We’ve all seen the TikToks of thatched-roof cabins perched above crystal-clear water, their private jetties offering direct access to the inviting ocean below.
These overwater villas have become a symbol of the Maldives, a cluster of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean and one of the world’s most romantic holiday destinations.
In reality, the coveted structures originally hail from Tahiti, where three American ex-pats opened a hotel called the Bali Hai in the 1960s.
Though its popularity grew rapidly, there was little land to expand on, so, inspired by local fishing huts, the trio had the genius idea of building over the water.
The concept proved hugely popular and spread throughout Tahiti and the South Pacific, and eventually, the overwater villa design reached the Maldives too.
But these idyllic escapes don’t come cheap. In fact, Metro’s own Alice Giddings totalled up her week-long stay in the Maldives and revealed it cost over £6,000 per person.
It’s no surprise, then, that travellers are looking for cheaper alternatives to the Maldives.
Fortunately, the popularity of water villas means they can be found all over the world, and Metro has rounded up some of the best destination dupes to consider.
Panvaree Resort, Thailand
Located in Khao Sok National Park, southern Thailand, Panvaree Resort’s villas float on a lake, rather than an ocean, offering guests panoramic views of lush green forest, towering limestone cliffs and the emerald green waters of Cheow Lan Lake.
And just like in the Maldives, these water bungalows have private balconies with direct access to the water below.
Meanwhile, the resort offers a variety of activities — from jungle trekking to wildlife spotting — for adventurous travellers, so there’s plenty to keep guests entertained.
In the evening, visitors can indulge in Thai cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients at the on-site restaurant.
For travellers looking for a taste of the romance the Maldives is known for, Panvaree Resort will deliver — couples gave it an impressive 9.7 rating for a two-person trip on Booking.com.
The finer details: A week in a private suite at Panvaree Resort costs from
£1,790, based on two people sharing.
Stella Island, Crete
This luxury hotel has attracted serious attention on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why.
Fans on social media have called Stella Island ‘the Maldives but in Europe’ and ‘the Maldives of Greece’, while others have branded it as ‘the perfect destination for couples’.
While the resort’s Insta-worthy overwater bungalows might not lead directly into the sea, the location offers floating breakfasts and paddle boarding, as well as close proximity to beautiful beaches — all of which are hallmarks of the Maldives experience.
One TikTok user described their stay as ‘the perfect babymoon’, with some hailing it as ‘the best all-inclusive in Greece’.
Located on the island of Crete, Stella Island’s lagoon-like pools, serene atmosphere and culinary offerings (Mexican fusion, seafood gastronomy and Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to name just a few) will give you a taste of Maldivian paradise closer to home.
The finer details: A week-long all-inclusive stay at the adults-only Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa including flights from London Gatwick on August 19 costs £2,538 per person.
Best adults-only hotels
Metro previously rounded up the best value adults-only hotels in Europe and Stella Island made the cut, thanks to its luxury offering.
Other top-rated resorts on the list include:
- Tui Blue Madeira Gardens: A 10-minute drive from the centre of Madeira’s capital, Funchal, this hotel boasts a spa, an outdoor and indoor pool, sports activities, wine tastings, cooking courses, evening entertainment and much more.
- Liberty Lykia Adults Only: Featured in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and the 2024 Kayak Travel Awards, this hotel is surrounded by Turkey’s leafy pine forests and craggy mountains, and is just a stone’s throw from a half-mile-long beach.
- Casa Cook Madonna: Opening in June this year, Casa Cook’s newest site in Italy’s Dolomites is perfect for adventurous travellers looking for an activity-packed trip.
Granada Luxury Belek, Turkey
Similarly popular on social media is Granada Luxury Belek in Antalya, Turkey, a five-star resort offering overwater villas in the adults-only part of the hotel (they’re even called ‘Maldivian Houses’).
As well as a lagoon directly accessible from the floating accommodation, there are 12 adult pools to choose from (plus four heated pools) and three artificial beaches — on top of a real private beach just 10 minutes away via shuttle.
Activities include a Turkish spa, as well as sporting facilities for basketball, volleyball and tennis.
One TikTok user captioned their video of the resort: ‘POV: you take a 4.5 hour flight from the UK to visit Turkey Maldives instead of an 11.5 hour flight to actual Maldives’.
And a viewer from the Maldives commented: ‘Omg listen as a Maldivian, for a second I was wondering which resort this is and why have I never known of it lol.’
The finer details: A week’s all-inclusive stay at Granada Luxury Belek costs £1,686 per person, with flights from London Gatwick departing on August 19.
HOSHINOYA Bali, Indonesia
Though this hotel is found in the lush green hills of Ubud in Bali, rather than near the ocean, it’s still an aquatic paradise, surrounded by canals, pools and the picturesque valley of the Tukad Pakerisan sacred river.
The resort boasts a spa and a restaurant serving Japanese and Indonesian cuisine, and activities include daily Balinese craft workshops and Balinese dance lessons.
