Affordable Water Villa Maldives: Enjoy Luxury On A Budget
Maldives. Also known as the sunny side of life to many. An unbeatable holiday getaway with its fine-grain beaches & unbelievably beautiful ocean.
Because of its crystal clear waters, Maldives has a unique selling point that is quite rare in the world. You get to spend your time-off above the sea, in fantastic water villas.
Due to its popularity, water villas can be a bit on the expensive side. But all is not lost. When it comes to the most affordable water villas, Maldives is one of the best out there. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, this is where it’s at.
Experience luxury, relaxation & exclusivity right here in the Maldives.
The Appeal Of Water Villas In The Maldives
A boat that doesn’t move but has everything you need. Water villas are popular for the views, the comfort and the privacy that comes with it.
Luxury At Its Finest
The amenities available will have you living lavishly. All of which have been curated for the purpose of your satisfaction. Some examples of these luxurious amenities (depending on the resort) are:
- Butler service upon request.
- 24 hour room service.
- Complimentary wi-fi.
- An in-room safe.
- Wine cellar.
- King size four poster bed.
Privacy For When You Need To Recharge
Water villas have an aura of privacy to them that is simply unmatched. Instead of hearing vehicles drive by or construction nearby, wake up to the sound of the waves lapping at your villa.
Whether you are alone or with a partner, water villas are great for when you want quality time that is both uninterrupted and made to last.
Scenery That Is Beyond Breathtaking
Picture this; you wake up at 7 in the morning. The ocean greets you rhythmically with its waves. A gentle wind blows outside your villa. You open up the doors to the deck to be greeted to the warmth of the early morning sun.
A seemingly endless horizon stretches out in front of you. Shades of blue and green streak across the water. Life is good.
Moments and scenery such as this are abundant, and all they want to do is give you a chance to experience this feeling of inner peace with their affordable water villas in Maldives.
Exclusivity In A Land Of Luxurious Opportunity
Maldives is a world-renowned vacation destination that is known for its luxury and exclusivity. And the experience of staying in a room that floats above the Indian Ocean is as exclusive as it gets.
How many people can say they’ve spent their nights looking up at the stars to the sounds of the ocean waves, as a gentle and salty breeze passes by? Or be waited on hand and foot in a hut of tranquillity, enjoying your time as you wait for your food to arrive?
This luxury is what people want to experience in the Maldives. A luxury that is offered by few but desired by many.
Activities That’ll Nourish Mind, Body & Soul
Your time spent in a water villa will extend to the outside of the villa as well. Dip your toes into the lagoon at the base of your villa and go for a swim. Indulge in the aquatic flora & fauna when you go snorkelling.
Sunbathe on the deck of the villa while you read a book or take a nap. Or simply float on the water as you feel the ocean ripples soothe your soul.
Challenges Of Affordability In The Maldives
The Cost
As one of the top vacation spots in the world, expect the water villa price to be a bit higher than normal. A water villa would have a high cost having been built at such a pristine setting, along with some other aspects.
Some resorts tend to go all out with the design & amenity choices for their accommodations. So it’s no wonder people tend to spend a lot.
The Flight & Holiday Budget
Flying to the Maldives can also get a bit expensive. Especially if it’s a direct flight from your airport. It might be best to take a transit flight or two, depending on where you’re coming from.
Booking a few months in advance will also do wonders for your holiday budget. Somewhere between the 3 – 4 month range and above is a good benchmark to have.
Take care to keep an eye on your total expenditure as well. A holiday in the Maldives tends to rack up the bills especially if you buy everything a la carte. Try opting for an all-inclusive package, where you get to have a well-rounded experience all for one price.
This way, you won’t have to worry about overspending. A summer getaway at this equatorial paradise is no joke so save up big if you want to go there.
These factors don’t mean that you can’t spend your holiday in the Maldives. It highly depends on the resort you choose to go to.
Top Affordable Water Villas In The Maldives
For all the budget travellers out there, this one’s for you. And even if you’re not worried about spending too much, this list will benefit you as well.
Here are the top & best affordable water villas in Maldives and the resorts that house them.
1. Dreamland The Unique Sea & Lake Resort / Spa Maldives
Dreamland The Unique Sea & Lake Resort / Spa Maldives is located at Baa Atoll, at the western section of Maldives. It is close to Hanifaru, an uninhabited island with a natural underwater bay.
