November 10, 2026, 12:53 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The water villas of the Maldives are a dream that seems unattainable for many due to the high prices. However, there are now several imitators who have set up huts in the sea and can fulfill a travel dream for their guests–away from the Maldives. TRAVELBOOK presents six examples, two of which are in Europe.
Waking up in the morning to the gentle waves, seeing nothing but the soft turquoise blue of the endless ocean. Such a dream view awaits guests at the much-photographed water villas in the Maldives. Often, it is couples who spend their honeymoon here, celebrating the dream view with their life partner. But as beautiful as this type of vacation is, it comes at a price. Depending on the amenities, you pay hundreds to several thousand euros per night. Meanwhile, there are various resorts and hotels worldwide that offer a similar concept to the operators of the iconic Maldivian water villas, sometimes even significantly cheaper. And for those who don’t want to fly far to fulfill their water villa dream: Water villas with dream views can also be found in Europe.
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Mint Green Stilt Huts in Panama
Vacationers can fulfill their Maldivian dream in Panama, among other places. There, the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge has mounted mint green, thatched huts on stilts in the turquoise blue water. These are connected by a simple yellow bridge. The three-star resort with its so-called Palafitos is located in Bocas del Toro. Depending on the accommodation, up to six guests can stay. A night in one of the charming thatched huts of the Caribbean water lodge starts at around 235 euros.
Mexico’s Palafitos with Glass Floors
The five-star hotel El Dorado Maroma on the Riviera Maya in Mexico also offers overwater bungalows with the melodious name Palafitos. In these, not only does the terrace with its own pool offer a view of the water, but so does the glass floor of the room. A staircase leads from the terrace into the sea. The hotel is an adults-only facility. The cost for a night starts at about 700 euros.
Overwater Bungalow in a Greek Pool
The first European five-star variant of the water villas on this list is found on the Greek island of Crete. The Stella Island Resort & Spa is an adults-only accommodation, with guests aged 15 and older allowed. Here, the villas are not on stilts in the sea; rather, the accommodations nestle into the pool, though the sea is not far. The prices for the overwater bungalows are around 730 euros.
Private Island with Stilt Houses in Kenya
On Kenya’s private island Chale Island, Maldivian dreams also come true. The resort island offers, among various other accommodations, 90-square-meter white overwater suites, with space for two adults and a staircase leading directly into the shallow blue-green water. The view extends from there to Gazi Bay, Bird Island, and Shimba Hills. Prices start at around 380 euros.
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Palm Pavilion in Malaysia
A Southeast Asian variant of the overwater villas is promised by the Golden Palm Tree resort at Goldcoast Beach in Kampung Bagan Lalang, Malaysia. There, the accommodations are arranged in the shape of a palm tree, with views of the water and romantic sunsets. The prices, unlike most other water villas worldwide, are just under 100 euros per room.
Stilt Pavilions on a Swiss Lake
For those who prefer not to fly but rather drive, this stilt accommodation offer is also available: The Hôtel Palafitte has installed 24 rectangular pavilions on stilts in Lake Neuchâtel (also: Lac de Neuchâtel) in Switzerland, with direct views and access to the water. The accommodations are 58 square meters and offer space for two people. The lake rooms of the five-star hotel in Neuchâtel are priced at around 520 euros per night.