Skip the Maldives: These Overwater Villas Are Just as Stunning

Travel luxury resort woman overwater bungalow hotel in Maldives. Luxury vacation hotel in Tahiti woman relaxing at infinity pool in French Polynesia.
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Overwater villas are an unforgettable way to experience paradise, combining luxury with direct access to shimmering waters and stunning views.

Beyond the well-known destinations, there are incredible hidden gems around the world where you can indulge in privacy, unique wildlife, and eco-friendly stays.

Discover these breathtaking escapes that rival the Maldives, each delivering a one-of-a-kind blend of natural beauty and exquisite comfort.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba Hotel (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)

Scenic view of the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Hotel in Playa del Carmen, featuring lush tropical greenery, serene canals, and luxury villas with thatched roofs nestled in the mangroves.
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Opened in 2021, this Riviera Maya resort offers overwater villas set above lush, winding waterways instead of the usual beachfront.

Surrounded by wildlife like agoutis, tiger herons, and iguanas, the property blends natural beauty with eco-conscious design. Sustainability is central, with waste repurposing and a protected turtle nesting site.

Constance Prince Maurice Hotel (Mauritius)

Constance Prince Maurice Hotel in Mauritius, showcasing overwater villas on stilts above a calm turquoise lagoon, surrounded by lush palm trees and tropical foliage.
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Tucked between a natural lagoon and the Indian Ocean, this resort offers overwater villas above a protected fish reserve perfect for snorkeling. Set on a secluded peninsula with beautiful beaches, it also features an on-site kite-surfing school.

Don’t miss the floating restaurant, where vibrant fish swim below as you dine above the water.

The Boat House, Pengelly Retreat (Cornwall, UK)

Peaceful view from the dock at The Boat House, Pengelly Retreat in Cornwall, UK, overlooking still waters surrounded by lush greenery and reeds.
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This charming overwater cabin in Cornwall offers a cozy lakeside escape with rustic wooden beams, a log burner, and Scandi-style interiors.

Guests can row their own boat across the tranquil lake, then unwind in the outdoor bathtub or by the fire pit as the sun sets. It’s a serene and uniquely British take on overwater living.

Panvaree Resort (Khao Sok National Park, Thailand)

Floating bungalows of Panvaree Resort nestled on a calm emerald lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforest in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand.
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Set within Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park, these overwater villas offer a rare and breathtaking experience. Floating on a tranquil lake rather than the sea, they boast views of lush mountains, limestone cliffs, and emerald waters.

It’s a peaceful, nature-immersed escape that feels far removed from traditional beachside luxury.