It is also home to Maldives’, and also Asia’s, first man-made freshwater lake, equipped with a Biotop Pool. The lake is the ying to the oceans yang so take a dip in this labour of love while surrounded by mangrove trees & palm trees for full immersion.
In 2011, Baa Atoll was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, due to its incredible biodiversity. Manta rays, whale sharks, grey sharks & stingrays call this place home, and has also been recognized as a nursery for these fauna.
Dreamland’s water villas have a starting price of $250, which leaves you with a fair amount of money to explore what this resort has to offer.
2. Angaga Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Angaga Island Resort & Spa Maldives can be boiled down to being a diving paradise. They have an award winning dive centre operated by SUB AQUA that has 30+ dive sites around the island.
The house reef for Angaga is known for being the best house reef in the Maldives. It wraps around the entire island so snorkelling here is highly sought after as well. Turtles and fish of all kinds will greet you when you swim along their home.
Angaga is located at South Ari Atoll which is a world famous whale shark spot. These sea beasts are seen throughout the year in this area and can be swam next to with the guidance of the diving instructors.
Angaga’s water villas have a starting price of $300. The island may be small but it’s big in heart, so if you want serenity & relaxation, this is the place to be.
3. Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa Maldives water villas have a starting price of $303. Welcome to an island that embraces a ‘fully barefoot’ concept, so that guests can experience island life to its fullest.
Located in North Male’ Atoll, Thulhagiri is a short 20 minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. Low travel time equals more relaxing time.
Be greeted in the morning to the song of thousands of budgies, the feathery residents of this island paradise. The island is also covered in dense vegetation, which offers a small break from the heat. Take a walk in the cooling shade & explore this tiny corner of Maldives.
A reimagining of traditional themes are showcased in the accommodation spaces, as bamboo furniture lines the insides of these villas. A traditional Maldivian touch graces the rooms, perfectly synergizing with the rest of the theme.
Thulhagiri is also blessed to have a house reef that spans the outside of the island. This offers natural protection from high waves and a habitat for a wide range of fish and coral.
4. Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a resort that stays true to its name. They provide a luxury cruise on a traditional Maldivian boat, known as ‘dhoani’ in the local language Dhivehi.
Take note as the safari island journey has a weekly schedule to adhere to. You can also opt to go on a private cruise or join up with another group. Make sure to clear up all details when signing up for the safari trip.
Safari resides within North Ari Atoll and it boasts a size of approximately 30,000 square metres in width. It is also a recognized hub for snorkelling as the house reef is top tier in Maldives.
Safari is close to a number of beautiful dive spots such as Alikoirah Faru & Fish Head. So if you’re a diver, get ready to jump in and explore at a moment’s notice.
Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives water villas have a starting price of $342.
5. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
North Male’ Atoll, which can be reached in 25 minutes via speedboat. The water villas have a starting price of $424.
Cinnamon is a tourists and surfers paradise as they have a world renowned surf break known as Pasta Point. It is described as a ‘wave machine’ as it produces waves from 4 – 6 feet in height at a consistent rate.
Adrenaline junkies and luxury lovers will also adore this resort, as jet ski, water skiing and windsurfing is available for heart-pounding adventurers and a catamaran ride is available for a more relaxed experience.
Cinnamon was also awarded the Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2022 for signature customer service, attention to detail, world-class facilities and hospitality excellence due to the extremely satisfied reviews left by their guests.
Disclaimer: Prices in this list are subject to change based off of the season.
Unique Features & Benefits Of Each Affordable Water Villa
Each water villa was made with comfort, style & convenience in mind. They were made to feel like you’ve been teleported to a traditional time in Maldives, while still having a modern touch.
Without further ado, here’s what you can expect from the above list of affordable water villas in Maldives.
1. Dreamland The Unique Sea & Lake Resort / Spa Maldives
Amenities, Activities & Experiences
Dreamland’s water villa is named the Water Bungalow, which has an area of 78 sqm and can fit up to 3 guests. The rooms face west so kick back on the deck as violet, crimson & gold tints paint the evening sky. The lagoon is easily accessible from the villa for whenever you want to cool off from the heat.
