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Staying in the Maldives is a dream vacation for most. For first time visitors, you can times that by ten. Let me set the scene for you. Dreamy turquoise water and pristine white sandy beaches. Tropical sensations, a soothing sea breeze and first class luxury amenities. Finding the best and cheapest overwater bungalows in Maldives can be confusing and downright frustrating. That’s why I have compiled this easy to understand guide.
How did we choose the top 11 cheapest overwater bungalows in Maldives?
Firstly, the Maldives is a big place.
Your chosen resort may be 10 km from the Male International Airport, or over 500 km.
Our list of cheap Maldives resorts with overwater bungalow is based on transfer costs, star ratings, value for money and guest reviews.
Transfers to the island resorts can range from speed boat, seaplane and domestic flights. If you are really looking for the cheapest overwater villas Maldives, then I would also assume you want cheap transfer too. WHY? Because transfers in the Maldives are quite expensive and they can break your overall budget. There is just no getting around it.
I don’t want you to find the perfect island, get outrageously excited and ready to book your heavenly vacation, only to realize that heaven costs another US$500 per person to get there.
For this reason, my top 11 cheapest overwater bungalows Maldives are based on the cheapest island transfers Maldives as well. That’s because I’m here to help you save money.
For those who want the experience of taking a seaplane, I have also included the cheapest water villa Maldives with seaplane transfers.
Comparison of Cheapest Water Villa in Maldives
* Prices are subject to time of year, total number of nights booked and number of guests.
All rooms (see descriptions below) may offer upgrades such as room type, full board and all inclusive rates.
| Resort | review rating | price $USd | book now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon | 8.5 / 10 | from $550 | CLICK HERE |
| Cinnamon Dhonveli | 8.8 / 10 | from $530 | CLICK HERE |
| Sun Siyam Olhuveli | 8.9 / 10 | from $315 | CLICK HERE |
| Meeru Island Resort and Spa | 9.4 / 10 | from $430 | CLICK HERE |
| Cinnamon Velifushu | 9 / 10 | from $524 | CLICK HERE |
| Summer Island Maldives | 9 / 10 | from $572 | CLICK HERE |
| Fihalhohi Island Resort | 8.9 / 10 | from $616 | CLICK HERE |
| Bandos Maldives | 8.8 / 10 | from $468 | CLICK HERE |
| Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa | 9.3 / 10 | from $440 | CLICK HERE |
| Sun Island Resort and Spa | 9.1 / 10 | from $612 | CLICK HERE |
| Embudu Village Resort | 8.7 / 10 | from $251 | CLICK HERE |
Overview – Cheap Water Bungalows Maldives
Note: an over water bungalow and a water villa are basically the same thing. Depending on where you are from may depend what you officially call it.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $250 Room Size: 79 m² Guest reviews: 8.5 / 10 Location: Ari Atoll
A 42 km distance from the airport, Ellaidoo Maldives is a 90 minute speed boat transfer from Male. Guests are also able to arrange a seaplane if preferred.
With an infinity pool on site, full service spa and amazing house reef (as reviewed by guests) Eillaidhoo Resort is a wonderful choice for Cheapest water villa in Maldives.
Rooms include a king size bed and furnished balcony with a prime sea view location.
Cinnamon Dhonveli
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $200 Room Size: 63 m² Guest reviews: 8.8 / 10 Location : North male Atoll
Cinnamon Dhonveli is a super short 25 minute speed boat transfer.
The island has something for everyone, from calm crystal blue waters and a thrilling surf break on the outer side. It is a haven for water sport lovers.
Enjoy a tropical sunset at Riayvilla bar or stay put in your cosy overwater bungalow Maldives.
Your room includes a jacuzzi bathtub, furnished deck and glass wall panels, so you never miss that exceptional view.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
Top Pick
Return Transfers: Speed boat $210 Room Size: 81m² Guest reviews: 8.9 / 10 Location: South male Atoll
Sun Siyam is our TOP PICK for many reasons. It is without doubt one of the best and cheapest overwater bungalows in Maldives. It is perfect for those visiting the Maldives on a budget but wanting added luxury.
A generous size Maldives overwater bungalow with king size bed, large outdoor deck, indoor tub, outdoor jacuzzi, what’s not to love here!
The island is true Maldivian paradise with 9 restaurants, 5 bars and 8 spa pavilions. it has a range of excursions and water activities for those up for a side of adventure.
The best part is the ability to upgrade to a grand overwater bungalow with or without pool. Either way, you’ll love this place.
Meeru Resort and Spa
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
Best Value
Return Transfers: Speed boat $160 Room Size: 85 m² Guest reviews: 9.4 / 10 Location: Dhiffusshi
Meeru Island Resort has long been a favourite for guesting visiting the Maldives and is why it rates so highly. It is a genuine high contender for best and cheapest overwater bungalow in Maldives.
