwater resort

Of course, we couldn’t leave a few nights at an overwater villa off of our list. As the Maldives is known for its private and secluded overwater rooms (and resorts), honeymooners are more likely to choose an over the water room than a room situated back on land. In these rooms, you’ll find a bedroom, bathroom, and a private deck. With that said, there are some overwater suites that also include a large sitting area. All rooms offer a stunning view of the ocean.

 

 

You’ll also want to note that most of the time, families forgo ocean rooms and instead choose to settle into one or more of the beachside rooms. There are a few resorts that cater specifically to adults, and if you like the idea of being kid free during your honeymoon, you’ll want to look at this list.


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30 thoughts on "6 Tips to save money booking an overwater bungalow"

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    1. The tips are in the article and overwater bungalows mostly start at US$300 per night in the absolute cheapest places, but US$600 per night is more realistic in the more desirable places. -Roger

    1. Pam,

      We keep a full list of all overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, and each one is describe in pretty great detail. I have no reason to think that the ones in Panama aren’t safe, although I haven’t been myself. They tend to attract scuba divers and they are very popular from what I can see. There are also overwater bungalows at the Disney Resort on a lake, so that’s another one to look into. Sorry I’m not of more help. -Roger

  1. Hi there. We’re a family of 6 (mum, dad, and four boys 16, 15, 13 and 8) who primarily surf, but also want to enjoy time snorkelling etc. We’d love to stay nearest to decent surf (doesn’t have to be massive though! Just really fun waves-especially as the 8 year old needs to be involved and me (mum) doesn’t really surf bigger than 2-3 foot either these days :)). We desperately want to stay in a water villa but are so happy to do it on the cheap (thats we how we travel-always on a massive budget, so as long as rooms are clean that’s all we care about). Can you recommend anywhere/a few cheap water villas for us? Thanks so much! We’re coming April 13th-April 20th.

    1. Samantha,

      Your main challenge will be that most overwater resorts only allow 3 guests per bungalow and a few allow 4 guests per bungalow, but none of them allow 6. You’d have to get two overwater villas for six people and that would start at around US$700 per night at even the cheapest place. A few of the Maldives water villa resorts have surfing beaches, and the cheapest way to pull that off would be to get one water villa and one island villa and take turns in the water villa. Sorry the news isn’t any better. -Roger

  2. Hi
    I wish to combine a trip to Tahiti with a trip to Easter Island next year. Do you have suggestions for somewhere in Tahiti that is an over water option? Also do you know if it is correct that Tahiti and Easter Island are only connected on a Tuesday by air? Do you have any recommendations for how to combine the two? We are flying from NZ.

  3. I am currently planning a birthday and graduation get away, two weeks, two islands, over the water and beach front looking at next April any suggestions on how to save $? I know if we do the over the water on Moorea vs Bora Bora will save some $. Anything else would be much appreciated.

    1. Rosary,

      I’d say your best strategy for (hopefully) saving some money, or rather getting a free upgrade, is to book only two nights are so in each overwater bungalow and the rest in a beach room. You will have a much better chance of a room upgrade compared to anyone who is only booked in a beach room, so you should be at the top of the list. You might end up 4 or 5 nights in an overwater bungalow that way while only paying for two and the rest in a beach room. It’s a bit risky if you REALLY want to spend most of the week overwater, but it could work.

      Honestly, the overwater experience is amazing for a few days but the novelty wears off a bit after that because you always have to walk much farther to get anywhere compared to the beach rooms. April is one of the slowest months in the South Pacific, so you should be getting pretty good rates as it is. Sorry I don’t have more advice for you. -Roger

  4. You mentioned eco-style resorts in the Caribbean that are fairly affordable. Do you have a list of these? We would love to stay in an affordable over the water bungalow but don’t want to have to fly all the way to Tahiti.

