Review: Water Villa at Conrad Maldives

Bucket List Traveler
Water Villas at Conrad Maldives
a wooden bridge leading to a beach
Walkway to Water Villas

Introduction

The Conrad Maldives includes several villa options ranging from beach villas to large over water villas.  Two options available for points award redemptions are the Beach Villa (BV) and Water Villa (WV).  While better villas are available via upgrade for additional costs, the Water Villas are a great option for those looking to save money.

a hot tub on a deck overlooking the ocean
Water Villa Pool

Location

Located on both sides of the quiet island, the water villas are grouped close together a good distance from the bridge connecting the two islands.   WVs on the western side of the the island are preferred because they offer more privacy because they face the open ocean.  Villas on the eastern side of the quiet island face the main island and spa villas, which feels less private.

a map of a tropical island
Conrad Maldives Map

Interior

The interior of the WVs appears to be recently refurbished and includes windows on all three sides.  Furniture is well designed and comfortable including the bed.  An innovative feature of the WV is the glass desk and see-through chair that sits on top of a glass floor.

While the same size as the Superior Water Villa (SWV), the WV is aligned differently where the foot of the bed does not face the sliding doors.

a room with a white couch and a wood floor
Water Villa Entrance
a white couch with pillows in a room
Water Villas Couch
a room with a glass table and chair
Glass Desk
a glass table with a clear glass top and a clear glass table with a clear glass top and a clear glass table with a clear glass top and a clear glass table with a clear glass top and
TV
a kitchen counter with a black counter top
Minibar and Coffee Maker
a bed with a white bedding and a lamp
Bed
a toilet in a bathroom
Bathroom
a bathroom with a sink and a bathtub
Bathroom
a house on the water
Water Villa Floor Plan

Deck Space

The deck space is better on the WVs compared to the SWVs because the walls are not directly attached, the table and chairs have unobstructed views, and it appears to be larger in size.  Downside is the deck has a pool instead of a jacuzzi and sunset views of somewhat obstructed.

a deck with a pool and chairs
Water Villa Deck
a wooden deck with railings and a fence
Stairs to Ocean

Surrounding Area

Located close to one another, the WVs offer less privacy due to each villa located only a few meters apart.  Additionally, the WVs are much closer to the beach compared to the other over water villas.  However, its location on the quiet island is an added bonus and somewhat reduces the chances of experiencing noise disturbances.

a wooden structure with straw roofs and a fence
Water Villas are close to each other

Views

If located on the western side of the island, unobstructed views of the ocean can be observed from the rear of the villa, aside of the privacy walls between villas.  Unlike the SWV, the privacy walls are not directly attached to the deck obstructing views of the water.   This is a minor plus, since all this does is provide views of the water beneath the villa.  However, the decision to not put the privacy walls so close to the villa enhances the feeling of being in a over water villa since water can be seen from three sides of the villa.

a deck with a white umbrella and chairs overlooking the ocean
View from bed
a window with a wood frame and a wood floor
View of water behind bed with privacy wall about 2 meters away
a glass table with a wooden deck and water
View through glass desk

Summary

Pros:
  • Bookable using points
  • Ocean Views
  • Privacy walls block less of the view than SWV
  • Bigger deck than SWV
  • On "quiet island"
    
  • Glass Desk
Cons:
  • Obstructed sunset views
  • Neighbors close by
  • Pool instead of Jacuzzi
  • Some water villas face the main island

Total
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6 comments
  1. Hi just wondering what is the cheap way to get to the Maldives from us east cost, can you use UR points to book with certain airlines. what is the best room you suggest for the water villa that is bookable by points.

    Thank you

    1. Michael,

      If you have AA miles, I recommend booking flights on Qatar or Etihad using AA miles. If you only have UR miles, likely the best bet is to transfer points to United and try to find flights on Turkish Airlines since you may be able to find a flight with only one stopover in IST.

      As for the water villas available using points, when the hotel contacts your after booking, request water villa facing south or the sunset. Preferably on the ends. They will try and accommodate your request.

      The best villa is room #421 (within a reasonable upgrade price), but that requires spending about $300 a night to upgrade from the water villa.

  2. Just booked the water villa for five nights in February. Would you suggest trying to upgrade? Any idea how much that would cost? Were the overwater villas hot in the afternoons? Embarrassed to ask, but do they have wifi and is it adequate?

    1. My suggestion is to upgrade the last couple of nights to the retreat villa, request villa #421. February should be off peak with lower prices for upgrades. Search the flyertalk thread for recent prices. A/C is iceberg cold in the afternoon. Internet is capable of streaming Netflix in HD.

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