When it comes to #honeymoongoals, nothing comes close to an over the water villa; those stilted bungalows over crystal clear waters are the stuff dreams are made of, and have been cropping up on our Pinterest boards ever since the day we got engaged.
While infinity pools are undeniably amazing, an over the water villa is next level honeymoon luxury – offering the ultimate in privacy (just what you need when you’re newlyweds), meaning the only decision you need to make is whether you want to take a dip in the sea, or relax in your own private hot tub.
For an extra special touch, some over the water villas come complete with glass panels in the floor so you can watch the sea life swim by beneath you, even when you’re inside your villa. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one we fully intend to take advantage of!
For water sports fans, nothing compares to an over the water villa; there’s no faffing about getting sandy on the beach; you can jump straight off the edge of your room into the deep blue sea, ready to come face to face with colourful fishes when you’re snorkelling, or poised and ready to paddle board.
We’ve all seen the amazing aerial shots of people kayaking in brilliant blue seas, and you could be doing that at sunrise if you’re staying in an over the water villa.
If you’re planning a surprise honeymoon for your partner, we can imagine nothing more special than surprising them with a stay in a picture perfect over water villa. With room service on tap and hotel rooms you can swim up to, there’s no reason for you and your other half to interact with the real world the whole time you’re in an over the water villa.
From over water villas in the Maldives to stilted bungalows in Bora Bora, scroll down to see our edit of the best over water villas in the world, and prepare to feel a serious case of wanderlust.
Over The Water Villa in The Maldives: Soneva Jani
The 24 water villas at Soneva Jani in The Maldives each come complete with a 13 metre private pool and some even have a water slide from the upper floor into the lagoon below, for an injection of honeymoon fun – perfect for the young at heart!
For an absolutely amazing extra, the roof in the master bedroom, is retractable, so perfect for stargazing from the comfort of the king sized bed.
The bathroom is open air with a sunken bathtub, outdoor and indoor shower and lagoon access.
The outdoor decks have plenty of seating including catamaran nets over the pool, an overwater swing seat and a sunken dining table at the water’s edge for a variety of places to sit and stare into your partner’s eyes… we’re not normally this soppy, promise. Blame the over water villa 😉
Over Water Villa in Bora Bora; Conrad Bora Bora Nui
This is the only resort on Motu To’opua in Bora Bora, so honeymooners will have total seclusion for the most romantic of starts to married life.
The luxurious water villas are dotted along a walkway out to the peaceful lagoon.
Inside, the villa comes complete with glass floor panels gazing into the ocean if the books you packed aren’t holding your attention.
Some rooms even come with a plunge pool and catamaran-style hammock strung over the sapphire waters- the perfect sun-soaked chill area to relax post-wedding.
Over The Water Villa in The Maldives; Lagoon Villas at Amilla Fushi
Boasting unrivaled sunset views, Amilla Fushi’s Lagoon Houses deliver over water perfection.
Primed for sunbathing, dining or stargazing, the private villas include a freshwater infinity pool – with floating bean bags – and sweeping hammocks suspended above the warm lagoon waters.
The deck has an outdoor daybed big enough for two, allowing for poolside lounging with a chilled glass of Champagne in hand. Can you tell we wish we were there now?!
As sunsets, you and your brand new spouse can enjoy dinner on the deck, before retiring back to the ultra-comfy beds. If this isn’t honeymoon perfection, we don’t know what is.
Over Water Tent in Cambodia; Shinta Mani Wild
For newlyweds looking for something a little different to standard honeymoon luxury, Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia is a must visit.
In the depths of the Cambodian mountains, this private nature sanctuary allows guests to feast on delicacies grown and foraged from the surrounding land, head out on patrols with Wildlife Alliance rangers and encounter extraordinary wildlife.
Accessed by a 380 meter zip-line, 15 luxury 100sqm tents are raised above the jungle overlooking river and waterfalls.
This place truly has to be seen to be believed and offers a unique take on over the water villas.
Over The Water Villa in The Maldives, Milaidhoo Island Maldives
Couples looking for an authentic Maldives experience should book into Milaidhoo Island, a luxurious destinations that aims to introduce guests to island traditions.
Pictured above is the Ocean Residence, the ideal honeymoon bolthole for water babies. The thatched roof villa on stilts offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean, while the completely private sundeck comes complete with swing chair, sun loungers, and a huge freshwater infinity swimming pool, with steps straight into the sea – just imagine the Instagram pictures you’ll be able to take!
Best Over Water Villas in The Maldives; Huvafen Fushi
As well as this breathtaking over the water villa (with a private pool and steps down into the ocean, of course) Huvafen Fushi also holds host to the world’s first infinity pool with fiber optics, for the most incredible dinner time experience.
The villa also boasts glass floors for you to admire the tropical fish below your feet. We know we’d be able to while away hours on end ocean watching…
Over The Water Honeymoon Villas in The Maldives; Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa
Step straight from your room into the ocean at Shangri-La Villingili. Water sports fan will be in their element thanks to the ample opportunities to snorkel, while if you’re marrying a golf love, they’ll be pleased to learn the only golf course in the Maldives is a stones throw away.
Over The Water Villa in The Maldives; The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Poised over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square meters each, the over water suites, complete with private pool, are amongst the largest in the Baa Atoll region.
Relax in yourexclusive pool whilst sipping on a cocktail and gazing out on the ocean and the sea life in the clear turquoise lagoon below.
The rooms also have those coveted glass floors for when you want o escape the sun but not take your eyes off of the ocean.
Over The Water Honeymoon Villa in The Maldives; Kuramathi Maldives
There’s nowhere we’d rather spend an evening sipping wine than on the terrace of the over water villas at Kuramathi.
The combination of a perfect sunset, tranquil waters and a private pool add up to honeymoon heaven!
Over Water Villas in The Maldives; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
If you’re considering taking your children along on your honeymoon and having a familymoon, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon could be the destination for you.
As well as all the usual luxuries you’d expect from an over the water villa, The Water Suites have two bedrooms, a plunge pool, steps into the ocean and a private deck, sure to impress even the surliest of teens.
Romantic Over The Water Villa in the Maldives; Baros Maldives
The island resort of Baros has won the title of The Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort for the seventh consecutive time, and we can see why.
It offers honeymooners complete seclusion with private pools and lounges for you to while away the away in.
Over The Water Villas in The Maldives; Dhigali Maldives
This chic property is on stilts over the ocean, overlooking the lush vegetation and brilliant blue waters. The over water villas at Dhigali have steps that allow you to immerse yourself straight into the invitingly warm waters, while the private pools offers you a secluded place to dip any time day or night.
With your honeymoon hotel sorted, all that’s left to do now is find the perfect white swimsuit to let everyone know you’re on your honeymoon.