The water villa / Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Air conditioning / Satellite television with flat screen / Hot & cold water / Attached bath / Bath tub with hand shower / Open shower & inside shower / Attached toilet / Mini fridge / Hairdryer / Telephone / Free tea & coffee / One free mineral water bottle per day / Glass bottom coffee table / Luxury design furniture / Sunbeds with cushion / Shampoo, shower gel, conditioner / 220 V with USB socket / Complimentary wi-fi
Dining at Dreamland is an adventure for the palette with an international buffet ready to be enjoyed. Choose your scenery as you feast at either the Lake View Restaurant or the Sea View Restaurant. Either way, your stomach and your eyes will leave the restaurant satisfied.
A rejuvenating experience awaits you at Duny Thai Spa. Unravel the stress from your body by picking a massage option from their extensive list. Go solo or as a couple and ease the burdens of life off your shoulders and replace it with bliss.
As the atoll in which Dreamland is in became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, any activity that is water-based is a joy to behold. Go snorkelling with manta rays and even whale sharks in this underwater haven. With an extensive amount of dive sites in Baa Atoll, expect to be taken on an underwater journey like never before.
The same goes for activities above water as well. Windsurfing, jet ski rides, nature walks & trails and many more activities are a true highlight in this island paradise.
The value for money is a gift in itself. You get to take advantage of the perks of staying at a water villa at an affordable rate which saves you cash. This in turn allows you to spend on activities that the resort has in store so that you can maximise your holiday experience. Along with the exceptional customer service, it’s a win in all areas.
2. Angaga Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Amenities, Activities & Experiences
Angaga Island Resort & Spa Maldives has two variations of a water villa: the Water Bungalow & the Superior Water Bungalow. The Water Bungalow has an area of 56 sqm which can host up to 3 guests. The Superior Water Bungalow has an area of 65sqm and can host up to 3 guests as well. Both have direct access to the lagoon right below the sundeck.
The Water Bungalow and the Superior Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Hot & cold fresh water / Bathtub with separate shower / Air conditioning / Mini bar (for Superior Water Bungalow) / Mini fridge (for Water Bungalow) / Satellite television with flat screen / Hairdryer / Telephone / Tea & coffee making facilities / WC / Luxury bamboo furniture / Sun chair / Bathroom amenities (such as a bathrobe, shampoo, conditioner & shower gel) / Complimentary wi-fi / Glass bottom table / Backdoor to the private sundeck / Direct access to the lagoon
Angaga has one restaurant and two bars that’ll satisfy your hunger for food & drinks. The Dolphin Restaurant serves an international buffet, with cuisine ranging from Japanese, Indian, Italian, Western, Chinese and traditional Maldivian tastes. A culinary trip around the world awaits your taste buds.
The Beach Bar is the go-to for drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. They will serve you from 8:00am to 12:00am, where they also serve a la carte dishes for your dining pleasure. The bar has card games & board games to entertain you and they also have live music performances once every week.
The Sundown Bar is where the magic of sunset happens. They serve alcoholic drinks here only and get the ambiance going with relaxing music and signature cocktails & mocktails. Get your drinks from 8:00am to 12:00am and have yourself a grand time.
The award winning dive centre SUB AQUA exists for lovers of diving. PADI courses & daily diving trips are designed for the beginner & the experienced alike. Dive into Angaga’s house reef or set your sights on famous dive sites like Kuda Ra Thila and Angaga Thila. A whale shark trip also beckons you to sign up and swim around with these majestic beasts.
Go on other excursions such as snorkelling, Sunset Fishing, Half Day Island Hopping, Sunset Photo Sailing & Manta Snorkelling. After your trip, head over to the spa where all of the soreness in your body from the diving will melt away.
A variety of water sports such as catamaran sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, windsurfing and more are available as well. A fully kitted fitness centre was made for gym enthusiasts, alongside a tennis court and a badminton court.
Get your heartrate going by playing volleyball & beach soccer, or head over to the Game Centre and play a game of Table Tennis, chill out with a Dart Board or play some foosball to get your competitive spirit going.
An in-house library is open 24 hours a day for book lovers and a Souvenir Shop holds gifts for your friends back home.
All of this along with a water villa for $300 is quite the catch. Pair that with the extremely helpful & friendly staff and you’ve got yourself some memories that’ll last a lifetime.
3. Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa Maldives is known as the Lover’s Paradise, where couples can spend their holiday or honeymoon in joy and peace. It is a mere 13 km away from Velana International Airport which is 20 minutes by speedboat.