The first property within the HOSHINOYA brand to be created outside of Japan, its 30 guest villas nestle among bathing pools and incorporate touches of Balinese culture throughout their design.
The finer details: A week’s stay in a two-person Bulan (garden pool villa) at HOSHINOYA Bali costs £2,387, based on two people sharing from June 7.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Dubai
With 400 metres of private shoreline and expansive views of the Arabian Gulf, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort features the only overwater villas in the city.
The spacious lodgings even have glass-panelled floors so guests can watch the marine life below — just like many of the villas found in the Maldives.
The Anantara Spa has five couples suites, each with a private steam bath or sauna, experience showers, a solo pool bath and a whirlpool. For dinner, there are six award-winning restaurants to indulge in.
Situated on The Palm, guests can dip into all the activities Dubai has to offer while returning to a peaceful luxury resort at the end of a busy day.
It’s a pricier option, but it’s also Dubai’s sole overwater villa experience and you’re guaranteed warm weather during your stay.
The finer details: One week in an overwater villa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort starts from roughly £5,000, including breakfast and taxes, based on two people sharing.
Why you should visit Dubai
Metro‘s Kristina Beanland has been visiting Dubai since she was in primary school, and writes of the Middle Eastern city:
‘It’s become famed for its brunches and beach clubs – and while they’re right up my alley, there’s so much more to Dubai than what you see on Instagram.
‘Home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, Dubai boasts an impressive skyline. But the natural beauty is stunning too (yes, really).
‘From the mountainous Hatta to the deserts that surround the city, you’ll be surprised by how beautiful sand can be.
‘And, I hate to burst your bubble, but with more than 200 nationalities living and working together, there’s a kaleidoscope of culture – you just have to know where to find it.’
Ästad Vingård, Sweden
Sweden might not offer the same tropical climate or scorching temperatures found in the Maldives, but there’s no denying that the water villas at Ästad Vineyard and Spa are equally as beautiful.
Roughly an hour’s drive from Gothenburg, the country’s second-largest city, the cosy cabins have their own private bathing jetties so guests can dip into the natural pool below at any time.
The spa features hot and cold open baths — offering the chance to swim in the spring water lake before warming up in a pool that stays 39°C all year round — and an underwater sauna with glass panels in the wall.
There are two restaurants on-site, serving food from the local area, and guests can book tastings and tours of the vineyard where the hotel makes its own Swedish wine.
The finer details: Prices for a two-person room with a bathing jetty start from around £400 per night, meaning a week at Ästad Vingård costs from roughly £1,200 per person.
Hôtel Palafitte, Switzerland
Perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Neuchâtel, in west Switzerland, Hotel Palafitte offers a unique retreat with 24 overwater pavilions and 16 shore-side pavilions, each providing panoramic views of the lake.
Visitors can explore the scenic surroundings by boating or hiking, or unwind with in-room spa treatments and savour gourmet cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
The rooms are more contemporary than the rustic huts found in the Indian Ocean, but the pavilions also have ladders leading directly into the water below, offering a unique chance to experience the lake coupled with breathtaking views of the Alps in the background.
The finer details: A week’s stay at Hotel Palafitte for two people costs from £1,900.
Floating Village Brombachsee, Germany
You might not think Germany and the Maldives have much in common, but, believe it or not, there are floating villas to be found on the shores of Großer Brombachsee, a reservoir in Bavaria.
The location might not offer the same year-round sunbathing opportunities, tropical wildlife or pristine white sand, but don’t write off this four-star holiday resort just yet.
Massages and yoga classes are offered on-site, while SUPs (standup paddle boards) can be rented alongside bikes, boats or wakeboards. Other nearby activities include a boat trip on Lake Bromach, a golf club and a summer toboggan run.
A digital concierge brings food and drinks to the water villas by boat, so rest assured this stay is a true luxury experience.
In addition, Floating Village Brombachsee has an impressive 9.2 rating on Booking.com, with guests praising the sunset views and proximity to wildlife.
The finer details: Visit during September and a week-long stay at Floating Village Brombachsee costs £2,450 for two people.
Why you should visit Bavaria
Metro writer Sophie-May Williams has been visiting Bavaria for years, and was unsurprised to see it named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list.
‘Spanning the southeast of Germany, Bavaria is the largest state in the country by land area. This is good news for intrepid travellers, as it means there’s much to explore. And believe me, your first Bavarian experience will leave you coming back for more.
‘There’s a distinct identity to Bavaria that sets it apart from the rest of Germany. Fuelled by a carefree lust for life, Bavarians welcome both tradition and innovation. Munich, the capital, was heavily bombed during World War II, but is now a thriving tech hub looking to the future, home to both startups and established companies.
‘In contrast, Franconia, the state’s northern region, is renowned for its medieval towns and wine-growing culture that dates back to Roman times. Then there’s the southern section, which extends into the German Alps and is bordered by Austria, where you’ll find the stereotypical vision of Bavaria you have in your mind: Lederhosen, Bierzelt, and Biergarten.’
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