Water Villa Or Beach Apartment: A Complete Guide To Picking The Best Accommodation On A Maldives Vacation

Maldives is such a picturesque destination, even a glance from the plane window resembles a screensaver that has expanded to real life dimensions. One of the younger generation's most popular choices is Kandima, which is a private resort that stretches across a 3-kilometre-long island located within Dhaalu Atoll in Maldives. One can reach there from India via flights from the major metropolitan cities to Male's Velana International airport followed by a domestic flight from Male to Dhaalu airport, then by speed boat journey or directly from Male to the resort via a sea plane journey. There's also the option of a direct Manta Air flight from Bangalore to Dhaalu airport, which will considerably speed up the journey, which can total to 12 hours.

Where you stay during a vacation is the foremost priority, as it decides how comfortably you'll be accommodated, the amenities you'll have access to as well as the distance of your commute to the sights and sounds during your stay. That holds true in Maldives as well. From villas providing a sunset view to suites that can fit the whole family, the types of accommodations are varied for those who want to holiday at Kandima. Two of their most popular types of accommodations are water villas and beach suites. Both have their own advantages and amenities while access to restaurants, swimming pools and activities are open to all guests. If your search for the right kind of accommodation for a Maldives vacation has led you here, then you're in the right place. Having stayed at both, the water villa and beach suite at Kandima, my first-hand experience will be a helpful guide to those planning a Maldives trip at the Kandima resort.

Overwater Villas

Practically a bucket list item when you head to Maldives, the overwater villas are definitely the most popular. As the name suggests, the structure is built on a foundation that is under the sea so that the villa rests over the water.

Guide to overwater villas

What they offer:

• Privacy: The villas are built in a row besides each other and have partitions between them, which offers privacy to guests. Though the glass window of the bathroom overlooks the sea, the blinds can be pulled down for added discretion.

• Spaciousness: The villa consists of a common area for living, sleeping and dressing however the area is expansive enough for all activities. There is generous seating to sit at a desk, laze on the sofa or head outside to sit on a lounge chair and watch the sun set.

• Exclusivity: There's no place on the island like an overwater villa. It's the choice of all the Bollywood celebrities too so staying here is a real flex. Plus, your pictures are bound to serve social media envy.

Who are they for:

• Couples: Steeped in romance, the villas are tailor-made for couples. Whether on their honeymoon or a loved-up escape from life, couples can cuddle up in the jacuzzi, sit together on the patio or even watch the waves from the comfort of their queen bed.

• Families with older children: The villas are spacious enough to accommodate a couple and children who are in their teens or older who are safely aware of their surroundings. As the wooden patio over the water is without railings, staying with young children is not advisable here.

• Travellers who want to relax indoors: It's ideal for those who want to relax indoors and soak in the view without the heat of the outdoor weather. As the overwater villas are priced relatively higher compared to the suites and include luxury amenities like the jacuzzi and pool, it would only make sense to spend most of the holiday inside.

Highlight of the overwater villa:

• Direct access to the water: It's a water-holics dream to stay here. Direct access to the sea means impromptu swimming or snorkelling sessions whenever the heart desires. The water surrounding the villa is clear enough to see the sand bed and it isn't very deep either. One can opt for a sunrise sea spotting to catch string rays and baby sharks in action too.

Beach Studio

Think of these as cosy apartments with the beach as your backyard. They are available on a ground level and an upper floor level, which are called sky suites. Both have the option of multiple bedrooms for larger groups.

Guide to beach studio

What they offer:

• Compactness: The room size of the beach studio is comparatively smaller to the villas so expect most of the same structure, like the bathroom shower and living room sofa, but in a more constrained space.

• Balconette: Sliding glass doors open to a beautiful balcony that treats the beach as a backyard. It includes a swing sofa and patio table with chairs if one wants to sit and take in the scenery.

• Affordability: The beach studio is priced more affordably than the villas. It's at a cost though as it must be noted that amenities like the bathtub, plunge pool and jacuzzi are not available here. The studios are also structured adjacent to each other like an apartment complex so for privacy and sound purposes, it's to be noted that neighbouring guests reside only a few hundred feet away.

Who are they for:

• Budget-friendly travellers: Maldives isn't the first place one would think of when travelling on a budget. But those who are seeking a comparatively more affordable accommodation than an overwater villa can opt for a beach studio.

• Families with small children: Small children of guests will appreciate the backyard more than anyone else. They can turn it into their own personal sandpit at any time of the day while their parents have the option to watch them from the patio swing.

• Travellers who want to enjoy the outdoors: The room type is ideal for those who'd like to spend most of their time engaging in outdoor activities and using the space only for showering and sleeping as it won't leave them feeling boxed in.

Highlight of the beach studio:

• Direct access to the beach: Maldives may be a water baby's delight but if you'd prefer to lounge on the shore rather than swim in the sea, the beach studio would be ideal for you. One can directly access the beach directly from their room at any time of the day, for an afternoon dip or midnight walk. Lounge chairs parked outside in the sandy backyard also allow a delightful view.

We're certain that this guide will prove to be greatly helpful for your Maldivian holiday.

In #SheSays, Dayle Pereira explores the sights, sounds, experiences and tastes of luxury hospitality at hotels and resorts, restaurants and hotspots all over the world.

(Also Read: Besides Swimming And Snorkelling, Try These 8 Off-Beat Land Activities When Holidaying In Maldives)