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Where was Maldives first overwater villa built?
If you think Maldives has always been synonymous with luxury island paradise, you are mistaken! Four decades ago, this remote archipelago was inhabited only by fisher folk. It was unknown to the outside world and there was no foreign investment. There was only a small airstrip on Hulhule Island (the present international airport), built by volunteers, with no regular flights.
That changed on October 3, 1972 when Kurumba Maldives (then called Kurumba Village) opened for business as the first resort in the Maldives. Two hundred and sixty-six foreigners visited that year, staying in rustic huts and marvelling at the gin-clear water lapping at their ankles.
Over the past 46 years, that number has crossed 1.4 million. More than 140 resorts have since opened across the archipelago. The Maldives has transitioned from hidden gem to highly-coveted, must-visit holiday destination, and with exclusive water villas that rise out of aquamarine lagoons and picture-perfect beaches, it’s not difficult to understand why.
Did you know that the Maldives is home to about two-thirds of the 8,000 plus overwater villas in the world? And the list continues to grow longer almost monthly!
But where in the Maldives was the first water villa built? Who brought this concept to the shores of Maldives?
That’s a question that fetches so many conflicting answers, as was evidenced when longtime Maldives aficionado Paola Mattana Lamperti recently posed it to her Facebook friends! Was it Kuramathi Maldives or Baros Maldives, two resorts owned and operated by tourism pioneers Universal Resorts? Was it Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (then called Hilton Maldives)?
Mohamed ‘Modi’ Ibrahim Didi, who served as the manager of Baros in the 80s and 90s, told Maldives Insider that the first overwater villa was built at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo (then called Vadoo Diving Paradise) in 1986. It was conceived by the resort’s then Japanese owner Tokohiko Sakamoto, who sold the resort to Sri Lankan hotel group Aitken Spence in 2006, he added.
Overwater villas at Vadoo, when it was operated as Vadoo Diving Paradise.
According to others that served in the industry at the time, the first overwater bungalow at Vadoo was designed by a Singaporean architectural firm. A Japanese team provided the engineering expertise to the project.
“That particular water bungalow is now not used for accommodation but for historical purposes,” Pranjal P D Sarmah, founder of travel agency 360 Degree World, said in a comment to Paola’s question.
Ahmed Waseem, who was the Resident Manager at Vadoo at the time, said officials from leading local resort operators like Universal and Villa Hotels visited the island to study the concept. Malaysia’s then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed also paid a visit, he added.
Sakamoto’s innovation undoubtedly set in motion a wave of construction projects involving overwater villas. Two years later, Kuramathi opened its first overwater bungalow, followed by Baros in 1992. And the rest is history, as almost every resort that opened since features overwater villas.
The model for overwater villas in Maldives is simple. Like pearls over water, these villas are set suspended on stilts into the turquoise lagoon, connected to the island by a timber walkway. A private sundeck of the villa extends into hammocks or similar items to sunbath, lazing over the water, listening to the sound of the waves and observing the vivid marine life beneath. A wooden staircase leads directly from the sundeck to the lagoon, for the daily dose of snorkelling or for the occasional plunge into the ocean. Most villas have an additional living room attached to the bedroom. A spacious bathroom opens to the outdoor with an open-air bathtub, and is equipped with the latest luxury amenities.
Some new entrants in the Maldives resort market now go the extra mile, with multi-storey palatial overwater residences that offer guests everything they can think of without having to step out. Private pools above the lapping waters of the lagoon, sky-decks that transform into anything you want it to be, spa sanctuaries within the residence, retractable roofs… you name it!
The concept of overwater bungalows itself is relatively new. It’s been said that a group of three Americans running a small hotel in Tahiti built the world’s first overwater bungalow some 50 years ago. It was a creative solution to the issue of their hotel lacking a beach!
That’s not an issue for Maldivian resorts; almost every island has long stretches of powder soft white sand beach. But overwater villas in Maldives continue to get bigger and better. And their allure continues to grow.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.
The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.
Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”
The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.
Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.
Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.
Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.
Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.
The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.
Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:
- Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
- Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
- Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
- White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
- BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
- Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.
The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.
By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.
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