Thulhagiri has two variations of the water villa: the Water Bungalow and the Superior Water Bungalow. The Water Bungalow has an area of 56 sqm and can accommodate up to 3 guests. The Superior Water Bungalow has an area of 78 sqm and can accommodate up to 3 guests.
The Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Hot & cold fresh water / Bathtub with separate shower / Air conditioning / Mini fridge / Satellite television with flat screen / Hairdryer / Telephone / Tea & coffee making facilities / WC / Luxury bamboo furniture / Sun chair / Bathroom amenities (such as a bathrobe, shampoo, conditioner & shower gel) / Complimentary wi-fi
The Superior Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Air conditioning / Satellite television with flat screen / Hot & cold water / Attached bath / Bath tub with hand shower / Open shower & inside shower / Attached toilet / Mini fridge / Hairdryer / Telephone / Free tea & coffee / One free mineral water bottle per day / Glass bottom coffee table / Luxury design furniture / Sunbeds with cushion / Shampoo, shower gel, conditioner / 220 V with USB socket / Complimentary wi-fi
Thulhagiri is a barefoot haven, where almost every part of the resort has a sandy foundation to walk on, even the restaurants & bars. The Main Restaurant is run by an Austrian chef who handles international cuisine for all guests.
The Sand Bar has drinks of all types, shapes & sizes; from coffee to cocktails and wines. The Beach Bar exists purely to watch the sunset as you sip on a martini. An array of colours dance along the horizon, bringing the day to an end.
If you haven’t relaxed enough, head over to their spa and get yourself a back, neck & head massage or choose from a variety of facial treatments. A wide range of massages & facials inspired by Western & Eastern philosophies will leave you pampered and refreshed.
A dive school will take you on an underwater trip through Thulagiri’s house reef for as long your air canister allows. This makes for an aquatic adventure where you can take your time appreciating nature at its finest.
A team known as Magic Surf & Sail will take you on waterborne excursions such as stand up paddling, wakeboarding, catamaran sailing and much more. You can even go on a banana boat ride which is fun and adrenaline pumping with friends and family.
Thulhagiri has even more excursions, some of which are above the water. These range from a city tour of the capital Male’ (pack some light clothes as it’ll be humid), Night Fishing, Sunset & Sunrise Dolphin watching and more.
Pump some iron at their fitness centre & gym and work up a sweat by playing some beach volleyball or soccer. Indoor activities such as foosball, chess, table tennis & darts are there for those who prefer a more light activity. A Gem Shop holds some of the finest blue sapphires from Sri Lanka & some of the best diamonds from South Africa for those of finer tastes.
Thulhagiri may be known as the Lover’s Paradise but with an accommodation price tag as cheap as this, it’s a paradise for everyone.
4. Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives has two types of water villas: the Semi-Water Bungalow and the Water Bungalow. Both are 45 sqm in area and can accommodate up to 3 guests.
Whether you like being on land or at sea, or maybe even a bit of both, Safari caters to all accommodation preferences.
The Semi-Water Bungalow and the Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Hot & cold fresh water / Bathtub with separate shower / Air conditioning / Mini fridge / Satellite television with flat screen / Hairdryer / Telephone / Tea & coffee making facilities / WC / Luxury bamboo furniture / Sun chair / Bathroom amenities (such as a bathrobe, shampoo, conditioner & shower gel) / Complimentary wi-fi / Glass bottom table / Backdoor to the private sundeck / Direct access to the lagoon (and land for Semi-Water Bungalow)
Safari Island Resort & Spa Maldives has other things going for it aside from the private boat tour on a dhoani. They are equipped with one main restaurant and three bars for the hungry & thirsty.
The Lagoon Restaurant has ocean views for you to enjoy while you delight in an international cuisine that is unmatched. Operating in a buffet style, savour a variety of food while being entertained by a live cooking station. The chefs will gladly prepare your food to your preference upon request.
The Palm Bar also has an ocean view and offers a wide range of coffees, snacks and special meals, along with alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks. Sit inside the deck at the bar counter or spend your time outside the deck with the warm sun.
The Sun Down Bar showcases a breathtaking lagoon view at dusk, an aesthetic enjoyed by all guests. The Pool Bar is for those who want a break from the sizzling sun and relish in drinks & snacks. They also have a crab race each Tuesday night, a fun activity for all where you get free beers if your crab wins.
