Live in Overwater Villa Luxury

If you want to take your luxury holiday to the next level, consider opting for an overwater villa on your next getaway. The crème de la crème of luxury accommodation, they ensure the ultimate barefoot luxury experience, providing guests with spectacular views as well as total privacy and serenity. Whether travelling to a far-flung destination or staying closer to home, these are our top picks for overwater villa escapes.

Located on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are enveloped by turquoise and sapphire blue lagoons home to spectacular coral reefs. The ultimate barefoot luxury paradise, savour the luxury of space with a stay in one of the resort’s overwater villas. A setting synonymous with the Maldives, overwater villas are the epitome of island living. Awake to uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean through floor-to-ceiling doors. Unwind in the infinity edge pool, sunbathe in the overwater hammock, or descend directly from your sundeck into the warm, crystal-clear waters where you can swim with schools of tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle. Each villa has a private 24-hour host, glass-bottomed whirlpool bathtub, the latest technology and entertainment and thoughtful touches including a stocked wine fridge, yoga mats, and soap and pillow menus.

Situated on the Noonu Atoll off the pristine shores of Medhufaru Island, the state-of-the art Soneva Jani resort sets a new benchmark for overwater luxury, innovative dining concepts and holistic wellbeing. Built on a whimsical winding timber pathway over a vast turquoise lagoon, the resort comprises 24 Water Retreats and 27 Water Reserves, both which range from 1-4 bedrooms, with the Water Reserves being slightly larger than the original Water Retreats. All villas are two-storey and have private fresh or saltwater pools, a retractable roof in the master bedroom, and an outdoor bathroom. Most of the villas also have waterslides into the lagoon. Every Water Retreat and Water Reserve is attended by a personal butler and other features include catamaran nets, swings, outdoor dining areas, wine fridges and TV lounges. Guests can also enjoy a range of experiences such as guided snorkelling, private beach dinners, sunset dolphin cruises and private movie showings.

With sweeping views of emerald-clad Mount Otemanu, idyllic white-sand beaches and dazzling blue skies melting into crystal-clear azure waters, The St Regis Bora Bora Resort is the epitome of real-life paradise. Home to the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific, revel in their spacious interiors whilst admiring the turquoise lagoon visible through glass panel floors. The thatched-roof, bungalow-style suites boast contemporary amenities including plasma TVs, surround sound systems and a fully-stocked mini bar. With a private saltwater lagoon, 24-hour butler service, four restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a full-service spa, the resort ensures you’ll want for nothing.

Located on the Lule River in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Arctic Bath is a luxe-spa hotel that welcomes guests to immerse themselves in the elements while leaving a minimal environmental footprint behind. Whether swimming under the midnight sun in summer or marvelling at the Northern Lights in winter, the hotel offers visitors a unique year-round wellness experience. The main lodge, which consists of three saunas, a spa treatment room and hot baths is a nest-style structure, built around a large open-air ice bath. With just twelve cabins (six of which float), the hotel offers an intimate stay in the Arctic wilderness. Made from pine wood, the cabins feature heated floors, wood-burning stoves, and private decks. Whether visiting in summer or winter, Arctic Bath has an exciting range of activities for guests to enjoy such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, kayaking, moose safaris and visits to a nearby Sami community.

Only accessible by seaplane, the Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion in the remote Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia. The pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is encompassed by sparkling turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise. The eco-friendly resort, built using sustainable materials, spans six tropical islands featuring thirty-six suites, ten of which are overwater bungalows. The bungalows are the epitome of privacy and barefoot luxury. Enjoy breathtaking sunrise and sunset panoramas from your open-air sundeck before heading for a dip in the tropical waters below which are accessed via the steps leading from your private veranda. Each of the overwater suites includes a range of amenities including an outdoor shower, minibar and pantry and snorkel equipment. With three lagoons and thirteen beaches, as well as a lush jungle canopy and mangroves, Bawah offers endless activities above, below and beyond the lagoon waters including scuba-diving, boat excursions, paddleboarding, forest hikes and cooking classes.

Located in Analipsis, Hersonissos in northern Crete, the deluxe resort is adults-only, making it the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners. Built around a lagoon-style pool, there are a range of sleek accommodation options to choose from including overwater bungalows, some of which come with a Jacuzzi. Boasting six restaurants, you will be spoilt for dining options. Active guests will be in their element with the range of activities on offer such as tennis, mini-golf, basketball, and a range of aerobic classes. With a private beach just a few minutes’ walk away, there’s also the chance to go water skiing, parasailing or scuba diving. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking opportunities. After an action packed day, unwind at the well-equipped spa.