  5. Soleena,
    for the future
    I hope you don’t mind me sharing 🙂
    It is considered rude to use capital letters when chatting. It is considered to be shouting. You did not sound like you were cross so I thought you’d like to know. Cheers Audrey

  6. FIRST AND FOREMOST, I MUST COMMEND YOU ON YOUR ATTENTIVE, RESPONSIVE DEDICATION TO ASSISTING THOSE THAT SEEK GUIDANCE AND OR SOME SENSE OF DIRECTION ON THE ENDLESS PLETHORA OF VACATION DESTINATIONS AND THE POTENTIAL DISCOUNTED RATES AND TRAVEL PACKAGES. VERY ADMIRABLE, I HAVE TO ADMIT!

    AND AS FAR AS MY CONCERNS GO, DO YOU KNOW OF A RELIABLE AND LEGIT, YET DECENTLY/AFFORDABLY- PRICED WATER BUNGALOW RESORT/HOTEL/ETC., THAT I COULD BOOK IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS FOR A POTENTIAL 4-7 NIGHTS STAY- DURING THE END OF TIS MONTH THRU THE END OF SEPTEMBER? Thanks so much sweetheart!

    1. Soleena,

      Thank you for the kind words, and sorry for the delayed response. We actually do an annual list of the cheapest overwater bungalow resorts in the world on our sister site. You’ve probably seen it, but you may not have realized that it’s the same data. There are no secret places that aren’t on the list, at least if you are looking for a "honeymoon-style" overwater bungalow. Let me know if you have any other questions and I’ll try to help, and more quickly this time. -Roger

    1. Jacki,

      There is a new resort opening next year in Panama with honeymoon-style overwater bungalows. We don’t know the rates yet, but they should be far more affordable than the new Sandals resorts in Jamaica. If you are okay with the eco-style resorts, there are many in the Caribbean that are fairly affordable. -Roger

  7. hello there
    this will be our first time traveling to the maldives ,
    my wife and me want a nice romantic place with a private pool in our overwater bungallow and a beautiful view ,,this will be our second honey moon ,,, wich island or resort do you recomend

    thank you so much .

    1. Agustin,

      Actually, we have a list of the best Maldives water villa resorts with private pools. The first one on the list is amazing and it’s also the best of the all-inclusives, though it’s quite expensive. If you are looking for one that is more modestly priced you’ll want to focus on the bottom one on the list, the Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort. The water villas there are huge and all have private pools. Have a great trip and let me know if I can help further. -Roger

  8. Is there a number to call to tell an advisor what exactly we want / expect out of our trip so they can recommend the best resort thay would fit our needs. Also which part of maldives is the best to stay as far as entertainment brar by etc.

    1. Kira,

      We are primarily an online guide to water villa resorts and we don’t do bookings or consultations, although I try to offer advice when I can. As far as which part of the Maldives, each resort there (by law) is on a private island, and each one is different. If you are looking for a place with nightlife and entertainment then you’ll want to book at one of the larger places like Meeru Island, as they have multiple bars and night time activities. Some of the smaller resorts have nothing beyond the dinner service and a small bar. Best of luck with this. -Roger

  9. I am dreaming and want to plan a trip for a ann. next year. a couple different places so I see all the beauty in Tahiti or where ever I can afford. please send me more info and updated rates. THANKS for the tips.

  10. I really want to stay in a over water bungalow at some point in time. So can you get an all-inclusive with 2 or 3 day in the bungalow and then move to an island room?

    1. Dee,

      Yes, you can definitely stay in an overwater bungalow for only part of a stay at a resort. In fact, it’s mentioned above that this is a pretty good strategy to possibly get an upgrade for additional days or perhaps your whole stay. Best of luck with this. -Roger

    1. Katherine,

      They are good deals if you enjoy drinking more than one or two alcoholic drinks each day. Generally, pretty much all the activities are included at all overwater resorts, so it’s pretty much food and drinks that are part of all-inclusive. And it’s not surprising that alcohol tends to be quite expensive (as does food) at these resorts, so all-inclusive is best for drinkers. Otherwise, you are subsidizing big drinkers if you don’t consume much alcohol.

      It’s also worth noting that nearly all the all-inclusive overwater resorts in the world are in the Maldives. There are none like that in or near Bora Bora. -Roger

    1. Alino,

      There is a link to the cheapest online booking site for each resort on each page. Just look for the link that says "Check for online specials…"