9 Incredible Private Villas in the Maldives That Hardly Seem Real (Video)

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.

A vacation paradise for the ultra-rich, celebrities, and honeymooners, the Maldives is one of the world’s ultimate luxury destinations. With more than 100 properties, many of them five-star, there are plenty of places to choose from. But only a select few have truly over-the-top private residences that come with exclusive perks.

Take a private yacht to your multi-bedroom overwater estate? They can do that. Movie night at your own private cinema, organized by your butler? Check. Spot fish while getting a massage? It’s possible — thanks to the glass-floored treatment room at multiple resorts.

Here are a few of the most incredible private villas and estates in the Maldives.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

At Cheval Blanc’s escape, Randheli Private Island, there are four stylish villas to choose from, each designed with sleek black-and-white tones and the brand’s signature pop of yellow. The on-site butler can arrange a morning meditation class followed by a floating breakfast in the massive infinity pool. The afternoon might be spent with a snorkeling session or a relaxing spa treatment by the ocean. As for ending the night? It’s top-flight French fare, from the private chef, along with a private piano performance on the baby grand in the main villa.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

While most villas in the Maldives are overwater, this one is underwater. Well, half of it is, anyway. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an architectural masterpiece, with the bedroom, living space, and bath all submerged beneath the waves. The overwater level has an additional two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bar, and sunset entertaining area decorated in sleek white and gray tones. This private retreat, set off from the main resort down a long, dramatic jetty, also has an infinity pool, gym, and a butler’s quarters.

Four Seasons Maldives

Located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, is the first of its kind, as a private-use retreat inside an area protected by the UN body. The seven-bedroom getaway comes with a dedicated staff of 25, who can attend to just about everything on site — or organize yacht trips day or night, aboard the private island’s own 62-foot vessel. This escape also has its own spa, a dive school, a library, gym, and game room.

Gili Lankanfushi

The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi is one of — if not the — largest overwater villas in the world. The four-bedroom, multi-tiered mansion is perched above cyan-blue waters, with access to the ocean, a private coral pool, and an infinity pool. (There is, of course, a waterslide.) The house butler is on-call 24/7 to prepare treatments in the private spa with a sauna and steam room, arrange a personal trainer in the air-conditioned gym, set up a movie screening in your cinema, or stock the 400-bottle wine cellar. Should you want to head back to the main resort — say, to gear up for a surfing or diving expedition — a private boat is always available.

Jumeirah Vittaveli

Jumeirah’s Royal Residence can accommodate up to 12 adults in four connected, expansive villas that are all fitted with the same chic interiors. A short 30-minute speedboat cruise from Malé International Airport, the beachfront Residence comes with its own teppanyaki restaurant, set inside a room designed to look like the bow of a boat perched on the water. Every stay comes with three hours of spa treatments per day and a private fitness trainer, along with sundown cocktails and canapes. Need more? A butler can arrange other private meals, performers, DJs, and private jet transfers.

Niyama Private Islands

Like a resort within a resort, The Crescent is a collection of five pool villas that, combined, can accommodate up to 22 people, situated together at the end of a long, private jetty. During a stay, guests have a devoted team, including two private butlers, a private chef, and a housekeeper. Staff can arrange activities like private barbecues, movie nights under the Milky Way, a traditional Maldivian Boduberu performance, sunset cruises, and beach access, all exclusive to Crescent guests.

Soneva Fushi

One of the most loved resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi has an astounding nine-bedroom Private Reserve that’s like the world’s most luxurious treehouse. While it has ocean views, this family-friendly compound is hidden away in a stretch of jungle, with room to sleep more than 20. Centered around a massive outdoor pool and waterslide, the villa also has a private spa (with a steam and sauna room), a gym, and a study. Of course, the resort’s facilities, including Soneva’s huge kids club and its homemade chocolate room and ice cream parlor, are also near at hand.

Vakkaru Maldives

The two-story, Four-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence here has room for eight, off in the private edge of this island escape, with uninterrupted views of the azure ocean. Activities here include unlimited snorkeling, basking by the infinity pool, and enjoying custom meals made by the villa’s private chef. There’s also a captivating staircase to one side of the retreat that leads right into the ocean. Guests also get high tea, a private beach barbecue, and a private group yoga session.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

As part of the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, Ithaafushi Private Island Estate is an opulent oasis that feels like your own private resort, with space for more than two dozen guests in accommodations that include a two-bedroom overwater villa and a massive four-bedroom residence with beach access. The estate’s common living room has ocean views, an infinity pool, a cinematic LED-screen, and plenty of room to relax. For the little ones, there’s a kid’s pool and a gaming area. For the adults, there’s an overwater spa, gym, and a yoga pavilion.