The room rate includes all meals which we are absolutely loving. It is also great for those looking for the cheapest all inclusive overwater bungalows – Maldives.
Other features include full service spa, 2 outdoor pools and 2 tennis courts. It even has a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course, the first of its kind in the Maldives.
Your room includes an killer open air Jacuzzi and all the top of the range amenities you would expect from a luxury resort in the Maldives.
Cinnamon Velifushu
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $250 Room Size: 100 m² Guest reviews: 9.0 / 10 Location : Vaavu Atoll
The fact that a 5 star resort is included in the cheapest overwater bunaglows in Malidives is exceptional.
The island is considered small, which equates to “intimate”.
It is home to a pristine lagoon and in house reef, perfect for avid snorkelers. Divers will also be catered as the area is close to many incredible dive sites. The island itself is home to many grey nurse sharks, absolutely harness, so consider an activity or dive with these amazing creatures.
You room includes a seating area and is a whopping 100 m² in size, one of the largest we’ve seen.
Summer Island Maldives
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $150 Room Size: 45 m² Guest reviews: 9.0 / 10 Location : North Male Atoll
This is one of the smallest spaces we found but gorgeous never the less.
Summer Island Maldives has an infinity pool and overwater full service spa, big thumbs up right!
The island also has a dive shop and offers sand bar picnic excursions for that added romance.
Your room rate includes both breakfast and dinner, a real plus for budget conscious travellers.
Fihalhohi Island Resort
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $150 Room Size: 37 m² Guest reviews: 8.9 / 10 Location : South Male Atoll
Fihalhohi Island Resort wins the “smallest” overwater bungalow prize but don’t let that deter you.
Guests particularly loved the snorkeling right off the steps of your villa. The room rate also includes breakfast and dinner, a bonus indeed.
The island has a range of big fish excursions such as manta ray snorkel or dive tours. You can also opt for a night snorkel excursion here.
Bandos Maldives
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Return Transfers: Speed boat $95 Room Size: 116 m² Guest reviews: 8.8 / 10 Location : South Male Atoll
Bandos Maldives has a lot going on, and for good reason.The island is a short speed boat ride away, so the transfers are one of the cheapest we found.
This is not a island that’s big on overwater bungalows, there are only two. But the rooms are the biggest at a staggering 116 m. You’ll also love the exclusiveness and privacy it provides.
The island has one of the best house reefs and dive centres in all of the maldives and for that reason is very popular.
Also, just the sheer size of this particular island means there is plenty of beach space and things to do. You’ll find a pool, full service spa, sunset bar and range of dining options and activities.
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
Return Transfers: Sea plane $370 Room Size: 85 m² Guest reviews: 9.3 / 10 Location : South Ari Atoll
OK, one word. WHALE SHARKS.
The South Ari Atoll is the best place to see Whale Sharks in Maldives. (I have done it here, absolutely amazing).
Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa is by far the cheapest overwater bungalow in Maldives that requires a sea plane flight.
It is our best pick for many reasons.
All meals are included, the house reef is mind blowing, diving is a dream and the island is intimate and perfect for couples. Insane right!
Your room is spacious and includes an open air jacuzzi. We love it!
Sun Island Resort & Spa
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Return Transfers: Domestic flight $299 Room Size: 64 m² Guest reviews: 9.1 / 10 Location : Nalaguraidhoo
All resort islands require some type of transfer. To get to Sun Island, you will have to take a domestic flight. The good news. it’s only 20 minutes.
Want to relax, enjoy a spa treatment or laze your day away in a beach hammock. For a water adventure, you can hire a jet ski or cruise the lagoon in a canoe or catamaran.
Relax on the deck of your overwater bungalow or make your way down the private staircase to access the tropical waters.
This is one of the biggest resorts we found with over 460 rooms.
Embudu Village Resort
☆☆☆☆☆ 3/5
Cheapest overwater bungalow
Return Transfers: Speed boat $78 Room Size: 47 m² Guest reviews: 8.7 / 10 Location : Dhaalu Atoll
Embudu Village Resort comes in as the cheapest water villa in Maldives. It is a short 40 minute speed boat transfer from the airport which is another bonus.
The 3 star resort rooms may be a little more basic than other higher rating resorts but the island itself is nothing short of stunning.
Did we mention the rate includes both breakfast and dinner.
The island boasts a lush tropical setting, house reef and dive shop. You can also access the on site spa, indulge in water activities and just chill out on the beach.
The overwater bungalows are not fully detached from each other but we think that for those wanting to save a bit further, you really can’t go wrong. And with the cheapest transfers in the Maldives, this overall resort is a sure winner.
Map of the Maldives atolls
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