Safari also has a dive centre known as ‘Joy Dive Maldives’ that takes care of your snorkelling and diving needs. An array of water sports, excursions, sports and a gym are available for those with an active lifestyle. Kick back and relax at the library or by the pool for those who want a more laid back vibe.
5. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has two types of villas: The Water Bungalow and the Overwater Suite. The Water Bungalow is 63 sqm in area while the Overwater Suite is 95 sqm. Both can accommodate 2 people, with the option to request one additional single bed.
All accommodation spaces comes with the following amenities:
- Complimentary wi-fi / King size bed / Pillow menu / Air conditioning / Sofa / Armchair / Telephone / Satellite television / Ironing board & iron / In-room safe / Coffee & tea making facilities / Minibar / Room service / Hot & cold water / Desalinated water / Hairdryer / Sea view / Life jackets / Raincoats / Fire protection system / Bluetooth speakers
The Water Bungalow comes with the following amenities:
- Sunbed on deck / Indoor shower / Jacuzzi / Ceiling fan / Bluetooth speaker / Bath slippers / Bathrobe / Coffee Machine / Lagoon or sea view (depending on the room)
The Overwater Suite comes with the following amenities:
- Sunbed on deck / Separate living area / Bathtub / Indoor shower / Coffee machine / Bath slippers / Bathrobe / Hammock / Glass bottom floor / Lagoon or sea view (depending on the room)
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has four bars and three buffet-style restaurants. They will happily modify the dishes upon request based on your allergies or any sort of dietary limitation. Whether it’s by the pool, by the sea or based inland with a sunset view, your mealtime will be a memory to be cherished.
Cinnamon is a haven for surfers as they have one of the most desired & famous surfing spots in Maldives: Pasta Point. They are also quite near to other great spots such as Jailbreak, Honky’s & Sultans which are 10 minutes away by boat.
They also have seven offers that you can choose to take advantage of. Choose the ‘Stay Longer Pay Less’ offer for a 67% discount when you book 5 nights or more. Or choose ‘As The Sun Sets’ for a romantic sunset cruise with your partner for $300 per pair. Choose your favourite from their list for an unforgettable trip.
Tips For Booking An Affordable Water Villa Experience
Get The Best Deals & Promotions for Your Maldives Trip
Now that we have the rates for these water villas, let’s take it a step further to save even more money.
While you’re researching which resort to go to for your water villa experience, look into what sort of deals or promotions they have. Almost all resorts in Maldives will have some sort of offer for prospective guests to take advantage of on their webpages.
If any promotions can’t be found on their website, try your luck and give them a call. The number of the resort should be on the website so it wouldn’t hurt to inquire.
Another thing you could do is to book your trip via MadlyMaldives, as the rates offered are phenomenal.
Travel Dates & Seasonal Discounts
Maldives is an extremely popular destination to travel to during winter time, which is the dry season in Maldives. The dry season ranges from November to April.
Due to this, there are a lot of people vacationing in Maldives. The dry season is also when rates are a bit higher so you’d be paying a bit more during this period.
What you want to do is to book your trip for the wet season, which is from May to October. This is summer in certain parts of the globe.
The reason why you should book during this time period is because this is the off-season in Maldives for tourism. Not a lot of people go there and the rates are also a bit cheaper for the resorts. So this would be your shot at lowering your holiday cost even further.
Some resorts even offer seasonal discounts during the wet season so that it would entice people to vacation there. Maldives in summer can be somewhat of an underrated experience.
Maximise The Overall Value Of The Trip
Now that you’ve grabbed all these discounts and you’ve booked your trip during a cheaper time frame, there’s still something else you can do to make the most of your trip.
With all the extra cash that you’ve saved up, you can freely choose what sort of activities and excursions you want to take part in. Mix it up and try a bit of everything so that you experience Maldives to its max.
Another thing you can do is stay in two resorts for the duration of your trip. You can spend one half your trip in an affordable water villa and the other half in a more luxurious accommodation setting at another resort. Two great resort experiences for the price of one.
A lot of resorts also have an ‘All Inclusive’ option where you only have to pay once to receive a host of benefits such as a well-rounded meal plan, complimentary activities to redeem and much more.
While people may say it can be expensive, Maldives can be an affordable holiday spot if done right. And the scenery of this island paradise is definitely worth the effort.
The resorts in this list have been curated with care so do take a look at the featured resorts for an unforgettable vacation! Cheers from MadlyMaldives.
