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If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn moreWhen it comes to luxury holidays, few can rival the overwater villa hideaways most often associated with the honeymoon paradise of the Maldives.But these sorts of private bungalows suspended over the sea can easily fetch thousands a night – before you’ve even taken the lengthy, pricey flight it takes to get there.Drawing inspiration from the Maldivian resorts favoured by the rich and famous, a number of similar hotels have sprung up around the world.From closer-to-home destinations such as Greece and Switzerland to exotic, far-flung spots including Belize and Zanzibar, overwater villas are not merely restricted to one Indian Ocean destination.Here’s our pick of the best overwater villas that aren’t in the Maldives – some of which are far more affordable than their Indian Ocean alternatives.El Dorado Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico Up next is El Dorado Maroma, located in Riviera Maya, MexicoEl Dorado Maroma, an adults-only hotel in Mexico, has overwater bungalows with glass floors, an indoor jacuzzi and a private infinity pool. The luxury resort offers every convenience, including restaurants, karaoke evenings and fire dancers on the beach.’The Palafitos overwater bungalows set a high bar for luxury in the region,’ one guest wrote.These overwater bungalows typically start from £976 per night.Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge, Panama Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge in Panama is up nextPunta Caracol Acqua-Lodge in Panama is a humble three-star resort with thatched-roof cabins built on stilts above water.The handcrafted Caribbean acqua-lodges are quiet and serene, having been described as ‘comfortable’ and ‘incredible’.One guest wrote: ‘What this hotel excels in is the nature it is surrounded in. The water is pristine and there is an abundance of marine life to see – and in general we saw more marine life at the hotel than we did on the tours we took.’It might not be quite as luxurious, but it is certainly worth it for the price: villas start from $188 (£142) per night.Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Malaysia Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is one of the cheapest options on the list, located in MalaysiaThis family-oriented resort takes its inspiration from Malaysia’s Hibiscus flower, and features 639 pool villas, comprising 522 overwater villas and 117 tower rooms.One visitor said: ‘The surroundings were peaceful and relaxing, making it a perfect getaway from the busy city. We truly enjoyed the privacy, scenery and overall experience.’Another added: ‘The villa was stunning, especially at night, with a beautiful sea view, private pool, and amazing sunrise and sunset views. The service was also good.’ It’s also one of the most budget-friendly options available.Villas sleeping four people start from £154 per night.Hotel Palafitte, Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland Hotel Palafitte in Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland is a glamorous spotBuilt on stilts, Switzerland’s Hotel Palafitte has 38 individual pavilions, divided between spots on the shore and those directly on top of the lake.Enjoy outdoor activities on the lake such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and even towed water skiing. You can also organise a boat rental.’I had an amazing stay at this hotel! The atmosphere was peaceful, and the view of the lake was absolutely stunning – it felt like the Maldives of Switzerland,’ one guest wrote.Prices start from CHF 440 (£400) per night and for two people.Constance Prince Maurice Resort, Mauritius Joining the list is Constance Prince Maurice Resort, MauritiusConstance Prince Maurice Resort in Mauritius is an intimate hotel offering eight overwater bungalows on stilts.One guest said: ‘The charming houses on stilts added to the resort’s magical ambience, while the floating bar and restaurant created an unforgettable dining experience over the water.’Another chimed in: ‘This is, by far, the best hotel I have ever stayed in. From the second we arrived to the moment we left, the whole experience totally exceeded our expectations.’Each has a private balcony, and a junior villa for three starts from €1,440 (£1,220) a night, while a villa sleeping four is from €2,250 (£1,906) a night.Golden Palm Tree, Sepang, Malaysia Rounding out the list is Golden Palm Tree in Sepang, MalaysiaWith its overwater bungalow villas arranged in the shape of a palm tree, this is one of the most distinctive – and cheapest – options.The overwater palm features 315 contemporary Polynesian-inspired guest rooms and villas, all with a sea view, according to the hotel. Overwater villas start from £94 a night, sleeping two people, with Agoda.Underwater Room, The Manta Resort hotel, Zanzibar Head to Zanzibar to stay in the Underwater Room at The Manta Resort hotelWith its beautiful landscapes, idyllic hotels and lush greenery, a Zanzibar holiday ticks all sorts of boxes. And while journeys to this African island have typically been something of a nightmare for Brits, British Airways has good news: the national carrier is expanding its network with new direct flights to Zanzibar from Gatwick launching in May 2027.If you’re visiting, a top choice for accommodation is the Underwater Room at The Manta Resort hotel, a unique three-level floating hotel room with an open-air sundeck on the roof.Prices are available on request.Granada Luxury Belek, Turkey Topping the list is the Granada Luxury Belek, TurkeyThis palace boasts marble floors, crystal chandeliers, white sand beaches and a mega aqua park – but one of its greatest appeals is its ‘Maldivian Houses’.The oceanfront beach houses situated in the middle of the water each sleep two adults.’The highlight of this hotel is its pools, Maldives-style houses, and Olympic swimming pool,’ one guest wrote of their stay.A night in one of Granada Luxury Belek’s Maldivian Houses starts from £500 to £580 per person per night for short stays.Stella Island, Crete, Greece Stella Island Crete, Greece is another stellar choiceLooking for a resort where every corner is postcard-perfect and the lighting is always golden? If so, this Instagrammable spot is for you.The adults-only Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa in Crete has overwater bungalows blending peace and quiet with stunning views.The floating paradise offers options such as an overwater nest for two, with direct access to the lagoon pool, a three-sleeper bungalow with a hot tub and a smaller, simple bungalow.Prices start from £394 a night for two guests, £197 each.Cayo Espanto hotel, Belize Further afield in Belize, you’ll find Cayo Espanto hotelThis Belize hotel’s beachfront villas are worth a look – but the crown jewel is the overwater bungalow, one of just seven villas you can hire out here.Casa Ventanas, as it is called, is a one-bedroom bungalow with a definite romantic vibe. Situated at the end of a dock that stretches over 150ft off the island, it’s the very definition of privacy.Alternatively, you can even rent out the whole private island, which accommodates 18 people across the seven villas. Bungalows start from £1,734 a night.Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Anantara Mina Al Arab is a great choice in lesser-known Emirate Ras Al KhaimahKnown as the ‘Nature Emirate’ and a cheaper alternative to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is home to Anantara Mina Al Arab, a five-star hotel located on a private peninsula.In the hotel’s overwater villas, you’ll wake up to your own private sundeck and can take a dip in the water without disruption.Villas start from £570 per night and sleep up to four people. The largest overwater villa option available sleeps seven and costs from £3,257.