When we think of the Maldives, we picture dreamy wooden villas floating above clear blue waters and a white powdery beach. But before you book your next getaway, here are five essential things you should know about Maldives Villa Resorts so your pick is well-informed.
1. Privacy Levels Vary
Not all over-water villas are secluded and private as you would imagine. Some are constructed closer together, while others will be spaced apart for better insulation against sounds, to make sure your days are quiet and private. Another aspect to keep in mind is the angle of your deck; it could be made to face the sunrise or sunset, and the distance that it extends to the lagoon also influences the amount of seclusion you are looking for. Couples who are focused on maintaining their privacy should request for aerial plans of the over-water villas or consider villas lying at the end of jetties with less foot traffic and wide and open spaces.
2. Lagoon Depth and Marine Life Are Different at Every Resort
The Maldives is a collection of atolls with thousands of reefs and lagoons, so each island is different, and each villa can greatly vary in depth. Some lagoons are shallow and quiet—perfect for wading, snorkeling, and locating baby reef sharks or stingrays. While others can be deep with strong water currents, better suited for experienced swimmers. If you had thoughts of snorkeling right off from your deck, select a resort that has a lovely house reef and easy access points. This guarantees you won’t have to jump on a boat every time you want to explore the reef.
3. Check the Sun Exposure on Your Deck
One significant detail travellers tend to neglect is just how much direct sun light the over water villa receives. If you love the bright afternoon light, villas facing the west will have picture-perfect sunsets. While villas facing the East will have cooler mornings and gentle sunrises, just right for relaxing sans the intense heat. If you find the bright glare discomforting and prefer the shade, look out for villas with partly covered decks, pergolas, and awnings. This is an important factor if you happen to be travelling with people sensitive to the sun and the heat.
4. Understand the Difference between Pool and Non-Pool Villas
Some of the more higher-end over-water villas, such as Kandolhu Maldives will include private pools and infinity pools usually on their decks, while they are undeniably beautiful; do think just how often you’ll use the pool instead of just hopping into the ocean, which is just within your reach. Sometimes the lagoon will be just a few steps away, and most visitors will simply prefer to just spend their time on the beach and the lagoon, swimming and snorkeling. But if you’re on a honeymoon or a special celebration and having long uninterrupted soaks overlooking the beautiful scenery is important to you, upgrading to a pool villa might well be worth it.
5. Consider the Location of Resort Facilities
While being suspended on the ocean is a unique and special experience, it also important to keep in mind that it may also require more walking. The resort amenities, like restaurants and spas, will be located far away from your villa. Although this is peaceful, it may become a hassle if you happen to travel with a group, families, or children. Check the resort maps before booking, so you can pick the best villa to suit your needs. Also, know the amenities available in the resort as well, so you don’t end up missing out due to distance. It is very important at the outset to know if you want complete seclusion or easier access to amenities at the island’s centre. Some guests may enjoy some land activities, such as walking and cycling along wooden walkways.
